Lynn Trickle-Napa Fire Department led the pledge of allegiance.
Sean Byrd-Vacaville Fire Dept. and new member was appointed Sergeant at Arms.
Host Fire Marshal Battalion Chief David Mellow welcomed the group to the City of Napa. Chief Mellow announced that many of the local Napa wineries contributed to the raffle and organization fundraiser. Chief Mellow introduced host Fire Chief Joe Perry.
Chief Perry stated it is always a pleasure to have the Fire Prevention Officers’ Organization in Napa. Chief Perry was an active member of the organization for many years and knows first hand how hard committee members and Fire Prevention personnel work. He continues to support and advocate for our group through the California Fire Chief’s Association. Napa is experiencing explosive growth currently building 500 new single-family dwellings and understands pressures associated with growth and dealing with new Code issues. Chief Perry wished us well and to enjoy our stay in the City of Napa. Chief Perry spoke to the executive board during the e-board meeting.
President Monette recognized visiting Fire Chief Ernie Lowe, Assist Fire Chief for Napa County Fire Department.
Self-introductions were made. At this time Past President and Judge Advocate Division Chief Rick Rodewald Fire Marshal-Monterey Fire Dept. declared a quorum.
A Motion was made/s to approve the August 1999 minutes. Minutes were approved as mailed with a notation that the SFM Fire Alarm Plan Check Guides are available from Ben Ho, BLM Section State Fire Marshal’s Office.
President Monette recognized Past Presidents of the organization in the room.
Exchange of ideas:
Bill Sallee-BF Goodrich Co. said to be on the alert for an article on home fire sprinklers from Home Builder’s Assoc.
Past President Larry Larson – National Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc. announced upcoming classes beginning October 12 & 13 at Woodland. A two-day fire sprinkler class and a one day class on fire hydraulics. Contact Larry for more information (530) 432-8923.
Robert Evans-Stockton Fire Dept. and Co-Chair Fire Protection Devices stated that the Public Broadcasting Channel will be airing "This Old House" which will demonstrate the installation of a "state of the art" fire suppression system. See www.pbs.org/wqbh/Thisoldhouse.
Kent Miller-Stockton Fire Dept. announced the promotion and new position of his Assistant Fire Marshal Robert Evans. Congratulations Robert!
Rocque Yballa-South San Francisco Fire Dept. and Fire Code Co-Chair last month had questions regarding Group B Laboratories. Rocque did receive a response from the San Jose Fire Department. He noted that the 2nd exit and separation is not required.
Terry Leyton-Central Sprinkler Company, stated on "Good morning America", ABC will be airing a video on fire sprinkler systems. Also, Terry is working on the Monterey Workshop and trying to double the size of vendors and exhibitors which would require a larger exhibit hall. Please advise if you know of a larger facility to accommodate the exhibitors.
Div. Chief Joel Brick-Vacaville Fire Dept. inquired if anyone has had trouble or information regarding the drop out ceiling panels as an attempt to circumvent sprinkler system extensions. Please contact Fire Marshal Brick.
Tom Harvey-San Francisco Fire Dept. disseminated an administrative bulletin regarding Truss construction failure. San Francisco is proposing signage near the building entrances that would be a warning to firefighters noting the type and loads of truss construction within the building. See enclosure in these minutes. Tom also referenced the NFPA Alert Bulletin Number 97-1 dated February 1997 and titled "Lightweight Wood Truss Collapses Claim the Lives of Three Firefighters".
Chief Gary Massetani – San Francisco Fire Department, has been appointed to the position of Fire Marshal. Congratulations Gary!
Danielle Stefani-Pleasanton/Livermore Fire Dept. and 2nd Vice President is looking for information system on the "FOG" system. It vaporizes a combustible liquid that obscures visibility and is to deter intruders. Chief Larry Thude-Contra Costa County Fire District has also experienced this in their jurisdiction. He has experienced two accidental discharges. Gale Bate-Code Resource per Howard Hopper UL, suggest looking at http://www.tbf.net/fog/ for more detailed information on this system.
Chief Larry Thude-Contra Costa County Fire Protection District has been promoted to Chief Fire Marshal. Congratulations Larry!
Santa Rosa Fire Department has received a call from a concerned citizen who stated someone was soliciting donations called the "4th Alarm" donation Santa Rosa is not aware of any such program and is calling on people to be aware of this. It may be happening in your district on the coat tails of fire prevention week.
Fire Marshal Rick Rodewald-Monterey Fire Dept. Past President and Judge Advocate stated that the Nor-Cal Board will be seeking through a Nominating Committee two (2) new Board members for Treasurer and Secretary positions. Past Presidents Fort Harstfield, Tonya Hoover and Rick Rodewald serve on the Committee.
Gale Bate-Code Resource, indicated that some Building Departments do not require permits for new or repair of wood roofs. Some roofs may be changed but not in compliance. Fire officials should be ware of this.
President Monette announced that the North-South Joint meeting and California Fire Prevention Institute Conference will be in held from February 7th through February 11th this year in Monterey. Contact CFPI Workshop Chair Michael T. Bennett at (805) 681-5500 or visit the Nor-Cal Web site. See announcement in these minutes.
Fire Marshal Mellow provided an overview of raffle ….150 bottles of wine, tailgate basket, and Fire Tech 49er tickets. Wow! Thanks Napa Fire Department and contributors for supporting Nor-Cal FPO’s!
State Fire Marshal Report – None
Legislative Report - Gene Gantt
AB 423 Dutra FR roofing materials is on the Governors desk. The Bill requires fire retardant roofing materials on 50% re-roof and new roofs.
Meeting was adjourned to Committees and Executive Board meeting at 1020 hours.
Afternoon Program – Elevator Shunt Switch New Requirements.
Mr. Gary Iocco and Mr. James Meyer of the Department of Industrial Relations Elevator, Ride and Tramway Unit gave a detailed overview of the new requirements for shunt switching elevator power upon smoke or water flow activation in the hoist way and/or equipment room. The Elevator Safety Regulations are found in Part 7 of the California Building Code; Barclays’ Title 8 CCR and ASME A17.1-1996. Reference in particular Sec. 102c(3). This matter will be referred to Committee for study. Questions regarding the regulation may be directed to James Meyer at (916) 263-7995 or jmeyer@hq.dir.ca.gov.
Committee Reports to be in these minutes.
Thank you Napa Fire Department and all contributors for an excellent and well-attended meeting!
President Monette adjoined the meeting at 1415 hours.
Respectfully submitted,
Forrest M. Craig, Secretary