Fire Commission - April 10, 2019

 

 

The Video can be viewed by clicking this link:  http://sanfrancisco.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=180&clip_id=32…

 

President Nakajo called the meeting to order at 9:03 a.m.

 

1. ROLL CALL

 

Commission President Stephen Nakajo Present

Commission Vice President Francee Covington Present

Commissioner Michael Hardeman Present

Commissioner Ken Cleaveland Excused

Commissioner Joe Alioto Veronese Present 

 

Chief of Department Joanne Hayes-White Present.

 

Mark Gonzales Deputy Chief -- Operations

Jeanine Nicholson Deputy Chief --Administration

 

Andy Zanoff EMS

Dan DeCossio Bureau of Fire Prevention

Tony Rivera Support Services

Michael Cochran Homeland Security

Khai Ali Airport

Joel Sato Training Division

 

Assistant Chiefs

Brook Baker Division 2

Anita Paratley Division 3

 

Staff

Mark Corso Deputy Director of Finance

Olivia Scanlon Communications and Outreach

 

2. PUBLIC COMMENT

 

There was no public comment.

 

3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES [Discussion and possible action]

Discussion and possible action to approve meeting minutes.

 

• Minutes from Regular Meeting on March 27, 2019

 

Commissioner Hardeman Moved to approve the above meeting Minutes.  Commissioner Veronese Seconded.  Motion to approve Minutes was unanimous.

 

There was no public comment.

 

4. SAN FRANCISCO FIRE RESERVES TO PRESENT PLAQUE IN APPRECIATION OF CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT, JOANNE HAYES-WHITE

Commander Phil Buckley of the San Francisco Fire Reserves to present Plaque in honor of Chief Joanne Hayes-White’s service to the SFFD.

 

President Nakajo stated he had the privilege and honor of having Commander Phil Buckley and all of the members of the San Francisco Fire Reserved present at the meeting and added that Commander Buckley has served the Department well.  Commander Buckley thanked the Commission and Chief Hayes-White for letting him come and honor Chief Hayes-White for her commitment to the Fire Reserves over the years.  He added that her commitment to the reserve program has been invaluable to the program and has let them grow to where they are today and that anything that they asked for, she has always been a champion for them and they really appreciate it.  He presented a plaque to her with the deepest gratitude.  Chief Hayes-White thanked him and asked all the Reserves, active, former and current employees to stand and they received applause from the commission and audience and had their picture taken with the Chief.

 

President Nakajo asked how many reserves were in the program and Commander Buckley responded there are currently in the process of sending 32 members through an academy that they hired in March and they are coming up on their sixth week.  He confirmed that they take applications through an attrition process and they have a 20-week training program every Thursday at the Division of Training from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.  He added that they respond to greater alarm fires, and do secondary operations, outside operations, like the cleanup of hoses, set up rehab stations, refill Scott bottles and anything they can do to free up the suppression personnel to do other tasks.  He confirmed that they all work on a volunteer basis and nobody gets paid.

 

Commissioner Veronese thanked the Reserves and stated that he really appreciates their efforts and would like to see the program more institutionalized within the Fire Department.  They talked about the unique aspects and equipment of the SFFD.

 

Commissioner Hardeman congratulated Chief Hayes-White on the award the Reserves presented to her and thanked Commander Buckley for his dedication over the years and for bringing down his troops to the meeting that are also dedicated and have aspirations to work with the Fire Department.

 

Vice President Covington thanked Commander Buckley for honoring Chief Hayes-White and thanked all of the members of the Reserves and asked him to introduce his second in command.  Commander Buckley introduced Deputy Commander Ray Carbonel and Deputy Commander Veronica Pena.

 

There was no public comment.

 

5. PRESENTATION FROM THE DIVISION OF REAL ESTATE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY AT 530 SANSOME/STATION 13

John Updike, Senior Project Manager, to provide a briefing on Development Opportunity for Station 13.

 

John Updike, Senior Project Manager with the Department of Real Estate presented the following PowerPoint presentation.  He explained that the development project was born out of the Public Lands for Housing program from Mayor Lee, which was introduced in 2015 before it landed specifically on the opportunity of the site at 530 Sansome/Station 13 and was approved in June of 2015, ratified by the voters in November of 2015, which sought every opportunity that the city had of city-owned properties, that could be leverage housing opportunities on those sites, and 530 Sansome being identified as one of the opportunity sites.  He added that the Board of Supervisors passed a resolution in 2017 that urged staff to move forward with an opportunity that could utilize a return at that time to air rights or the undeveloped space above the three-story station for housing opportunities.  He stated that they looked at the opportunities above the site and what the complications and challenges would be and in 2018 the Board of Supervisors moved forward with a solicitation of proposals to see what the market indicated as possibilities for the site and they saw an opportunity to move forward with a market-rate housing development and a replacement of a brand new Fire Station and they would use the proceeds from the sale of the inclusionary housing fee revenues and direct it specifically to the site in Chinatown for affordable housing.  He added that working collaboratively with Chief Hayes-White and her staff, they put together the requirements from the Fire Department and working with the Planning Department, for the potential for housing and they issued the prospectus in mid-January, seeking developer responses to this opportunity and chose the one submitted by Related California.  He described the slides in detail as submitted by the developer and his goal was to seek the commissions input and any concerns they might have before they move forward with the next steps.

 

Vice President Covington thanked him for his presentation and asked if there were any visuals of the project.  Mr. Updike explained that they are in the very early stages in the design but he provided the attached diagrams.  He confirmed that the fire station is the one shown in red, and to the left, is the tower facility.  Vice President Covington confirmed that the project will have the highest level of seismic resiliency.  She asked what input he sought from members of Station 13.  Mr. Updike explained that throughout the process, they have been working with the command staff and during Station 13 walkthroughs, they had with prospective developers and his staff, they learned a lot from the members at the station as to their concerns, issues and what they wanted to see, which was very helpful.  Vice President Covington confirmed that the members did not direct any comments or concerns about the disruption that would ensue as a result of everyone from Station 13 having to find quarters elsewhere.  She mentioned that she hopes for a smooth transition and added that when Mayor Lee was alive, she mentioned to him a number of times that she didn't think any new fire stations without housing above for beginning firefighters and teachers should be considered.   There was continued discussion on what the different levels of the hotel and fitness center would potentially be like and it was announced the name of the hotel and fitness center is Equinox.  Vice President Covington asked Jonathan Shum, Vice President at Related California to introduce himself.  He gave a brief history of his company.  They confirmed that there will be about 200 hotel rooms and 35 residential units on top of the hotel.

 

Commissioner Hardman stated he was overwhelmed, as he wasn’t expecting such a great presentation.  He asked Chief Rivera to comment from a firefighter's perspective what he thinks of the project.  Chief Rivera stated that he has been ensuring the needs of the Department are vocalized and communicated to the developer and he thinks they are heading in the right direction at this moment and he supports having as many amenities that they can get for the firefighters. 

 

Commissioner Veronese confirmed that the square footage in the new fire station design is 22,000 square feet compared to the current square footage of around 24,000 and that is because of some efficiencies in design that are different than when it was built in the 1960s.  He also confirmed that there will be no below-market housing built at this site, that it should be completed by 2023 and that they anticipate the developer paying $10,000,000.00 of the proceeds to the city to pay for below market housing at 772 Pacific Avenue.  Commissioner Veronese asked if the city would still own the actual building that the fire department's in.  Mr. Updike responded that yes, effectively they will have a line adjustment, a swap, if you will, of a transfer of ownership upon completion of the project wherein the city will own in fee its fire station site in the after condition with easements provided for the private uses that are above and below, because, as they have two levels of parking below as well, so there will be a cross access easements to that.  He added that Related California will take ownership of the current fire station site in fee for the tower.  They discussed the different phases of the project and the benefits of having a private sector delivered project.  Commissioner Veronese asked if the Department could absorb any construction penalties as opposed to the general fund.  Mr. Updike said he would look into it.

 

President Nakajo thanked Mr. Updike for his presentation.  He appreciated how comprehensive it was and the history of how this project came about.  He confirmed that there will be about 50 to 70 units of affordable housing on the Pacific Avenue site.  He added that he thought it was an exciting concept that they’ve never really tried before.  He confirmed that there was no construction above the firehouse.  Mr. Updike added that only the one floor above the fifth level that is on top of the station, that level would be to the same seismic standard as the building, as well as the entirety of the garage supporting the project will also be to the same seismic standard and the Hotel itself has its own support system and its own fire life safety system, and is disconnected through a seismic joint, and they will ensure that both buildings perform independently and safely, and that the fire station is protected in the event of a catastrophic event.  Mr. Updike introduced his boss, Andrico Penick, the Director of Real Estate.

 

Vice President Covington asked Mr. Penick to come to the microphone and introduce himself.  She asked him if he knew of any statutes that preclude any leftover monies from coming to the Fire Department.  He responded that he would have to look into it.  She asked Mr. Updike if he has seen an incredible rise in traffic in the area because there is some concern on her part about turning radius and things of that nature.  Mr. Updike responded that he has reached out to Director Riskin to ensure they had a good team assigned to them from SFMTA to help them look at traffic mitigation options and they are continuing to ensure that they’ve got the fastest response times possible with the least obstacles.

 

There was no public comment.

 

6 CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT’S REPORT [Discussion]

REPORT FROM CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT, JOANNE HAYES-WHITE

Report on current issues, activities and events within the Department since the Fire Commission meeting on March 27, 2019, including budget, academies, special events, communications and outreach to other government agencies and the public.

 

Chief Hayes-White reported on activities since the last meeting on March 27, 2019.  Regarding the budget, she mentioned that there are ongoing discussions with the Mayor’s Office related to the balanced budget that Mayor Breed needs to submit on June 1, 2019.  She stated her staff is working with Kristina De Silva, to determine next steps as it’s related to the budget.  With regards to the academies, she mentioned that the 125th class is in their 11th week with 44 members and plans are underway for an H-3 Level 1 class to begin in July, followed by a bump up from the EMT’s moving to paramedics and then the 126th class due to begin in the fall.  She acknowledged that the Training Division was reaccredited for a period of five years by the state fire training recently and acknowledged the great work of Deputy Chief Nicholson and Assistant Deputy Chief Sato.  She touched on recent activities since the last meeting including the Chronicle Visionary Awards, a When I Grow Up event for young women, the funeral for former Fire Chief Dan Lydon in Fremont, the paramedic banquet, and the annual breakfast sponsored by the United Fire Service Women.  She announced that Chief Nicholson will be sworn in on May 6, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at City Hall.  She asked that the meeting be adjourned in the memory of retired Battalion Chief Ed Ahrens and retired Lieutenant William Touhy.

 

There was no public comment.

 

REPORT FROM OPERATIONS, DEPUTY CHIEF MARK GONZALES

Report on overall field operations, including greater alarm fires, Emergency Medical Services, Bureau of Fire Prevention & Investigation, and Airport Division.

 

Chief Gonzales reported on activities for the month of March.    He mentioned that there were three greater alarms, one was at 320 Wayland, with no injuries but four people were displaced, and the cause of the fire is undetermined.  The incident commander was temporary Assistant Chief Cherish Murdock.  He described the attack on the fire and said crews did a great job.  The second was at 461 Melrose where members did a great job with an aggressive interior attack, and this fire remains under investigation.  The third second alarm was at 1239 Athens under the command of Chief Buckley.  He touched on other notable incidents including a coastal rescue below the Cliff House, and the shooting in the Fillmore, with 5 victims.  He mentioned the Community Outreach, Education and Recruitment, the meeting with the Pacific Auxiliary Alarm Company, and the acknowledgment that PIO Jonathan Baxter sent to Chief Hayes-White’s assistant, Kelly Alves, who retired on March 30, 2019.  He presented a slide show for incidents throughout the reporting period as well as the video of the rebuild of Station 5.  He also acknowledged Chief Hayes-White and that working for her was a privilege and he learned a lot as she was a strong leader, resilient and a caregiver.  He wished Chief Nicholson luck in her new position as well as her command staff Jose Velo and Victor Wyrsch.  He touched on EMS and Fire Prevention and Investigation.  His report is attached.

 

Commissioner Hardeman commented that it was a nostalgic day, as it was Chief Gonzales's last operations report and that he has done a fantastic job and was very dedicated.  He added that whenever he had a strange question, he always got an answer from Chief Gonzales and he hoped that Chief Nicholson keeps him around. 

 

Vice President Covington stated that it is not goodbye to Chief Gonzales, as there will be time to give compliments and thanked him for his outstanding report.  She acknowledged how outgoing and knowledgeable he is and is willing to share that knowledge with the commissioners and with others in the Department and added that it been a pleasure to work with Chief Gonzales.

 

President Nakajo stated that Chief Gonzales will be greatly missed and that his dedication, loyalty and hard work over the years is greatly appreciated by the commission and the Department.  He acknowledged how his reports have grown over the years and appreciates the work that goes into to those detailed operations reports.

 

There was no public comment.

 

 

6. COMMISSION REPORT [Discussion]

Report on Commission activities since last meeting on March 27, 2019.

 

Commission Hardeman talked about his recent cruise out of Los Angeles and that he went by one of his favorite fireboat stations and mentioned the memorial they have right next to the station.

 

There was no public comment.

 

8. DRONE POLICY UPDATE [Discussion and possible action]

Update from Assistant Deputy Chief Michael Cochrane on the language changes to the Drone Policy since it’s adoption on January 9, 2019.

 

Assistant Deputy Chief Cochrane gave an update and explained the language changes that were made to the policy since January 9, 2019 and explained that once he gets final approval to send it to the state. and because it is a grant-funded drone, UASI is requesting a full policy and an OES.

 

Vice President Covington Moved to adopt the Drone Policy.  Commissioner Hardeman Seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

There was no public comment.

 

 

9. AGENDA FOR NEXT AND FUTURE FIRE COMMISSION MEETINGS [Discussion]

Discussion regarding agenda for next and future Fire Commission meetings.

 

• Resolution pertaining to Fire Reserves and employment opportunities

 

There was no public comment.

 

9. ADJOURNMENT

President Nakajo adjourned the meeting in memory of retired Battalion Chief Ed Ahrens and Lt. Edwin Touhy at 11:24 a.m.