Fire Commission - May 9, 2018

 

 

The Video can be viewed by clicking this link:  http://sanfrancisco.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=180&clip_id=30…

 

President Cleaveland called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

 

1. ROLL CALL

 

Commission President Ken Cleaveland Present 

Commission Vice President Stephen Nakajo Present

Commissioner Michael Hardeman Present

Commissioner Francee Covington Present

Commissioner Joe Alioto Veronese Present

 

Chief of Department Joanne Hayes-White Present

 

Mark Gonzales Deputy Chief – Operations

Jeanine Nicholson Deputy Chief --Administration

 

Dan De Cos

sio Bureau of Fire Prevention

Mike Cochran Homeland Security

Andy Zanoff EMS

Tony Rivera Support Services

Khai Ali Airport

Joel Sato Training Division

 

Assistant Chiefs

Robert Postel Division 2

Nicol Juratovac Division 3

 

Staff

Mark Corso Deputy Director of Finance

Elaine Walters CFO

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 April 25, 2018.

 

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

 

There was no public comment.

 

4. PRESENTATION FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S OUTREACH TEAM [Discussion]

Fire Marshal Dan DeCossio to present on the Department’s outreach efforts

 

Fire Marshal DeCossio provided background on how the outreach team was developed.  He stated that about three years ago, as he entered his role as fire marshal, there were a number of large fires in the Mission with a lot of concerns.  He added that they went out and spoke to the community to see how they could improve upon the services in Fire Prevention and they came up with two ideas, one was to bolster and enhance the code enforcement program, which has been very successful and the second was to enhance the community outreach team, which was supported by Mayor Ed Lee and DBI Director Hui.  He added that DBI actually funds the two new positions.  He stated that the importance of the community outreach team is that they get out and meet San Franciscans face to face and deliver the message of fire safety to approximately 500 people a month.  He introduced his outreach team members, Inspector Fernando Juarez and Inspector Tomie Kato.  Chief Hayes-White personally thanked the inspectors for their efforts and stated that they both have a real passion for educating the public.  Inspector Juarez presented the following presentation:  https://sf-fire.org/sites/default/files/COMMISSION/Fire%20Commission%20…

 

Inspector Juarez stated that their mission is to educate the residents of San Francisco on fire safety practices and home fire safety and that from November 2017 to April 2018 they were able to do about 545 presentations educating more than 3,700 community members.  He mentioned that some of the things they cover at these outreach meetings are to go over home escape planning, top causes of fire and how to prevent them, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, what to do if you can’t escape, how to use a fire extinguisher and they promote the NERT program.  He added that they provide the information in different languages, but mostly Cantonese and Spanish.

 

Vice President Nakajo thanked them for their presentation and acknowledged Chief DeCossio for his innovation and enhancements and for making this program so robust following the Mission fires years ago and the concern citizens had.  He mentioned that he was glad that they have been reaching out to the senior community and educating them about railings in bathrooms, higher toilet seats, preventing falls and other steps to keep them safe.  He added that he appreciates the reference of partnerships with the Office of Civic Engagement and Community Youth Centers.

 

Chief Hayes-White asked Public Information Officer Baxter to say a few words.  Lt. Baxter introduced himself and thanked his loyal support group from the City College Fire Service volunteers for their efforts at the community outreach events.  He gave an overview of his accomplishments over the past three years, which included responding to the speculative and misinformation surrounding the number of fires in communities and disaster preparedness within the community.  He stated that the focus of the outreach team was to provide accurate information using social media, enhancing the website and enhancing the Community Outreach and Recruitment Committee to reach more citizens of San Francisco.  He added that the program has been very successful and they strive to be the number one safest city.

 

Commissioner Covington thanked the team for their presentation and asked Fire Marshal DeCossio to describe the causes of the fires that took place in the Mission in 2016.  Fire Marshal DeCossio explained that the investigations into those fires, conducted by the Department, revealed that the most common cause was electrical fault, mostly due to overcrowding in units that are older buildings and not designed to house as many tenants, overusing electrical outlets with extension cords.  He added that their effort was to get the message out about fire safety, electrical safety, and heater safety.  Commissioner Covington noted that with all the gadgets out there that need charging if Fire Marshal DeCossio could explain the proper way to use extension cords.  Fire Marshal DeCossio explained that you should not use extension cords as much as possible and if you have portable heaters, appliances that are a heavy draw you should plug them directly into the outlet.  If you need to use an extension cord, he suggested that you get a power strip that has a circuit breaker within the strip itself.  Commissioner Covington asked Inspector Juarez how children can be safe in the kitchen.  Inspector Juarez stated that you should teach children to stay at least three feet away from the stove and to turn pot handles in when you're cooking and never leave cooking unattended.  Commissioner Covington added that you should never leave a child in the kitchen unattended as well and suggested that you put them at a kitchen table with crayons and paper and that way they are in the same room as their parents but far away from danger.  Commissioner Covington asked for information on hoarding.  Inspector Kato explained that hoarding creates multiple risks for the residents and also for the emergency responders and it’s when there is a failure to get rid of or discard items around the household, and they collect making a hazard if they are next to a heating element.  There is also a hazard for rescuers who are entering the home and they are unable to pass through the hallways or to reach the patient that needs help.  Commissioner Covington announced that inspectors will come out if you call them and Inspector Kato confirmed that if you call the Bureau of Fire Prevention if you believe that there is a safety hazard, fire prevention inspectors will be happy to talk to anybody that has a concern.

 

Commissioner Hardeman thanked them all for their presentation.  He appreciates the packet of information that they got containing safety information.  He acknowledged the good work of Fire Marshal DeCossio and reminded everyone when he took over as Fire Marshal, the department was facing troubled times financially and now he’s glad that his unit is thriving and accomplishing the things they set out to do in as far as community outreach and the other enhancements to the Fire Prevention Bureau.

 

Vice President Nakajo asked in terms of hoarding, if property owners that may have tenants that have different lifestyles that may cause safety issues, do the property owners provide access to the department members who have been requested to inspect a complaint of hoarding at a property and to help educate the tenant as to what is acceptable under a standard of fire safety.  Fire Marshal DeCossio responded that it's a little tricky with hoarding.  The Department's scope and authority is mainly in the common areas.  As soon as you go into someone's personal living space, you have to be invited in.  He added that when a problem comes to the Department's attention, they have to task with the city attorney's office to get access.  He added that they respond to any and all complaints, even if it's outside their scope, they will investigate and then refer to the proper agency if need be.  With hoarding, it's usually a mental health issue so you have to basically work with multiple agencies and where the fire department comes in is if there is a fire code violation, such as is there a clear path into the living space and is there clearance from all ignition sources, a minimum of three feet around everything and a two feet minimum from the ceiling.

 

Commissioner Veronese asked about the notices that have been popping up on buildings that are in violation of the soft story compliance and if the Department is tracking that information.  Fire Marshal DeCossio answered that all seismic issues are handled at the Building Department, structural issues.  He asked Chief Gonzales to add this data to his monthly report.

 

President Cleaveland congratulated the outreach team on a job well done and stated how important it is to educate the public.  

 

5 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 April 25, 2018, including budget, academies, special events, communications and outreach to other government agencies and the public.

 

Chief Hayes-White reported on events since the last meeting on April 25, 2018.  Regarding the budget, Chief Hayes-White reported that they continue to meet with the Mayor’s budget office in preparation of the submission of Mayor Farrell’s June 1st balanced budget.  Once they receive the legislative analysis report, she will provide an update.  She added that she anticipates getting final feedback from the Budget Committee related to priorities for potential possibilities for additions at the conclusion of the budget process.  She acknowledged Deputy Chief Gonzales and Deputy Director Mark Corso who sat diligently for months and have now concluded the negotiation process between the City and Local 798.  They were the subject matter experts representing the department.  With regards to the Division of Training, she mentioned that the 124th academy class is in their seventh week with 53 recruits.  She acknowledged Chief Sato and his team for the excellent job they are doing at the Division of Training.  She added that they are planning to have three additional H-2 classes as part of the hiring plan through 2020.  She is closely monitoring the number of retirements as related to the new hiring and the goal is to reduce significantly or eliminate, the mandatory overtime.  She touched on the recent promotions she was able to make and announced how proud she was that during her tenure as Chief, she has been able to get the promotional process back on track and to regularly administer promotional exams on a three to four-year basis within each rank.  She acknowledged the great work that Chief Ali is doing at the Airport along with her team and that the FAA inspector said that the records were perfect and the change is spectacular, which was in reference to some deficiencies that were noted from last year.  She also touched on activities she attended during the reporting period which included a quarterly meeting with PG & E, the swearing in of Mr. Abraham Cooper who is the new United States Postal Service Post Master in San Francisco, and the photo unveiling of Mayor Lee in honor of what would have been his 66th birthday.  She announced upcoming events which included EMS Week the week of the 21st.  She asked President Cleaveland to adjourn the meeting the in the memory of retired firefighter Anthony Branchcomb.

 

Vice President Nakajo thanked Chief Hayes-White for her report and stated he appreciated that her policy for implementing the quick action of retirements in terms of promotions.  He also acknowledged the great work being done by Chief Ali and her staff at the airport.  He asked in regards to the budget if there were any other requirements that they are waiting for before the completion of the memorandum of understanding with the Guardians of the City.  Mr. Corso responded that there are a couple of items that he is working on with them, which includes an overall spending plan for the 150th celebration.  Vice President Nakajo acknowledged the Guardians of the City for their compliance, cooperation, and support. 

 

There was no public comment.

 

REPORT FROM DEPUTY CHIEF OF OPERATIONS, 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 April.  He mentioned that there was one greater alarm during the month of April.  It was a third alarm on April 21, 2018, at 1806/1810 8th Avenue and there were two injuries and one civilian fatality.  He stated the incident commander was assistant Chief Burke and he described the fire and efforts in detail and reported that the cause of the fire is still under investigation.  He described the search and rescue for a man that called from a cell phone stating that a tree fell on him in Golden Gate Park and the coordinated response resulted in a positive outcome where he was rescued, transported, treated and released.  He touched on the first alarm fire at 310 Columbus, the red alert at Hippie Hill in Golden Gate Park for 15 adults affected by the 420 celebrations, which probably resulted from bad marijuana, fortunately, all victims will recover.  He described the large gas leak at 1000 Polk Street, the motor vehicle accident at Fillmore and Golden Gate where eight patients were transported all in stable condition.  He acknowledged the great work being done by the members of the outreach and recruitment team and he reminded the public to download fire prevention education materials at sf-fire.org.  He also encouraged the public to text ALERTSF to 888-777.  He touched on other events and outreach efforts that occurred during the reporting period.  He announced that in regards to the EMS Division, the QRV’s (Quick Response Vehicles) went into service on April 16 and they are averaging about 14 calls per 12-hour shift, which is taking a heavy load off of the engines in the area as well as increasing the ALS first unit on scene.  He's working on getting a second QRV.  He announced that Chief Zanoff is working with ADC Kyle Lee on the annual drill at the SF International Airport which will be held in September and focusing on an aircraft crash into the bay.  He touched on fleet and apparatus, the updated OT policy for the Bureau of Fire Prevention and the Airport Division.

 

Commissioner Veronese asked if there was any preliminary input on how successful the QRV program is.  Chief Gonzales stated that they don’t have enough data to give a comprehensive answer, but that he has spoken to the captains at some of the busier engine companies in that area and it has had a positive impact on their vehicles.  Commissioner Veronese confirmed that there was a 52 percent call reduction with repeat callers for the EMS-6 team.  He suggested that if the Department of Health and those other agencies further stepped up, he thinks they can actually reduce the need for EMS-6 and transition into a more robust QRV program.  Dr. Yeh responded that he agrees it takes a lot of resources from a lot of different agencies to reduce the number of repeat calls and the goal of EMS-6 is stabilization for the patients and for a lot of these clients, the department is their safety net and the goal is to move them into other services and it takes a lot of coordination.

 

Commissioner Covington confirmed that the acronym for QRV is quick response vehicle and asked how you would go about getting another vehicle.  Chief Gonzales stated that he is working on it, that they are expecting 5 new buggies coming it which may free up a vehicle for the program.  Commissioner Covington asked Chief Zanoff what he meant when he said the numbers have gone down with the high caller clients because we’re meeting their needs.  Chief Zanoff replied that because of the support of the Chief and the Commission they were able to add the EMS-6A position and they now have an extra person who can go and coordinate with all of the agencies and complete paperwork while the field component of EMS-6 is actually out there still keeping up the work. 

 

Commissioner Hardeman stated how sad it was that the lady lost her life in the April 21, 2018 fire and that it is a very difficult situation for the members as well.  He confirmed that the MOU negotiations with Local 798 and the City are right on track.  He also acknowledged the great work being done by Chief Ali and her team at the Airport.

 

Vice President Nakajo thanked Chief Gonzales for his comprehensive report and he agrees that the addition of EMS-6A reflects a significant reduction of calls from the high-frequency clients.  He also acknowledged the great work being done by Captain Simon Pang and Captain April Bassett.  He went on to elaborate on the successes and formulation of the EMS-6 program. 

 

President Cleaveland stated the EMS-6 program is definitely a very important program and it’s showing results that he hopes continues.

 

There was no public comment.

 

6. COMMISSION REPORT [Discussion]

Report on Commission activities since last meeting on April 25, 2018.

 

Commissioner Veronese discussed his proposed ordinance in which he supports a robust and state of the art Peer Support Unit.  He hopes to get it approved by the Union and City Attorney’s office and will present it to the Commission for a vote soon.

 

Vice President Nakajo took the opportunity to thank everyone that participated in the Cherry Blossom Festival.

 

President Cleaveland thanked Chief Rivera for the Station 16 tour he attended yesterday and stated it’s looking really good and should be open on September 11, 2018.

 

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.

 

• Airport Presentation

• Training Facility update

• Chief’s overview of projections of retirements

• Hunter’s Point firehouse location update

• Chief’s residence update

• Update on 911 system dispatch

 

There was no public comment.

 

8. ADJOURNMENT 

 

President Cleaveland adjourned the meeting at 10:47 p.m. in the memory of retired Firefighter Anthony Branchcomb.