Fire Commission - January 27, 2016

SAN FRANCISCO FIRE COMMISSION

 

FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING

MINUTES

Thursday, January 27, 2016 – 5:00 p.m.

City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 416, San Francisco, California, 94102

 

 

The audio recording has been uploaded to the FC Website at:  http://sanfrancisco.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=180&clip_id=24…

 

President Covington called the meeting to order at 5:02 PM.  

 

 

Commission President Francee Covington Present  

Commission Vice President Ken Cleaveland Present

Commissioner Stephen Nakajo Present

Commissioner Michael Hardeman Present

 

Chief of Department Joanne Hayes-White Present

 

Mark Gonzeles Deputy Chief - Operations

Raemona Williams Deputy Chief – Administration

 

Dan DeCossio Bureau of Fire Prevention

Richard Brown Bureau of Fire Prevention

Jeff Columbinie Division of Training

Jeff Myers EMS

 

Assistant Chiefs

Kevin Taylor Division 2

Lorrie Kalos Division 3

 

Staff

Mark Corso CFO

Jesusa Bushong Personnel Officer

 

 

Michael Petrelis spoke regarding his advocacy of the use of Firehouse toilets for the homeless.  He urged the Department to post signage of the times the firehouse public toilets are open for public use.  He submitted a flyer that he passed out to the homeless stating the times the firehouse toilets are open for everyone to use.  It lists the four fire stations closest to “tent city” at Mission and Division Streets.

 

Bill Wilson also spoke regarding access for the homeless to use fire station bathrooms.  He added that after visiting several fire stations, he came away with a greater appreciation for how caring and compassionate the people who are employed by the fire department are.  He also mentioned the letter received from Mark Gonzales.  He added that they are not asking for a new policy, but that the policy that exists be made known to the people who might need to use it.  He also stated that signage would be appreciated.

 

Discussion and possible action to approve meeting minutes.

 

a. Minutes from the regular meeting on January 13, 2016.

 

Vice President Cleaveland Moved to approve the January 13, 2016 regular meeting Minutes.  Commissioner Hardeman Seconded.  Motion to approve above Minutes was unanimous.

 

Discussion and possible action regarding proposed Resolution 2016-01, recommending that the Board of Supervisors authorize the San Francisco Fire Department accept a gift of $54,729 from the Estate of Nguey Woo, to be allocated for the purchase public education and outreach materials in conjunction with the Fire Department’s 150th Anniversary.

 

President Covington continued this item to the next Commission meeting.

Commissioner Hardeman Moved.  Vice President Cleaveland Seconded.  The Motion passed unanimously. 

 

Discussion and possible action regarding proposed Resolution 2016-02, recommending that the Board of Supervisors authorize the San Francisco Fire Department accept a gift of $72,400 from the Pastor Revocable Trust, to be allocated for the purchase public education and outreach materials in conjunction with the Fire Department’s 150th Anniversary. 

 

President Covington called for a motion to continue this item to the next Commission meeting.

Commissioner Hardeman Moved.  Vice President Cleaveland Seconded.  The Motion passed unanimously. 

 

Discussion and possible action regarding proposed Resolution 2016-03, recommending that the Board of Supervisors authorize the San Francisco Fire Department accept a gift of $12,000 from Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company for the development of a recruitment training video.

 

President Covington continued this item to the next Commission meeting.

Commissioner Hardeman Moved.  Vice President Cleaveland Seconded.  The Motion passed unanimously. 

 

Discussion and possible action regarding proposed Resolution 2016-04, recommending that the Board of Supervisors authorize the San Francisco Fire Department accept a gift of $25,000 from AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah for NERT supplies and public safety education programs and materials.

 

President Covington continued this item to the next Commission meeting.

Commissioner Hardeman Moved.  Vice President Cleaveland Seconded.  The Motion passed unanimously. 

 

Submission of draft operating budget for Commission review and discussion.

 

Mark Corso’s Budget Presentation is attached:  http://sf-fire.org/sites/default/files/COMMISSION/Fire%20Commission%20S…

 

Mr. Corso gave a brief overview of last year’s budget.  He described the budget process and mentioned that back in December, the Mayor’s Office provided budget instructions to all city departments and along with the controller’s office and the Board of Supervisors budget analyst, released their joint report which took a look at the fiscal health of the city over the next five fiscal years.  That report showed that even given the projected revenue increases that are expected to continue over the next few years, the city’s expenditure obligations are surpassing those revenue goals which is mainly due to an increase in projected pension system obligations of the City.  He added that the Mayor’s office is instructing departments to take a one and half percent reduction in the first year, and a cumulative additional one and a half percent reduction in the second year, which equals about $866,000.00 in the first year, and about 1.7 million dollars in the second year.  He stated that during the Budget Committee meetings there has been reluctance to agree to reductions.  Mr. Corso went on to recap the overall timeframe for the budget as outlined in the attached presentation.

 

Vice President Cleaveland suggested coming up with a priority list for the enhancements.  He asked if there has been any thought about how to apply the one and half percent reduction.  Mr. Corso answered there are a few possibilities, but there is a hesitancy to submit reductions given the level of needs that the Department has, but is something that can be further discussed.  Vice President Cleaveland asked if the Investigations Unit is a priority, as it’s something that the public is currently concerned about.  Mr. Corso responded that it is a priority.  Vice President Cleaveland also asked if there will be funding for outreach to communities for education on how to prevent fires.  Mr. Corso answered in the affirmative.

 

Commissioner Nakajo thanked Mr. Corso for his comprehensive presentation.  He asked for clarification on the 16-17 COIT IT project proposals.  Mr. Corso explained that some of the projects are multi-year projects that were started last fiscal year and they are requesting additional funding for next year.  Commissioner Nakajo commented that some of the IT equipment the Department has is archaic and he wants to be assured that the members get the equipment they need so it improves the level of service.  He added that he thought it was interesting that the reoccurring themes of fleet, training and staffing come up over and over again and he agrees wholeheartedly that we need a fleet vehicle replacement program.

 

Commissioner Hardeman complimented Mr. Corso for the great job he is doing and stated that he is doing the job that he was born to do.  He added that Mr. Corso detailed his presentation so efficiently with staff beforehand and he appreciates his ongoing efforts.

 

President Covington asked for more information on the restoration of Battalion 5 and what that will entail.  Mr. Corso responded that quite a few years ago, there were reductions to the Department’s operational budget that essentially closed Battalion 5.  Given the growth of the city, and both from development and from a personnel perspective, the need for an additional battalion has come up.  Chief Hayes-White added that the increase in call volume, as well as the growth in population of the city, they are interested in restoring that position.  To restore the battalion would be to have a battalion chief working 24/7 covering a district.  President Covington asked about the enhancements and recalled that last year the Department fared fairly well.  Mr. Corso stated that there were no requests for reductions last year so they submitted a request for enhancements in the amount of somewhere between 12 to 15 million dollars and they were allocated 8 million over two fiscal years.  President Covington asked for clarification on the funding source for items listed in Support Services.  Mr. Corso responded the funding source for those projects are part of the general obligation bond, both ESER program and the Public Health program.

 

REPORT FROM CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT

Report on current issues, activities and events within the Department since the Fire Commission meeting of January 13, 2016, including Fiscal Year 2015-2016 budget, staffing changes, academies, strategic planning, 150th Anniversary update, special events, communications and outreach to other government agencies and the public.

 

Chief Hayes-White’s report covered information since the last meeting which was held on January 13th.  She acknowledged the two Battalion Chiefs that were acting as Division Chiefs for the night, Kevin Taylor from Division 2 and Lorrie Kalos. From Division 3.

 

She stated that with regards to the budget, she would agree wholeheartedly with what Commissioner Hardeman said and she acknowledged the hard work of Chief Financial Officer, Mark Corso who works very diligently on presenting the budget and crunching all the numbers.  She added that the Budget Committee has met twice since the last meeting on January 14th, and then again yesterday afternoon, which she attended.  On January 20, 2016 she attended a meeting with Kate Howard, the Mayor's Budget Director, along with Mark Corso to talk about the path forward related to the budget requests that they will be submitting.  She thinks collectively they have many priorities.  The main priority is funding the fleet plan which the Commission has had the good vision of adopting as a resolution, but the frustration has been the lack of funding.  In any case, they once again emphasized the need for adequate funding.  She is cautiously optimistic that there will be some funding put toward the fleet plan and they will continue to follow up on that.  She acknowledged the Commissions vested interest and how supportive of adequate funding for the fleet plan they are.  

 

Chief Hayes-White announced that they received good news that the Health Bond which is scheduled for June of this year, where the Department is slated for 44 million dollars specified and earmarked for a new EMS facility to replace Station 49 which is located at 1415 Evans Street that the Department will receive an additional 14 million.  She added that the Bond, if it was to pass in June, they are currently evaluating where the 14 million dollars would go towards, but she’s confident that they will use the funding to continue the modernization and upgrade of all the fire Stations  She touched on staffing changes, as she reported at the last meeting and introduced the new Chief of the Division of Training, Jeff Columbini, they have conducted interviews for another vacancy that came up at the end of the year when Chief Carnes vacated the Airport Chief’s position on December 31st and she announced the selection of Assistant Deputy Chief Rudy Castellanos to oversee the Airport Division.   She asked Chief Castellanos to say a few words to the Commission and tell them little bit about himself and his career with the San Francisco Fire Department.  

 

Assistant Deputy Chief Castellanos gave the following introduction:

 

He’s been with the Fire Department for 28 and-1/2 years, the last eight or so as Battalion Chief.  Recently he’s been working in Battalion 7.  He stated that he sat in front of the Commission a few meetings ago presenting the Surf Rescue Program.  He is the Committee Chairman on the Surf Rescue Program.  He spent some time at the Airport back in 2012 as the Training Chief for approximately a year and a half and left about three weeks shy of the Asiana disaster.    He added that he is excited to be joining the staff of his fellow Assistant Deputy Chiefs and is excited to serve the Fire Department, and he looks forward to working with Chief Hayes-White, the Fire Commission, and the rest of the Command Staff.

 

Chief Hayes-White touched on the 119th Academy class that just started with 42 new members who will be joined in two weeks’ time by an additional 12 members from Station 49.  She stated that they are on track for the 120th Academy class and anticipate a starting date sometime in March.  She mentioned that she attended the Strategic Planning Committee meeting on January 21st and they broke down into subcommittees.  She added that former Commissioner Andrea Evans has been interested in remaining on that committee.  She gave a brief update on the 150th Anniversary Committee meetings.  The official kick off for the 150th Anniversary will begin with a NERT Drill on April 17, 2016 followed by the usual events on April 18th and special events throughout the year leading up to the main event on December 3rd.  She added that some of the events include the commissioning of the fireboat, in which they intend to have a naming contest for K through 8 students, a film festival, and a volunteer day.  They will capitalize on the Sunday streets events that have been very popular in the city by having a rolling display of the Departments past, present, and future; a civil celebration; and then a final event on December 3rd to cap off the celebration.

 

Chief Hayes-White touched on Super Bowl planning and acknowledged Chief Myers and Chief Francisco and everyone else who is working on this event for all of their long hours and good work they’ve put in.

 

Chief Hayes-White participated in observing a cone test to slow traffic in a couple of the corridors in the Excelsior.  She, along with the Division of Support Services and Bureau of Fire Prevention wanted to make sure the members endeavoring to take an engine or truck where they are proposing to install traffic calming measures won’t impact or impede the operations of the Department in responding to certain areas of the city.

 

Chief Hayes-White attended a meeting with the Mayor’s Office, Dr. Yeh, the Department of Public Health and the two members from the department that have been selected to participate in the EMS 6 program which is to reach out to the homeless and making sure they are getting the proper resources that they need.

 

Chief Hayes-White announced that Firefighter Keith Baraka will be the new recruit coordinator.

 

Chief Hayes-White asked that President Covington adjourn the meeting in the memory of retired Firefighter Rocco Papapietro and William Del Monte, he last known 1906 earthquake survivor.

 

Vice Present Cleaveland thanked the Chief and congratulated Chief Castellanos on his promotion.

 

Commissioner Nakajo asked if an analysis was conducted in terms of the extra 14 million from the ESER bond.  Chief Hayes-White answered yes, but the goal is to continue the work of modernizing and updating the fire stations.  Commissioner Nakajo was wondering if they have had any opportunity or are planning on reaching out to the Mission District Community to continue the dialogue that was presented at the last Commission meeting in terms of what's real and what's going on.  Chief Hayes-White responded that she has personally reached out to Mr. Roberto Hernandez, and indicated a willingness and desire on the Department’s part to reach out in the Mission District and his constituents.  They have exchanged messages and she suggested meeting any time after February 7th, Super Bowl planning and she will continue to follow up.  Commissioner Nakajo went on to extend congratulations to Chief Castellanos, in his appointment as the Airport Chief.

 

President Covington also congratulated Chief Castellanos.  She asked Chief Hayes-White if there was a breakdown of the members of the 119 Academy Class.  Chief Hayes-White explained she does have a breakdown, but did not bring it with her and would provide it when she returned to the office.

 

There was no public comment.

 

REPORT FROM ADMINISTRATION

Report on the Administrative Divisions, Fleet and Facility status, Finance, Support Services, Homeland Security and Training within the Department, including update on Bayview Hunter’s Point/Candle Stick Station and Treasure Island Training Facility replacement.

 

Chief Raemona Williams’ Administrative report was for the month of January, 2016.  She touched on Homeland Security under the supervision of Assistant Deputy Chief Shane Francisco.   She mentioned that Chief Francisco has a heavy workload as he continues to attend meetings and work tirelessly on the planning of the upcoming Super Bowl 50 events.  She stated that the AFG Grants were submitted on January 15th and will be used to fund the extrication tools for all trucks, engines, and the EMS 6 vehicle which is a community paramedic non-transport vehicle.

 

She reported that the K-9 program has recently passed part one of their certification test and the next test component will also include compulsory skills and tasks and they hope to increase the K-9 unit to include three K-9s and handlers.  She stated that the Stress Unit has had a very busy winter and they continue to do a tremendous job providing service to all the Department members.  She reported that they participated in the Bay Ferry IV Exercise on January 20th with four ferries and that Rescue Boat One participated in the drill.  She touched on the Assignment Office, under the supervision of acting Captain Rob Neuneker, and that staff is busy preparing for the upcoming overtime for staffing the week of Super Bowl 50.  She stated that acting Captain Sheila Hunter, conducted 28 random alcohol and drug tests and all results were negative.  With regards to the Training Division with Assistant Deputy Chief Jeff Columbini, the 119th recruit academy with 42 H-2 firefighters started this week and they will be joined by 12 members from Station 49 in two weeks.  She stated that they have acquired the use of the naval library on Treasure Island which they have been able to utilize for active shooter drills and two building on our Yerba Buena Island to utilize for below grade drills.  Chief Columbine explained how the use of these buildings will benefit members in specialized training.

 

Chief Williams added that prior to the start of the recruit academy they have been working with the training staff to become an accredited academy.  Part of that process is the instructors have been taking State certified courses that will ensure they meet all of the requirement needs as instructors in the accreditation process to instruct, and as required in the accreditation process for the academy.

 

Chief Williams talked about Support Services, with Assistant Deputy Chief Ken Lombardi, and stated that the construction of Pump Station 1, which is located at the Fire Department Headquarters, continues and construction is estimated to be completed in May of this year. She reported that the Clothing Depot has relocated to Station 49. She mentioned that the Department has contracted with an industrial hygienist from DPH, mainly to work with Airport Station 3 as well as all around health and safety and Cal OSHA compliance.  She commented that facility status, under ESER 10, is finishing up with repairs on various projects throughout the department such as roofs, windows, showers, generators, etc., and many of the projects or repairs, are close to, if not completed already. 

 

Chief Williams mentioned that ESER 14 will also be used for some of these similar repairs throughout the department that are still needed.

 

She mentioned that as far as the anticipated Bayview Hunter's Point and Candlestick stations are concerned, they have identified two possible locations that they may build those stations once they start the development in that area.  As far as the fleet status is concerned, the department has transitioned to a renewable diesel for the entire fleet and renewable diesel is currently located at all the fire station facilities, except the fireboat and the BOE Mobile Field Unit.  She stated that the Treasure Island training facility replacement plan, at this time they're looking into the needs, specifications and the acreage that will be needed to house a training facility.  A training facility of this caliber, they hope would continue to draw the needs from other Bay Area departments as they currently do.

 

Vice President Cleaveland asked Chief Francisco if they learned anything from the Ferry Drill.  Chief Francisco responded yes and described the drill in detail and he would share the after action report when it was complete.  Vice President Cleaveland also asked for clarification on the K-9 program.  Chief Williams explained that they currently have one K-9 and handler and their goal is to have 4 of each.  Chief Francisco added that Captain Peter Gross has become the Department’s K-9 coordinator.

 

Vice President Cleaveland asked if there has been any additional conversations with the Developer about staying on Treasure Island and keeping our training facility on Treasure Island.  Chief Hayes-White explained that they met this week with the Developer to talk about that very subject and there are plans for redevelopment in about an 8- to 10-year timeframe.  She stated that they are exploring options, perhaps on YBI, as well as options in the City to make sure if we are going to be moving off the Island that we can have a state-of-the-art facility.  She added that she believes they will be able to stay there for an 8- to 10-year period but beyond that, they will need to identify another facility.  She stated that the developer has been very helpful and she’s very optimistic that when TIDA turns over parts of the Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island to the Developer, they are more than willing to allow us to continue to train on their property until such time that they need to begin working on it for development and they're willing to at least help us explore different options at this point.  Commissioner Nakajo added that it's important for us to have some kind of dialogue of where we're going to be because that day will come very soon. 

 

Commissioner Nakajo inquired as to the planning and cost of the Super Bowl.  Chief Francisco explained the layout of the festivities and what was expected in terms of the Department’s role, including the command post being located at Pier 1.  They confirmed that the Department will be well staffed and equipped for the events leading up to the Super Bowl.

 

Commissioner Hardeman asked for more information on the future fire stations at Hunter’s Point/Candlestick Point area of the City.  Chief Williams answered that they know there will be two fire stations in that area but they do not have a definite location.  Commissioner Hardeman also acknowledged that the Commission was a big supporter of the K-9 pilot program a couple years ago and he is happy to hear it is expanding and hopefully, as the generations go on, and the dogs have to be replaced that they don't drop down in our number. He added that he was glad to hear that FEMA is responsible primarily for the cost of the K-9 program.

 

President Covington stated that she was happy to know that the Bay Ferry Exercise went well and also to learn of the tremendous cooperation with the news on Yerba Buena and Treasure Island.  She added that it really means a lot to the Commission and to the rank and file that they have these opportunities for training.  She mentioned that the naval library might be a very good place for people from San Mateo and all of the entities that use our training facility to come up and train there as well as they're always looking for new sites so that the K-9s don't get too familiar with a particular site.  Chief Williams said she would look in to it.

 

President Covington asked for more information pertaining to the unique challenges that are presented by below grade homes.  Chief Columbini explained that the biggest challenge is hanging the mindset of the members on how to fight fires when in 9 times out of 10 when they go to a fire the first engine on the scene wants to go through the front door and make a rescue as quick as they can and put it out.  With below grade homes, if the level you come up on the road is really instead of the ground floor, it's the top floor and what happens is if the fire is in the floors below and we don't know that, we're really going into what we call a chimney effect.  That stairwell is very dangerous to us so we've got to do it in different ways and identify straight off what we're dealing with, communicate that to the Chief in transit, all the other firefighters on the scene, and then know the safest way to go fight that fire.  Below grade really isn't through the front door.  It's finding another way to get below it and we have to be a little creative and there's a lot of thinking involved and a lot of decisions have to be made very quickly but they've got to be done correctly or we're going to get people hurt.

 

Discussion regarding agenda for the February 10, 2016 regular meeting.

 

• Draft Operating Budget Presentation

• 4 Resolutions carried over from this meeting

 

 

President Covington adjourned the meeting in the memory of retired firefighter Rocco Papapiertro who retired February 1, 1991 and William Del Monte, the last known San Francisco 1906 earthquake survivor at 7:02 p.m.