NOR CAL FIRE PREVENTION OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Forrest Craig, President
August 23, 2002
Minutes - Monthly Membership Meeting
Petaluma
Petaluma Lucchesi Community Center
President Craig called the August meeting to order at 0935 hours at the Petaluma Lucchesi Community Center.
Larry Monette, Past President, led the pledge of allegiance.
Tom Elliott, Past President, was appointed Sergeant at Arms.
President Craig welcomed the group to Petaluma.
Michael Ginn, Host Fire Marshal, welcomed the group to the Petaluma. Chief Ginn thanked the Sonoma County FPO’s staff for their work on organizing this meeting. He also recognized his staff for there efforts. Petaluma Fire Chief Chris Albertson also welcomed the group. He appreciates the efforts of the FPO’s. Petaluma Mayor Clark Thompson welcomed the group. The Mayor thanked the FPO’s for their efforts to prevent fires in local businesses. Mr. Thompson also reflected back on a trip he made to New York this past year and shared his experiences.
President Craig recognized visiting building officials. He also recognized the visiting fire chiefs and past presidents of Nor Cal.
Self-introductions were made. At this time Rick Rodewald, Past President, declared a quorum.
A motion was made, and seconded, to approve the July minutes.
Wes Arvin, 2nd Vice President, made a special presentation. A special award was presented to Nancy Taylor, of Special T Fire Equipment. We thank Nancy for her commitment to the Fire Service and for all of her special efforts for the Nor Cal FPO’s. Nancy has been very instrumental in the success of the Inspector Guide Program. Without her dedication the program would not be as successful as it is.
State Fire Marshal Report – Chief Hugh Council delivered an update on several issues being worked on by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The new T-19/24 class is nearing completion. There will be one more pilot class prior to rolling it out to the general public. Due to the State budget situation, the CSFM is continuing to make staffing changes. Leslie Billington also gave a regulations report. Rodney Slaughter gave a Title 19 update. Full reports are included with the minutes.
Legislative Report – Gene Gantt, Benicia Fire Department, presented this month’s legislative report. A complete report will be included in these minutes and posted on our website.
Exchange of ideas:
Kent Miller, Stockton FD – Kent has discovered various errors in the 2001 California Fire Code. The State Fire Marshal’s Office will be submitting an errata to the Building Standards Commission.
Larry Thude, Contra Costa County FPD – Larry asked which publishing entity should local AHJ’s reference in adopting ordinances, i.e., IFCI or WFCA. We should reference WFCA. An in-depth discussion related to the adoption process and which standards to use was continued after lunch.
Wes Arvin, UC Davis – Wes announced that he will be recruiting an Assistant Fire Marshal position soon.
Elliott Gittleman, ESH Consultants – Announced that Lew Schalit is continuing to battle cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lew and his family.
Bill Greene, Davis FD – Bill is dealing with a smoke detector issue on portable school buildings. Bill would appreciate any information anyone may have.
Gale Bate, Code Resource – Gale discovered a new lockable fire extinguisher cabinet. It is very difficult to open. Gale is trying to get more information on this particular cabinet.
Rick Rodewald, Monterey FD – Announced that there was a fire in a State Fire Marshal’s Office building in Salinas recently. The local media is putting a negative spin on the incident and the SFM’s office.
Dennis Mathisen, Roseville FD – Announced two new positions in Roseville – Assistant Fire Marshal and Plan Check Engineer. Job announcements to come out soon.
Vern Losh, Sonoma County FD – Chief Losh is working on a zero based fire sprinkler ordinance and is being challenged by the affordable housing issue.
Sam Husoe, NFSA – Sam mentioned that Orange County has been successful and has a report available.
Rick Rodewald, Monterey FD – Rick is also working on a zero based sprinkler ordinance.
Matt Tarr, City of Selma – Matt provided more information on the affordable housing issue.
Randy Collins, Healdsberg FD – Randy is working on modifying the NFPA 13-R standard at the local level. Please provide comments to Randy if you have dealt with this issue.
Gale Bate, Code Resource – Gale mentioned that the L.A. area fire marshals group website contains some information about factory built housing with only one smoke detector installed in the hallway. State laws regulating factory built housing only require one detector.
Steve Hart, Past President – Steve followed up on the factory built housing issue and suggested that a working group be assemble to work on the matter.
Forrest Craig, Novato FPD – Forrest had a recent save on an apartment fire. Smoke detectors operated and alerted the occupants in time for their safe escape.
Meeting was adjourned to Committees and Executive Board meeting at 1100 hours.
Detailed committee reports are in these minutes.
Thank you Petaluma Fire Department and Sonoma County Fire Prevention Officers for an excellent and well-attended meeting! Much appreciation is extended to the Petaluma Fire Department and the Sonoma County FPO’s for making the necessary arrangements.
President Craig adjourned the meeting at 1345 hours.
The next meeting will take place on September 27th at the Elks Lodge in Napa. Reservations must be made no later than September 20th. Bring a member of your staff, and we will see you there.
Please note that the November general meeting will be held on November 22nd, NOT the 15th. It will still be located in San Rafael.
Respectfully submitted,
Dennis M. Mathisen, Secretary