NOR CAL FIRE PREVENTION OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
www.norcal-fpo.org
Forrest Craig, President
October 25, 2002
Minutes - Monthly Membership Meeting
Vacaville
Vacaville Cultural Center
President Craig called the October meeting to order at 0940 hours at the Vacaville Cultural Center.
Steve Hart led the pledge of allegiance.
Scott McMillan was appointed Sergeant at Arms.
President Craig welcomed the group to Vacaville after he fined himself for starting the meeting late and losing his gavel.
Host Fire Marshal Jeff Ringleman welcomed the group to Vacaville. Chief Ringleman recognized his staff for their efforts. Chief Ringleman also greeted the group on behalf of Fire Chief Moore.
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 Al Forbes, Past President, declared a quorum.
A motion was made, and seconded, to approve the September minutes. The following changes were made:
Fines were levied all around.
President Craig presented a proclamation to Fairfield Fire Marshal, Steve Johnson, in recognition of his retirement and all of his years of dedicated service. Chief Johnson spoke to the group about his experiences in fire prevention and thanked the organization for recognizing him. President Craig also announced that a proclamation was presented to Linda Brandelius at her retirement dinner on October 4, 2002. We will make a similar presentation to Linda at the November meeting.
State Fire Marshal Report – Chief Hugh Council gave an update on several issues being worked on by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Chief Council discussed the recent pilot Title 19 course, which recently updated. Chief Council thanked those individuals who participated in the course for their feedback. The West Covina office has moved to Monrovia. The State Fire Marshal is also making appointments to the State Fire Marshal’s Fire and Life Safety Building Standards Advisory Board. This Board will be charged with reviewing future codes to be adopted by the State of California and making recommendations to the State Fire Marshal. Anyone interested in participating in this effort should contact a Nor Cal FPO’s Board member. The Board will be making recommendations for appointment to the California Fire Chief’s Association. See the attached report for more details.
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:
Steve Hart, Past President – Steve donated a bottle of wine to the raffle on behalf of Sam Husoe. Steve also, referred everyone to the Consumer Product Safety Commission regarding recalls of defective smoke dampers and smoke detectors. Finally, Steve recognized Past President Al Forbes for his efforts in making fire prevention what it is in California.
George Blind, Sunnyvale Dept. of Public Safety – George is looking for information regarding problems dealing with the changes in residential sprinkler head listing requirements in July.
Rick Rodewald, Monterey FD – Rick showed the group a sprinkler drop using a PVC coupling. Watch out for these!
Rick Terry, Past President, San Ramon Valley FPD – Rick commented on next year’s CFPI workshop. The State Fire Marshal representatives will be present in Monterey to facilitate the certification transfer process from the old FPO I, II, and III track to the new FPO, Fire Protection Specialist, Plans Examiner, and Fire Marshal. Please prepare your application packets ahead of time. You will need to prepare a packet for each certificate. A flyer will be placed in future newsletters. Any questions, check out the State Fire Marshal’s website or contact Rick Terry.
Mike Stewart, 1st VP, Sac. Metro FPD – Mike gave a report on the outcome of the recent ICC code hearings in Fort Worth. Mike thanked Jim Monty, Matt Tarr, Kent Miller, Lorin Neyer, Rick Terry, Gini Krippner, Rodney Slaughter, and Tom Oakes for participating in the hearings and for their great representation of California. Jim, Kent, and Lorin gave their perspectives on the code hearings as well.
Morgana Chan, Fairfield FD – Morgana asked Rick Terry if coworkers cannot attend the CFPI workshop, con another person bring the coworker’s certification packets to the workshop? Rick stated that that will be possible as long as the application is complete with the applicant’s contact information. Morgana also thanked President Craig for talking up the Public Education class. Attendance increased as a result. Morgana also announced a Theatrical Special Effects class. See the attached flyer.
Forrest Craig, President, Novato FPD – President Craig announced that the nominating committee has been appointed. The members are, Danielle Stefani, Larry Monette, and Rick Terry. Forrest also commended Fort Hartsfield for taking on the position of Merchandizing Director. By purchasing Nor Cal products you are supporting the organization’s efforts. Finally, Forrest discussed his experience at the last So Cal FPO meeting. Our marketing and strategic plans were discussed.
Rick Terry, Past President, San Ramon Valley FPD – Rick mentioned that the issue of firefighter safety has been officially added as an element of the code change process. Rick also encouraged every fire marshal to get familiar with the new NFPA 5000.
Ethan Foote, CDF/Napa County FD – Ethan discussed a grant opportunity. The U.S. Forest Service has a "Community Protection Program" grant opportunity for fire departments and non-profit organizations (such as Fire Safe Councils). Applicants must be adjacent, or in close proximity, to National Forest System lands. There are no matching funds requirements and the grant provides up to $200,000 for hazardous Wildland fuel reduction projects. Contact Ethan Foote (707-576-2996) at CDF Northern Region Headquarters in Santa Rosa or your local USFS FMO for further information. Application deadline is December 6, 2002.
Scott McMillan, San Jose FD – Scott is working on new regulations dealing with wood buildings under construction. If anyone has requirements that are more stringent than those contained in Article 87, please contact Scott.
Greg Granados, Aerojet – Greg shared a drop-out ceiling tile he found on one of his projects. The tile had no approval markings, however, after some testing he found the tile met the testing requirements.
Kent Miller, Stockton FD – Kent stated that Stockton has a measure on the ballot that is aimed at reducing tax revenues. This seems to be a growing trend.
Steve Hart, Past President – Steve reminded the group to be careful when trying to determine the correct version of NFPA documents to enforce because the new building code is confusing.
Tom Harvey, San Francisco FD – Tom stated that he participated in the new Title 19 pilot class and it was very worthwhile. He also urged everyone to take a look at the new disability access requirements in the 2001 California Building Code as they impact the exiting requirements.
Dennis Mathisen, Roseville FD – Announced two new positions in Roseville: Assistant Fire Marshal and Plan Check Engineer. Applications will be accepted until October 30th. More information may be obtained at the City of Roseville website, www.roseville.ca.us, or the Nor Cal FPO’s website.
Meeting was adjourned to Committees and Executive Board meeting at 1115 hours.
Detailed committee reports are in these minutes.
Thank you Vacaville Fire Department for an excellent and well-attended meeting! Much appreciation is extended to the Vacaville Fire Department for making the necessary arrangements.
President Craig adjourned the meeting at 1400 hours.
The next meeting will take place on November 22nd at the Sheraton 4 Points Hotel in San Rafael.
Please note that the November general meeting will be held on November 22nd, NOT the 15th. It will still be located in San Rafael. Please call (415) 485-3308 to RSVP. It is not necessary to pre-pay, but they will need a head count for lunch.
Respectfully submitted,
Dennis M. Mathisen, Secretary