Robert Withrow

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.

The meeting focused primarily on a Special Agenda item involving a continued open public hearing and consideration of the Levy of Assessments for the proposed Fire Protection and Emergency Response Services Assessment for Fiscal Year 2023-2024. Key discussions related to the resolution approving the Engineer's Report, confirming the diagram and assessment, and ordering the levy of the assessment. The document details the legal justifications under Proposition 218, the methodology for apportionment based on special benefits, and the projected costs for enhanced firefighter staffing, training, and apparatus replacement.

The key discussion topics for this meeting included the formal adoption of the 2023/2024 Fiscal Year Final Budget, which involved a public hearing and the approval of Resolution No. AFPD 23-16 detailing appropriations across various funds. Administrative matters included a Chief Update covering the Fire Chiefs Association meeting, PIO matters, Fire Prevention, the Volunteer Program (including the Jr. Firefighter and Apprentice Programs), and discussions concerning a New Station. Other administrative items involved a discussion and possible action on the Volunteer Fire Capacity Grant Award, an SCI Addendum to the Consultant Engineering Services Agreement, and review of District Monthly Reports (Call/Incident, Training, and Vehicle Maintenance). The board also reviewed and possibly approved the regular minutes from August 15, 2023. Furthermore, specific action was taken regarding the Volunteer Fire Capacity Grant Award, approving the agreement and resolution for the $9,991.03 award administered by the State for communication equipment.