Nor Cal Fire Prevention Officers Association

Dennis Mathisen, President

April 22, 2005

Minutes – Monthly - Membership Meeting

San Francisco, CA

Irish Cultural Center

President Mathisen called the April 22, 2005 meeting to order at 0931 hours at the Irish Cultural Center in San Francisco.

Past President Rick Terry conducted the pledge of allegiance and Kent "I’ve got wheels" Miller was appointed Sergeant of Arms

President Mathisen introduced host Acting Fire Marshal Tom Harvey. Captain Harvey introduced Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White who welcomed the group to San Francisco and praised Captain Harvey for his efforts in bringing the meeting to San Francisco.

The organization recognized the visiting Fire Chiefs, Building Officials, and Past Presidents.

Self-introductions were made. President Mathisen asked Immediate Past President and newly appointed Judge Advocate Wes Arvin to declare a quorum.

A motion was made to approve the February minutes by President Mathisen. A motion was made by Gene Gantt to approve the minutes. Ed Tubbs 2nd. Motion carried after many promptings from the audience to remember to call for the vote!

The 2004 Charles Gray Memorial Award was formally presented to Doug Williams by Past President Judge Advocate Wes Arvin.

The NORCAL FPO's co-chairs were appointed by President Mathisen to serve through the 2005-6 year. Tom Harvey was appointed Operations Director for 2005-6. Past President Wes Arvin appointed as Judge Advocate for 2005-6.

President Mathisen made several announcements regarding organization business, including the new Mission Statement, new Director of Merchandise Policy. He also thanked Mike Payton for his efforts regarding fireworks in his community, which was recently in the paper. President Mathisen then made a special gavel presentation to Past President Wes Arvin.

SFM Report was given by Daniel Najerra (see attached Monthly Report California State Fire Marshal April 2005). He also mentioned that Chief Grijalva’s confirmation was approved on Wednesday, April 20, 2005. SFM office has hired Gini Kripner back on contract to help with the code adoption process. Chief Grijalva has directed staff that the new code should be at least as restrictive as the current code. They will be asking FPO’s for their help and expertise in the process.

Legislative Report

Gene Gantt provided an April 2005 Legislative Report to the Membership. See the attached report in the minutes for additional information. Cal Chief’s Legislative Action day is May 10th.

Exchange of Ideas

Kent Miller discussed two items from Daimler Chrysler who are putting on classes for Hydrogen Fuel systems, they will be on the website.

Wes Arvin has entry level inspector position open.

David Dewey has inspector position open as well, it is on the website.

Fort Hartsfield discussed changes to the website, including the new exchange of ideas area that requires login. Also mentioned he only has a few marketing items left, will be ordering more.

Joe Garcia discussed code interpretations that are on the SFM website.

Lorin Neyer discussed bill from last year regarding emergency remodels in skilled nursing facilities without having to get building permit, and the issues that have now come about with the user’s interpretation of this bill where they are doing thing like installing fire alarms without permits.

Jim DiGrazia mentioned that CPSC is going forward with changes to require firesafe cigarette lighters.

Theresa Johnson reminded people to register for the May meeting in South Lake Tahoe.

Greg Lake discussed meeting he attended where they were teaching people how to become a building inspector, etc. Butte College has students that are being trained in inspections.

Morgana Chan reminded people to check roster update today so we can send them out next month.

Wes Arvin asked if people have not been getting listserve emails that they please contact him so he can get their correct email address.

Adjournment for Subcommittee Meetings

See committee reports in the minutes.

PROGRAM

A program was presented by Bob Treiber of NFSA on sprinkler obstructions.

San Francisco Fire conducted the raffle.

Theresa Johnson, Secretary