Novato
Marin Country Club

The March meeting was called to order by President Danielle Stefani at 0930 hours at the Marin Country Club, Novato.

Tom Elliott, Past President and retired Novato Fire Marshal, led the pledge of allegiance.

Chaplin Tom Cook led the group in a short invocation.

Cliff Vaniman, Santa Rosa, was appointed Sergeant at Arms.

Host Fire Marshal Forrest Craig welcomed the group and talked a little about the Novato Fire District. Fire Marshal Craig then introduced Novato Fire Chief Jeff Meston, Captains Steve Metcho, Erick Nickel and Skip Schmidt, Inspector Bill Tyler, Firefighter Ron Price, Administrative Clerk Betty Box and Retired Fire Marshal and past President Tom Elliott. Chief Jeff Meston welcomed the group to Novato and thanked the group for our efforts in fire prevention, especially with respect to Urban Interface.

Chief Meston introduced the President of the Novato Fire Protection District Board, Jack Hickey, Assistant Chief-Operations with the City of Davis Fire Department. A/C Hickey complemented the Novato Fire Department on their recent accomplishments (Heart program for example). A/C Hickey thanked the group for our tireless efforts in fire prevention and inviting him to speak today.

President Stefani recognized Liaison Chief Doug Williams, Retired SFM James McMullen, Chief Rosemary Bliss – Tiburon, and Retired Lodi Fire Chief Ken Brown.

President Stefani also recognized visiting Building Official Steve Jensen, Marin County.

Self-introductions were made. At this time Rick Terry, Past President/Judge Advocate, declared a quorum.

A motion was made, and seconded, to approve the March 2001 minutes. Minutes were approved.

Exchange of ideas:

Verne Person, City of Lodi – Announced they are advertising for a Fire Inspector at this time.

Steve Hart, NASIP – Pointed out that UL studied the Model GB sprinkler head and results are available on the UL website, www.ul.com. Steve also donated a copy of the 2001 edition of the California Law Book for the raffle.

Danielle Stefani, Livermore/Pleasanton Fire, President – Encouraged membership to read a recent article in the NFPA Journal in reference to a fire in an apartment building where a women died.

Gale Bates, Code Resource – Assisting a Biotech firm in locating someone willing to work 20 hours/week. Please contact Gail if you are interested.

Jim DiGrazia, CPSC – Thanked the 52 fire department’s that participated in "round-up" of recall program.

Steve Harrington, Sunnyvale Fire – Wants information regarding Line X bed liners.

Gale Bates, Code Resource – Announced he is part of an OSHPD committee working on developing a matrix to assist in enforcing OSHPD 3 regulations (specific to surgery or dialysis centers). Larry Thude, Contra Costa FPD, questioned whose responsibility it is to enforce the regulations. Gail Bates stated OSHPD doesn’t conduct the review by State Law, so it is up to the locals. This led to some discussion

Joe Garcia, CDF-SFM – Stated the dialysis centers are classified as an I-1.2. Joe then stated CDF/SFM is working on this and to standby.

Rocque Yballa, SSF Fire – Wants information from folks who have used a smoke pencil test in lieu of the fan bore test. Ray Simpson, San Jose Fire, stated the smoke pencil test is used to find leaks. San Jose does a field dump test.

Fort Hartsfield, Community for Fire Safe Dwellings – Recommended to membership that they read an article in the April Sunset magazine titled "Living with Wildfire".

Steve Hart, NASIP – Looking for jurisdictions who have been challenged by BIA or property owner where the case went to court or a formal hearing.

Rick Terry, San Ramon FPD – Talked about Kettlecorn popcorn at State Fairs. Rick feels the appliances should go through UL Testing process and asked other members to support him in this endeavor.

Steve Jensen, Chief Building Official, Marin County – Next Tuesday, May 1, he has a proposal going before the County Board of Supervisors requiring automatic gas shutoff valves and propane tanks to be anchored.

Dennis Mathisen, Roseville Fire, Treasurer – Announced an upcoming Fire Specialist II position. See website for flyer.

State Fire Marshal Report – Joe Garcia, CDF/SFM

Joe stated Nancy Wolff is the Assistant State Fire Marshal. Randy Roxson is now Division Chief of Fire Prevention. Pat Sanchez, former Lead Deputy of Building Safety, is moving over to Fire Engineering. Lead Deputy for Building Safety is Mike Richwine. Arson Awareness Week is April 12. San Leandro office is closed as of today. New phone numbers are as follows: Evone 510-622-4022; Elisa 510-622-4023; and Ingrid 916-324-9592. Also, see minutes for new code interpretation for one hour corridors in existing schools.

Legislative Report – Gene Gantt, Benicia Fire Department, mailed the report, see attached, as he was unable to make the meeting.

Meeting was adjourned to Committees and Executive Board meeting at 1050 hours.

Afternoon Program – James McMullen, Fire Code and Uniform Fire Code Association Presentation.

Each Committee Co-Chair gave a brief recap of their respective meetings. Detailed reports to be in these minutes.

Thank you Novato and all contributors for an excellent and well-attended meeting! Much appreciation is extended to the Novato Fire Department and all staff for making the necessary arrangements. Special thanks to Administrative Clerk Betty Box for her efforts in faxing the directions to all members. The organization appreciates all raffle contributions that support the organization and committee activities. Special thanks to the Skywalker Ranch for their support.

President Stefani adjourned the meeting at 1415 hours.

The next meeting will take place on May 18 at the Palo Alto Elks Club, 4249 El Camino Real. Bring a guest and we will see you there. (650)329-2184

Respectfully submitted,

Weston Arvin, Secretary