Fire Commission - January 13, 2021

1/13/20 Regular Commission Meeting (Remote)

Fire Commission Regular Meeting

January 13, 2021 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

 

AGENDA

 

Remote Meeting via video and teleconferencing (see below links and phone numbers)

 

This meeting is being held by Webex pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Orders, and the Mayoral Proclamations Declaring the Existence of a Local Emergency.

 

During the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) emergency, the Fire Commission’s regular meeting room at City Hall is closed, and meetings of the Fire Commission will convene remotely.

 

Watch live at www.sfgovtv.org

 

Participating During Public Comment: By Phone

 

Public Comment Call in number is: 

 

1-415-655-0001

Access Code:  146 991 3895

 

Members of the public will have opportunities to participate during public comment. The public is asked to wait for the agenda item before making a comment on that item. Comments will be addressed in the order they are received. When the moderator announces that the Commission is taking public comment, members of the public can:

  1. Raise hand” by pressing * 3 and you will be queued.
  2. Callers will hear silence when waiting for your turn to speak. Operator will unmute you.
  3. When prompted, callers will have the standard three minutes to provide comment.
  • Ensure you are in a quiet location.
  • Speak clearly.
  • Turn off any TVs or radios around you.

 

 

Item No.
1.         ROLL CALL

 

President

Francee Covington

Vice President

Katherine Feinstein

Commissioner

Stephen A. Nakajo

Commissioner

Ken Cleaveland

Commissioner

Tony Rodriguez

 

 

Chief of Department

Jeanine Nicholson

2.         GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT

Members of the public may address the Commission for up to three minutes on any matter within the Commission’s jurisdiction that does not appear on the agenda.  Speakers shall address their remarks to the Commission as a whole and not to individual Commissioners or Department personnel.  Commissioners are not to enter into debate or discussion with a speaker.  The lack of a response by the Commissioners or Department personnel does not necessarily constitute agreement with or support of statements made during public comment.

 

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

Discussion and possible action to approve meeting minutes.

 

  • Minutes from Regular Meeting on December 9, 2020.
  • Minutes from Special Meeting on December 18, 2020

 

4.         CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT’S REPORT [Discussion]

REPORT FROM CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT, JEANINE NICHOLSON

Report on current issues, activities, and events within the Department since the Fire Commission meeting on December 9, 2020, including budget, academies, special events, communications and outreach to other government agencies and the public.

 

REPORT FROM OPERATIONS, DEPUTY CHIEF BRYAN RUBENSTEIN

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

 

  1. OVERVIEW OF THE CITY’S BUDGET INSTRUCTIONS AND PROCESS FOR FISCAL YEARS 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 [Discussion]

Discussion and overview of the City’s budget and Fire Department instructions and process for FY 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.

 

  1. REPORT ON Fiscal Years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 CAPITAL BUDGET REQUESTS [Discussion and possible action]

Report from the Department’s Deputy Director of Finance and Planning on the Department’s FY 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 Capital budget requests.

 

7.         FIRE COMMISSION ANNUAL STATEMENT OF PURPOSE 2021 [Discussion and possible action]

Discussion and possible action to adopt the 2021 Annual Statement of Purpose.
 

8.         COMMISSION REPORT [Discussion]

Report on Commission activities since last meeting on December 9, 2020.

 

9.         FIRE COMMISSION MEETING CALENDAR 2021 [Discussion and possible action]

Discussion and possible action to adopt the 2021 Fire Commission Regular Meeting calendar.

 

10.       FIRE COMMISSION ELECTION OF OFFICERS [Discussion and possible action]

a. Nomination and election of Commission President.

b. Nomination and election of Commission Vice-President.

 

11.       AGENDA FOR NEXT AND FUTURE FIRE COMMISSION MEETINGS [Discussion]
Discussion regarding agenda for next and future Fire Commission meetings.

 

12.       ADJOURNMENT      

San Francisco Fire Commission

 

NOTICE OF COMMISSION PROCEDURES

 

 

Commission Meeting Schedule and Location

 

The Fire Commission will meet regularly on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at San Francisco City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102. The second Wednesday in Room 416 at 9:00 a.m. and the fourth Wednesday in Room 400 at 5:00 p.m.

 

Commission Office

 

The Fire Commission Office is located at 698 Second Street, Room 220, San Francisco, CA 94107. The Fire Commission telephone number is (415) 558-3451; the fax number is (415) 558-3413. The web address is http://sf-fire.org/fire-commission-home.  Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

 

Language Access

 

Per the Language Access Ordinance (Chapter 91 of the San Francisco Administrative Code), Chinese, Spanish and or Filipino (Tagalog) interpreters will be available upon requests. Meeting Minutes may be translated, if requested, after they have been adopted by the Commission.  Assistance in additional languages may be honored whenever possible. To request assistance with these services please contact the Commission Secretary at (415) 558-3451, or fire.commission@sfgov.org at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing.  Late requests will be honored if possible.

 

Information on Disability Access

 

The hearing rooms in City Hall are wheelchair accessible.  The closest accessible BART station is the Civic Center Station at United Nations Plaza and Market Street. Accessible MUNI lines serving this location are: #42 Downtown Loop, and #71 Haight/Noriega and the F Line to Market and Van Ness and the Metro Stations at Van Ness and Market and at Civic Center. For information about MUNI accessible services call (415) 923-6142. There is accessible curbside parking adjacent to City Hall on Grove Street and Van Ness Avenue and in the vicinity of the Veterans Building at 401 Van Ness Avenue adjacent to Davies Hall and the War Memorial Complex.  For more information about MUNI accessible services, call (415) 701-4485.

 

To obtain a disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, to participate in the meeting, please contact the Commission Secretary at least two business days before the meeting at (415) 558-3451 to make arrangements.  Late requests will be honored, if possible.

 

To assist the City’s efforts to accommodate persons with severe allergies, environmental illnesses, multiple chemical sensitivity or related disabilities, attendees at public meetings are reminded that other attendees may be sensitive to various chemical based products. Please help the City to accommodate these individuals.

 

Policy on use of Cell Phones, Pagers and Similar Sound-Producing Electronic Devices at and During Public Meetings

 

The ringing and use of cell phones, pagers and similar sound-producing electronic devices are prohibited at Fire Commission meetings. Please be advised that the Chair may order the removal from the meeting room of any person(s) responsible for the ringing or use of a cell phone, pager, or other similar sound-producing electronic device.

 

Documents for Public Inspection

 

Documents referred to in this agenda, if not otherwise exempt from disclosure, are available for public inspection and copying at the Fire Commission Office.  If any materials related to an item on this agenda are distributed to the Fire Commission after distribution of the agenda packet, those materials, if not otherwise exempt from disclosure, are also available for public inspection at the Fire Commission Office, 698 Second Street, room 220, San Francisco, during normal office hours.

 

Know Your Rights under the Sunshine Ordinance

(Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code)

 

Government's duty is to serve the public, reaching its decisions in full view of the public. Commissions, boards, councils and other agencies of the City and County exist to conduct the people’s business. This ordinance assures that deliberations are conducted before the people and that City operations are open to the people’s review.  For more information on your rights under the sunshine ordinance or to report a violation of the ordinance, contact the sunshine ordinance task force. You may contact the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force Administrator, as follows: Sunshine Ordinance Task Force, City Hall, Room 244, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102-4689, Phone: (415) 554-7724, Fax: (415) 554-5784, E-mail: sotf@sfgov.org. Copies of the Sunshine Ordinance can be obtained from the Clerk of the Sunshine Task Force, the San Francisco Public Library and on the City’s Web site at http://www.sfgov.org.

 

San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance

 

Individuals and entities that influence or attempt to influence local policy or administrative action may be required by the San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance (San Francisco Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code sections 2.100 – 2.160) to register and report lobbying activity. For more information about the Lobbyist Ordinance, please contact the Ethics Commission at 30 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 3900, San Francisco, CA 94102, telephone (415) 581-2300, fax (415) 581-2317 and Web site: http://www.sfgov.org/ethics/.

 

 

    Agenda

    Fire Commission Regular Meeting

    January 13, 2021 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

     

    AGENDA

     

    Remote Meeting via video and teleconferencing (see below links and phone numbers)

    This meeting is being held by Webex pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Orders, and the Mayoral Proclamations Declaring the Existence of a Local Emergency.

    During the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) emergency, the Fire Commission’s regular meeting room at City Hall is closed, and meetings of the Fire Commission will convene remotely.

    Watch live at www.sfgovtv.org

    Participating During Public Comment: By Phone

    Public Comment Call in number is: 

    1-415-655-0001

    Access Code:  146 991 3895

     

    Members of the public will have opportunities to participate during public comment. The public is asked to wait for the agenda item before making a comment on that item. Comments will be addressed in the order they are received. When the moderator announces that the Commission is taking public comment, members of the public can:

    1. Raise hand” by pressing * 3 and you will be queued.
    2. Callers will hear silence when waiting for your turn to speak. Operator will unmute you.
    3. When prompted, callers will have the standard three minutes to provide comment.
    • Ensure you are in a quiet location.
    • Speak clearly.
    • Turn off any TVs or radios around you.

     

     

    Item No.
    1.         ROLL CALL

     

    President

    Francee Covington

    Vice President

    Katherine Feinstein

    Commissioner

    Stephen A. Nakajo

    Commissioner

    Ken Cleaveland

    Commissioner

    Tony Rodriguez

     

     

    Chief of Department

    Jeanine Nicholson

    2.         GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT

    Members of the public may address the Commission for up to three minutes on any matter within the Commission’s jurisdiction that does not appear on the agenda.  Speakers shall address their remarks to the Commission as a whole and not to individual Commissioners or Department personnel.  Commissioners are not to enter into debate or discussion with a speaker.  The lack of a response by the Commissioners or Department personnel does not necessarily constitute agreement with or support of statements made during public comment.

     

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

    Discussion and possible action to approve meeting minutes.

     

    • Minutes from Regular Meeting on December 9, 2020.
    • Minutes from Special Meeting on December 18, 2020

     

    4.         CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT’S REPORT [Discussion]

    REPORT FROM CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT, JEANINE NICHOLSON

    Report on current issues, activities, and events within the Department since the Fire Commission meeting on December 9, 2020, including budget, academies, special events, communications and outreach to other government agencies and the public.

     

    REPORT FROM OPERATIONS, DEPUTY CHIEF BRYAN RUBENSTEIN

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

     

    1. OVERVIEW OF THE CITY’S BUDGET INSTRUCTIONS AND PROCESS FOR FISCAL YEARS 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 [Discussion]

    Discussion and overview of the City’s budget and Fire Department instructions and process for FY 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.

     

    1. REPORT ON Fiscal Years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 CAPITAL BUDGET REQUESTS [Discussion and possible action]

    Report from the Department’s Deputy Director of Finance and Planning on the Department’s FY 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 Capital budget requests.

     

    7.         FIRE COMMISSION ANNUAL STATEMENT OF PURPOSE 2021 [Discussion and possible action]

    Discussion and possible action to adopt the 2021 Annual Statement of Purpose.
     

    8.         COMMISSION REPORT [Discussion]

    Report on Commission activities since last meeting on December 9, 2020.

     

    9.         FIRE COMMISSION MEETING CALENDAR 2021 [Discussion and possible action]

    Discussion and possible action to adopt the 2021 Fire Commission Regular Meeting calendar.

     

    10.       FIRE COMMISSION ELECTION OF OFFICERS [Discussion and possible action]

    a. Nomination and election of Commission President.

    b. Nomination and election of Commission Vice-President.

     

    11.       AGENDA FOR NEXT AND FUTURE FIRE COMMISSION MEETINGS [Discussion]
    Discussion regarding agenda for next and future Fire Commission meetings.

     

    12.       ADJOURNMENT      

    San Francisco Fire Commission

     

    NOTICE OF COMMISSION PROCEDURES

     

     

    Commission Meeting Schedule and Location

     

    The Fire Commission will meet regularly on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at San Francisco City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102. The second Wednesday in Room 416 at 9:00 a.m. and the fourth Wednesday in Room 400 at 5:00 p.m.

     

    Commission Office

     

    The Fire Commission Office is located at 698 Second Street, Room 220, San Francisco, CA 94107. The Fire Commission telephone number is (415) 558-3451; the fax number is (415) 558-3413. The web address is http://sf-fire.org/fire-commission-home.  Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

     

    Language Access

     

    Per the Language Access Ordinance (Chapter 91 of the San Francisco Administrative Code), Chinese, Spanish and or Filipino (Tagalog) interpreters will be available upon requests. Meeting Minutes may be translated, if requested, after they have been adopted by the Commission.  Assistance in additional languages may be honored whenever possible. To request assistance with these services please contact the Commission Secretary at (415) 558-3451, or fire.commission@sfgov.org at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing.  Late requests will be honored if possible.

     

    Information on Disability Access

     

    The hearing rooms in City Hall are wheelchair accessible.  The closest accessible BART station is the Civic Center Station at United Nations Plaza and Market Street. Accessible MUNI lines serving this location are: #42 Downtown Loop, and #71 Haight/Noriega and the F Line to Market and Van Ness and the Metro Stations at Van Ness and Market and at Civic Center. For information about MUNI accessible services call (415) 923-6142. There is accessible curbside parking adjacent to City Hall on Grove Street and Van Ness Avenue and in the vicinity of the Veterans Building at 401 Van Ness Avenue adjacent to Davies Hall and the War Memorial Complex.  For more information about MUNI accessible services, call (415) 701-4485.

     

    To obtain a disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, to participate in the meeting, please contact the Commission Secretary at least two business days before the meeting at (415) 558-3451 to make arrangements.  Late requests will be honored, if possible.

     

    To assist the City’s efforts to accommodate persons with severe allergies, environmental illnesses, multiple chemical sensitivity or related disabilities, attendees at public meetings are reminded that other attendees may be sensitive to various chemical based products. Please help the City to accommodate these individuals.

     

    Policy on use of Cell Phones, Pagers and Similar Sound-Producing Electronic Devices at and During Public Meetings

     

    The ringing and use of cell phones, pagers and similar sound-producing electronic devices are prohibited at Fire Commission meetings. Please be advised that the Chair may order the removal from the meeting room of any person(s) responsible for the ringing or use of a cell phone, pager, or other similar sound-producing electronic device.

     

    Documents for Public Inspection

     

    Documents referred to in this agenda, if not otherwise exempt from disclosure, are available for public inspection and copying at the Fire Commission Office.  If any materials related to an item on this agenda are distributed to the Fire Commission after distribution of the agenda packet, those materials, if not otherwise exempt from disclosure, are also available for public inspection at the Fire Commission Office, 698 Second Street, room 220, San Francisco, during normal office hours.

     

    Know Your Rights under the Sunshine Ordinance

    (Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code)

     

    Government's duty is to serve the public, reaching its decisions in full view of the public. Commissions, boards, councils and other agencies of the City and County exist to conduct the people’s business. This ordinance assures that deliberations are conducted before the people and that City operations are open to the people’s review.  For more information on your rights under the sunshine ordinance or to report a violation of the ordinance, contact the sunshine ordinance task force. You may contact the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force Administrator, as follows: Sunshine Ordinance Task Force, City Hall, Room 244, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102-4689, Phone: (415) 554-7724, Fax: (415) 554-5784, E-mail: sotf@sfgov.org. Copies of the Sunshine Ordinance can be obtained from the Clerk of the Sunshine Task Force, the San Francisco Public Library and on the City’s Web site at http://www.sfgov.org.

     

    San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance

     

    Individuals and entities that influence or attempt to influence local policy or administrative action may be required by the San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance (San Francisco Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code sections 2.100 – 2.160) to register and report lobbying activity. For more information about the Lobbyist Ordinance, please contact the Ethics Commission at 30 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 3900, San Francisco, CA 94102, telephone (415) 581-2300, fax (415) 581-2317 and Web site: http://www.sfgov.org/ethics/.

     

     

    FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING

    MINUTES

    Tuesday, January 13, 2021 – 9:00 a.m.

    This meeting was held remotely on WebEx

     

     

     

    The Video can be viewed by clicking this link:  https://sanfrancisco.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=180&clip_id=37503

     

    President Covington called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m.

     

    Commission President

    Francee Covington

    Present

    Commission Vice President

    Katherine Feinstein

    Present

    Commissioner

    Stephen Nakajo

    Present

    Commissioner

    Ken Cleaveland

    Present

    Commissioner

    Tony Rodriguez

    Present

     

     

     

    Chief of Department

    Jeanine Nicholson

    Present.

     

    Bryan Rubenstein

    Deputy Chief -- Operations

    Jose Velo

    Deputy Chief --Administration

     

     

    Joel Sato

    Division of Training

    Sandy Tong

    EMS

    Mark Johnson

    Airport Division

    Dan DeCossio

    Bureau of Fire Prevention

    Dawn DeWitt

    Support Services

    Erica Arteseros

    Homeland Security

    Natasha Parks

    Health and Wellness

     

     

     

    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 December 9, 2020.

     

    Vice President Feinstein Moved to approve the minutes and Commissioner Cleaveland Seconded.  The motion was unanimous.

     

    • Minutes from Special Meeting on December 18, 2020

     

    Commissioner Cleaveland moved to approve the minutes and Vice President Feinstein Seconded.  The motion was unanimous. 

     

    There was no public comment.

     

    4.         CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT’S REPORT [Discussion]

    REPORT FROM CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT, JEANINE NICHOLSON

    Report on current issues, activities, and events within the Department since the Fire Commission meeting on December 9, 2020, including budget, academies, special events, communications, and outreach to other government agencies and the public.

     

    Chief Nicholson reported on activities since the last meeting on December 9, 2020.  She gave an update on the COVID Vaccination effort by stating that 935 members have received the first round of vaccination, 400 more have signed up to receive it and 255 members declined to receive the vaccine.  She mentioned that there are currently 36 members in quarantine and 107 members have tested positive since the start of the virus.  She stated that DPH is working on a vaccination plan, and the Department is ready to assist in any way and that so far, 60 members have taken the training to be able to give the vaccine and they are just waiting to be called upon.  Regarding the Street Crisis Response Team, she announced they are ramping up as well as preparing a bump class for the H-3 Level 1 EMT’s, and a community paramedicine class for the paramedics at Station 49.  Chief Nicholson stated that Chief Parks has been doing a great job in leading the communication effort with the members on the importance of mental health.  She announced that the Department’s Racial Equity Action Plan has been posted on the website and is the first step in moving the department forward in a productive way.  She touched on the budget, where the mayor has provided initial budget instructions and all departments have been asked to submit a budget in late February that includes reductions of 7.5 percent plus a 2.5 percent contingency should the City’s fiscal condition worsen.  She mentioned that they have been having internal meetings about the budget with the focus in mind of presenting the vital needs and how they will advocate for them.

     

    Vice President Feinstein asked about the rollout of the vaccination plan as we are 10 months into the pandemic and it doesn’t appear that the city has a plan to roll it out in any logical manner and the fact that what in the normal scope of what it is the Fire Department does, such as the paramedics intubate people and insert IVs, she wonders why they would they need more training to give a vaccination.  Chief Nicholson responded that the Department sent a plan to the COVID Command Center late last year and that plan was rejected, and they recently resubmitted it again and as of now, it still has not been accepted.  She added that Chief Tong and her folks worked hard on the plan and they could be out there administering vaccines right now, but they were not given that opportunity.  She mentioned that the community trusts the Department members, they have the expertise, the people, the vehicles, and facilities to conduct vaccinations but are waiting for direction from DPH and DEM which has been frustrating.  She added that many other fire Departments throughout the state play an integral role in vaccinating folks.  Vice President Feinstein confirmed that the reason the Department's plan was rejected was that they had to work within their parameters and with their people and they wanted a roster of members every day that they could pick and choose from to come have them work on private ambulance companies that they have hired and there was no way she was going to let her union members work on private ambulances.

     

    Commissioner Rodriguez confirmed that they get reimbursed for their efforts at the COVID Command Center as well as some of the challenges the Department is having with the local EMSA agency in terms of operations and regulations.

     

    Commissioner Cleaveland expressed his frustration with the issue of a lack of a rollout for the vaccination.

     

    Commissioner Nakajo confirmed that that most of the members that have tested positive for COVID have returned to work.

     

    President Covington stated that she is quite dismayed with the roadblocks that have been put up and there has been a problem with the roll out clear across the country and she does not understand why this is happening, why people who are used to giving shots are not being deployed to do so as the members stand ready and prepared to do the work and the fact that they have not been allowed to do it is appalling.  She confirmed that the COVID Command Center committee is a combination of DPH and DEM personnel running the operations for the COVID response and they have a subsection dedicated to the vaccination project.  She suggested reaching out to the Health Commission and relay the frustration on the part of the Fire Department to get the job done and to keep people safe.

     

    There was no public comment.

     

    REPORT FROM OPERATIONS, DEPUTY CHIEF BRYAN RUBENSTEIN

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

     

    Chief Rubenstein’s Operations report covered November and December 2020.  He mentioned that Fire Suppression responded to 2,000 building alarms over the reporting period as well as several gas leaks, homeless encampment fires, cliff and surf rescues, and two third alarm fires, one at 4257 23rd Street and a high-rise fire on the 11th floor at 440 Davis Court.  He stated that all companies did a tremendous job.  He talked about hazards relating to solar panels on roofs which are highly regulated.  He added that there are state regulations within the state fire code and electrical code requirements and local permitting regulations to ensure safety.  He stated that garbage truck fires are becoming more common as people are disposing batteries from scooters to hoverboards and when they get crushed in the garbage truck it can cause the trash to ignite.

     

    Chief Rubenstein touched on the EMS Division and stated that a rescue captain and ambulance crew helped at a skilled nursing facility for 13 hours and that one of the contingencies in the city is to use first responders to step in when the facility isn’t able to provide services to its patients.  There was a COVID outbreak at the facility and they did not have healthy employees to work so they called the SFFD for help.  Normally they would evacuate the facility but because of the pandemic there was nowhere to take them, so the Department provided the services, and it was a success.  He touched on Fire Prevention and Investigations where Fire Marshal DeCossio has been very creative and forward-thinking trying to figure out how to get materials and plans to inspectors in the field.  He stated that the Division of Homeland Security Chief Arteseros is doing more jobs. 

     

    President Covington was glad to hear that Firefighter Matt Vann has been released from the hospital.

     

    Commissioner Nakajo thanked Chief Rubenstein for his comprehensive report and confirmed that the high-rise fire was on the 11th floor and may have been caused by a scooter battery being charged that started as an electrical fire.  He confirmed that older high-rise buildings are not sprinklered and the elevators are not safe when there is a fire, so the firefighters had to climb the stairs with hoses, air packs, masks, and turnouts and that the members did a great job, and the incident commander took care of business as well.  He expressed his appreciation for the successful response to the skilled nursing facility for 13 hours.  He also suggested getting an update soon from Fire Marshal Chief DeCossio and Chief Johnson at SFO.

     

    Commissioner Cleaveland thanked Chief Rubenstein for his comprehensive report and confirmed that during the reporting period there were 18 surf/bay rescues, 30 encampment fires, 20 cooking fires, seven cliff rescues, 13 vehicle accidents, and 2 third alarm fires.  He also confirmed that a yellow alert is a way they can tell the entire system that there is the potential for a lot of victims to be transported to the hospital.  He also agreed that it would be a good idea to have a more in-depth report from Chief DeCossio.  He acknowledged the EMS members and that his heart goes out to them for what they must deal with daily and the challenges that they face.  He added that he cannot imagine a kinder gentler city than San Francisco when it comes to those that are alcohol and drug-addicted and mentally ill and he doesn't understand why judges in this city don't remand people for treatment and get them off the streets.  He also confirmed how ambulances transport to specific hospitals work, including patient preference, location of the call, and type of trauma and that EMSA is working on a distribution process to more evenly transport.

     

    Vice President Feinstein thanked Chief Rubenstein for his report and thanked Chief Tong for the detailed data outlined in her report.  She confirmed what some of the data referred to, such as 90 percent of the time, the calls fall within the time frame listed.  Chief Tong added that Jesus Mora is the keeper of all the Department’s data and is a mastermind.  Vice President Feinstein added that she thinks the citizens and city government needs to know how incredibly well they are served by being in San Francisco should they confront an emergency.  She also confirmed that some of the shared spaces that have been built for dining outdoors do not look safe and that the Department’s role is to make sure that the fire code is met, and they have access.  The actual structure is inspected by DPW and DBI.

     

    Commissioner Rodriguez commended Chief Rubenstein on his detailed report and confirmed cooking fires could be a pot of soup burning that creates enough smoke to set off an alarm and a building alarm is when they get notification from either an alarm company or from an occupant that can hear an alarm in their building.

     

    President Covington acknowledged thick and heavy report outs are fine with her and the more details the better.  She added that she thinks it is incredible with a building that has no sprinklers and standpipes that everyone was able to do exactly what they needed to do under very trying circumstances and it is why they do so much training and why they have a wonderful Division of Training in two different places.  She also mentioned that there were more cooking fires in December because of the holidays and more people were cooking.  She also suggested adding the dollar amount of damage caused by fires as well as how many members responded to a particular fire in future reports.

     

     

    There was no public comment.

     

    1. OVERVIEW OF THE CITY’S BUDGET INSTRUCTIONS AND PROCESS FOR FISCAL YEARS 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 [Discussion]

    Discussion and overview of the City’s budget and Fire Department instructions and process for FY 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.

     

    Mark Corso provided a brief overview of the budget instructions from the Mayor’s office as they kick off the budget process for fiscal year 21-22, 22-23 and it is similar to previous years.  He touched on the transparency legislation that was passed by the Board of Supervisors in 2019 but went into effect last month.  He mentioned that the city is looking at approximately a 653-million-dollar projected budget deficit for the next two years with anticipated deficits to continue over the next five years.  He added that to meet the significant 653-million-dollar deficit, departments were requested to submit reduction proposals of 7 and a half percent of general fund support in ongoing reductions in each of the two fiscal years, as well as two and a half percent contingencies in both fiscal years as well.  What that means for the Fire Department is a reduction of 8 million dollars.  He mentioned that they are looking at creative solutions to address these issues.  He stated that the budget submittal is February 22, 2021, and the Department's goal is to maintain frontline services and the different types of services they provide are very crucial to the city’s overall response in addition to continuing to support employees and provide sufficient resources for them as well as equity along the mayor’s lines and city initiatives, both internally and externally.  .His presentation is attached:  https://sf-fire.org/sites/default/files/COMMISSION/Fire%20Commission%20Support%20Documents%202015/Commission%20Presentation%20-%2021%2001%2013%20Budget%20Instructions.pdf

     

    Commissioner Nakajo thanked Director Corso for his report and noted that there are dire and dismal realities in the city and county of San Francisco in terms of COVID and he confirmed that the deficit for the city is 653.2 million dollars.  He added that it is a heavy chunk when your personnel and service-related, but he will wait for the work that they are going to do with the Budget Committee in terms of how to deal with and adhere to the stark cold reality of the budget deficit.  He confirmed that the transparency legislation is to allow the public to have better input in the process of departments formulating their budgets.  Commissioner Nakajo expressed his appreciation for the work Director Corso put into his presentation.

     

    There was no public comment.

     

    1. REPORT ON Fiscal Years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 CAPITAL BUDGET REQUESTS [Discussion and possible action]

    Report from the Department’s Deputy Director of Finance and Planning on the Department’s FY 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 Capital budget requests.

     

     

    Director Corso announced that this is an action item and provided an overview stating that all city departments are required to submit their capital requests to the Capital Planning Committee by January 22, 2021, and over the next few months, the departments can present their needs.  He provided the Departments capital budget breakdown attached here:  https://sf-fire.org/sites/default/files/COMMISSION/Fire%20Commission%20Support%20Documents%202015/Capital%20FY2022%20FY2023%20210107.pdf

     

    Director Corso’s PowerPoint Presentation is attached here:  https://sf-fire.org/sites/default/files/COMMISSION/Fire%20Commission%20Support%20Documents%202015/Commission%20Presentation%20-%2021%2001%2013%20Capital%20Budget.pdf

     

    Vice President Feinstein thanked Mr. Corso for his presentation and confirmed that the department’s overall budget is approximately 420 million dollars and includes operations, admin, airport, and every fund that they have.  Mr. Corso added that 90 percent of that amount is for salary and benefits which is pretty much frontline operations.  Vice President Feinstein stated that it concerns her to see some of the capital projects deferred.  She confirmed that alternative sources of funding they are looking at are grants and partnering with other entities.  She also confirmed that the Capital Planning Committee was set up about 20 years ago and they're responsible for approval of all city capital projects and it's headed by the city administrator's office, with one representative from the Board of Supervisor's Office, the Mayor's office and several city departments.

     

    Commissioner Nakajo confirmed that this item was an action item.  He also at one time suggested approaching private vendors to improve or help with repairs but was told there were restrictions on who can be used.  He also added that the current dilemma of the budget deficit and many of the budget discussions is because of the pandemic and the COVID results.  He also mentioned that regarding the Chief’s residence he thinks it would be a mortal sin to sell it without trying to pursue the longevity that is in this at some point when COVID has ended. 

     

    Commissioner Rodriguez confirmed that all the listed projects would be eligible theoretically under the bond program but given funding limitations, they are unable to include them in the scope at this time and have a larger need than the amount of funding that has been allocated through the ESER program.

     

    Commissioner Cleaveland thanked Mr. Corso for his comprehensive report and stated he had a lot of concerns about the capital budget deficit.  He added that they have 55 million dollars’ worth of needs and 900 thousand dollars to which to address them and he concurs with Vice President Feinstein that they need to do more partnering to find alternative sources of funding.  He suggested reaching out to the private sector for some of the deficits, such as the painters union when firehouses need painting or the plumber’s union when they have plumbing issues.  He confirmed that the 900-thousand-dollar estimate is a one-year allocation through June 30, 2021.  He also confirmed that the $900,000 goes to all the maintenance and repair along with their equipment purchases and they prioritize repairs based on need.  He stated that his observations are that they have a critical number of needs and very little money to address those needs.  He suggested selling the Chief’s residence as it is falling and is not being used.  Chief Nicholson responded to say that they are currently using the Chief’s residence as offices and it is also an important piece of history and she would like to keep it in the Department.

     

    President Covington stated that for a number of years, Commissioner Cleaveland has been talking about forming “Friends of the San Francisco Fire Department and she would like for him to revisit that because now they need an entity more than ever.  She also commented that the department has a plethora of committees, but they do not have a grants committee and it is something that she has been asking for a long time.  Chief Velo explained how the various committees work, and added that they all work on requesting grants, along with the grant writer, Director Corso, and Chief Arteseros.  President Covington thinks it is a tremendous oversight that they do not have a grants committee and thinks they need to formalize one.  She also suggested that they bring back former employees on a 960 basis to work on the grants committee.

     

    Commissioner Nakajo added that Chief Sullivan perished in that house when the 1906 earthquake occurred. He recalls over the years; they have sold different properties but not one with historical value.

     

    Commissioner Nakajo Moved to approve the Capital Budget as presented.  Commissioner Cleaveland Seconded and the motion was unanimous.

     

    There was no public comment.

     

    7.         FIRE COMMISSION ANNUAL STATEMENT OF PURPOSE 2021 [Discussion and possible action]

    Discussion and possible action to adopt the 2021 Annual Statement of Purpose.

     

    Commissioner Secretary Conefrey read the Statement into the record.

     

    Discussion took place to potentially add to the Statement of Purpose, so President Covington tabled the item for a future meeting.

     

    There was no public comment.

     

    8.         COMMISSION REPORT [Discussion]

    Report on Commission activities since last meeting on December 9, 2020.

     

    The commissioners had nothing to report.

     

    There was no public comment.

     

    9.         FIRE COMMISSION MEETING CALENDAR 2021 [Discussion and possible action]

    Discussion and possible action to adopt the 2021 Fire Commission Regular Meeting calendar.

     

    Vice President Feinstein moved to adopt the 2021 Fire Commission Calendar and Commissioner Cleaveland Seconded.  The motion was unanimous. 

     

    There was no public comment.

     

    10.       FIRE COMMISSION ELECTION OF OFFICERS [Discussion and possible action]

     

    a. Nomination and election of Commission President.

     

    President Covington nominated Vice President Feinstein for Commission President.  Commissioner Rodriguez seconded and the nomination for Commission President was unanimously approved.

     

    b. Nomination and election of Commission Vice-President.

     

    Commissioner Cleaveland nominated Commissioner Rodriguez for Commission Vice President.  Commissioner Nakajo seconded and the nomination for Commission Vice President was unanimously approved.

     

    Vice President Feinstein thanked President Covington, who has taken her under her wing and taught her an awful lot about the ins and outs of the Fire Commission.  She also thanked her fellow commissioners and Commission Secretary, Maureen, Chief Nicholson, and her command staff, both current and retired.    She added that she looks forward to having a whole lot of fun with Commissioner Rodriguez and the rest of the commission as she takes over as President. 

     

    There was no public comment.

     

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

    Discussion regarding agenda for next and future Fire Commission meetings.

     

    • Update on our search for a new location for our training facility.

     

    Commissioner Nakajo thanked President Covington for serving as President during challenging times over the last year.

     

    There was no public comment.

     

    12.       ADJOURNMENT President Covington adjourned the meeting at 12: 25p.m.