NOR CAL FIRE PREVENTION OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

Forrest Craig, President

April 26, 2002

Minutes - Monthly Membership Meeting

Novato

Marin Country Club

President Craig called the April meeting to order at 0930 hours at the Marin Country Club.

Fort Hartsfield, Past President, led the pledge of allegiance.

President Craig introduced Novato Fire Chaplain Tom Cook who gave a blessing to the group.

Reinhard Hanselka was appointed Sergeant at Arms.

President Craig welcomed the group to Novato. He provided interesting background information about the community surrounding the Marin Country Club, specifically the urban wildland interface issues.

Jeff Meston, Fire Chief of Novato, welcomed the group and thanked all the FPO’s for the work they do.

President Craig recognized Section Chief Doug Williams and visiting Fire Chief Rosemary Bliss. President Craig also recognized all of the Past Presidents who were in attendance. He also recognized all Building Officials in attendance.

Self-introductions were made. At this time Tom Elliott, Past President, declared a quorum.

A motion was made, and seconded, to approve the March minutes with the following changes: 1) President Craig called the "March" meeting to order, not the January meeting, and 2) a moment of silence was held at the closing of the meeting in memory of Captain Patterson of San Francisco Fire Department.

President Craig presented an award of special recognition to Art Cota, of the State Fire Marshal’s Office for his hard work and dedication to the Nor Cal FPO’s as his work on the new Fire Prevention certification track, which becomes effective on July 1, 2002. President Craig also presented a special recognition award to Rosemary Bliss, Tiburon Fire Chief, for her impressive career in the Fire Service and her leadership in Fire Prevention and fire safety education.

 State Fire Marshal Report – Rodney Slaughter delivered an update on several issues being worked on by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. A full report is included with the minutes.

 Legislative Report – Gene Gantt, Benicia Fire Department – Report delivered to the group. See written report included with the minutes.

Exchange of ideas:

Reinhard Hanselka – He is working with the University of California investigating biotech facilities using high purity solvents. Reinhard has written a set of standards, which he calls the "13 commandments", which are intended to mitigate the hazards of these solvents. A copy of these standards is included with these minutes.

George Blind, Sunnyvale Public Safety – George and Wes Arvin attended the last So Cal FPO’s meeting. The primary topic was the new fire extinguisher regulations. The new collar tags will start surfacing in June of this year. Also, the So Cal FPO’s website is up and running. Check it out at www.socafpo.org.

Art Cota, OSFM – The Company Officer classes will be reconfigured to correlate with the AA degree process. If you think this is a good idea, talk to your local community college Fire Tech Coordinators.

Pat Corcoran, Master Body Works, Inc. – Gave information on a new thermo-gel product used to protect homes threatened by wild fire. He also discussed a truck mount water/foam system to be used by first responders. If interested, cal Pat at 555-217-0733.

Tom Harvey, San Francisco FD – Mentioned that the fire sprinkler class held by the Sprinkler Fitter U.A. Local 483 last month went well. There were several Nor Cal members in attendance. If you are interested in future classes, contact Jim Bollier, Training Director, at 510-782-9483.

Bill Greene, Davis FD – Bill is working on the new Title 19/24 classes. Up to four classes may be held per year throughout California.

Rocque Yballa, Burlingame FD – Discussed the proposed R-2 bedridden regulations. He is helping clean up the current language. Rocque would welcome any input.

Dave Dewey, Daly City FD – Announced that Daly City is recruiting for a lateral Fire Safety Inspector position.

Steve Fisher, Ross Valley FD – Asked if any agencies are reviewing photovoltaic systems and if anyone has related standards. Reinhard Hanselka said that Palo Alto has them.

Larry Thude, Contra Costa County FD – Asked the group about mandated annual residential inspections.

Rodney Slaughter, OSFM – If you are interested in alternative funding, make sure you look into the current 3.5 billion dollars in FEMA grants.

Forrest Craig, Novato FD – Announced two job openings for Fire Prevention Specialist and Fire Inspector.

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

Afternoon Program – Roger Benson, FM Global presented information regarding plastics in the semiconductor industry. 

Detailed committee reports are in these minutes.

Thank you Novato Fire Department 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.

President Craig adjourned the meeting at 1345 hours.

The next meeting will take place on May 17th at the Modesto Fire Training Center. Remember this is an early meeting. Bring a member of your staff, and we will see you there.  

Respectfully submitted,

Dennis M. Mathisen, Secretary