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BOARD OF DIRECTORS - ACTION SUMMARY
Wednesday, November 7, 2001 - 6:00 p.m.
Administration Building
2101 Hurley Way, Sacramento, CA
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by President Horel. Board Members
Present: Engellenner, Goold, Horel, Jones, Stewart, Trujillo, Valley,
Vanderveen; Fire Chief Martinez, General Counsel Price, Board Clerk Tilson.
Director Granados, absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST WITHIN
DISTRICT JURISDICTION INCLUDING ITEMS ON OR NOT ON AGENDA None
CITIZEN HEROISM AWARD-WILLIAM MENDOSA-(Martinez)
Presentation to be rescheduled.
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. Board Meeting Action Summary-October 17, 2001
· Board Action:
Trujillo/Engellenner-Approve Consent Agenda. Unanimous vote in favor by
members present.
ACTION ITEMS(S)
1. Future Board Meeting Dates-(Martinez)
§ Staff recommended the following Board meeting schedule for the
Holiday season:
CANCEL NEW SCHEDULE
November 21, 2001 November 29, 2001
December 5, 2001 December 12, 2001
December 19, 2001
January 2, 2002 January 9, 2002
January 16, 2001 January 23, 2002
The meeting on Thursday, November 29, 2001, at 6:00 p.m., to discuss
the Fire Station Master Plan, will be cablecast in the Board Chambers at
2101 Hurley Way, Sacramento.
· Board Action:
Vanderveen/Engellenner-Approve the staff recommendation with election of
the Board Officers to be held at the December 12 Board meeting. Unanimous
vote in favor by members present.
2. Citizens Utilities Company of California Easement-
Station 62-(Price)
§ In 1987, the Rancho Cordova Fire Protection District granted an
easement to the Citizens Utilities Company of California for the
installation, construction, reconstruction, maintenance, repair, and
operation of a water line over a ten-foot strip at Station 62.
§ Citizens Utilities is requesting an updated easement for recordation
to reflect that it is granted by the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire
District, the current owner of Station 62.
§ Staff is recommending the Board President be authorized to execute
the easement on behalf of the District.
· Board Action:
Stewart/Jones-Approve staff recommendation. Unanimous vote in favor by
members present.
PRESENTATION ITEM(S)
1. Fire Station Master Plan-(Ritter)
§ Public outreach program for the Fire Station Master Plan is in the
process of actively seeking input
§ Station 23 remodel proceeding with architectural work and required
permits
§ Staff is researching the availability of additional property for
station relocation, and any potential impacts by County projects
§ Department security issues dealing with the fire stations and a
master plan to secure all administrative facilities are moving forward; a
proposal to be developed for referral to the Fire Chief.
Director Stewart inquired about possible inclusion of an alarm system
in the fire station remodel plan to indicate if a station has been
accessed while unoccupied.
Chief Ritter stated consideration is being given to two levels of
access to the stations--a new key system and an electronic pass;
feasibility of an alarm system will be included.
§ Focal points for the November 29 cable cast Board meeting to
include:
Ø Business be limited to the Fire Station Master Plan
Ø Presentation on District outreach in the last 30 - 45 days
Ø Public participation encouraged; meeting to be advertised
§ Public outreach update by Chief Plessas:
Ø Metro Cable 14 will cable cast the November 29 Board meeting to
disseminate information
Ø Chief Haverty and staff sent out approximately 1,100 mailers today to
employees and retirees, with the most frequent asked questions and
answers--copy distributed to the Board
Ø Website www.smfd.ca.gov has been updated
Ø Chief Haverty and Captain Ellis conducted District Department meetings
at Stations 50 and 65 for employee input; 21 and 106 scheduled on November
12
Ø Community presentations to include: Supervisor Dave Cox; Arden- Arcade
Community Planning; Janet Ruggiero and the City of Citrus Heights staff;
County Board of Supervisors' Chiefs of Staff
§ Director Goold suggested the information in the mailer be condensed
and posted on the website.
2. Military Leave Policy-(Martinez)
§ There have been newspaper articles dealing with actions taken by the
City and County of Sacramento relative to activation of employees on
military reserve status.
§ Reviewed two similar ordinances from the City and County which
contained only a few different elements-County policy provides a salary
gap protection for up to one year with accrual of sick leave; the City for
nine months with no sick leave accrual.
§ General Counsel will review the State and Federal laws pertaining to
military leave
§ Director Vanderveen suggested the military personnel staff be
contacted for a copy of their policy
§ Recommended the District adopt a policy to provide salary coverage
for one year, health benefits, and allow accrual of sick leave while on
active military duty.
· Board Action:
General consensus that staff bring back a military leave policy for the
regular Board meeting of December 12, 2001.
3. Election of Board Officers;
Appointment of Board Committee Members-(Horel)
Item placed on the agenda at the request of President Horel.
§ Board Policies & Procedures excerpts were provided for
information on the following:
Ø Election of Board Officers normally held on the second meeting in
December.
Ø Responsibilities of President, Vice President, and Secretary
constituting the Executive Committee
Ø Board Committees-the Executive Committee appoints members of the
Board to the various committees.
§ Requested the Directors indicate their interest in elected Board
Officer positions and Committee appointments at the December 12 meeting.
President Horel stated he will stand down as President and allow
someone else to serve in that capacity.
· Board Action:
General consensus to place the election of officers on the agenda for
December 12.
4. Resolution #53-01-Authorizing the Change in Name of
"Assessment Fee" to "Intervention Fee," as Contained
in Resolution #31-00-(Haverty)
At the August 8, 2001 Policy Committee meeting, staff was directed to
change the name of "Assessment Fee" to "Intervention
Fee." This Resolution will establish the fee under the name change.
· Board Action:
Vanderveen/Valley-Adopt the Resolution. Unanimous vote in favor by members
present.
5. Resolution #54-01-Fixing the Employer's Contribution for
Health Benefits Under the Public Employees' Medical
And Hospital Care Act-(Simcoe)
Board action by resolution is required for notification to the
California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) of the employer's
health premium costs for active and retired employees. Premium rate
changes will be effective January 1, 2002 for the new CalPERS contract
year.
· Board Action:
Vanderveen/Goold-Adopt the Resolution. Unanimous vote in favor by members
present.
6. Resolution #55-01-Disposition of Fixed Assets--Tech
Services Equipment-(Plessas)
§ The Technical Services Division has a surplus of communications and
data processing equipment. Some of the equipment is listed as Fixed
Assets.
§ A Resolution authorizing the retirement of fixed assets declared as
surplus in accordance with established District Policy is required prior
to disposition.
§ Consideration will be given for disposal of the Fixed Assets to the
Explorer Program, local government agencies, or County Surplus Auction.
· Board Action:
Stewart/Jones-Adopt the Resolution. Unanimous vote in favor by members
present.
7. Recommendation to Implement Fire District
Helicopter Program-(Plessas)
A Helicopter Project Team was formed on October 6, 2000 at the
direction of Fire Chief Martinez to study the feasibility of developing a
Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District Firefighter Helicopter Program. The
following team members were acknowledged:
· Assistant Chief Dennis Plessas
· Captain Greg Mugartegui
· Captain Gary Klopfenstein
· Engineer/Paramedic Bryan Thomson
Fire Chief Martinez stated our District has grown and the Helicopter
Program is a tool worth investing in to enhance our operational capacity.
§ A 3-page staff report was submitted on a District Air Operations
Program, with a recommendation authorizing the Fire Chief to acquire a
helicopter for the purpose of initiating Phase One of the Program, not to
exceed $450,000; additionally, direct the Fire Chief to examine areas of
outside funding for both the start-up and on-going operational costs.
§ Other documentation submitted:
- A 17-page Helicopter Study and Recommendations Report
- Attachment #1-Consultants' recommendations and evaluations and from Paul
Shakstad, Chief Pilot of the Los Angeles City Fire Department, and Deputy
Chief David Ward of the Kern County Fire Department
- Attachment #2-a map depicting the very high fire hazard severity zones
within the District.
§ Chief Plessas gave a comprehensive presentation on the various
elements contained in the Helicopter Study; followed by an eight-minute
videotape and a PowerPoint presentation.
Ø Recommended purchase of a converted UH-1 military Huey
§ Helicopters can access certain areas in an emergency situation more
easily and save equipment
§ Concerns expressed by the Board relative to the proposed Helicopter
Program:
Ø Recommendation and further research needed on outside revenue
sources to pay for the program and one-time conversion cost such as grant
applications, contributions from local jurisdictions benefiting from this
resource
Ø District priority to maintain control of the helicopter program for
its own use
Ø The Helicopter Program is not in the current budget--opposition to
funding the program from the District's reserve funds
Ø Funding of ambulances and paramedics, four-person truck staffing
considered as a high priority and more beneficial to serving the public
Ø High annual operating cost of $280,000 for personnel, insurance,
fuel, supplies, and maintenance, in addition to funding the program
Ø Need a comparative analysis for Los Angeles, Kern County, Sacramento
Metropolitan Fire District, and the different jurisdictions discussed in
the study relative to the following:
- Percentage of high hazards acreage compared to total acreage for each
jurisdiction
- Percentage of the Helicopter Program cost compared to the total budget
of each jurisdiction
- Percentage of personnel assigned to Air Operations compared to the total
personnel for each jurisdiction
- Critical analysis situation-out of the 37 responses studied, how many
were self-dispatched and how many times were they requested?
- Replacement cost for a refurbished Huey-five, ten years?
Ø A 3-1 helicopter ratio is needed to provide a reliable and
functional program with adequate spare parts-our District does not have a
valid aviation mission to warrant that level of expenditure currently.
§ Captain Brian Rice of Local 522 stated the presentation was great
but, with the start of the station relocation, the timing for a helicopter
program is not right. If the District wants to make a difference, it
should consider NFPA 1710-the Staffing Standard for Professional Fire
Departments adopted last May. He encouraged the Board to find the money to
increase the staffing on District engines and trucks, which will make a
difference to citizens every day.
§ Walter Aldridge of Arden Park expressed concern with the proposed
loss of Station 107. He stated the Arden Park Homeowners Association has a
Board meeting every month but Metro Fire has not attended to his
knowledge. He cited a fire on Santa Rita Way two weeks ago with a response
time of 25 minutes from other stations versus 5 minutes from Station 107
if it had been open. He felt it was reasonable for one of the Board to
attend and answer some questions-it may be possible to negotiate a bond
issue in that area to pay for a new station.
President Horel stated he and other senior staff attended the
Homeowners Association meeting 1-½ months ago with a presentation on the
District's proposed Station Master Plan that addressed Station 107. He
encouraged Mr. Aldridge to attend the November 29 meeting on the Fire
Station Master Plan and suggested Chief Haverty work with him on the plan
details.
· Board Action:
General consensus that the Executive Committee work with the Fire Chief
and staff to provide answers to the Board's concerns expressed tonight and
bring this issue back to the full Board for further discussion after the
first of the year.
ITEM ADDED TO CLOSED SESSION:
§ Counsel Price stated as part of the Station Master Plan, there is a
need to address the acquisition of certain parcels of land. He requested
the following item which came to the attention of staff after the posting
of the Agenda be added to the Closed Session relative to sites for
Stations 42 and 110:
Conference With Real Property Negotiator
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.8
[See description under Closed Session Report]
· Board Action:
Stewart/Goold-Approve adding item to the Closed Session. Unanimous vote in
favor by members present.
RECESS AT 8:32 P.M.; CONVENE TO CLOSED SESSION AT 8:42 P.M.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION AT 9:25 P.M./CLOSED SESSION REPORT
General Counsel Price reported on the Closed Session:
(1) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to California Government Code
Section 54956.9 (b)-One (1) Case
Claim Against Public Entity Pursuant to Government Code Section 910 by
Bonnie Terry, Patricia Terry, Richard Terry, and Nicholas Terry
· Board Action:
Vanderveen/Engellenner-Deny the Claim. Unanimous vote in favor by members
present.
(2) CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: Parcel located at 1432 Eastern Avenue, Sacramento, CA
Owner: James/Marilyn Lobsitz
Parcel located at 1444 Eastern Avenue, Sacramento, CA
Owner: Russell/Nita Wright
Parcel located at 1450 Eastern Avenue, Sacramento, CA
Owner: Charles R./Levonne Conely
Assessor's Parcel #240 0011 029 on Myrtle Avenue, Sacramento, CA
Owner: Leo/Rowena Fahm (Trust)
District Negotiator: Battalion Chief Dan Haverty
Board briefed and direction provided to the real property negotiator.
No specific action taken.
(3) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(a)
Sacramento Area Fire Fighters, Local 522 v. Sacramento Metropolitan Fire
District
Sacramento County Superior Court Case No. 01AS04439
Board briefed by staff-no action taken.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT-(Horel): None
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT-(Fire Chief Martinez)
§ A member of the public referred tonight to a fire occurring at 730
Santa Rita Way on October 15, around 10:15 p.m. For Board information,
Battalion 7, Engine 105, 106, Truck 106 and Engine 110 were dispatched.
First responding unit arrived in less than 7 minutes, with the last in
about 10-12 minutes.
§ The District authorized a VIP Program through PERS for our reserve
firefighters in recognition of their years of service to the District. As
required, a meeting of the established Qualification Review Commission was
conducted with Director Engellenner, Captain Bill Lobsitz, Deputy Chief
Appel, and Reserve Firefighter Chapman in attendance; the program is
underway.
§ A memo was distributed to Directors Goold and Trujillo on the 2 x 2
Citrus Heights Committee Meeting scheduled December 14, 2001 at 9:30 a.m.,
in the District Board Chambers, 2101 Hurley Way.
§ Battalion Chief tests are completed. Open Forum for Candidates on
November 26 and 27. The Fire Chief has the authority to make the
appointments to fill three vacancies; effective date December 1, 2001.
§ District Board Chambers Signage
Chief Haverty and Captain Taylor have been working on options to replace
the banner behind the dais discussed at the last Board meeting.
Chief Haverty distributed artwork to the Board representing two
options: the traditional approach with raised lettering and logo adhered
to the wall or a wall board for mobility; or an artist's rendering for a
wall mural as illustrated in the colored photos circulated to the Board.
President Horel supported the raised lettering with District logo done
by a professional design company, possibly in a frame, versus a wall
mural.
· Implementation dependent upon Board consensus.
GENERAL COUNSEL'S REPORT-(Price): None
COMMITTEE AND DELEGATE REPORTS:
Communications Center Delegate-(Vanderveen)
§ Next meeting: November 27, 2001 at 10:30 a.m.
Regional Fire & Rescue Training JPA-(Stewart)
§ Next Meeting Date: TBA
Policy Committee-(Goold)
§ Next meeting: December 12, 2001 at 5 p.m.
Finance Committee-(Vanderveen)
§ Next meeting: November 29, 2001 at 5 p.m.
BOARD MEMBER QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS
Engellenner:
No meeting prior to the holiday--wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Charles A. Horel, President Gay Jones, Secretary
Charlotte Tilson, Clerk of the Board
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