Fire Commission - March 23, 2022

    Agenda

    SAN FRANCISCO San Francisco Fire Deprtment Official Seal FIRE COMMISSION

    Fire Commission Regular Meeting

    March 23, 2022, 5:00 p.m.

    City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 400 n San Francisco n California n 94102

     

    AGENDA

     

    In Person and Remote Meeting via video and teleconferencing (see below phone number)

     

    This meeting is being held by WebEx pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Orders 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.

     

    To join the meeting, use the following link for attendees:

    :

    https://ccsf.webex.com/ccsf/onstage/g.php?MTID=e4290ecf33d0bc70dc877e56c6daba334

     

    Watch live at www.sfgovtv.org

     

    Participating During Public Comment: By Phone

     

    Public Comment Call in number is: 

     

    1-415-655-0001

     

    Access Code:  2498 063 8549

     

    Members of the public will have opportunities to participate during public comment. The public is asked to wait for the particular 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 unless the President of the Commission decides to reduce the time depending on the number of callers:
    • Ensure you are in a quiet location.
    • Speak clearly.
    • Turn off any TVs or radios around you.

     

    Item No.
    1.         ROLL CALL

     

    President

    Katherine Feinstein

    Vice President

    Stephen Nakajo

    Commissioner

    Francee Covington

    Commissioner

    Armie Morgan

     

     

    Chief of Department

    Jeanine Nicholson

    Ramaytush Ohlone Land Acknowledgement

     

    The San Francisco Fire Commission acknowledges that we are on the unceded ancestral homeland of the Ramaytush Ohlone who are the original inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula. As the indigenous stewards of this land, and in accordance with their traditions, the Ramaytush Ohlone have never ceded, lost, nor forgotten their responsibilities as the caretakers of this place, as well as for all peoples who reside in their traditional territory. As guests, we recognize that we benefit from living and working on their traditional homeland. We wish to pay our respects by acknowledging the Ancestors, Elders, and Relatives of the Ramaytush Ohlone community and by affirming their sovereign rights as First Peoples.

     

    2.         RESOLUTION 2022-06 [Discussion and possible action]

    Discussion and possible action to adopt Resolution making findings to allow teleconferenced meetings under California Government Code Section 54953(e)

     

    3.         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.

     

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

    Discussion and possible action to approve meeting minutes.

     

    • Minutes from the Special Meeting on February 22, 2022 – 11:00 a.m.
    • Minutes from Regular Meeting on March 9, 2022.

     

    5.         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 March 9, 2022, including budget, academies, special events, communications, and outreach to other government agencies and the public.

     

    REPORT FROM ADMINISTRATION, DEPUTY CHIEF TOM O’CONNOR

    Report on the Administrative Divisions, Fleet and Facility status and updates, Finance, Support Services, and Homeland Security.

     

    6.   AMENDMENTS TO THE FIRE CODE [Discussion and possible action]

    Discussion and possible action to approve amendments to the San Francisco Fire Code to require automatic sprinkler systems in existing high rise residential buildings.

     

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

     

    8.         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

    Wednesday, March 23, 2022 – 5:00 p.m.

     

     

    The Video can be viewed by clicking this link:  https://sanfrancisco.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=180&clip_id=40861

     

    President Feinstein called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.

     

    1.         ROLL CALL

     

    Commission President

    Katherine Feinstein

    Present

    Vice President

    Stephen Nakajo

    Present

    Commissioner

    Francee Covington

    Present

    Commissioner

    Armie Morgan

    Present

     

     

     

    Chief of Department

    Jeanine Nicholson

    Present.

     

    Robert Postel

    Deputy Chief -- Operations

    Thomas O’Connor

    Deputy Chief --Administration

     

     

    Sandy Tong

    EMS

    David Brown

    Airport Division

    Ken Cofflin

    Bureau of Fire Prevention

    Shayne Kaialoa

    Division of Training

    Ramon Serrano

    Support Services

    Erica Arteseros

    Homeland Security

    Brice Peoples

    Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

    Simon Pang

    Community Paramedicine

     

    Staff

     

    Mark Corso

    Deputy Director of Finance

     

    President Feinstein read the Ramaytush Ohlone Land Acknowledgement.

     

    2.         RESOLUTION 2022-06 [Discussion and possible action]

    Resolution making findings to allow teleconferenced meetings under California Government Code Section 54953(e)

     

    Commissioner Covington Moved to adopt the Resolution.  Commissioner Morgan Seconded.  The motion was unanimous.

     

    There was no public comment.

     

    3.         PUBLIC COMMENT

     

    There was no public comment.

     

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

    Discussion and possible action to approve meeting minutes.

     

    • Minutes from Special Meeting on February 22, 2022, at 11:00.

     

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

     

    • Minutes from Regular Meeting on March 9, 2022.

     

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

     

    There was no public comment.

     

    1. 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 January 12, 2022, including budget, academies, special events, communications, and outreach to other government agencies and the public.

     

    Chief Nicholson reported on activities since the last meeting.  She touched on events that she attended during the reporting period, including the Mayor’s State of the City address, the opening of Station 35, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Women’s History Month City leaders photograph in the rotunda at City and a video shoot with the Warriors for a piece on women’s empowerment.  She acknowledged SFGOV TV for their collaboration in facilitating three snapshot videos showcasing three of the Department’s amazing women leaders, Assistant Deputy Chief Sandy Tong, Assistant Deputy Chief Erica Arteseros Brown, and Section Chief April Sloan.  She stated that she has met with candidates for their 9910 program, which they developed in concert with the Human Rights Commission, Office of Economic and Workforce Development, and a nonprofit, the City EMT program, which brings at-risk youth into an EMT program with wrap-around services such as trauma counseling, health and hygiene, and academic help.  She added that at the end, they have an opportunity to take a test and pass the national registry to get their EMT license and they interview some of them to participate in the 9910 program, in which is they get to ride along on an ambulance to get their 500 hours on an ambulance as that is what is needed to enter the EMS portion of the Department as a permanent employee.  She announced that she met with 10 candidates last week and she offered all of them an internship with the Department.  She provided an update on the COVID-19 numbers within the Department.  She mentioned that Assembly Bill 2607, which was sponsored by Assemblymember Phil Ting passed and it now goes before the Assembly Appropriations Committee before it goes to the full Assembly and then to the Governor, which will allow the purchase of land from the Port for the future training center.  She announced that the supplemental budget request passed for over 14 million dollars at the Board of Supervisors yesterday.

     

    Commissioner Morgan confirmed that the photo shoot with the Warriors will be at a game towards the end of the month.

     

    Commissioner Covington thanked everyone who worked on the Station 35 project as she knows it was very challenging and she expressed how wonderful it was to celebrate the opening of the gorgeous facility.  She acknowledged the 10 young members that are going through the process of completing their 500 hours and being on the path to success in their lives.  She also acknowledged the fourteen million additional dollars that will cover overages for the Department as well as she gave a shout-out to Assemblyman Ting for his support of the new training facility.

     

    Vice President Nakajo also commented on how wonderful the fireboat station ceremony was and acknowledged the Port Commission, Port Department, and the Department of Real Estate.  He also congratulated the Chief on the 9910-program City EMTs; the 14 million budget supplement and the representation by the Commission at the Earl Gage ceremony.

     

    There was no public comment.

     

    REPORT FROM ADMINISTRATION, DEPUTY CHIEF TOM O’CONNOR

    Report on the Administrative Divisions, Fleet and Facility status and updates, Finance, Support Services, and Training within the Department.

     

    Chief O’Connor presented his February administration report.  He touched on Homeland Security which had a busy month planning the emergency event plan for the Chinese New Year 2022 parade.  He added that the SFFD welcomed K-9s Marley and Sadie into the Department at a press conference at Station 4.  He stated that the office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was hard at work with outreach and recruitment.  Chief O'Connor played a video of women in the SFFD throwing the 50-foot ladder up.  He also touched on the Health, Safety, and Wellness Division; the Physician's Office; Investigative Services Bureau; and Support Services.  He mentioned that the United Fire Service Women were at the Chase Center unfurling the flag and that Chief Nicholson went for a ride along with the Street Wellness Team to see how they're reaching out and trying to solve the problems of the more challenged members of San Francisco.  He concluded by stating they had a great event with the San Francisco Rotary Club, which honored Emergency Services Day, and that Lt. Brook Mancinelli and Rescue Caption Beth Goudreau received honors for heroism in the line of duty at that event.

     

    Commissioner Morgan confirmed that back injuries are preponderant of work-related injuries.  He also confirmed that Station 14 is having its HVAC unit replaced.

     

    Commissioner Covington thanked Chief O'Connor for his report and stated she enjoyed seeing the video of the 50-foot ladder throw and she added how wonderful it is to see all of the members of the Department being celebrated for the hard work that they do and that hopefully, they are inspiring young people to look seriously at the possibility of being of service as a firefighter or paramedic.  She also thought it was very good to see him at the commemoration of the Earl Gage installation of art which was put on by the Black Firefighters Association and held at Rosa Parks School where they dedicated the mural and former President Sherman Tillman spoke about the historical significance of Chief Gage.

     

    Vice President Nakajo thanked Chief O’Connor for his comprehensive report.  He confirmed with Chief Serrano of Support Services that the old Station 49 (Evans Street) is where Community Paramedicine will be dispatched and is housed at.  Chief Serrano added that they are going through some renovations and tenant and capital improvements to the building, such as painting, carpeting, electrical work, and HVAC work.  He also confirmed that the clothing depot will remain at Evans Street.  Vice President Nakajo also confirmed that at the new Station 49, they are at capacity.

     

    President Feinstein confirmed that the Department is doing well in getting the members boosted with their third vaccine.  She also mentioned that she had the opportunity to see in person these ladder lifts and it educated her as to their tradition.  She commended the team from the Fire Department that struggled through so many challenges that were unforeseen at the construction of the new floating Station 35 and acknowledged Chief Dawn Dewitt for the wonderful job she did navigating through some choppy waters.

     

    There was no public comment.

     

    6.         AMENDMENTS TO THE FIRE CODE [Discussion and possible action]

    Discussion and possible action to approve amendments to the San Francisco Fire Code to require automatic sprinkler systems in existing high-rise residential buildings.

     

    Fire Marshal Cofflin explained in detail the amendments to the fire code on the existing high-rise sprinkler ordinance that will go before the Board of Supervisors and sponsored by Supervisor Peskin.  He explained the amendments in detail and recommended that the Fire Commission support the amendments as put forward by Supervisor Peskin’s legislation for the safety of the city's residents, guests, and firefighters.

     

    Commissioner Morgan Moved to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve the amendments to the Fire Code.  Commissioner Covington Seconded.  The motion was unanimously approved.

     

    There was no public comment.

     

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

    Discussion regarding agenda for next and future Fire Commission meetings.

     

    • Update from Guardians of the City

     

    There was no public comment.

     

    8.         ADJOURNMENT President Feinstein adjourned the meeting at 6:14 p.m.