Jeff Brown

The Board meeting agenda includes a Fire Chief update covering operations, fire prevention, and public information officer activities. The primary business item involves a progress report on the new Fire Station project, including a review of site improvements and metal building bids, with possible action to award contracts for the Station #114 site improvement project. Additional agenda items include the review of district monthly reports on training, vehicle maintenance, and incident statistics.

The Board discussed the relocation of dispatch services and reviewed the 2025 year-end performance, which included updates on service coverage, staffing transitions, the hiring of a mechanic, and the success of the Continuous Quality Improvement program. Administrative actions included progress updates on a new fire station, the approval of an amendment to the county ordinance regarding defensible space and vegetation abatement, and the adoption of the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan. Additionally, the Board authorized the signing of a partnership agreement with the Amador Resource Conservative District to support defensible space assessments.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda, which included mid-year budget matters. During public matters, a resident expressed concerns regarding fire prevention, advocating for enforceable regulations for all property owners to mitigate catastrophic fire risks and potentially lower insurance rates. Administrative discussions covered an update from the Fire Chief, including plans for staffing Phase I at station 121 in anticipation of a new casino opening, participation in pre-cancer screening services, and discussions with the school district regarding dual enrollment fire classes. The Fire Prevention Officer reported on ongoing inspections and plan reviews. The Public Information Officer provided updates on holiday events, including the Santa Cruise tracking map. Significant discussion occurred regarding the New Fire Station project, with updates on soil engineering, PG&E application, and target groundbreaking for mid-March, weather permitting. The Board approved an amended partnership agreement with the Amador Fire Safe Council for fire prevention and forest health management practices. A draft strategic plan was presented, focusing on operational effectiveness, achieving 3-0 staffing using apprentice firefighters, and addressing challenges with local dispatching for emergency response. The meeting concluded with the approval of minutes from previous special and regular meetings in November 2025, as well as closed meeting minutes from the same date.

The Board of Directors meeting addressed several administrative matters, primarily concerning the FY 2023-2024 New Benefit Assessment. This involved reviewing and receiving a preliminary Engineers Report from SCI Consultants regarding proposed assessment rates, which sparked discussion over whether to base calculations on acreage or square footage. The Board directed SCI Consultants to update the report to include detailed comparison tables and further define land use categories. Resolutions (AFPD 23-05 and AFPD 23-06) were approved to adopt Proposition 218 assessment ballot proceedings and initiate levy proceedings. Furthermore, the Board approved a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) between FASIS and FDAC EBA for continued personnel benefits and risk management services, resulting in Resolution No. AFPD 23-04. Updates were provided regarding the New Fire Station, Training Report, Call Report, and Vehicle Maintenance Report, with no action taken on these items. Confidential minutes from a previous special meeting were also approved.

The agenda for the Board of Directors meeting included a discussion and presentation of the firefighter's badge pinning and oath of office. Administrative matters covered the Fire Chief's update concerning operations, fire prevention, and the Public Information Officer role. Key agenda items included discussion and potential action regarding a new fire station in Pine Grove, including initiating a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Preconstruction and Construction Management Services, and discussion and possible action on an addendum to the Consultant Services Agreement with SCI Consulting Group concerning assessment engineering for the Lockwood annexation area. The Board also addressed the Benefit Assessment for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, which involved preliminary approval of the Engineer's Report and setting a public hearing date concerning the continuation of fire protection and emergency response services assessments, noting a proposed 2.38% rate increase. Finally, the agenda listed a review and possible action on the regular minutes from April 15, 2025.