Nicole Morales

The Board of Directors meeting addressed several key business items, including a public hearing regarding vacancies and recruitment efforts. Key actions included the approval of a contract change order for legal services, the authorization to purchase two Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles through a cooperative purchasing program, and the approval of a two-year amendment to the hazardous materials emergency response agreement with the County of San Mateo. Additionally, the Board discussed and reviewed budget adjustments for the current fiscal year and the proposed operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Board of Directors held an election to appoint a new Chair and Vice Chair. A proclamation was issued to honor a retiring Training Battalion Chief. The Board adopted a resolution to approve and publish the Annual Fire Inspection Compliance Report. Additionally, the Fire Chief provided an organizational update regarding personnel promotions, recruitment progress, budget preparation, and the extension of a hazardous materials response contract. The meeting also included a closed session concerning existing litigation related to workers' compensation cases.

The Board discussed various financial and administrative matters. Key agenda items included the authorization of a change order for the purchase of apparatus parts, the review of a mid-year budget update for fiscal year 2025-26, and the review of the proposed 2026-28 business plan. The Board also conducted closed sessions to discuss existing litigation and labor negotiations.

The regular Board of Directors meeting included a public comment session where concerns were raised regarding residential solar and battery storage permitting processes, specifically concerning requirement consistency and response timeliness. The Consent calendar was approved. New Business focused on the adoption of a resolution approving revisions to the Master Fee Schedule, based on a comprehensive fee study, aiming for 100% cost recovery. Discussion addressed cost recovery, equitable fee structures, hazardous materials fees, and consistency across served cities. The Board also received reports highlighting successful community engagement events, announced several upcoming retirements and recent promotions within the department, and noted the award of a $24,000 Cal Water Grant for portable water tanks.

The City of San Mateo's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan outlines strategies to reduce risk and vulnerability across various natural hazards, including flood, sea level rise/climate change, dam failure, and earthquakes. Key priorities involve assessing and protecting critical facilities, enhancing community preparedness, integrating mitigation measures into development and city plans, and ensuring the reliability of city energy, power, and communication systems. The plan aims to strengthen adaptive capacity to climate change and build overall community resilience.