Josh I. Chrisman

The Regular Meeting agenda included several key actions and discussions. Agenda changes were approved to move Item 15 to follow Item 9, and to schedule closed session after Item 15. Consent Agenda Items 2-7 were approved. Under Old Business, the second reading of Ordinance 2025-04, adopting the 2025 California Fire Codes with Local Amendments, was approved. New Business items included the approval of the Audit for FY24/25, and the approval and adoption of the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan. The Board also approved Resolution 2026-02 authorizing the Zumwalt Construction Agreement for new administrative/training offices, approved the CDBG Grant Agreement for Water Tender 94 purchase, and approved Resolution 2026-01 for the Volunteer Fire Assistant (VFA) Grant. Discussions only covered Emergency Response Enhancement (ALS) to research a pilot program, and assessing the impact of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations & Hydrogen Facilities. The CFD Annual Report for FY 2025-2026 was approved. Staff reports provided updates on upcoming events, an award nomination, a subcommittee meeting, and solar facilities contract development. The Board entered and returned from a closed session to discuss anticipated and existing litigation.

The key discussion topics for this meeting included public commentary on matters within the District's jurisdiction and adherence to meeting procedures, including teleconference accessibility. The Consent Agenda covered routine items such as the review and approval of January 2026 Accounts Payable Reports, and review of the District Financial Statements, Incident Summary, Law Enforcement/Fire Protection & Code Enforcement Summary, and Fleet Maintenance for January 2026. New Business items involved a staff discussion and Board Action regarding the 2025 Annual Report, Resolution 2026-03 for the Zumwalt Construction Agreement for Station 92, and the Amended Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The agenda concluded with Board Member Agenda Requests, Staff Reports including updates on Construction Projects and Standards of Coverage, and a Closed Session to discuss anticipated and existing litigation.

This comprehensive roadmap outlines the Fresno County Fire Protection District's direction for 2026-2030, focusing on sustaining its mission to protect life, property, and the environment through operational excellence, financial stewardship, and community trust. Developed via a community-driven process, the plan's strategic pillars include financial and operational sustainability, emergency response readiness, workforce development, community risk reduction, and collaboration with partners, all underpinned by the core values of Honor, Integrity, Cooperation, and Professionalism.

The key discussions and actions during the meeting included tabling the resolution recognizing Assistant Chief Bowman's retirement to the next board meeting. The Board unanimously approved Resolution 2023-12 concerning APCD SJVAPD Multi Grant Applications for Type 1 Engine Replacement. Nominations for Board Officers were made, with Vice President Arabian nominated for President, Director Richter for Vice President, and Director Mendes for Secretary. Staff reports covered the Station 72 kick-off meeting, the progress on Station 71's open house, the timeline for standards of coverage compilation, and an update on the PG&E/Solar Analysis, which is expected to be ready for the subsequent meeting. The meeting adjourned shortly after 6:34 p.m., with the next regular meeting scheduled for December 20, 2023.

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors addressed several items through unanimous consent and individual motions. Key actions included the approval and acceptance of the Table Mountain Rancheria Agreement. New business involved the approval of the Fowler Fire Prevention and Code Compliance Agreement, the approval of the Administrative Analyst Position, approval for adjusting the wage for the Equipment Services Assistant, and approval of the Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 23/24, which included the salary schedule for local agency executives. A request was made by Vice President Arabian to discuss Board Member benefits, which will result in a report from Legal Counsel. Staff reports covered the initiation of peak fire season, aircraft availability, readiness drills, firing classes, progress on generators (specifically awaiting one for Station 82), and confirmation that the Station 71 remodel is ahead of schedule, while noting Fowler can be used as a staging location at no cost. The Board subsequently moved into a closed session to consider anticipated litigation related to a personnel matter and for conference with a real property negotiator regarding specific Assessor's Parcel Numbers in the Friant unincorporated area.