NOR CAL FIRE PREVENTION OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
www.norcal-fpo.org
Forrest Craig, President
January 24, 2003
Minutes - Monthly Membership Meeting
UC Davis
Walter A. Buehler Visitor Center
President Craig called the November meeting to order at 0930 hours at the Walter A. Buehler Visitor Center at UC Davis.
Tom Elliott led the pledge of allegiance.
Theresa Johnson was appointed Sergeant at Arms. Congratulations to Theresa Johnson in her recent promotion to Fire Marshal of Alameda County!
President Craig welcomed the group to UC Davis.
Host Fire Marshal Weston Arvin welcomed the group to UC Davis on behalf of the Yolo County Fire Prevention Officers Association. Chief Arvin recognized his staff for their efforts. Fire Chief Mike Chandler also welcomed the group to the campus. Chief Arvin continued to recognize his staff and other individuals from fire agencies in the Yolo County area. Fire Marshal Bruce Lecair also introduced his staff and recognized them for their contributions.
President Craig recognized visiting fire chiefs. He also recognized the visiting building officials and past presidents of Nor Cal.
Self-introductions were made. At this time Keith Schoenthal, Past President, declared a quorum.
A motion was made, and seconded, to approve the November minutes minutes. The following change was made:
President Craig presented a proclamation to Burlingame Fire Department Fire Marshal Keith Marshall in recognition of his retirement and all of her years of dedicated service. Keith spoke to the group about his years in fire prevention, as he has loved every minute of it.
President Craig also presented a proclamation to Dianne Grinbergs, of the Berkeley Fire Department in recognition of her retirement and the many years of dedication she has provided the California Fire Service. Members of Dianne’s department also joined together at her side as she accepted her proclamation. Dianne shared her sincere gratitude to the group and will miss her co-workers dearly.
State Fire Marshal Report – Chief Hugh Council gave an update on some recent issues being worked on by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. See the attached report for more details.
Division of the State Architect Report – Ed DeCossio of DSA gave this month’s report on behalf of Brian Heyman. See the attached report for more details.
CALBO Report – Chief Doug Williams gave a report on behalf of Lee Braun of CALBO. The California Building Officials and Cal Chiefs are working together more closely to cultivate relationships. We can expect our organizations to continue working closely together on several issues.
Legislative Report – Gene Gantt – Benicia Fire Department, Legislative Committee Chair, gave this month’s report. See the attached report for more details.
Danielle Stefani, Immediate Past President, presented next year’s slate of officers: Bruce LeCair for Treasurer, Angela Sullivan for Secretary, Dennis Mathisen for 2nd Vice President, Wes Arvin for 1st Vice President, and Mike Stewart for President. A motion was made to approve the committee’s recommendation. The motion was approved.
President Craig also announced the newly published annual report of the Nor Cal FPO’s. He thanked Past President Danielle Stefani for all of her efforts in producing the document. Chief Craig went on to thank the various committees and the members of the Executive Board for all of their efforts this past year. As this is Chief Craig’s last meeting as President, he thanked the organization for supporting him. He provided a brief overview of this year’s goals and accomplishments. The details are in the annual report, which was handed out.
On a related note, President Craig gave an update on the upcoming code comparison process through the State Fire Marshal’s Office. A directive was given by the California Fire Chiefs Association, President Chief McCammon, to assemble a team of people to assist in this process. An Incident Action Plan was developed that describes the process, division of labor, and deadlines. The process is expected to be complete by March 2003.
Exchange of ideas:
Darrell Harguth – Past President: Discussed UL 300 related issues and when to consider requiring retrofits.
Sam Husoe – Past President So. Cal/NFSA: Sam announced upcoming NFSA classes.
Larry Thude – Contra Costa County FPD: Larry announced two assistant chief positions opening soon in his organization.
Rocque Yballa – Burlingame FD: Rocque asked anyone that may have information on the residential care facility fire fatality in Torrance California to please let him know. It was noted that another residential fire fatality occurred in Auburn California on January 23, 2003. The fire is currently under investigation.
Tom Harvey – San Francisco FD: On behalf of the San Francisco FD Tom said he was very appreciative of all of the support given by other fire agencies as a result of a recent firefighter death.
Wes Arvin – UC Davis: Lawrence Berkeley Lab is looking for a fire protection engineer.
Dennis Mathisen – Roseville FD: Dennis announced an Assistant Fire Marshal position that is currently open for recruitment. The job opens on February 3, 2003 and closes on March 3, 2003.
Fort Hartsfield – Past President/Webmaster: Fort encouraged the use of banner ads on our website.
Forrest Craig – Soon to be Past President/Novato FPD: Forrest, who forgot to mention some of the committee chairs earlier, recognized them for their efforts this past year. Several fines were paid. Thanks Forrest for your generous contributions to our revenue stream.
Meeting was adjourned to Committees and Executive Board meeting at 1130 hours.
Detailed committee reports are in these minutes.
Thank you Yolo County Fire Prevention Officers Association and UC Davis Fire Department for an excellent and well-attended meeting! Much appreciation is extended to the Yolo County Fire Prevention Officers Association and UC Davis Fire Department for making the necessary arrangements.
President Craig adjourned the meeting at 1400 hours.
The next meeting will take place at the annual California Fire Prevention Institute Workshop in Monterey during the week of February 10th through 14th.
Respectfully submitted,
Dennis M. Mathisen, Secretary