Sutter Basin Fire District Minutes 9/10/2024

Opening

The regular meeting of the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District was called to order at 8:12 a.m. on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at the Robbins Fire Department by Mark Richter

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 with amendment of  Purchase of 25-foot Hydrant Hose Supply to the New Business. 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 August 13, 2024, meeting was approved. Motion by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved.

Fire Chief Report 

Robbins Firefighter, Matthew Lichenstein, presented the Fire Chief Report.  Matt reported on call status, fire house repairs, status of grants, and equipment status. Matt spoke to August 2024 being the busiest call months so far.  All calls were handled well, and the Robbins Volunteer Fire Department were able to respond and assist to a second alarm house fire on Road 17a in Yolo County.

Matt Lichenstein is completing the Gary Sinese Grant for new extraction equipment.  The Gary Sinese Grant is a fully funded grant to provide battery operated extraction equipment which will replace the current extraction equipment that has ongoing hydraulic leak issues.

It was reported that Engine 648 is back in for repairs on the wiring and lighting of the engine. Additionally, discussion of equipment needs followed.  When the SBFPD’s ladders were sent out for inspection, one ladder needed to be replaced, while several other ladders needed to be replaced by next year.  The replacement of a twenty-four-foot extension ladder is about $1,000 to $2,000. AED defibrillators are another equipment need for the SBFPD.  Presently, Fire Chief Creel is researching how best to replace AED units.  The Commissioners agreed to replace the ladders and the AEDs.

The ongoing equipment needs led to a discussion on how best to replace equipment in a timelier manner.  Several ideas were mentioned and discussed on how to streamline the process.  It was decided to include Equipment Manager to the October 8, 2024, agenda.

Lastly, Matt Lichenstein spoke to the electrical updates that were completed throughout the Robbins Fire Station. The electrical updates were completed by Richall Electric Company.

Old Business

Status of Volunteers was provided by Matt Lichenstein.  The volunteer list is static.  The Commissioners brainstormed ideas and ways to recruit community members and employees of the area to join the Robbins Volunteer Fire Department.

Status of the Paid Firefighters was discussed.  Matt Lichenstein is beginning a teaching position at the Fire Academy with a class of thirty-three students.  With this pool of firefighters, Matt will try to recruit paid firefighter positions for the SBFPD.

Tax Assessment with SCI was discussed briefly.  More contact with SCI will take place in the fall of 2024.

New Business

Supply Hose need was discussed.  After the fire call to Road 17a in Yolo County, it was determined that a new twenty-five-foot supply hose was needed on the Water Tender. Anthony Van Ruiten motioned to purchase the twenty-five-foot supply hose.  Samuel Martin second the motion, and unanimously approved.

Flag Light bid came in for $1,000 to install a light that would illuminate the American flag at night.  Samuel Martin motioned to approve the purchase and installation of the $1,000 flag light.  There wasn’t a second, and the motion failed approval.

Engine 648 Electronics were a concern until additional information found that the issues were a loose wire.  Due to the low cost of the repairs, there was no need for Commissioners’ approval.

Correspondence was from LAFCO to set up an appointment with Chief Creel at the Robbins Fire Station.

Approval of monthly bills was discussed. At present there is a balance of $356,807.36 in the Sutter County Treasury, and $59,078.67 in the First Northern Bank account.  All bills were approved, a claim for $8,836.34 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.

2024 – 2025 Budget was amended after considering the earlier discussion of maintenance and purchase of equipment needs for the SBFPD.  A motion by Anthony Van Ruiten to raise Budget Code 52120 from $40,000 to $50,000 to meet upcoming SBFPD equipment needs was made.  Samuel Martin Second the motion, and the motion was approved unanimously.

Agenda for Next Meeting

Commissioners asked that Lot Line Adjustment and Equipment Manager be placed on the October 8, 2024, agenda.

Closed Session

There was no closed session.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 9:34 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