Sutter Basin Fire District Minutes 6/10/2025

Opening

The regular meeting of the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District was called to order at 8:04 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Robbins Fire Department by Mark Richter.

Present

Mark Richter, Samuel Martin, Anthony Van Ruiten, Mike Bush and Kim Richter were in attendance.  

Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved. Motion to approve the agenda by Samuel Martin. Second by Anthony Van Ruiten and unanimously approved.

Public Comments

There were no comments from the public.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of April 9, 2025, meeting were approved. Motion to approve by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin and unanimously approved.

Fire Chief Report

Mark Richter gave the Fire Chief report.  The interim Fire Chief, Matt Lichenstein, has spoken to a need for more fire protection safety turnouts for the volunteer firefighters.  Discussion followed, with all three Commissioners agreeing that purchasing safety protection for the firefighters is vitally important.

Old Business

Status of Volunteers was provided by Commissioner Mark Richter.  The Robbins Volunteer Firefighters remains static.

Status of the Paid Firefighters were discussed.  There are presently four active paid firefighters. The firefighters have completed their trainings and are back on regular service at the fire station.

Tax Assessment with SCI was discussed.  The Commissioners will start meeting with the public both personally and through scheduled public meetings.

Lot Line Adjustment has been determined.  Anthony Van Ruiten will write up a rental agreement with the Robbins Community Hall for a fee of $1 yearly.

Fire Chief Position will be discussed during the Closed Session.

Five Year Plan was placed on hold until the new Fire Chief can provide input.

The Fee Schedule for Compensation was placed on hold until Interim Fire Chief Lichenstein is in attendance.

Audit – Smith and Newell has agreed to conduct the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District Audit.  The process has begun.

New Business

Correspondence was from the Sutter County Voting Registrar Office.  The Sutter County Office of Voter Registrar requested a decision on whether Sutter County or SBFPD would provide all necessary election services for Anthony Van Ruiten’s Commissioners’ seat.  Mark Richter made a motion for Sutter County to authorize and direct Sutter County Clerk of the Registrar of Voters to provide all necessary election services for the Commissioner’s seat in the November 2025 election.  Samuel Martin second the motion and the motion passed unanimously. In addition, a waiver from the Sutter County Counsel’s office to provide legal services to the SBFPD through the Sutter County Counsel’s office.  After a moment of discussion, Anthony Van Ruiten made a motion to ask the Sutter County Counsel’s Office to provide legal advice and provide general counsel to the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District.  Samuel Martin second the motion, and the motion was passed unanimously. 

Approval of monthly bills was discussed. At present there is a balance of $412,475.07 in the Sutter County Treasury, and $21,086.14 in the First Northern Bank account.  All bills were approved, a claim for $8,129.07 to restore the First Northern Bank account was approved by Commissioners and signed. In addition, all invoices and timecards were reviewed by Commissioners, and payable checks were signed by the Commissioners.

Agenda for Next Meeting

The Commissioners asked for a 2025-2026 Budget action item on the July meeting agenda.

Closed Session

The Commissioners adjourned into closed session.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 9:05 a.m. by Mark Richter. Motion by Samuel Martin. Second by Anthony Van Ruiten and unanimously approved. 

Minutes submitted by:	Kimberly Richter
Approved by:	Mark Richter