Leah Curtis

Key discussion items included the routine Consent Calendar actions and presentations. The agenda prominently featured action items regarding the interview and appointment of candidates for the Measure U Oversight Committee vacancies. The Board also addressed the adoption of a Resolution for a Cost of Living Increase for Unrepresented Non-Safety Staff and reviewed reports on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Staff reports covered the Fire Chief's activities, including advancements in the Marin EMS Resuscitation Academy and strategic plan progress across multiple goals related to infrastructure, communication, and labor relations. Significant updates were provided on grants (SCBA, EV, SHSGP), wildfire vegetation management projects, operational efficiency including the drone program status, and various personnel matters such as hiring updates and worker's compensation status. Closed session topics involved conferences with legal counsel regarding potential litigation and a public employee performance evaluation for the Fire Chief.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and an Open Time for Public Expression where the City of Sausalito's approval of a lease agreement was noted. The Consent Calendar was approved, which included correspondence, the Lease Agreement with the City of Sausalito for the 300 Spencer Fire Station, and amendments to the employment agreements for the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chiefs, and Division Chief/Fire Marshal. A presentation honored the service of retired Division Chief Fred Bunker. Key discussions during staff reports focused on the Southern Marin Emergency Medical Paramedic System (SMEMPS) staffing levels, recruitment efforts for the Measure U Oversight Committee, and the mold mitigation work at Station 4. The Finance Report covered the receipt of the December Property Tax payment and overtime budget status due to staff vacancies. The Association Report noted ongoing labor negotiations. Board committee reports covered SMEMPS, the Finance Committee's review of the FEMA/AFG Grant acceptance, the Personnel Committee's discussion on hiring and Workers' Compensation, and updates from the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority and Marin Emergency Radio Committee. Action items included the election of new Board Officers (President, Vice President, and Secretary) and the adoption of a Resolution authorizing the acceptance of the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and associated budget adjustments. Directors requested future agenda items concerning paramedic shortage response, Measure U budget reporting, Measure U Oversight Committee recruitment, and the Station 4 mold issue remediation.

The meeting included the introduction of Consultant Ken Campo, CPA, who will be working to "right size" the Finance Department and implement Best Practices. A presentation was given on the status of the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Defensible Space and Vegetation Management Program for September-November 2025, detailing inspection achievements, community projects, and 3-D modeling efforts. In staff reports, the Fire Chief discussed conference attendance and apparatus replacement plans, while the Finance Report indicated the budget is on track, though overtime is high due to strike teams and Workers' Compensation issues; legal expenses were noted as high. The Association Representative provided an update on ongoing labor negotiations. Committee reports covered personnel matters, including recruitment and personnel on 4850 Leave, and updates on station retrofitting plans. Key action items involved adopting a Resolution affirming the abandonment of the Forest Health Restoration Project pending further environmental review, and adopting a Resolution electing to apply California Government Code Section 31641.03 regarding pension contributions. The Board held a Closed Session to discuss labor negotiations and potential litigation concerning personnel matters.

The agenda for the Board of Directors meeting includes several key items under the Consent Calendar. These cover correspondence and information items, including social media reports and commendations, and action items such as the authorization to execute a Lease Agreement with the City of Sausalito for 300 Spencer Fire Station to support the Fire Fuel Reduction Program. The Board will also consider amendments to the employment agreements for the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief Ted Peterson, Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Barnes, and Division Chief/Fire Marshal Fred Hilliard. A presentation involves approving a proclamation honoring the service of Retired Division Chief Fred Bunker. Action items also include the election of Board Officers and the adoption of a resolution authorizing the acceptance of a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for SCBA Replacement.

The Finance Committee meeting included several key reports and discussions. The CPA presented the Finance Committee Report, noting that overall spending was on track at approximately 37%, correcting the overtime reporting figure to $856,000 (net 34%), and detailing legal fees through October were significantly below budget. Discussions covered Unfunded Liabilities, Trust Accounts, the Capital Replacement Fund balance, and the transition to QuickBooks Online. The committee recommended approval for accepting the FEMA/AFG Grant for SCBA Replacement, which involves the District fronting approximately $2.3 million for reimbursement. A motion was passed recommending the Board authorize staff to finalize a lease agreement with the City of Sausalito to reopen Fire Station #2 for the Fuels Crew and housing a Type 3 Engine during Red Flag Alerts. Finally, examples of Financial Statements from other fire districts were presented, including a discussion on maintaining a typical "rainy day reserve fund" target of 20% of revenues.