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BOARD OF DIRECTORS - ACTION SUMMARY
Wednesday, January 9, 2002 - 6:00 p.m.
Administration Building
2101 Hurley Way, Sacramento, CA
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by President Goold. Board Members
Present: Engellenner, Goold, Granados, Horel, Jones, Stewart, Trujillo,
Valley, Vanderveen; Fire Chief Martinez, General Counsel Price, Board
Clerk Tilson.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST WITHIN
DISTRICT JURISDICTION INCLUDING ITEMS ON OR NOT ON AGENDA
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. Board Meeting Action Summary-December 12, 2001
2. District Claims-November 2001
· Board Action:
Engellenner/Granados-Approve Consent Agenda and ratify claims. Unanimous
vote in favor.
PRESENTATION ITEM(S)
1. Resolution No. 1-02-Disposal of Surplus Vehicles-(Ritter)
A Resolution declaring 22 fleet vehicles as surplus and authorizing
removal of the excess apparatus and vehicles from the fleet inventory.
· Board Action:
Stewart/Jones-Adopt the resolution. Unanimous vote in favor.
2. Fire Station Master Plan
[Taken out of order-first item on Agenda]
Presentation by Fire Chief Martinez.
§ This has been an on-going item on the District agenda for the past
several months to provide the community an opportunity for public input.
§ The District currently has 40 fire stations. An extensive study was
done to evaluate each of the fire stations, locations, and response time.
Many stations are older and no longer have a serviceability life and need
replacement, relocation or remodeling. Modifications are necessary to
house personnel and equipment.
§ Extensive public outreach for community information included two
workshops, televised meeting on September 29, a variety of community
meetings, Fire Station Master Plan posted on the District website at
www.smfd.ca.gov.
§ Purpose of the relocation plan is to maximize our effectiveness and
efficiency with current resources and provide a higher level of service.
§ Stations 107 and 110 have been scheduled for relocation for the last
few years and we are at that point today.
A number of citizens spoke relative to the Master Plan and relocation
of Stations 107 and 110 to property being negotiated for purchase at
Eastern Avenue and Berrendo Way for the construction of a new fire station
to service the Arden Park area: Gregg Fishman, Elmer Becky, Jim Atkinson,
Marie Radovich, Phyllis Tilson, Karen Klinger-distributed a flyer relative
to a meeting at the Arden Christian Church tomorrow night and a letter
from Kevin Melder who was unable to attend, Charles Cuny, Alec Tune, John
Bodley, John Courtney, Laurel Clark, Jim Franks, Bob Connors, Phillip
Montbriand, Idadell Johnson, Susan Tune, Bob Wolfe, Mariann Kearney.
Concerns included:
Ø Response time with the closure of Stations 107 and 110 and replacement
with only one new station at proposed Eastern and Berrendo site-requested
a comparative analysis
Ø Reduction in the number of firefighters with only one station
Ø No public hearings were held for community input on site purchase at
Eastern and Berrendo
Ø Configuration of proposed property site is unsuitable-too narrow and
will create a traffic hazard-Mission Avenue is a better location
Ø Improper drainage on proposed station site
Ø Number of calls
Ø Traffic congestion resulting from location on a main arterial
street/frontage road concerns
Ø Questions on location of pedestrian traffic signal light and station
access
Ø ISO insurance rates will be affected-based on a 1.5 mile travel
distance from a station to the fire with a significant portion left
uncovered
Ø Plan is not in line with NFPA 1710
Ø Questioned spending $25 million on fire stations that are larger than
needed
Ø Traffic Impact Study and Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
Ø Noise pollution
Ø Funding
Ø Safety concerns--children/Mariemont school crossing
Ø Requested review of new fire station plans
Ø Postpone final vote until concerns of the community are satisfactorily
addressed
Fire Chief Martinez stated according to the Plan, our response times
are improved--computerized data programs are being utilized to evaluate
the various elements involved; there is no added impact to public safety;
special use permits and an EIR will be done; the property on Eastern
Avenue is a strategic location; safety is very important to us and we are
attempting to relocate fire stations to better meet the needs of the
community; the rates on homeowner's insurance will not go up; an increase
in the number of firefighters is anticipated and not a decrease; the size
of apparatus has increased and larger stations in compliance with building
codes are needed; this district is very stable financially; resources are
derived primarily from the property tax revenue with approximately $9
million in reserves; the reorganization resulted in a reduction of
overhead costs; the public is invited to attend the Board meetings on the
first and third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at this location.
Members of the Board and staff thanked the public for such a good
turnout tonight and for their input; reassuring them that their concerns
will be taken into consideration.
President Goold reminded those present of the meeting being held on
January 10, 7:00-9:00 p.m., at the Arden Christian Church, 4300 Las Cruces
Way, Sacramento, stating District staff will be present to respond to
public inquiries.
RECESS AT 8:00 P.M.; RECONVENED AT 8:15 P.M.
3. Increase Board Member Compensation-(Martinez/Price)
Presentation by General Counsel Price.
§ The Fire District Law was amended in December, 2000, permitting an
increase in Board compensation from $75 to $100 per meeting/maximum of
four per month. This Board adopted the increase as part of its Policies
and Procedures. A new subsection was also added, allowing the Board
compensation to be increased by no more than 5% per year, tying the
process to existing Water District Law and permits a change from $100 to
$105. This procedure requires adoption by ordinance following a public
hearing, with an effective date 60 days thereafter. If the Board desires,
staff will prepare the necessary ordinance, schedule the public hearing--
the ordinance to be effective 60 days after its adoption.
§ Increases are not automatic; a subsequent action is required. If no
action is taken annually, the amount of increase is not accumulative.
§ Board Clerk to schedule necessary ordinance each year in the October
timeframe to facilitate a timely effective date.
· Board Action:
General consensus that staff draw up the necessary ordinance for
consideration at the next regular Board meeting.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT-(Goold)
§ Reported on the Executive Committee Meeting held today.
Standing Committee Appointments-
Finance:
Directors Horel, Jones, Valley
Policy:
Directors Granados, Trujillo, Vanderveen
Delegate and Alternate Appointments-
Regional Communications Center JPA:
Director Vanderveen, Delegate; Director Valley, Alternate
Regional Fire & Rescue JPA:
Director Stewart, Delegate; Director Trujillo, Alternate
Other Appointments-
Reserve Firefighters Qualification Review Commission:
Director Engellenner
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT-(Martinez)
§ Will be gone for one week
§ Captain Rich Andersen, Station 109-his 19-year old son was killed in
an automobile accident. Service will be held this Friday. Acknowledged
South Placer Fire Department for their support.
§ Retired Deputy Chief Raddigan-two of his grandchildren, ages 1½ and
3, were killed in an automobile accident last Sunday. The service will be
held this Saturday. Acknowledged members of the California Department of
Forestry and others for their support.
§ South Placer Fire Department lost a 21-year old firefighter-cause
currently unknown. The District has sent its condolences and offered
support.
GENERAL COUNSEL'S REPORT-(Price):
§ Requested the following two items be added to the Closed Session as
the result of activities that occurred after the posting of the Agenda and
a need to act in a timely fashion:
- Labor Negotiations pursuant to California Government Code Section
54957.6 relating to Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522 and Sacramento
Area Firefighters Local 522 for the Administrative Support Personnel (ASP)
- Real Property Negotiations pursuant to California Government Code
Section 54956.8. Real property located at 1432, 1444, and 1450 Eastern
Avenue. [See full description under Closed Session Report]
· Board Action:
Stewart/Engellenner-Approve adding both items to the Closed Session.
Unanimous vote in favor.
COMMITTEE AND DELEGATE REPORTS:
Executive Committee
§ [Under President's Report]
Communications Center Delegate-(Vanderveen)
§ Comm Center Preliminary 5-Year Master Plan distributed to the Board for
information and any direction prior to its consideration at their next
meeting on January 15, 2002 at 9:30 a.m.
Regional Fire & Rescue Training JPA-(Stewart)
§ Next meeting date to be established.
§ Thanked the Executive Committee for his reappointment
Finance Committee
§ Next meeting: January 23, 2002-5 p.m.
Policy Committee
§ Next meeting: February 6, 2002 at 5 p.m.
INFORMATIONAL ITEM(S):
Correspondence
1. Morales-Prasinos Thank You/Cummings
Newspaper Article(s)
1. Sacramento Bee, Holiday Cheer for the Children,
December 7, 2001
2. The Grapevine Independent, Little People, Big Hearts,
December 5, 2001
3. The Grapevine Independent, O Christmas Tree,
December 5, 2001
4. The Grapevine Independent, Angels Among Us,
December 19, 2001
5. Sacramento Bee "Neighbors", Residents Oppose
Proposal to Relocate Fire Station, December 27, 2001
· Board Action:
Received and filed.
CONVENE TO CLOSED SESSION AT 8:40 P.M.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION AT 8:53 P.M./CLOSED SESSION REPORT
General Counsel Price reported on the Closed Session:
(1) LABOR NEGOTIATIONS
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6
Employee Organizations: SAFF Local 522/Sacramento Metropolitan Fire
District
SAFF Local 522-Administrative Support Personnel (ASP)/Sacramento
Metropolitan Fire District
Board updated and direction given to staff. No action taken.
(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
District Negotiator: Fire Chief Rick Martinez
Board updated and direction provided to the real property negotiator.
No action taken.
BOARD MEMBER QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS
Vanderveen:
Special District Governance Seminar being held at the end of February in
San Diego. Tentatively enrolled along with Directors Jones and
Stewart-requested Board approval to attend.
· Board Action:
General consensus to approve attendance.
Director Valley also requested to attend--Board Clerk Tilson to handle
arrangements.
Requested the Board members be prepared to schedule a Board Workshop at
the next meeting to review the past year's goals and set Goals and
Objectives for the next year
Referenced a need to practice the standard logic of normally deferring
action on an item until a subsequent Board meeting instead of crunching
everything through the Committee and the Board on the same night.
Presentation/action items should occur only occasionally as a housekeeping
item. All personnel and financial matters require time to do the proper
homework and alleviate confusion in the final decision-making process.
Recommended his memo distributed with the Board packet containing a
proposal on nine items be referred to the Policy Committee for developing
recommendations back to the Board.
General consensus that the committees meet to elect a chair person and
review individual committee charters prior to forwarding issues for
consideration.
Valley:
At the workshop, we can explore methodologies to be in line with
suggestions by Director Vanderveen.
Engellenner:
Requested an update on a news report that several firefighters we sent to
New York are coming down with respiratory problems.
Fire Chief Martinez stated a determination of cause has not been made.
The Federal Government is monitoring it and information will be provided
when available.
Jones:
The California Special Districts workshop, Practicalities 2002 Governing
Together, is being held January 17 and 18 in Sacramento. Requested Board
approval for attendance to include Director Stewart.
· Board Action:
General consensus to approve attendance.
Thanked President Goold for his direction and leadership on his first
night out and a job well done.
Trujillo:
Thanked Fire Chief Martinez for his vision during the last year and
Director Horel for his leadership.
Thanked the Executive Committee for reappointing him to the Policy
Committee and as the Regional Fire & Rescue JPA Alternate.
Granados:
At the last Board meeting, an item showed that Local 522 miscellaneous
employees were given a 5% raise. He was informed by an employee that it
was 2 ½%.
Fire Chief Martinez clarified the fact that the Miscellaneous employees
in the Local 522 Firefighter's Agreement received 5%. Miscellaneous
employees in the Administrative Support Personnel (ASP) received 2½%. CPI
figures were not available at the last meeting and he was authorized to
implement the salary increases for both the Battalion Chiefs and for the
ASP group which resulted in ASP receiving 2.5% and the Battalion Chiefs a
1.5% after a 1% buy-down.
9-11 Commemoration announced on the radio-encouraged the District to
support efforts. Mike Dodd did an excellent job representing the District
in the quick event and just wanted to let everyone know that.
Horel:
Will be attending the Arden Christian Church public meeting tomorrow night
on the Fire Station Master Plan.
Congratulated President Goold for a job well done tonight in handling a
very large crowd.
Goold:
Acknowledged Fire Chief Martinez for a fine job at the State of the Union
address last evening in getting recognition of our agency.
Recommended an item for discussion at the next Board Workshop meeting
relative to improving Board efficiency and clarifying the process for
policy governance.
ADJOURNMENT: A moment of silence was declared in observance of the
tragedies that occurred within our District this week. The meeting was
adjourned at 9:14 p.m.
Grant B. Goold, President Charles A. Horel, Secretary
Charlotte Tilson, Clerk of the Board
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