Curtis Lawrence

The Commissioner's Meeting agenda was amended to remove two items related to a closed session. Key discussions included the required approval of Resolution 26-002 to authorize the Fire Chief to issue permits for the sale of safe and sane fireworks, a requirement under a Yolo County ordinance, which supports the Esparto Little League's annual sale. The Board also reviewed and approved revisions to Board Policy 1035 (Overview Of The Fire Chief's Role) and approved Board Policy 2075 (Purchasing). The Fire District's Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee report noted a focus on agricultural exempt buildings converting to commercial use without oversight. Staff reports detailed claim rejection letters mailed by General Counsel with specified future lawsuit deadlines, CalPERS payroll reporting finalization, new employment law reviews, and updates on equipment maintenance, including the replacement of a failed exhaust system motor. The Chief also reported on the establishment of a safety committee, upcoming software testing, and total calls responded to since January 1, 2026.

The meeting was called to order and the agenda was approved. The primary substantive topic involved convening to a Closed Session to discuss potential litigation regarding claims received against the District. Following the Closed Session, the Board reconvened to Open Session and unanimously voted to reject 17 claims received against the District. Additionally, one separate claim was rejected by a vote of 4 ayes, 0 noes, and 1 recusal, with the Commissioner involved in the claim recusing themselves from the vote.

The meeting included an approved agenda with requested modifications, such as deferring discussion of the Fire Chief Position Memorandum and removing the item concerning potential litigation from the open session agenda. The Board approved the claims for payment for the current date and reviewed the final and current fiscal year financial reports. Key actions included approving Resolution 25-007 to authorize access to State and Federal level Summary Criminal History Information, approving a new salary schedule effective December 14, 2025, and approving the Compensatory Time Plan and Board Policy 2065 regarding Fire Chief Shift Differential. Discussions during staff reports covered communication with CalPERS regarding reporting requirements, follow-up on a potential claim against the District with YCPARMIA, and confirmation that future agendas will be emailed. The Chief reported on an AC/Heating unit replacement, estimated call volume for 2025, and securing a second Volunteer Fire Capacity Program grant. Following a closed session for personnel review, the Board reconvened and reported action taken to approve the Fire Chief's satisfactory evaluation.

The meeting included approval of the agenda and payment of current claims, as well as the approval of the December 11, 2025 minutes. Key resolutions and reports approved included Resolution No. 26-001 to approve the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Agreement #7FG25714 and the 2024-25 Annual and Five-Year Developer Fee Report. Board Policy 2070 regarding the Employment of Outside Contractors and Consultants was also approved. Staff reports detailed updates on CalPERS reporting, increased secretarial hours due to additional reporting requirements, replacement of an AC/Heating unit, maintenance issues for an exhaust system motor, the return of Engine 19 to service, commencement of vehicle maintenance delayed from the previous year, and the procurement of new AEDs which will impact the Medical, Dental & Lab Supply budget. The Chief reported that two additional positions have been filled, bringing staffing to 2-0, the application for a $90,000 OTS Grant, and the final call volume for 2025 being 548. Following a closed session, it was announced that a Special Board Meeting is scheduled for January 15, 2026.

The meeting involved the approval of the agenda, with Item 13 moved after Item 18 and Item 17.A. removed. The Board reviewed and approved the payment of current claims and several financial reports for FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26. Key resolutions and policies approved included Resolution 25-007 authorizing access to criminal history information, the Esparto Fire Protection District Compensatory Time Plan, and Board Policy 2065 regarding Fire Chief Shift Differential. The Board also reviewed and approved the proposed salary schedules effective in 2025, the Fire Chief Position Memorandum, and took action in Closed Session to approve the Fire Chief's satisfactory evaluation. Staff reports covered CalPERS reporting clarification, handling a claim from an attorney via YCPARMIA, confirmation of emailing all future board agendas, replacement of a sleeping quarters AC/Heating unit, the upcoming Holiday Appreciation Dinner, an estimated call volume for 2025, and the award of a second Volunteer Fire Capacity Program grant.