Dena Gunning

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of several resolutions under the consent calendar: adopting the Summary of Benefits for the Fire Operational Support Services Group, approving the reclassification of an Administrative Assistant to Management Assistant, and adopting the Summary of Benefits for the Management Group. In new business, the Board adopted the updated Salary Schedule for the Central County Fire Department, which reflected the recent compensation adjustments. Furthermore, the Board authorized the execution of a one-year agreement with the City of Millbrae for Fire and Emergency Services, which will expire at the end of December 2025, with discussions suggesting consideration of a longer contract in the future. Finally, the Board accepted the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the Central County Fire Department, noting that the department received an unmodified opinion on the audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Staff reports indicated updates on the District Feasibility Study RFP response and finalization of specifications for a fire engine purchase, with both items expected to return to the Board in February.

The regular Board of Directors meeting included the approval of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget amendment for the Central County Fire Department and the rescission of Resolution 25-05 under the consent calendar. Staff reports covered the Fire Chief's update, noting the reopening ceremony for Station 36, the upcoming Fire Academy attendees, and the retirement announcement of Battalion Chief Jeff Baker. A separate agenda item concerned the adoption of a three-and-a-half-year successor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Chief Officers group, effective July 1, 2025, through December 31, 2028, which includes phased salary equity adjustments and modifications to retirement health savings plan contributions for newer employees. Additionally, the Board received the Central County Fire Department Treasurer's Report for Q4 Fiscal Year 2024-25, detailing investment performance.

The meeting convened at 4 p.m. Key agenda items included the approval of several consent calendar items, such as the Central County Fire Department Quarterly Financial Report for Q4 Fiscal Year 2024-2025, the Treasurer's Report for Q1, Fiscal Year 2025-2026, and several resolutions concerning Memorandums of Understanding with the Chief Officers' Group and the Firefighters Union, as well as the adoption of Amended Personnel Rules. New Business included the adoption of a resolution for the department's salary schedule. Staff reports highlighted the Fire Chief's upcoming meeting with the City of Burlingame regarding potential office space leasing and the review of a single proposal received for a fire district feasibility study RFP. The meeting concluded with adjournment into and out of closed sessions for negotiations concerning unrepresented fire support services and management personnel.

The agenda for the meeting included the approval of previous minutes from December 10, 2025. Key discussion items included receiving the Quarterly Financial Report for Q1 FY 2025-26 and the Treasurer's Report for Q2 FY 2025-26, as well as receiving the Mid-Year FY 2025-26 Budget Update Report, which projected a net deficit primarily due to adopted MOU agreements. A Public Hearing was scheduled to receive a report on vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts in compliance with AB 2561. New business involved adopting a resolution to authorize the purchase of four Pierce fire engines from Golden State Fire Apparatus, Inc., utilizing a cooperative procurement agreement, and approving a resolution to award the contract for the District Feasibility Study to Matrix Consulting Group. The meeting also included staff reports on the Fire Chief's update and the Strategic Plan update, followed by planned closed sessions for labor negotiations.

This Strategic Plan outlines the Central County Fire Department's dedication to safeguarding community lives, property, and well-being, while adapting to the evolving public safety landscape. Developed through thoughtful analysis and community input, it sets a forward-looking course to maintain the department's leadership in emergency services, guided by a vision to innovate and evolve.