Sutter Basin Fire District Minutes 8/13/2024

Opening

The regular meeting of the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District was called to order at 8:05 a.m. on Tuesday, August 13, 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 Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved.

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the July 9, 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, upcoming meetings and firefighter status. At present Engine 48 is back in service, along with the new water tender.  Unfortunately, a leak was found on Engine 648 which is being repaired. 

Fire Chief Creel spoke to an upcoming meeting with Chief Epperson, Sutter County Fire Chief, along with Chief Bailey to discuss the cooperation between the two fire districts.  This district cooperation will provide our fire fighters with additional experience and support.

The status of firefighters, both volunteer and paid, was presented by Chief Creel.  With the demanding wildfire season utilizing most fire personnel, Chief Creel spoke to recruiting retired fire fighters for the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District’s service and training.  A discussion followed on wages for a retired firefighter. A motion to pay a retired firefighter $20 an hour for a part-time position was made by Samuel Martin.  Anthony Van Ruiten second the motion and the motion was unanimously approved.  A flyer stating the position and wages will be created by Marty Creel to share amongst retired firefighters in the area.

Old Business

Status of Volunteers was provided by Fire Chief Marty Creel.  At present the status of volunteers remains static, with the hopeful addition of an in-training nurse. Discussion followed on paying the volunteers for their service.  It was restated that volunteers receive $20 per training and $10 per fire call.  Volunteers are paid by the Robbins Volunteer Fire Fighters and reimbursed by the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District.

Status of the Paid Firefighters was discussed.  Most paid fire fighters, excluding Matthew Lichenstein, are currently on fire strike teams during the ongoing California wildfire season.

Tax Assessment with SCI was discussed.  Anthony Van Ruiten and Mark Richter will meet by Google Team with SCI to discuss and review zoning, specifically commercial zoning in the Sutter Basin.  After zoning has been determined the process to inform the public of the assessment will begin.

Sale of Water Tender was discussed.  Matthew Lichenstein was able to obtain the Pink Slip for the replaced Water Tender.  With the Pink Slip the replaced Water Tender can be sent to Mexico for service.

Car Port for Water Tender was presented by Mike Bush.  Mike has worked diligently with Sutter County Planning Department to determine the placement and type of structure that can be built to provide protection for the newly purchased Water Tender. The car port structure will need to be 68 feet by 32 feet to accommodate the length and width of the Water Tender. The placement of the car port structure will be behind the fire station and in front of the Little League Field. In addition, to adhere to the FEMA flood plain zoning, the structure will have only one-half wall. 

New Business

There was no Correspondence.

Approval of monthly bills was discussed. At present there is a balance of $365,643.70 in the Sutter County Treasury, and $64,894.13 in the First Northern Bank account.  All bills were approved, a claim for $9,729.37 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 9:22 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