Sutter Basin Fire District Minutes 7/9/2024

Opening

The regular meeting of the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District was called to order at 8:04 a.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at the Robbins Fire Department by Mark Richter

Present

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

Approval of Agenda

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

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the June 11, 2024, meeting was approved. Motion by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved.

Fire Chief Report 

Robbins Fire Chief, Marty Creel reported on equipment status, communication status, and updated five-year plan.  The newly purchased Water Tender is almost operable, however a permanent shed needs to be erected to house the Water Tender.  Discussion followed on where to locate the shed, which company will erect the shed, and the cost of the shed. At present there is an estimate of $10,630 from American Car Port in Colusa, California, with a placement parallel to the north wall of the fire station.  Additional discussion will follow as more estimates are provided.

It was reported that communication needs have been met at the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District with the grant, donated BK radios.  The BK radio systems and on-going extrication procedures training will be given by John Miller from Yuba City’s Station 8.

Fire Chief Creel discussed the five-year plan revision process.  The five-year plan revisions include pump testing, and the budget costs of the testing, and the ongoing personnel and equipment needs and concerns.  Fire Chief Creel ended his report with the statement that the Bylaws would be complete by the end of July.

Old Business

Status of Volunteers was provided by Fire Chief Marty Creel.  There was a discussion on whether volunteer fire fighters had reserve or active status.  After much discussion, the roster was adjusted to meet the newly determined statuses.

Status of the Paid Firefighters was discussed.  All paid fire fighters are currently on fire strike teams during the ongoing California wildfire season.

Tax Assessment with SCI was discussed.  Commissioner Mark Richter shared that SCI would like to set up a conference meeting to discuss commercial and non-commercial zoning.

New Business

Water Tender purchase was discussed.  The Water Tender is presently being stored at Pape John Deere in Robbins.  The signage is being completed, and communications are being updated. The Water Tender is close to being ready for operational service.

Electrical Improvements at the Robbins Fire Station were discussed.  An Electircal bid of $2,900 with an additional $500 for additional costs, was presented by Michael Bush.  After thoughtful consideration, a motion to accept the bid for $2,900 with an additional $500 if needed, was made by Anthony Van Ruiten.  Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved.

FRMS Invoices were presented by Kim Richter.  The FRMS insurance costs increased due to our salaried fire fighters and the increase in insurance costs.  To facilitate this increase it was decided that the budgeted Insurance costs (52100) would increase to $40,000.  Anthony Van Ruiten motioned to increase the budgeted Insurance costs from $15,000 to $40,000.  Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved.

2024 – 2025 Budget was presented and discussed.  After consideration of the 2024 – 2025 Budget, a motion to approve the 2024 – 2025 Budget was made by Anthony Van Ruiten.  Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved. 

There was no Correspondence.

Approval of monthly bills was discussed. At present there is a balance of $470,000 in the Sutter County Treasury, and $47,517.39 in the First Northern Bank account.  All bills were approved, a claim for $41,356.30 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

No specific agenda items were discussed.

Closed Session

There was no closed session.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 9:17 a.m. by Mark Richter. Motion by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Sam Martin, and unanimously approved.

Minutes submitted by:	Kimberly Richter
Approved by:	Mark Richter