Fire Commission - May 8, 2019

Regular Meeting
    Agenda

    Fire Commission Regular Meeting
    Wednesday, May 8, 2019 - 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
     
    City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 416  San Francisco  California  94102
     
    AGENDA
     
     
    Item No.
    1. ROLL CALL
     
    President Stephen A. Nakajo
    Vice President Francee Covington
    Commissioner Michael Hardeman
    Commissioner Ken Cleaveland 
    Commissioner Joe Alioto Veronese
     
    Chief of Department Jeanine Nicholson
     
    2. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
     
    Members of the public may address the Commission for up to three minutes on any matter within the Commission’s jurisdiction 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 April 24, 2019
     
    4. PRESENTATION AND UPDATE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT [Discussion]
    Director Mary Ellen Carroll to present an update and status on the Department of Emergency Management.
     
    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 April 24, 2019, including budget, academies, special events, communications and outreach to other government agencies and the public.
     
    REPORT FROM OPERATIONS, DEPUTY CHIEF VICTOR WYRSCH
    Report on overall field operations, including greater alarm fires, Emergency Medical Services, Bureau of Fire Prevention & Investigation, and Airport Division.
     
    6. COMMISSION REPORT [Discussion]
    Report on Commission activities since last meeting on April 24, 2019.
     
    7. AGENDA FOR NEXT AND FUTURE FIRE COMMISSION MEETINGS [Discussion]
    Discussion regarding agenda for next and future Fire Commission meetings.
     
    8. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED [Discussion]
     
    • Email dated 4/23/19 from Daniela Ponce
     
    9. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON CHANGES TO DISCIPLINE APPEALS PROCESS [Discussion and possible action]
    City Attorney, Brad Russi to explain the process and changes that will apply to the San Francisco Fire Department’s Discipline Process.
     
    10. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 11
    Public comment on all matters pertaining to Item 9 below, including public comment on whether to hold Item 11(b) and (c) in closed session. 
     
    11. POSSIBLE CLOSED SESSION REGARDING PERSONNEL MATTERS
     
    a. VOTE ON WHETHER TO CONDUCT ITEMS 10(b) and (c) IN CLOSED SESSION [Action]
    The Commission may hear Item 11(b) and (c) in closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b) and Administrative Code Section 67.10(b).
     
    b. CASE NO. 2018-07 – COMMISSION TO CONSIDER AND POSSIBLY APPROVE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN MEMBER AND DEPARTMENT [Action item]
     
    On December 3, 2018, Chief of Department filed a verified complaint with the Commission alleging the member violated the following Rule: 
     
    Section 3927 – Attendance, Tardiness and Failure to Report
     
    c. CASE NO. 2018-06:  COMMISSION DELIBERATIONS AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON EMPLOYEE SUSPENSION APPEAL [Action item]
     
    The appeal is from a two-calendar day suspension for violation of the Rules and Regulations as follows:
     
    Section 3928 – Unauthorized Leaves of Absence
     
    12. REPORT ON ANY ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION [Discussion and possible action] as specified in California Government Code Section 54957.1(a) and San Francisco Administrative Code section 67.12(b).
     
    13. VOTE TO ELECT WHETHER TO DISCLOSE ANY OR ALL DISCUSSIONS HELD IN CLOSED SESSION, as specified in San Francisco Administrative Code Section 67.12(a).   [Action]
     
    14. 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

    SAN FRANCISCO FIRE COMMISSION
     
    FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
    MINUTES
    Wednesday, May 8, 2019
    City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 416, San Francisco, California, 94102
     
     
     
    President Nakajo called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
     
    1. ROLL CALL
     
    Commission President Stephen Nakajo Present
    Commission Vice President Francee Covington Present
    Commissioner Michael Hardeman Present
    Commissioner Ken Cleaveland Excused
    Commissioner Joe Alioto Veronese Present 
     
    Chief of Department Jeanine Nicholson Present.
     
    Victor Wyrsch Deputy Chief -- Operations
    Jose Velo Deputy Chief --Administration
     
    Sandy Tong EMS
    Dan DeCossio Bureau of Fire Prevention
    Tony Rivera Support Services
    Michael Cochran Homeland Security
    Joel Sato Training Division
     
    Assistant Chiefs
    Brook Baker Division 2
    Denise Newman Division 3
     
    Staff
    Mark Corso Deputy Director of Finance
    Clement Yeh Medical Director
    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 24, 2019
     
    Commissioner Hardeman Moved to approve the above meeting Minutes.  Commissioner Veronese Seconded.  Motion to approve Minutes was unanimous.
     
    There was no public comment.
     
    4. PRESENTATION AND UPDATE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT [Discussion]
    Director Mary Ellen Carroll to present an update and status on the Department of Emergency Management.
     
    President Nakajo welcomed Director Carroll.
     
    Director Carroll explained that the Department of Emergency Management leads the planning preparedness, communication, response, and recovery for daily emergencies, large-scale city events, and major disasters.  She added that their job is to manage the every day and not so everyday emergencies in the city.  She gave examples of everyday emergencies which included police, fire, and medical emergencies for which they provide the 9-1-1 dispatch, basic traffic disruptions, and power outages.  For not so everyday emergencies she gave examples such as earthquakes, tsunamis, human-made emergencies like terrorism or communicable diseases.  She also mentioned that they have been experiencing extreme weather emergencies, such as last year during when they had hazardous air quality, extended air quality events due to the fires in different parts of the state.  She added that one way they accomplish their mission is through emergency communications, and that the 9-1-1 dispatch operation is combined dispatch for Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services and last year their public safety dispatchers answered and responded to over 1.4 million calls and non-emergency calls.  She explained the attached PowerPoint in detail:  https://sf-fire.org/sites/default/files/COMMISSION/Fire%20Commission%20…
     
    Commissioner Veronese asked Director Carroll if she could explain the partnership between DEM and Uber.  Director Carroll responded that they are currently piloting a program with RapidSOS which allows them to be able to utilize some of their technology and so far, it is going incredibly well.  Commissioner Veronese stated that he has been in contact with Google about putting digital markers on Cliffs in response to the many cliff-rescues the department gets called out to and that he would be happy to share that information with DEM.  There were brief discussions on wireless emergency alerts and the subscriber based alert system.  Mr. Zamora added that the City has multiple layers of alert warning system to get information out to the public, such as the sirens, wireless emergency alerts, social media, the police and firefighters going out on a PS system and getting out in the community, or NERT going door to door.
     
    Vice President Covington confirmed that out of the 1.4 million calls DEM receives, only 4 percent are fire related and Director Carroll stated that was because of the good work of the Fire Prevention team.  Director Carroll confirmed that they have the ability to communicate with people in 170 different languages and that they contract with a company called Voyance.  Vice President Covington also confirmed that DEM works closely with NERT, in different deployments, especially during care and shelter exercises, such as if folks are displaced from their home due to flooding or an earthquake, and they need a place to be sheltered.
     
    President Nakajo thanked Director Carroll and Francis Zamora for their presentation.  He confirmed that DEM has a total of 168 dispatchers currently with the goal of getting to 175, and that Director Carroll wants to make sure that they maintain those numbers of FTE as they look at attrition and retirements.   He confirmed that morale is improving for the dispatchers.  They also discussed when to call 3-1-1 for non-emergencies, and how getting that message out to educate the public is very important.  President Nakajo confirmed that DEM, Police, and Fire have a joint full-scale exercise preparing for fleet week, along with the Navy, Marines and some of the state reserve folks.  They also exercise on a lower scale throughout the year on different parts of their functions that includes training and exercise plans.
     
    Commissioner Hardeman stated he enjoys watching the Disaster Council meetings and caught the end of it the other day where they were discussing the problems with the auxiliary water supply in the western part of the city, and he heard some good ideas come out of that meeting.  He asked what the relation between Uber and Lyft is with DEM.  Director Carroll explained that they are working on an agreement that will provide rides post-emergencies, as well as Airbnb where they would provide housing, as they did during the north county fires. 
     
    There was no public comment.
     
    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 April 24, 2019, including budget, academies, special events, communications and outreach to other government agencies and the public.
     
    Chief Nicholson gave her first report as Chief of Department and it covered her first 48 hours in office.  She welcomed Deputy Chief Victor Wyrsch and Deputy Chief Jose Velo and Assistant Deputy Chief Sandy Tong to the command staff and thanked former assistant Deputy Chief Zanoff for his assistance in the transition with Chief Tong.  She mentioned that they have hit the ground running and she is looking forward to seeing what they can do together.  One plan she has is to send out their schedule and go out to the field to open up a conversation with the members.  She added that at the moment she is heavily focused on the budget.  She touched on ESER 2020, by mentioning it passed through Capital Plan and is now at the Board of Supervisors.  She stated that the MOU with the Port has been completed and would like to present that to the commission at the next meeting, on May 22, 2019.  She mentioned that Chief Cochrane has been heavily involved with the DEM and with disaster preparedness as well as Chief Velo and Chief Wyrsch who are working on an internal Incident Management Team, which will need to be in place for when the big one hits.  She announced that she met with the new head of Department of Public Health, Dr. Colfax, and that they are also on board with disaster planning and operations, because DPH will play a large role in patient care afterward, as well as having really good conversations with him about the Healthy Streets Operation Center and how they can partner to assist with the homeless and opioid crisis throughout the City.  Chief Nicholson thanked everyone who attended her swearing-in ceremony and stated what a wonderful experience it was for herself and her family and that she is really heartened at all the support that she has gotten.
     
    There was no public comment.
     
    REPORT FROM OPERATIONS, DEPUTY CHIEF VICTOR WYRSCH
    Report on overall field operations, including greater alarm fires, Emergency Medical Services, Bureau of Fire Prevention & Investigation, and Airport Division.
     
    Chief Wyrsch thanked Chief Nicholson for bestowing the honor of appointing him Deputy Chief of Operations.  He also thanked former Chief Hayes-White and the Commission, for a time in his career where he needed a lot of support and help, and they were there for him 100 percent.  He also thanked Former Chief Gonzales for his help in the transition.
     
    Chief Wyrsch stated during the reporting period, there were seven working fires in April, but because of their quick response and aggressive extinguishment, they kept them all to a single alarm.  He added that there were no major injuries or incidents to report on those fires.  He touched on the PIO outreach efforts through positive social media, and he reminded folks to text ALERTSF to 888777 and to visit the website at SFFIRE.ORG.  His report is attached:  https://sf-fire.org/sites/default/files/COMMISSION/Fire%20Commission%20…
     
    Chief Wyrsch acknowledged and thanked Mayor Breed for her assistance in the construction of the flagship firehouse, Station 5, and that she had helped strengthen the resilience of the SFFD.  He touched on upcoming events, including EMS Week, and a multi-agency ocean rescue drill.  He mentioned that the Bureau of Fire Prevention continues to do a good job with community outreach and with continuous training with the high-rise fire drills.  He added that Captain Attica Bowden at the Bureau of Fire Investigation has her backlog down to 43 open active reports.
     
    Public Comment:
     
    Sylvia talked about issues that were important to her.
     
    Vice President Covington thanked Chief Wyrsch for his report and told him to keep up the good work.
     
    Commission Veronese congratulated him on his new position.
     
    Commissioner Hardeman thanked Chief Wyrsch for his report and complimented him and Chief Velo on their smiles and appearance as being approachable.  Commissioner Hardeman asked about the ocean drill that will be held on Friday.  Chief Wyrsch stated that the ocean drill will take place at 10:00 a.m. at Ocean Beach.   He also acknowledged the great work being done by Chief Cochrane at Homeland Security.
     
    President Nakajo thanked Chief Wyrsch and stated he appreciated his presentation and comprehensive report.  President Nakajo acknowledged Chief Wyrsch’s proactive approach of putting out information and he thought the way he acknowledged various units underneath his command was very important.  He also welcomed Chief Velo and Chief Tong to the Command Staff.
     
    6. COMMISSION REPORT [Discussion]
    Report on Commission activities since last meeting on April 24, 2019.
     
    Commissioner Hardeman acknowledged the great day he had at the ribbon cutting at Station 5 and commented on what a wonderful facility it is with all the nice amenities.  He also mentioned that he was at the Chief's swearing-in ceremony and congratulated Chief Nicholson and let her know she had the support of the Commission.  He also stated he was at many parties for retiring Chief Hayes-White.
     
    Vice President Covington echoed the sentiments of Commissioner Hardeman and repeated that Chief Nicholson has the support of the Commission and she was also very happy to be at the swearing-in ceremony.  She mentioned that she was happy to hear that Chief Nicholson and her team will be visiting the fire stations and engaging members of the Department in conversation regarding the future of the Department.  She encouraged anyone watching the meeting, to take a look at the swearing-in ceremony on SFGOVTV to get a good sense of Chief Nicholson's trademark sense of humor as well as her background.  She mentioned that she was also at the ribbon cutting at Station 5 and thought it was a beautiful station and well worth the wait. 
     
    President Nakajo announced that he attended the beautiful swearing-in ceremony and was taken aback by the grand scale of the event and he really enjoyed her speech.  He also mentioned that he attended Chief Hayes-White's retirement party at the Irish Cultural Center which was attended by some 700 supporters and friends.  He added that deserving to Chief Hayes-White, but equally deserving to Chief Nicholson, was the smooth transition within the administrative ranks as she starts her new era as the Chief of the Department.
     
    Public Comment.  Sylvia spoke on matters that interested her.
     
    7. AGENDA FOR NEXT AND FUTURE FIRE COMMISSION MEETINGS [Discussion]
    Discussion regarding agenda for next and future Fire Commission meetings.
     
    • MOU with the Port of San Francisco
    • Update on Peer Support Unit
    • Update on PPE’s without cancer-causing chemicals in them
     
    Public Comment.  Sylvia spoke on matters that interested her.
     
    8. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED [Discussion]
     
    • Email dated 4/23/19 from Daniela Ponce
     
    There was no public comment.
     
    9. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON CHANGES TO DISCIPLINE APPEALS PROCESS [Discussion and possible action]
    City Attorney, Brad Russi to explain the process and changes that will apply to the San Francisco Fire Department’s Discipline Process.
     
    This matter was continued to a future commission meeting.
     
    10. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 11
    Public comment on all matters pertaining to Item 11 below, including public comment on whether to hold Item 11(b) and (c) in closed session. 
     
    Public Comment:  Sylvia spoke on matters important to her.
     
    11. POSSIBLE CLOSED SESSION REGARDING PERSONNEL MATTERS
     
    a. VOTE ON WHETHER TO CONDUCT ITEMS 11(b) and (c) IN CLOSED SESSION [Action]
    The Commission may hear Item 11(b) and (c) in closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b) and Administrative Code Section 67.10(b).
     
    Commissioner Veronese made a motion to conduct item 11(b) and (c), in Closed Session.  Commissioner Covington seconded, and the motion was unanimously approved.  (4-0; Nakajo, Hardeman, Covington, Veronese)
     
    The Commission went into closed session at 10:46 p.m.
     
    Also present was Deputy City Attorney, Lisa Berkowitz, and Deputy City Attorney, Brad Russi.
     
     
    b. CASE NO. 2018-07 – COMMISSION TO CONSIDER AND POSSIBLY APPROVE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN MEMBER AND DEPARTMENT [Action item]
     
    On December 3, 2018, Chief of Department filed a verified complaint with the Commission alleging the member violated the following Rule: 
     
    Section 3927 – Attendance, Tardiness and Failure to Report
     
    Commissioner Hardeman Moved to approve the settlement.  Vice President Covington Seconded.  The motion was unanimous.
     
    c. CASE NO. 2018-06:  COMMISSION DELIBERATIONS AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON EMPLOYEE SUSPENSION APPEAL [Action item]
     
    The appeal is from a two-calendar day suspension for violation of the Rules and Regulations as follows:
     
    Section 3928 – Unauthorized Leaves of Absence
     
    Vice President Covington Moved to deny the appeal and uphold the two-day suspension.  Commissioner Veronese Seconded.  The motion was unanimous.
     
     
    12. REPORT ON ANY ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION [Discussion and possible action] as specified in California Government Code Section 54957.1(a) and San Francisco Administrative Code section 67.12(b).
     
    The Commission reconvened in Open Session at 11:03 a.m. The Commission had nothing to report. 
     
    13. VOTE TO ELECT WHETHER TO DISCLOSE ANY OR ALL DISCUSSIONS HELD IN CLOSED SESSION, as specified in San Francisco Administrative Code Section 67.12(a).   [Action]
     
    Vice President Covington Moved to not disclose discussions held in closed session.  Commissioner Hardeman Seconded.  The motion was unanimously approved.  (4-0; Nakajo, Hardeman, Covington, Veronese)
     
    14. ADJOURNMENT
    President Nakajo adjourned the meeting at 11:04 a.m.