Sutter Basin Fire District Minutes 6/11/2024

Opening

The regular meeting of the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District was called to order at 8:06 a.m. on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at the Robbins Fire Department by Facilitator Name.

Present

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

Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved without amendments. Motion by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved.

Public Comments

Joan Stephens spoke about mileage costs being provided to the Fire Fighters when they travel on SBFPD business.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the May 14, 2024, meeting was approved with amendments. Motion by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved.

Fire Chief Report 

Robbins Fire Chief, Marty Creel reported by phone on firefighter status and ongoing maintenance. Chief Creel is planning to meet with the electrician on the wiring issue on the bay doors and updating the electrical panel. Engine 48 is close to completion and the equipment will be reinstalled at the Robbins Fire Station.  E38 is working well with minor repairs.  New hoses have been purchased, and the process of cataloging and inspecting the hoses has begun at the station.  Ladder testing has been completed.  Unfortunately, the extension ladder did not pass inspection.  Cal Fire then donated an extension leader to be placed on E48.  The other ladders had minor issues and are being repaired at the Robbins Fire House by Matthew Lichenstein. 

Old Business

Status of Volunteers was provided by Commissioner Mark Richter.  Mark Richter reported that there are a total of thirteen firefighters with six active firefighters.

Status of the Paid Firefighters was discussed.  Firefighter Matthew Lichenstein shared that flyers for the paid part-time firefighter position have been distributed to Yuba College.

Tax Assessment with SCI was discussed.  Commissioner Mark Richter presented the SCI Timeline.  As per the Timeline, SCI will meet with the SBFPD’s Commissioners on August 10, 2024 to discuss the proposed Tax Assessment for November of 2025.  The Commissioners agreed that is time to begin talking to land owners over the proposed Tax Assessment.

Insurance Quotes for 2023 – 2024 Fiscal Year were discussed with the Commissioners.  ARM Multi Insurance Services will be taking over for Driver’s Insurance as of June 8, 2024. 

New Business

Water Tender purchase was discussed.  The Yolo Fire Protection District Water Tender was offered to the SBFPD for $10,000.  However, after negotiations the price was reduced to $7,500.  With the reduced cost, Samuel Martin motioned to purchase the Water Tender for $7,500, Anthony Van Ruiten second the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.

Discussion then followed on how to surplus out the 1989 Water Tender.  It was decided that through a fellow firefighter of Matthew Lichenstein’s, the 1989 Water Tender will be given to a fire station in Mexico at no cost.  A donation letter and the pink slip will travel with the Water Tender to the fire station in Mexico.  Samuel Martin motioned to donate the 1989 Water Tender to Mexico, Anthony Van Ruiten second the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.

Workday Contract with Sutter County Auditor’s Office was discussed.  The Commissioners were grateful for the updated system to ease the financial process of the SBFPD.

2024 – 2025 Budget was discussed.  Samuel Martin spoke to the deficit of $60,000 in the 2023 – 2024 Budget since the $50,000 grant from the Turnouts has not yet been provided to the SBFPD.  Discussion followed on the cost of the paid firefighters, and how best to provide for the expense of the paid firefighters.  Additional discussion was on the need to pass the SCI Tax Assessment proposal. It was decided that Marty Creel and Kim Richter will develop the 2024 -2025 Budget for the Commissioners approval for the July 9, 2024 meeting.

Correspondence was the updated VFIS Insurance documents and the Workday Contract.

Approval of monthly bills was discussed. At present there is a balance of $352,532.01 in the Sutter County Treasury, and $43,304.51 in the First Northern Bank account.  All bills were approved, a claim for $13,908.46 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

Travel expenses and the 2024 – 2025 Budget will be on the July agenda.

Closed Session

The Commissioners met for Closed Session.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 9:22 a.m. by Facilitator Name. Motion by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Sam Martin, and unanimously approved.

Minutes submitted by:	Kimberly Richter
Approved by:	Mark Richter