Ryan West

The meeting included discussions and actions on several items. An amendment to the contract with Andrini Brothers for the temporary fire station site improvements was considered, specifically addressing the need for full privacy slat fencing around the entire site and paving the access area with asphalt, rather than just aggregate base. The Board also introduced and proceeded with the first reading of an amendment ordinance to increase board member compensation from $193 to $220 per meeting, with subsequent action to be taken next meeting. Furthermore, the Board conducted the second reading and adopted the proposed California Fire Code 2025 edition ordinance, which includes updated provisions for the wildland urban interface. Finally, the Board considered a recommendation to award a contract for the purchase of a Pierce Manufacturing 2100-gallon water tender to Golden State Safe Fire Apparatus.

Key discussions included preliminary information and analysis regarding the remodeling or replacement of Station 44, focusing on the existing lot's feasibility concerning size, grading, and site plan constraints. The board also addressed the annexation for Community Facility District Number 22 concerning Kentucky Place, which followed a special annexation election. Furthermore, the board reviewed and approved a new seven-year contract with CAL FIRE, commencing July 1st, which mirrors the previous contract terms but accounts for increased staffing levels and a total not-to-exceed amount of $70,929,629. Finally, policy direction was sought regarding updating the fee structure for services to achieve full cost recovery, as current fees date back to 2006.

The meeting commenced with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. During public comment, a member of the public raised concerns regarding the Point Montara Fire Assessment Zone chart concerning mobile home parks, inquired about the cost and potential placement of fire cameras in collaboration with the Montero Water and Sanitary District, asked about plans for a grand opening of the El Granada Fire Station, and requested information on the cause determination report for a fire at the Andriodi barn. Board discussions covered the approval of consent calendar items, with corrections made to the May 26 meeting minutes, specifically regarding a director's residency, swearing-in date, and voting abstention on item 7b2. The Vegetation Management Committee report detailed extensive coordination with the county regarding vegetation management, wildfire risk reduction programs (including WUI prevention officers and forestry assistants), and the sustainability of current efforts given high workloads. Key topics included the forthcoming evacuation flyer, website development incorporating FAQs, clarification on the difference between weed abatement and correction notices, and the county exploring temporary exemptions for tree removal permits (specifically non-native Eucalyptus) to aid homeowners in creating defensible space. Further discussion involved progress on the Pillar Point Harbor camera and funding secured for removing eucalyptus from medians in El Granada. Finally, the board reviewed the PAS investment allocation, with one director recusing himself from the discussion regarding retiree healthcare funding.

The regular board meeting commenced with public comments, where a property owner raised concerns regarding weed abatement notices, potential liens, and clarification on maintenance requirements for undeveloped lots. Board members and staff discussed the weed abatement program, timelines, and procedures, agreeing to facilitate a site visit for clarification. A significant portion of the meeting involved reviewing and discussing updates to the district's Strategic Plan initiatives. Key discussions centered on moving completed items (like the vegetation management plan update, drone use policy, and Fire Station 44 location decisions) to the completed list and proposing new pending initiatives. Proposed new initiatives included setting a groundbreaking target for the new station in Q3 2024 and completing a new District of Distinction record by the end of the year. Furthermore, a director proposed initiating a computer study and analysis of the Calpers Miscellaneous Retirement Plan to better understand payoff options, distinct from the safety plan which covers a larger number of personnel.

The meeting commenced with a public comment session where a member of the public expressed gratitude to the firefighters for responding to incidents on July 4th. The primary discussion focused on the Investment Management Update concerning the OPED plan, involving a presentation by portfolio managers regarding the Investment Policy Statement (IPS). The presenters outlined the purpose of the IPS, noting that the current document needed updating from a previous consultant (Hark Capital Management) to align with the current entity (PFM Asset Management) template, following a merger. Key updates to the IPS included maintaining a moderate investment objective with an asset allocation range of 40-60% for equities and 40-60% for fixed income, while introducing a 2.5% target allocation for global infrastructure. The board also reviewed the actuarial evaluation for the OPE liability as of June 30, 2023, noting a funded ratio of approximately 152% based on asset levels, and discussed the long-term projection that the trust balance is expected to increase as the retiree population decreases. Discussions also touched upon the highly favorable funding status of the district compared to other clients and the process for adjusting investment strategy based on future actuarial reports.