Fire Commission - March 28, 2018
Regular Commission Meeting
Agenda
Agenda full text
Fire Commission Regular Meeting
Wednesday, March 28, 2018 – 5:00 p.m.
City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 400 San Francisco California 94102
AGENDA
Item No.
1. ROLL CALL
President Ken Cleaveland
Vice President Stephen A. Nakajo
Commissioner Michael Hardeman
Commissioner Francee Covington
Commissioner Joe Alioto Veronese
Chief of Department Joanne Hayes-White
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 and 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 March 14, 2018
4. CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT’S REPORT [Discussion]
REPORT FROM CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT, JOANNE HAYES WHITE
Report on current issues, activities and events within the Department since the Fire Commission meeting on March 14, 2018, including budget, academies, special events, communications and outreach to other government agencies and the public.
REPORT FROM ADMINISTRATION, DEPUTY CHIEF JEANINE NICHOLSON
Report on the Administrative Divisions, Fleet and Facility status, Finance, Support Services, Homeland Security and Training within the Department.
5. DISCUSSION ON HOW FIREFIGHTERS ASSESS THE PLAN OF ATTACK ON A WORKING FIRE [Discussion]
Deputy Chief of Operations, Mark Gonzales to explain how firefighters assess the plan of attack on a working fire.
6. RESOLUTION 2018-01 [Discussion and possible action]
Resolution acknowledging the heroic efforts displayed by the members of the SFFD who responded to the 4 Alarm fire on March 17, 2018 at 659 Union Street.
7. COMMISSION REPORT [Discussion]
Report on Commission activities since last meeting on March 14, 2018
8. AGENDA FOR NEXT AND FUTURE FIRE COMMISSION MEETINGS [Discussion]
Discussion regarding agenda for the April 11, 2018 and future regular meetings.
9. 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; 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 PDF
Minutes
Minutes full text
FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
Wednesday, March 28, 2018 – 5:00 p.m.
City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 400, San Francisco, California, 94102
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 5:03 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
Commission President Ken Cleaveland Excused
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 Cossio Bureau of Fire Prevention
Tony Rivera Support Services
Michael Cochrane Homeland Security
Andy Zanoff EMS
Joel Sato Division of Training
Assistant Chiefs
Kevin Burke Division 2
Tom Siragusa Division 3
Staff
Mark Corso Deputy Director of Finance
Olivia Scanlon Communications and Outreach
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 Regular Meeting on March 14, 2018.
Commissioner Covington made a short amendment to the minutes to add a sentence on page 5, paragraph 3 as to how the issue came to light. Commissioner Veronese Moved to approve the above meeting Minutes as amended. Commissioner Hardeman Seconded. Motion to approve above Minutes as amended was unanimous.
There was no public comment.
4. 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 February 14, 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 March 14, 2018. Chief Hayes-White stated that in regards to the budget, she shared copies of the presentation the presented before the Budget and Finance Committee on March 15, 2018, and she thanked Mr. Corso for assisting her with the materials. She described the new procedures that Supervisor Cohen has outlined for chairing the Budget and Finance Committee which includes breaking down the different budget priorities into four categories which are; public safety, clean streets, homelessness and affordable housing. They plan on presenting one more time during the week of April 9, 2018.
With regards to the Division of Training, Chief Hayes-White mentioned that 42 members were welcomed into the 124th academy class and they will be joined by 12 members from Station 49 in two weeks. She wished Chief Sato well in his first class he’s overseeing as the Director of Training. Chief Hayes-White summarized the activities she participated in during the reporting period including the St. Patrick's Day Parade, the annual United Fire Service Women's meeting, the monthly labor-management meeting with Local 798; and the SPUR Good Government Award ceremony where they acknowledged IT manager Jesus Mora. She touched briefly on the roundtable meeting involving other city agencies pertaining to the autonomous vehicles that may be traveling the streets of San Francisco in the near future. She asked that the meeting be adjourned in the memory of retired Battalion Chief Mark Groshong.
Commissioner Veronese asked that in regards to the autonomous vehicles that if she feels that some major issues that she doesn’t think are being addressed, to please notify the commission so they can be a second voice with those concerns.
There was no public comment.
REPORT FROM ADMINISTRATION, DEPUTY CHIEF JEANINE NICHOLSON
Report on the Administrative Divisions, Fleet and Facility status, Finance, Support Services, Homeland Security and Training within the Department.
Chief Nicholson reported on events for the month of February 2018. She confirmed that the 124th academy class started Monday, the 26th of March and that Chief of Training, Joel Sato is up and running. She added that they selected Captain Theresa Quan to replace Chief’ Sato’s vacant position. She stated that they have also had 11 permanent promotions and 28 acting promotions. Chief Nicholson described various in-service trainings that took place during the month of February. She touched on NERT, the Physician’s Office, Investigative Service Bureau, Support Services and Homeland Security. She announced that they have selected two acting H-32’s who will work closely with Assistant Deputy Chief Rivera in terms of projects with MTA and developers in the city that involve the Department. She mentioned that they are currently working with the artists that have been selected to submit artwork for the new Ambulance Deployment Facility's outside area. She also mentioned that both the sprinter ambulances are out on the street undergoing evaluations by different crew members each week.
Commissioner Covington asked for more information about the artists and the artwork that’s being proposed. Chief Nicholson explained that the artwork is for both of the fences that lead into the ADF and the Arts Commission is involved because two percent of every new construction in the city is earmarked for art and the Arts Commission basically asks for submissions from artists who are interested and the department goes through a selection process with them. Commissioner Covington confirmed that the two new positions in Prevention are new positions and they worked with MTA and the developers to obtain funding, so it’s not coming out of the department’s budget. Chief Hayes-White added that the funding is indefinite and it will be something that they will have to lobby for going forward. Commissioner Covington also confirmed that Chief Cochrane's position is federally grant funded.
Commissioner Hardeman thanked Chief Nicholson for her report and was glad to hear about all of the promotions and he asked to be kept up to date on the artwork for the new ADF.
Commissioner Veronese asked who decides what pieces of art get accepted. Chief Nicholson responded that it is a collaborative decision between the Department and the Arts Commission. Chief Hayes-White added that the panel that was referred to was only to pick the 5 finalists to submit their artwork, but the decision on what art pieces are used, is the Department's decision.
There was no public comment.
5. DISCUSSION ON HOW FIREFIGHTERS ASSESS THE PLAN OF ATTACK ON A WORKING FIRE [Discussion]
Deputy Chief of Operations, Mark Gonzales to explain how firefighters assess the plan of attack on a working fire.
Chief Gonzales described in detail how firefighters assess the plan of attack on a working fire by stating the following: “it is a very comprehensive subject, how firefighters and incident commanders assess the plan of attack on a working fire. Structure fires are very dynamic incidents that require in most cases, a complex decision matrix within one's head. Fire ground decisions are made based on experience, training, resources available, building construction type, occupancy type, smoke conditions, fire conditions, building access, street access for apparatus, size of the structure, roof type exposures, time of day, weather conditions, topography. Dispatch information you receive over the radio and the MDT. On scene occupants give you info. Often times, that is vital information, or a building under construction or renovation, as we experienced on Union Street. And also, ADC Rivera's favorite subject, obstacles such as overhead wires, Muni wires, it all comes into account when you make that decision." He went on to cite pointers that were in the Risk Management manual as well as went over the Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival.
Commissioner Veronese thanked Chief Gonzales for his presentation. He confirmed that there is a lot that goes into fighting fires, and a lot of these decisions are made on the ground when you've got your feet in the water and you're facing the fire. He acknowledged being at the fire on March 17, 2018, to observe the members who were at the fire and he stated that the attack on that fire was like a well-orchestrated opera. He commended Chief Gonzales, Chief Hayes-White and all of the members of the command staff that were there, as well as the members of the Department that went face to face with that fire. He also thanked the fire reserves. He mentioned the fine work of the SFPD who were on scene. He confirmed that the Department arrived on scene just under two minutes and had water on the fire within six minutes.
Commissioner Covington stated that she asked that this item be put on the agenda to take advantage of every opportunity available to educate the public and fellow citizens as to how the members of the Department do their job and hopefully there will be less chance of confusion going forward. She mentioned that at the March 17, 2018 fire, there was no loss of life, and all members were able to return home. She added that she thinks it is really incumbent upon all of us to understand that there is a very classic system of how to fight a fire and it is not something that people develop on the fire ground. She asked for more information on how they measure the force of water coming out of the hoses and Chief Gonzales explained it has to do with hose size; whether they use large hose streams, small hose streams, or deck guns. He added that it also depends on whether they are attacking offensively or defensively. She confirmed that there were 130 members and approximately 40 apparatus at the March 17, 2018, 4 alarm fire. She commended the Chief for being extremely active at that fire and that it seemed everyone did what they were supposed to do and everyone is safe as a result.
Commissioner Hardeman stated he was watching the March 17, 2018 fire on the news and commented that he thought that the leadership of the Fire Department was saying all the right things in response to comments being made. He mentioned that as Commissioners, you don’t tell people what to do and he thinks that people in other government positions that have strong authority should take that into consideration. He concluded by stating he was very proud of the way everybody handled themselves at that fire.
Vice President Nakajo thanked Chief Gonzales for his report and appreciated the education level it brought. He added that as a commissioner he knows that he can respond to fires, and that it's their protocol whether It's a one alarm, two alarms, three alarms or four alarms and what is great about that is that they learn and observe and see how the men and women in the department handle the incident as well as how the command staff deals with it. He knows there's a whole lot of stuff going on at the same time and one of the things he learned right away was to be attentive, don't get in the way and keep your ears open.
There was no public comment.
6. RESOLUTION 2018-01 [Discussion and possible action]
Resolution acknowledging the heroic efforts displayed by the members of the SFFD who responded to the 4 Alarm fire on March 17, 2018 at 659 Union Street.
Vice President Nakajo asked Commissioner Veronese to introduce the resolution. Commissioner Veronese stated that he asked for this item to be put on the agenda because having been at the scene the night of March 17, 2918, and recognizing the heroics of the members of the Department, the leadership of the Chief and her command staff and everybody down the line previously mentioned and because it was an extraordinary fire, he wanted to formally acknowledge all first responders.
Chief Hayes-White thanked Commissioner Veronese and stated that she appreciates the acknowledgment for the work on this fire, and stated they don't get a lot of fourth and fifth alarms and that's because of the great work that the members do each and every day.
Commissioner Veronese read the amended Resolution into the record.
Commissioner Covington Moved to approve the Resolution. Commissioner Hardman Seconded. Motion to approve the Resolution as amended was unanimous.
There was no public comment.
7. COMMISSION REPORT [Discussion]
Report on Commission activities since last meeting on March 14, 2018
Commissioner Covington thanked Commissioner Nakajo for inviting her to the Japan Center 50th anniversary ceremony and she stated it was a wonderful gathering and celebration and it was a pleasure to be a part of it.
Vice President Nakajo reported that on March 20, 2018 there was a meeting with The Guardians of City to follow-up on comments that the Guardian made at the last Commission meeting that he attended. At the March 20, 2018 they talked about improving communications and coordination between the Department and the Guardian with regards to the recent towing of the antique rigs to Treasure Island, the shrink wrap of the rigs in terms of security and preservation and reimbursement for the cost of the towing and wrap. They also discussed completing the Memorandum of Understating with the Guardians. The final concept they covered was the need for a committee to work together to find a “permanent” location for the antique rigs. Vice President Nakajo also congratulated Jesus Mora who was the SPUR Award winner for good employee representing the Department.
There was no public comment.
8. AGENDA FOR NEXT AND FUTURE FIRE COMMISSION MEETINGS [Discussion]
Discussion regarding agenda for the April 11, 2018 and future regular meetings.
Vice President Nakajo stated with no suggestions, the Commission will go into the next regular meeting with a report from Operations and the Chief’s report.
There was no public comment.
9. ADJOURNMENT 12. ADJOURNMENT
President Cleaveland adjourned the meeting at 6:21 p.m. in memory of retired Battalion Chief Mark Groshong.
FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
Wednesday, March 28, 2018 – 5:00 p.m.
City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 400, San Francisco, California, 94102
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 5:03 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
Commission President Ken Cleaveland Excused
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 Cossio Bureau of Fire Prevention
Tony Rivera Support Services
Michael Cochrane Homeland Security
Andy Zanoff EMS
Joel Sato Division of Training
Assistant Chiefs
Kevin Burke Division 2
Tom Siragusa Division 3
Staff
Mark Corso Deputy Director of Finance
Olivia Scanlon Communications and Outreach
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 Regular Meeting on March 14, 2018.
Commissioner Covington made a short amendment to the minutes to add a sentence on page 5, paragraph 3 as to how the issue came to light. Commissioner Veronese Moved to approve the above meeting Minutes as amended. Commissioner Hardeman Seconded. Motion to approve above Minutes as amended was unanimous.
There was no public comment.
4. 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 February 14, 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 March 14, 2018. Chief Hayes-White stated that in regards to the budget, she shared copies of the presentation the presented before the Budget and Finance Committee on March 15, 2018, and she thanked Mr. Corso for assisting her with the materials. She described the new procedures that Supervisor Cohen has outlined for chairing the Budget and Finance Committee which includes breaking down the different budget priorities into four categories which are; public safety, clean streets, homelessness and affordable housing. They plan on presenting one more time during the week of April 9, 2018.
With regards to the Division of Training, Chief Hayes-White mentioned that 42 members were welcomed into the 124th academy class and they will be joined by 12 members from Station 49 in two weeks. She wished Chief Sato well in his first class he’s overseeing as the Director of Training. Chief Hayes-White summarized the activities she participated in during the reporting period including the St. Patrick's Day Parade, the annual United Fire Service Women's meeting, the monthly labor-management meeting with Local 798; and the SPUR Good Government Award ceremony where they acknowledged IT manager Jesus Mora. She touched briefly on the roundtable meeting involving other city agencies pertaining to the autonomous vehicles that may be traveling the streets of San Francisco in the near future. She asked that the meeting be adjourned in the memory of retired Battalion Chief Mark Groshong.
Commissioner Veronese asked that in regards to the autonomous vehicles that if she feels that some major issues that she doesn’t think are being addressed, to please notify the commission so they can be a second voice with those concerns.
There was no public comment.
REPORT FROM ADMINISTRATION, DEPUTY CHIEF JEANINE NICHOLSON
Report on the Administrative Divisions, Fleet and Facility status, Finance, Support Services, Homeland Security and Training within the Department.
Chief Nicholson reported on events for the month of February 2018. She confirmed that the 124th academy class started Monday, the 26th of March and that Chief of Training, Joel Sato is up and running. She added that they selected Captain Theresa Quan to replace Chief’ Sato’s vacant position. She stated that they have also had 11 permanent promotions and 28 acting promotions. Chief Nicholson described various in-service trainings that took place during the month of February. She touched on NERT, the Physician’s Office, Investigative Service Bureau, Support Services and Homeland Security. She announced that they have selected two acting H-32’s who will work closely with Assistant Deputy Chief Rivera in terms of projects with MTA and developers in the city that involve the Department. She mentioned that they are currently working with the artists that have been selected to submit artwork for the new Ambulance Deployment Facility's outside area. She also mentioned that both the sprinter ambulances are out on the street undergoing evaluations by different crew members each week.
Commissioner Covington asked for more information about the artists and the artwork that’s being proposed. Chief Nicholson explained that the artwork is for both of the fences that lead into the ADF and the Arts Commission is involved because two percent of every new construction in the city is earmarked for art and the Arts Commission basically asks for submissions from artists who are interested and the department goes through a selection process with them. Commissioner Covington confirmed that the two new positions in Prevention are new positions and they worked with MTA and the developers to obtain funding, so it’s not coming out of the department’s budget. Chief Hayes-White added that the funding is indefinite and it will be something that they will have to lobby for going forward. Commissioner Covington also confirmed that Chief Cochrane's position is federally grant funded.
Commissioner Hardeman thanked Chief Nicholson for her report and was glad to hear about all of the promotions and he asked to be kept up to date on the artwork for the new ADF.
Commissioner Veronese asked who decides what pieces of art get accepted. Chief Nicholson responded that it is a collaborative decision between the Department and the Arts Commission. Chief Hayes-White added that the panel that was referred to was only to pick the 5 finalists to submit their artwork, but the decision on what art pieces are used, is the Department's decision.
There was no public comment.
5. DISCUSSION ON HOW FIREFIGHTERS ASSESS THE PLAN OF ATTACK ON A WORKING FIRE [Discussion]
Deputy Chief of Operations, Mark Gonzales to explain how firefighters assess the plan of attack on a working fire.
Chief Gonzales described in detail how firefighters assess the plan of attack on a working fire by stating the following: “it is a very comprehensive subject, how firefighters and incident commanders assess the plan of attack on a working fire. Structure fires are very dynamic incidents that require in most cases, a complex decision matrix within one's head. Fire ground decisions are made based on experience, training, resources available, building construction type, occupancy type, smoke conditions, fire conditions, building access, street access for apparatus, size of the structure, roof type exposures, time of day, weather conditions, topography. Dispatch information you receive over the radio and the MDT. On scene occupants give you info. Often times, that is vital information, or a building under construction or renovation, as we experienced on Union Street. And also, ADC Rivera's favorite subject, obstacles such as overhead wires, Muni wires, it all comes into account when you make that decision." He went on to cite pointers that were in the Risk Management manual as well as went over the Rules of Engagement for Firefighter Survival.
Commissioner Veronese thanked Chief Gonzales for his presentation. He confirmed that there is a lot that goes into fighting fires, and a lot of these decisions are made on the ground when you've got your feet in the water and you're facing the fire. He acknowledged being at the fire on March 17, 2018, to observe the members who were at the fire and he stated that the attack on that fire was like a well-orchestrated opera. He commended Chief Gonzales, Chief Hayes-White and all of the members of the command staff that were there, as well as the members of the Department that went face to face with that fire. He also thanked the fire reserves. He mentioned the fine work of the SFPD who were on scene. He confirmed that the Department arrived on scene just under two minutes and had water on the fire within six minutes.
Commissioner Covington stated that she asked that this item be put on the agenda to take advantage of every opportunity available to educate the public and fellow citizens as to how the members of the Department do their job and hopefully there will be less chance of confusion going forward. She mentioned that at the March 17, 2018 fire, there was no loss of life, and all members were able to return home. She added that she thinks it is really incumbent upon all of us to understand that there is a very classic system of how to fight a fire and it is not something that people develop on the fire ground. She asked for more information on how they measure the force of water coming out of the hoses and Chief Gonzales explained it has to do with hose size; whether they use large hose streams, small hose streams, or deck guns. He added that it also depends on whether they are attacking offensively or defensively. She confirmed that there were 130 members and approximately 40 apparatus at the March 17, 2018, 4 alarm fire. She commended the Chief for being extremely active at that fire and that it seemed everyone did what they were supposed to do and everyone is safe as a result.
Commissioner Hardeman stated he was watching the March 17, 2018 fire on the news and commented that he thought that the leadership of the Fire Department was saying all the right things in response to comments being made. He mentioned that as Commissioners, you don’t tell people what to do and he thinks that people in other government positions that have strong authority should take that into consideration. He concluded by stating he was very proud of the way everybody handled themselves at that fire.
Vice President Nakajo thanked Chief Gonzales for his report and appreciated the education level it brought. He added that as a commissioner he knows that he can respond to fires, and that it's their protocol whether It's a one alarm, two alarms, three alarms or four alarms and what is great about that is that they learn and observe and see how the men and women in the department handle the incident as well as how the command staff deals with it. He knows there's a whole lot of stuff going on at the same time and one of the things he learned right away was to be attentive, don't get in the way and keep your ears open.
There was no public comment.
6. RESOLUTION 2018-01 [Discussion and possible action]
Resolution acknowledging the heroic efforts displayed by the members of the SFFD who responded to the 4 Alarm fire on March 17, 2018 at 659 Union Street.
Vice President Nakajo asked Commissioner Veronese to introduce the resolution. Commissioner Veronese stated that he asked for this item to be put on the agenda because having been at the scene the night of March 17, 2918, and recognizing the heroics of the members of the Department, the leadership of the Chief and her command staff and everybody down the line previously mentioned and because it was an extraordinary fire, he wanted to formally acknowledge all first responders.
Chief Hayes-White thanked Commissioner Veronese and stated that she appreciates the acknowledgment for the work on this fire, and stated they don't get a lot of fourth and fifth alarms and that's because of the great work that the members do each and every day.
Commissioner Veronese read the amended Resolution into the record.
Commissioner Covington Moved to approve the Resolution. Commissioner Hardman Seconded. Motion to approve the Resolution as amended was unanimous.
There was no public comment.
7. COMMISSION REPORT [Discussion]
Report on Commission activities since last meeting on March 14, 2018
Commissioner Covington thanked Commissioner Nakajo for inviting her to the Japan Center 50th anniversary ceremony and she stated it was a wonderful gathering and celebration and it was a pleasure to be a part of it.
Vice President Nakajo reported that on March 20, 2018 there was a meeting with The Guardians of City to follow-up on comments that the Guardian made at the last Commission meeting that he attended. At the March 20, 2018 they talked about improving communications and coordination between the Department and the Guardian with regards to the recent towing of the antique rigs to Treasure Island, the shrink wrap of the rigs in terms of security and preservation and reimbursement for the cost of the towing and wrap. They also discussed completing the Memorandum of Understating with the Guardians. The final concept they covered was the need for a committee to work together to find a “permanent” location for the antique rigs. Vice President Nakajo also congratulated Jesus Mora who was the SPUR Award winner for good employee representing the Department.
There was no public comment.
8. AGENDA FOR NEXT AND FUTURE FIRE COMMISSION MEETINGS [Discussion]
Discussion regarding agenda for the April 11, 2018 and future regular meetings.
Vice President Nakajo stated with no suggestions, the Commission will go into the next regular meeting with a report from Operations and the Chief’s report.
There was no public comment.
9. ADJOURNMENT 12. ADJOURNMENT
President Cleaveland adjourned the meeting at 6:21 p.m. in memory of retired Battalion Chief Mark Groshong.
Supporting documents
Supporting documents