Sutter Basin Fire District Minutes 8/5/2025

Opening

The regular meeting of the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District was called to order at 8:28 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at the Robbins Fire Department by Mark Richter.

Present

Mark Richter, Samuel Martin, Anthony Van Ruiten, Greg Pote, Matt Lichenstein, Mona Sakurada, Joan Stephens and Kim Richter were in attendance.  

Approval of Agenda

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

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of July 8, 2025, meeting were approved. Motion to approve by Samuel Martin. Second by Anthony Van Ruiten and unanimously approved.

Fire Chief Report

The Fire Chief, Greg Pote, provided the Fire Chief Report.  Chief Pote spoke to items purchased and attained, structural adjustments, apparatus report, training accomplishments and needs, community outreach and networking with Sutter County personnel. 

The SBFPD has acquired many necessary items with the guidance of Chief Pote.  Needed chain saws have been purchased.  While office chairs, computers, security cameras and physical fitness equipment have all been acquired through Chief Pote for no expense to the SBFPD.  In addition, Chief Pote is researching the Department of Defense surplus warehouses that have vehicles and supplies, such as generators and water tanks, available for fire departments.

At the Robbins Fire Station, the firefighters have repaired the leaking water pipe and have begun painting all the structural repairs that have been completed. Unfortunately, the shower is not functioning properly, so Chief Pote has asked the contractor for a bid to repair the nonfunctioning shower.

The apparatus of the SBFPD has been evaluated by Chief Pote and the firefighters and it has been found to be in fair condition.  At present Engine 359 has a leak, and the engine replacement will need to be addressed in the future.  Chief Pote is working to secure grants that could aid in the replacement costs.  Specifically Chief Pote is looking at FEMA grants, Sam.gov grants and grants through Sutter County.

Training opportunities for the paid and volunteer fire fighters are ongoing.  Hazard training will be available during the week of August 10^th, and through the training there will be additional information and opportunities for grant money.  Vector Solutions is another source of training for the SBFPD firefighters.  Through Vector Solutions the firefighters have a virtual training platform that provides videos on fire fighters instructional needs, along with EMT trainings.

Through all these good works, Chief Pote is also updating and creating the SBFPD Policies and Procedures, while following up on the Wildland Gear grant, the Air Packs grant through Sutter County, and accessing the California DMV to assure all fire fighters meet the SBFPD’s safety requirements.  Chief Pote also shared that community outreach at Robbins School and through Community Programs is a priority during Fire Safety Month in October. 

Old Business

Status of Volunteers were provided by Fire Chief Pote.  At present the volunteer fire fighters stand at fourteen, with three volunteer fire fighters leaving the SBFPD due to professional conflicts. 

Status of the Paid Firefighters were presented.  There are presently five active paid firefighters.

Tax Assessment with SCI was discussed.  The Commissioners have met with SCI and provided the 2025-2026 Budget to SCI as requested.  Within the next thirty days, the Commissioners will begin contacting landowners in the basin and explaining the need for the Fire Assessment.  The Fire Chief’s responsibilities were discussed.  It was stated that the Fire Chief can provide information needed by community members but may not advocate for the assessment due to a conflict of interest.  Thirty days after contact with landowners, and public meetings have occurred, the ballots will be mailed out.

Fire Department Structural Needs were presented to the Commissioners during Chief Pote’s Fire Chief Report.  Specifically, the shower in the restroom needs repair.

The Fee Schedule for Compensation is ongoing.

Audit – Smith and Newell is ongoing.

New Business

Budget for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year was discussed approved. Motion to approve by Samuel Martin.

Second by Anthony Van Ruiten and unanimously approved.  

Correspondence was not necessary.

Approval of monthly bills was discussed. At present there is a balance of $400,135.87 in the Sutter County Treasury, and $38,389.05 in the First Northern Bank account.  All bills were approved, a claim for $9,267.01 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. A motion to approve the monthly bills was made by Samuel Martin.  Anthony Van Ruiten provided a second on the motion.  The motion received unanimous approval.

Agenda for Next Meeting

The Commissioners gave no suggestions for agenda items for the September SBFPD meeting.

Closed Session

There was no Closed Session.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 9:33 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