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Fire Protection and Emergency Response Services Assessment

Opening The regular meeting of the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District was called to order at 8:08 a.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025 at the Robbins Fire Department by Mark Richter Present Mark Richter, Samuel Martin, Anthony Van Ruiten, Kim Richter, Marty Creel, Eric Ledesma, Joan Stephens, Mona Sakurada and Mike Bush were in attendance. Approval of Agenda The agenda was approved. Motion by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved. Public Comments Joan Stephens shared that Sutter Basin’s new supervisor, Jeff Stephens, has asked if he can provide monthly meetings for the community at the Robbins Fire Station. The Commissioners were eager to provide this opportunity to the public.   Approval of Minutes The minutes of December 16, 2024, meeting was approved. Motion by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin and unanimously approved. Fire Chief Report   Robbins Fire Chief, Marty Creel, presented the Fire Chief Report.  Fire Chief Creel reported that the LAFCO Grant needs to view the 2024-2025 Approved Financial Budget.  Kim Richter will send the approved budget to Chief Creel.  Also, Chief Creel reported that he is working to complete the Bylaws, Policies and Procedures handbook.    Old Business Status of Volunteers was provided by Chief Creel.  The volunteer list is static. Status of the Paid Firefighters  were discussed.  The Commissioners discussed the importance of presenting a firefighter on duty at the Robbins Fire Department.  To meet that need, the Commissioners determined that a firefighter should be present three days a week for an eight-hour shift.  A scheduling app, Connecteam, will be utilized to schedule firefighters for those days and times.  The motion for the firefighters to work three days a week with an eight-hour shift was made by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin and unanimously approved. Tax Assessment with SCI was discussed.  Mark Richter asked for all present to begin conversations about the financial and safety needs of the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District for the SCI Assessment. Lot Line Adjustment needs were discussed and tabled. New Business Outsourcing Payroll was discussed.  Kim Richter will investigate the best available services and provide an estimate. There was no Correspondence to report. Approval of monthly bills  was discussed. At present there is a balance of  $302,077.66 in the Sutter County Treasury, and $49,192.47 in the First Northern Bank account.   All bills were approved, a claim for $24,371.79 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. After closer review of the 2024-2025 Approved Budget, the Commissioners discussed moving $1,500 from the Budget Code 52130, Maintenance of Structures, to Budget Code 52170, Office Supplies.  The motion to move $1,500 was made by Anthony Van Ruiten.  Second by Samuel Martin and unanimously approved. Agenda for Next Meeting There were no new agenda items presented. Closed Session The Commissioners went into closed session.   Adjournment Meeting was adjourned at 8:55 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

Opening The regular meeting of the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District was called to order at 8:14 a.m. on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at the Robbins Fire Department by Mark Richter. Present Mark Richter, Samuel Martin, Anthony Van Ruiten, Marty Creel, Kim Richter, Joan Stephens, and Mike Bush were in attendance. Approval of Agenda The agenda was approved without amendments. Motion by Samuel Martin. Second by Mark Richter, and unanimously approved. Public Comments There were no Public Comments.   Approval of Minutes The minutes of the February 13, 2024, meeting was approved Motion by Samuel Martin. Second by Mark Richter, and unanimously approved. Fire Chief Report Robbins Fire Chief, Marty Creel reported on upcoming events, firefighter status and grants. There will be a live fire training opportunity for our firefighters in Yolo on March 16-17, 2024.  At this training there will be classes to benefit our firefighters. Training will be ongoing through April, with classes being taught by John Hughes.   Firefighters Lichenstein and Castillo have been cleaning the Fire House.  The SBA Bottle Holder arrived, and Lichenstein and Castillo set up the bottle holder and equipped it with the SBA bottles.   The Yolo Water Tender was examined for a potential Water Tender for the SBFPD’s use.  After the examination, the SBFPD team decided that the Yolo Water Tender would meet the SBFPD’s needs.  The Yolo Fire Department will take the sale of the Water Tender to their Commissioners for consideration.   Old Business Status of Volunteers was provided by Fire Chief Creel.  Chief Creel reported that there are a total of thirteen active firefighters with the Robbins Volunteer Fire Department.  Praise was given to Hayden Samply for his service to the Robbins Volunteer Fire Department, along with the acknowledgement that Matthew Lichenstein is a true asset to the SBFPD. Hiring of a Paid Firefighter  has two paid firefighters, Matthew Lichenstein and Fabian Castillo. Both firefighters are working towards the 8:00 to 5:00 shifts, Monday through Friday.  The primary responsibilities are equipment maintenance and responding to calls.    Tax Assessment Discussion spoke to placing the SCI Tax Assessment on hold until more information on the Sutter County Sales Tax can be obtained.  Mark Richter volunteered to email Steve Smith, Sutter County Administrator, about the upcoming county sales tax.   Insurance Quotes for 2023 – 2024 Fiscal Year have been placed on hold.  The SBFPD will revisit insurance quotes in May since the SBFPD’s insurance is in place until June of 2004. New Business SBFPD Upcoming Meeting Dates were discussed.  It was determined that the second Tuesday of each month, at 8:00 a.m. will be the 2024 meeting dates. Correspondence was from LAFCO.  LAFCO will be holding a meeting on March 14 th at 2:00 p.m. for Commissioners. Approval of monthly bills  was discussed. At present there is a balance of  $393,167.11 in the Sutter County Treasury, and $58,892.28  in the First Northern Bank account.   All bills were approved, a claim for $13,207.33 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 To be determined. Closed Session Commissioner Mark Richter asked for Closed Session.  Closed Session began at 8:55 and was completed at 9:05 a.m.   Adjournment Meeting was adjourned at 8:55 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

Opening The regular meeting of the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District was called to order at 8:05 a.m. on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at the Robbins Fire Department by Anthony Van Ruiten. Present Samuel Martin, Marty Creel, Kim Richter, Joan Stephens, and Mona Sakurada were in attendance. Approval of Agenda The agenda was approved. 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 July 6, 2023, meeting was approved. Motion by Samuel Martin. Second by Anthony Van Ruiten, and unanimously approved. Fire Chief Report   Robbins Fire Chief, Marty Creel, spoke to the very successful Live Fire Training.  Firefighters from Robbins, Knights Landing, Vacaville, and Wheatland were present.  Instructors from Sac City Fire, and Vacaville taught the two-day course.  All firefighters received a State Fire Training Certificate.   Fire Chief Creel spoke to the needs of the SBFPD fire department.  Chief Creel is currently seeking affordable facilities to do entry level NFPA compliant physicals to adhere to the grant reimbursement policy for the firefighters’ new turnouts.  In addition, Engine 48 needs a pump test to overhaul the pump plumbing.  While Chief Creel also continues outreach for volunteer recruitment.     Old Business Status of Volunteers was provided by Fire Chief Creel.  The status of volunteers has remained static at thirteen firefighters. Hiring of a Paid Firefighter  was reviewed.  Currently, there is no additional information on hiring a paid firefighter.   SBFPD Tax Measure was discussed.  Samuel Martin motioned to progress with Phase 1 of SCI, to determine public response to the tax measure proposal.  Second by Anthony Van Ruiten, and unanimously approved. Parking Lot Repairs for the Robbins Community Hall’s parking lot have been tabled until additional information is available. New Business 2023-2024 Budget was discussed by the Commissioners. After initial review, several line items were changed due to upcoming needs for the SBFPD.  Those specific line-item needs were firefighters’ turnouts, parking lot repairs, and SCI Tax Assessment costs. Correspondence was from Sutter County Office of Elections concerning the posting of the Commissioners’ upcoming election. Approval of monthly bills  was discussed. At present there is a balance of  $513,623.47 in the Sutter County Treasury, and $13,638.13  in the First Northern Bank account.   All bills were approved, a claim for $ 13,793.42 to restore the First Northern Bank account was approved and signed. In addition, all invoices and timecards were reviewed, and payable checks were signed by the Commissioners.   Agenda for Next Meeting Insurance quotes for the 2023 – 2024 fiscal year will be discussed at the next Commissioners’ meeting. Closed Session There was no closed session. Adjournment Meeting was adjourned at 8:47 a.m. by Anthony Van Ruiten. Motion by Samuel Martin. Second by Anthony Van Ruiten, and unanimously approved.   Minutes submitted by: Kimberly Richter Approved by: Mark Richter

Call Meeting to Order, Roll Call   Approval of Agenda   Public Comments   Resolutions and Engineer’s Report for proposed Fire Protection and Emergency Response Services Assessment.

Opening The regular meeting of the Sutter Basin Fire District was called to order at 8:20 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at the Robbins Fire Department by Mark Richter. Present Mark Richter, Samuel Martin, and Marty Creel were in attendance. Approval of Agenda The agenda was approved. Motion by Samuel Martin. Second by Mark Richter, and unanimously approved. Approval of Minutes The minutes of the February 4, 2022 meeting were approved Motion by Samuel Martin. Second by Mark Richter, and unanimously approved. Fire Chief Report The Fire Chief, Marty Creel, reported on volunteer status, apparatus status, and training status. There have been two fire fighter trainings that were well attended.  The apparatus update informed the Commissioners that SBFPD has taken possession of the Plainfield Fire Department used fire engine.  The Water Tender will need to be retired, and M. Creel will look at Cal Fire for used Water Tenders with the SBFPD’s budget determining how much can be spent on the Water Tender.  The starter had been fixed on Grass Engine #648, and the chain saw and cabinet door have been taken to the shop for repairs. In addition, the purchase of a Fire Station Software program for $969 was discussed.  The software will help with accountability. Old Business Status of Volunteers was provided by the Fire Chief, Marty Creel.  Two new fire fighters have volunteered, AJ Anderson and Mark Richter. This brings the total number of volunteer fire fighters to ten active volunteers. Hiring of a Paid Firefighter  was discussed. Scott Bravo also volunteered to be the assistant fire chief and support Marty Creel with firefighter trainings. Since the hiring of a Fire Fighter I is too cost prohibitive, discussion was held on the hiring of an Intern Fire Fighter.  The job description and requirements for the Intern Fire Fighter were discussed.  It was determined that a temporary position would be offered, at a to be determined  hourly wage.  The hourly wage would also be paid to the Intern Fire Fighter on all volunteer calls that are attended.  The requirements for the Intern Fire Fighter Position were determined to be an EMT1, a volunteer of the SBFPD, eighteen years of age or older, and a current driver’s license.   The term of internship will be one year, with an end of the year review by the Commissioners at the end of year one. Used Fire Engine from the Plainfield Fire Department has been taken possession of by the Fire Chief, Marty Creel. Sutter County Restructuring has begun with the first day of dispatching from Sutter County on March 7, 2022.  All dispatching has gone well. New Business   Fire Chief Position’s payroll and compensation were discussed.  The Sutter County Auditor’s Office are supporting the SBFPD in payroll. At this time the county is waiting for the Employer Identification Numbers. Strategic Plan discussion spoke to the many needs of the fire department, with an emphasis on hiring and purchases essential to enable the fire department to serve the community effectively.  The Commissioners took action on the hiring of Scott Bravo as assistant fire chief. Motion by Samuel Martin. Second by Mark Richter, and unanimously approved. The purchase of turnouts and radios for volunteer fire fighters was motioned by Samuel Martin. Second by Mark Richter, and unanimously approved. The purchase of the Fire Station Software  for accountability of incident reporting, state reporting, training, and hydrant apparatus checks was motioned by Samuel Martin. Second by Mark Richter, and unanimously approved. Correspondences, at this time there were no correspondences. Approval of monthly bills  was discussed.  At present there is a balance of    $379,542.14 .  All bills were approved, and all claims were signed by the Commissioners.   Agenda for Next Meeting Agenda items for the next meeting are updates on purchases, grants and financial restructuring. Adjournment Meeting was adjourned at 10:00 a.m. by Mark Richter. Minutes submitted by: Kimberly Richter Approved by: Mark Richter

Opening The regular meeting of the Sutter Basin Fire District was called to order at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, February 4, 2022 at the Robbins Fire Department by Mark Richter. Present Mark Richter, Anthony Van Ruiten, Samuel Martin, and Kimberly Richter were in attendance. Approval of Agenda The agenda was approved. Motion by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved. Approval of Minutes The minutes of the January 11, 2022 meeting were approved. Motion by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved. Old Business Status of volunteers  was discussed.  There are at present eight volunteer firefighters.  Fabian Castillo has responded two times in the last month. Hiring of a Paid Firefighter  was discussed. The Commissioners were given the resume of a potential candidate to review prior to the interview.  Sutter County Restructuring process was discussed.  The process will run concurrently with the hiring of a Fire Chief.  Research will be conducted to determine if the process is feasible, and how to begin to destruct the fire protection district if authorized.   New Business Used Fire Truck offer by Plainfield Fire Department was discussed.  To purchase the Fire Truck, a letter of intent will be written by Kim Richter. Correspondences, at this time there were no correspondences. Approval of monthly bills  was discussed.  At present there is a balance of   $381,429.60.  All bills were approved, and all claims were signed by the Commissioners.   Agenda for Next Meeting Agenda items for the next meeting is to discuss the Used Fire Truck and the Sutter County Restructuring. Adjournment Meeting was adjourned at 7:50 a.m. by Mark Richter. Minutes submitted by: Kimberly Richter Approved by: Mark Richter

Opening The regular meeting of the Sutter Basin Fire District was called to order at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at the Robbins Fire Department by Mark Richter. Present Mark Richter, Anthony Van Ruiten, and Samuel Martin were in attendance. Approval of Agenda The agenda was approved. Motion by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved. Approval of Minutes The minutes of the December 6, 2021 meeting were approved. Motion by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved. Old Business Hiring of a Paid Firefighter  was discussed. Resumes of all applicants for the Fire Chief position were distributed to all Commissioners prior to the meeting.  The qualifications of all applicants were discussed.  A motion to interview Scott Bravo and Matt Gusafson was made by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved. New Business   Update of Dispatch concerns was reported by Commissioner Richter.  Commissioner Richter reported that Yolo County is requiring that the dispatch of the Robbins Fire Department is being required to be taken over by Sutter County no later than March 9, 2022. Correspondences, at this time there were no correspondences. Approval of monthly bills  was discussed.  At present there is a balance of    $381,604.36 .  All bills were approved, and all claims were signed by the Commissioners.   Agenda for Next Meeting Agenda items for the next meeting is to approve and hire a Firefighter and/or Fire Chief for the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District. Adjournment Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 a.m. by Mark Richter. Minutes submitted by: Mark Richter Approved by: Anthony Van Ruiten

​​Opening​ ​​The regular meeting of the​ ​Sutter Basin Fire Protection District​ ​was called to order at​ 8:06 a.m. ​on​ ​Tuesday, November 1, 2022​ at the Robbins Fire Department ​by​ ​Mark Richter​. ​​ Present ​ Mark Richter, Anthony Van Ruiten, Samuel Martin, Kim Richter, Mike Bush, Joan Stevens, Mona Sakurada and Marty Creel were in attendance. ​​Approval of Agenda​ The agenda was approved. Motion by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved. Public Comments Joan Stephens and Mona Sakurada asked for clarification on the roles and numbers of Commissioners’ positions within the SBFPD. ​​Approval of Minutes​ The minutes of the October 4, 2022, 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 communication, training, equipment needs, and next projects for the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District. The Fire Chief, Marty Creel, initially reported on the success of the Halloween event with ten Volunteer Fire Fighters participating. Communications needs and concerns were then discussed with the community concern of the dispatches effectively reaching the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District. Marty Creel spoke about the improvements in communication between the two agencies, yet a still relevant need being a once-a-month report from the county that would aid in record keeping for the fire district. Upcoming trainings are extrication training that will be scheduled once a towing service is located, and basic Fire Fighter training which is ongoing. Equipment needs and service were discussed. Engine 648 needs a siren and the scene light fixed. Engine 348 is working well, and Engine 48 received a donated valve from CSFA that saved the district $1,600.00. Marty Creel thanked the hard work and dedication of Mark Richter for his continued assistance and maintenance of the apparatus. Next projects for the SBFPD are SCBAs, FEMA Grants, new turnouts for volunteers, weekly equipment checks, and a flyer for a part time fire fighter position. After much discussion on the need for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for trained firefighters, a motion was given. Sam Martin motioned to purchase SCBA masks for firefighters when they are trained to utilize the masks correctly. The motion was second by Anthony Van Ruiten, and unanimously approved. Discussion on a grant writer followed with Fire Chief Marty Creel outlining the need for a professional grant writer, and the cost of approximately $3,000 if the grant is received. It was discussed that a grant is specifically needed to replace the existing water tender. A motion to approve the grant writer, Diane Matsumoto, was given. Anthony Van Ruiten motioned to approve the grant writer Dine Matsumoto to write and submit AFG and SAFER Grants for $3,000 per grant with a $1,500 reimbursement if the grant is approved. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved. Old Business Status of Volunteers was provided by Fire Chief, Marty Creel. The status of volunteers is holding at fourteen. Hiring of a Paid Firefighter has begun. Marty Creel has created a flyer for the position. It was determined that a Sutter Basin Fire Protection District website would be helpful to promote and secure potential fire fighters for the position. Kim Richter will create a website before the December 6th meeting. SBFPD Strategic Plan was discussed. At this time the SBFPD will look to other Fire Districts throughout California for their assessments to use as a template. The initial step is to go to outside sources to determine a reasonable cost for the assessment and an analysis for guidance on district assessments. ​​New Business​ Correspondence, there was no new correspondence. Approval of monthly bills was discussed. At present there is a balance of $442,855.68 in the Sutter County Treasury, and $9,915.67 in the First Northern Bank account. All bills were approved, a claim for $9,745.21, to restore the First Northern Bank account, was approved and signed. In addition, all invoices and timecards were reviewed, and payable checks were signed by the Commissioners. In addition, an amendment to the SBFPD Budget was motioned by Anthony Van Ruiten. Anthony Van Ruiten motioned to increase Budget Code #52220 from $3,000.00 to $13,000.00 and to decrease Budget Code #52203 from $15,000.00 to $5,000.00 to not change the overall budget of $115,900. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved. ​​Agenda for Next Meeting​ Agenda items for the next meeting is to discuss the paid firefighter position, SBFPD Strategic Plan, and Grant Writer. Next meeting is December 6, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. ​​Adjournment​ ​​Meeting was adjourned at​ 9:23 a.m. ​by​ ​Mark Richter​. ​​Minutes submitted by:​ Kimberly Richter ​​Approved by:​ Mark Richter