Good evening, everyone. We
just came out of executive session and there's nothing to report out from that. We held the executive session and nothing to report there. Clerk, you want to go ahead and do the roll call? Yes. Good evening. Vice President Spies.
I'm sorry. Excuse me. Let me start over. President Spies. Yes. Director Luzano. President. I'm sorry. I called you director. Zender is absent and director of the trial.
here. And Director Sikaris. Sorry, a little out there. Next item. It's communications
from the public on non-agentized items and we do have a speaker card this evening.
Okay, Bruce Camiloves, please come to the lectern. Okay. And then after the pledge, we're
going to go ahead and observe a moment of silence for victims of the recent plane crashes that
occurred in Washington, D.C. in Philadelphia, please. Thank you.
Good
evening. I'm Bruce Camelos on the General Manager of the Elkwood Water District.
I wanted to come this evening and provide a few comments.
And a lot of attention and focus on the fire preparedness of water districts throughout California.
And I know that chief Rodriguez is on the docket tonight to provide a presentation later.
I need to get back to our fort to attend a citizens' water academy at 6 o'clock.
But I did want to brief the board on how things are going for us over at the Oak Grove Water District
and let you and the public know the status of our preparedness.
So the River Water Treatment Plant is the heart of our facilities located off of
the River Bridge Street at the end of that.
It was built in 2005 for two purposes for water quality improvement and for fire protection
improvement.
That facility has two million gallon tanks.
Those tanks have a capacity of providing over eight hours of fire fighting protection at
a flow rate of 3500 gallons per minute. That's just based on storage alone. And then connected
to that river water treatment plant are four deep wells and we have a total combined capacity
if all four wells are running of about 6,000 gallons per minute. And every one of those
wells is going to either has or is going to have emergency generator backup power so that
that in an event of a disaster and we lose power,
those wells will kick on on diesel generated power
and will be able to run indefinitely
as long as we're filling up the fuel tanks periodically.
So not only do we have storage capacity,
we have capacity from our water wells
to continue feeding our water treatment plant.
Recently we asked Fire Marshal Ray
and Deputy Fire Marshal Anderson to come through
and do a walkthrough of our site
to take a look at the defensibility of that facility and they confirmed that it's quite
good. They provided a few minor suggestions, but overall there's not a lot of fuel sources
around it or within the facility that would present a problem, so I think we would be
able to defend it quite well if we had a large fire come through our community.
So that is on, and I should say that the Rarely Water Treatment Plant is well equipped to put
out a lot of water. We have 10 booster pumps each size at 1,700 gallons per minute. So we have a lot
of horsepower there to push out water immediately and at a large scale. So that's on the supply side,
on the distribution side. We have 1,700 and one fire hydrants. These are not the fire hydrants that were
in the article today in the Sacramento Bee.
These are not war hydrants.
These are hydrants that have three nozzles on them,
one, four and a half inch that you connect
to a pumper truck, and two, two and a half inch nozzles
for hose connections.
If you take a look at the fire hydrant right out
in front of your property here,
that's what we have throughout our region,
throughout our service area.
And so these are substantial hydrants
that can put out a lot of flow.
Well, if you have a pump or truck attached to them, you're able to pull 2500 gallons
per minute off of a hydrant pretty easily.
So that's it.
I wanted to come and address the board and let you know that the Oak Grove Water District
is quite prepared.
We are inspecting our fire hydrants once every year so we can support the district's goal
of doing that and try to improve their scoring with the ISO.
So we want to help support that effort.
And we do have a standing agreement with our sister agency,
the Sacramento County Water Agency,
that we can't open up six inner ties in the event
of a full scale emergency to also bring in water
from the Sacramento County Water Agency.
So I just wanted to provide those comments to you,
let you know that this is front and center and important to us.
And I wanted everybody to be understand
And that this is an important thing for us, and that we are prepared for any kind of a large-scale event.
Happy to take any questions.
Thank you very much for your time.
Thank you.
Yeah, excuse me.
We're going to go back to the Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence.
Will staff responsible to facilitate the Pledge of Allegiance, please approach the lectern.
Good evening, President Spees, Vice-President Sikaris, Directors, Tracy Ferris, your Parks and Recreation Administrator.
It is my honor today to introduce two young ladies in recognition of National Girls and Women in Sports Day.
We have invited Natalie Rodriguez and Hannah Zacar,
from the Laguna Creek Girls Flag Football Team to lead us in the pledge of allegiance.
Thank
you next item next item C consent calendar personnel is recommending the board approves items 5 through 13 as presented.
Do we have any members from the public wish comment on any of the items on the consent calendar?
We do not.
Okay. Does any director wish to discuss items in the consent calendar? Director
Sikaris? I would like just a question on number seven and request item nine to be pulled
for a separate vote. Okay. Pull number nine and number seven. Go ahead.
You had a question
on number seven, you said? Yeah. Just a question on number seven. Okay. And pull. I don't know
if you just want me to start now or? Yeah. The. Okay. On number seven, it's the agreement
for lease for cardio equipment for the core, what I did not see in the contract was a long-term maintenance on that, so can someone please do we have a long-term maintenance or how is maintenance going to occur?
Normally during leases we have some type of maintenance agreement, I didn't see a maintenance agreement on that one.
Director Scarris, Josh Freeman, Acting Administrator of General Services.
First, let me just make sure Jay is not out there, is he?
Jay, you want to answer this one, please?
Thank you.
Jay Long.
Good
evening, directors.
Jay Long, Recreation Manager with Sports and Core.
Director Scarris, in regards to the leasing of the equipment, as well as the servicing.
So the equipment being leased is under warranty.
It also comes with the main inside of it will be covered by a fit guard which will be servicing
the equipment for the entirety of the leasing.
The technicians with fit guard are all certified, trained, and very familiar with the equipment
that will be in-core, so anything that might go down, they will come out and be dispatched
to take care of that.
Perfect.
Thank you.
That answers my question.
Thank you very much.
So are we good to go ahead and take an entertain motion on move to approve the consent calendar except for number nine being pulled.
Okay, I'll second it.
Okay, on favor?
Aye.
Motion passes.
Next on the number with the nine being pulled for is that going to be discussed next?
So
my question is on the funding of this.
We are currently pulling money from a measure E.
Can you explain to me why we're pulling from measure E and not from any other funds?
And why specifically from measure E on this item?
I can take that.
Director Sikaris, Amanda Chairsad, interim general manager.
and as we took a look at this need within the district we see that our lawnmower at Elk Grove Park,
which is a district-wide facility, has actually gone down. It's a 10-year-old piece of equipment,
and in order to make sure we are maintaining our parks and keeping them clean and safe, we have
identified savings within our Measure E fund allocations this year that can cover this expense. This
This is in line with the overall view and priorities of the people that were passed under
measure E in terms of the priorities for maintaining parks and keeping them clean and safe.
So it is an alignment with those directives, which is why we're able to use measure E funds
in order to replace this piece of equipment.
Okay.
So you said it was under the district wide amenity Elk Grove Park is what we consider
a district wide amenity. Okay. It is not a neighborhood park sort of a small park that would be
associated just with a neighborhood or a community. It is something that's open to the entire
district. And so we therefore see it as a district-wide facility similar to the Wackford Center for
example or Bartholomew Sports Park. These are facilities or parks that are not really specific to one
benefit zone or one neighborhood. And therefore we incorporate them into what we call our district-wide
budgeting. Okay, so I think I'm maybe a little bit confused. So is that piece of equipment
can be used anywhere within the district? It could be, however, we do most of our own
mowing primarily at Elk Grove Park. We have contracts for many of our other parks and
those contractors do the mowing in those locations. Okay, so it would be specifically for one,
so
And normally, we would use L&Ls for this if we didn't use Measure E, is that correct?
L&L funds are utilized to fund district-wide facilities.
We do not have a district-wide L&L.
And so what we do to fund these types of products are charging all of the different benefits
zones.
By using Measure E, we are not charging each of those benefits zones.
We're using this as a district-wide fund.
and so we could use it as an LNL expense
and charge all of those benefits zones
or we can do it through our measure E
because it's a district-wide amenity
as well as that it is in line with those priorities
that were identified by the citizens
when they voted in the measure E tax.
So this would be considered a new addition to the fleet.
So we're, let's say we have five moors,
we're now going to have six moors was the fifth moor just so bad it's gone. We
currently have three moors our oldest one which is this one is 10 years old and
it has kaput so this will be replacing it it is not an addition. Okay I think my
issue is is how we're using these funds when we should be looking at where
specifically that initial piece of equipment was purchased and then having a way
to purchase that piece of equipment, again, through the same funding mechanism, instead of reaching out to different, I guess, pockets of funding.
And so, I would suggest that we kind of look at some policy that gives us the ability to look at how we are purchasing, especially with measure E kind of like some priorities.
when we purchase, especially if an item was purchased, let's say, under General Fund or LNL.
Because I would expect a general fund piece of equipment would be looked at being funded across the board through General Fund.
Correct?
This piece of equipment was not funded through General Fund.
So, if this, and I'll use this moor as an example, if this moor was purchased with LNL,
my presumption would be that we purchase replacement of that equipment through LNL, we'd
have a process through that.
I don't mind it going through measure E, if it fulfills that district-wide, the district-wide
and safety, that that doesn't bother me, but what I don't want to see is I don't want us
to see us start funding equipment that we normally
funded through, let's say, General Fund.
And now we're going to fund it through basically another
funding source, i.e. Measure E. Does that make sense?
I believe I understand your concern.
And I would just say that in the past, we
haven't received that direction from the board.
In fact, we have replaced other vehicles and equipment
that was funded through other sources utilizing measure E so that would be a new
directive from the board that I would be looking for a board consensus in
changing the direction of how we have previously budgeted our measure E items.
Okay, all right. That's my question. Thank you. I think on this we bought this more
before there was a measure E and now that we can use measure E in safety and
and cleanliness of parks, I think this falls definitely right into that category.
Some of the, you know, and we're looking at some of the things that we purchased prior
to measuring, not be, can be bought by measuring now.
I agree with that.
I think it's just going to be maybe a process and a policy that we make sure that we do that.
That's all I'm looking at that we're not just saying, hey, we need a million dollar piece
of equipment and oh by the way measure it will fund it through measure E. Let's just
make sure that we have that it meets the criteria of what our citizens voted for.
But we did that not too long with a whole bunch of fire vehicles.
I believe we did and I believe that they were under the Opsis of station 77 and the new
equipment and the
Thank you for your support for the squads. At least that was my- New BC's car, five new staff vehicles? Correct. The BC's cars were the three additional BC's we hired under Measure E, which required them to have vehicles. And I believe at least my understanding of the process was that station was station 77, the new EMS 71 that was going to be coming up that the staff vehicles were going to be needed to support those. And I support that.
And I think you're correct, we had a, that we're looking at that process, I think we should just kind of formalize that process a little bit, so that we have any questions from the public.
They know exactly what we're doing and not saying that, oh, by the way, we are going to fund another piece of equipment and we come up with a way that we, you know, we manipulated in a way that we can say it's measure E. I think if we have a process, a specific process, it makes it easier for us and staff.
Well, the city's written policy on the vote for
measure he kind of says that and if you can't fall into those categories and you can't do it.
We fall into those categories and that's why it stated that way in this proposal here that was on consent.
I agree to disagree with you.
I think that some of the money that we should be planning,
that should be coming out of LNL, should be used for LNLs and that we should not be going into measure
or E, it may make it difficult in some of the future items that we may want to look
at in the future.
Well, on this, do you have anything, Director?
No.
Okay.
I make a move to pass.
Consent calendar, or the number seven?
No.
Yes.
I'm sorry.
Number nine.
So, we'll now entertain motion and prove that consent calendar number nine about the purchase
of the park equipment for Elk Grove Park.
And so, Director, the trail made the motion.
Second.
Okay.
Um, favor?
Hi.
And I will approve it on the recommendation of the statement that you gave me.
So, it's a yes for me.
Okay.
Next item.
Next item, D.
Presentations.
Item D 11.
National Girls and Women in Sports Day Proclamation.
Parks and Recreation Administrator Tracey Ferris.
Yes.
Good evening.
Again, Tracey Ferris, your Parks and Recreation Administrator.
It is my distinct honor to introduce Andre Pitley, Recreation Supervisor in our Sports
Section and Lauren Trejo, Recreation Coordinator in our Sports Section, to give you a presentation
on National Wimp Girls and Women in Sports Day.
Take it away.
Thank you.
Good evening, Director President Spees, Vice President Sikaris and the Board.
Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to speak to you tonight.
Ashtray said again, my name is Andrea Pitchley.
I am the Recreation Supervisor here at Somnist CSD,
that oversees our sports department.
My name is Lauren Trejo.
I'm one of our sports coordinators.
I oversee our youth sports leagues and our academies.
And we are here today to formally acknowledge
national girls and women in sports day,
which is February 50th, 2025.
This is our seventh year as a district acknowledging
the event and recognizing local student athletes
for us here in the community of Elgrove.
I just want to reiterate that this National Girls and Women in
Sports Day aligns with our mission and our vision and
specifically demonstrates our values of service to the
community and diversity equity impact.
A brief history of the day, National Girls and Women in
Sports Day was established in 1987 and was created to honor
women's sports and bring national attention to the potential
of girls and women in athletics.
Initially dedicated to Olympic volleyball player
Flo Hyman who passed away from Mark and Syndrome in 1986. The day has grown to celebrate the achievements
of women in sports, the positive impact of sports participation, and the ongoing fight for gender
equity and athletics. Co-founded by the Women's Sports Foundation, the day has marked by over 300
grassroots events across all 50 states and Washington DC reaching an estimated 200,000 girls and women.
For the significance of National Girls and Women in Sports Day,
February 5, 2025 actually marks the 39th annual National Girls and Women in
Sports Day. The Women Sports Foundation exists to enable girls and women to
reach their potential in sport and in life. National Girls and Women in Sports
Day recognizes student athletes, champion athletes, coaches, administrators, and
lawmakers committed to providing equitable access to sports for all girls and
women.
We want to highlight some statistics that are provided by the
national or women in sports and the women sports foundation.
By age 14, girls are dropping out of sports at two times the rate of voice.
Through sports, girls learn important life skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and
competence.
It has been proven that girls playing sports get better grades and have lower levels of depression.
More than three quarters of working women feel that sports participation helps enhance
their self-image, and 40% of all sports participants are female, but they only receive 4% of the sports
media coverage. This is not just a national issue. This is an international issue. If you
look at the right, you will see the statistics provided by the Sporting England Foundation
that 313,000 plus women are receiving less regular activity than their male counterparts.
Four and ten women are active enough or not active enough to ensure that they are getting
the full health benefits of being active. And 13 million women said that they would like
to get back into their sporting worlds again, but do not have the access or resources to do so.
You may be asking why we're bringing up the international statistics. Well, in 2024,
we had quite an important event happen across the globe, and that was the Parasol Olympics
for the summer games. It was truly a new era for women in sports. One thing that we saw at the games
this year, especially from the Americans, was an increased participation in women participation,
highlighting the continued growth of female athletes on the global stage.
American women made up larger portions of the U.S. Olympic team than ever before,
showcasing their strength across a variety of sports,
from gymnastics to swimming, track and field to soccer,
women excelled with many hurting podium finishes and breaking records.
This increased participation not only underscored the progress made in gender equity in sports,
but also affected the broader societal push for greater opportunities for women's and athletes.
The 2024 games marked historical moment as American women continued to lead and inspire
both an individual performance and as a collective force on the world's.
Also at the 2024 Olympics, it brought an opportunity for equal pay and sponsorships.
Following advocacy efforts from female athletes, more sponsors recognized the value of investing
in women's sports, with several U.S. Olympians securing high-profile endorsements and achieving
better parity in financial support compared to their male counterparts.
And at the 2020-24 Parasol Olympics, American women received unprecedented media exposure,
highlighting their exceptional achievements across a wide range of sports.
The increased visibility of female athletes was a key theme, with extensive coverage of
their performance in primetime broadcasts, social media, and digital platforms.
Media outlets covering the games focused on the athlete's stories, their accomplishments,
and leadership in their respective disciplines.
This heightened attention, not only celebrated their success,
but also helped amplify the ongoing movement
for gender equity in sports, ensuring that female athletes
received the recognition and visibility they truly deserve.
But it wasn't just that the Olympic Games this year
that we saw women succeeding in the world of sports.
In 2024, Coco Gough had a standout year in tennis,
achieving significant milestones that solidified her place
among the sports elite. She won her first French Open title, capturing her maiden
Gramslam victory at just 20 years old. Goff also reached the final of the U.S. Open
and claimed her first WTA finals title showcasing her dominance on both hard and clay courts.
Her consistency and growth throughout the year led her to secure the World No. 1 ranking in women
singles for the first time making her the youngest American to achieve this feat. Additionally,
She earned her first Olympic birth for Paris 2024, further cementing her position as a rising star.
Caitlin Clark, you might know her. She's a little bit big in social media.
She dominated college basketball and transitioned into the WNBA.
She was also a big 10 player of the year in 2023 to 2024.
She received a unanimous vote for all American selection.
She's broken countless records in the NCAA.
if you Google it, it'll be three pages long.
Also additionally to that, she has scored
the most 30-point games in Division 1 across men
and women's sports for the last 25 seasons,
as well as breaking two records since entering the WNBA
with the most games with at least 20 points and 10 assists
and 14 double doubles in her rookie season.
And in 2024, Katie Ladecki continued to solidify her legacy as one of the greatest swimmers
of all time.
She dominated the world's swimming championships, winning multiple gold medals in long-distance
freestyle events and further cemented her reputation for the world record-breaking performances.
Ladecki also successfully defended her Olympic titles at the Games, securing more gold medals
to add to her already impressive collection.
Her remarkable endurance and consistency in the pool led to her becoming the most decorated
female swimmer in history with 10 Olympic gold medals.
Ladecki continued excellence in leadership and sport
made 2024 yet another standout year in her story career.
Simone Biles.
She cemented her status as the most decorated gymnast in history
this year.
She's a standout advocate for mental health among women,
returning to her sport as an advocate for therapy
and self-growth.
She's been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
she's won 11 Olympic medals and 30 world championship medals with 73% of all
those medals combined being gold and additionally she's the first woman to
win two gold medals for all around champion non-consecutively although she
retired from competition in 2022 Alex and Felix was absolutely present at the
games this year where she was elected by her peers by the IOC to be on the
Athlete's commission. She was known for championing her new initiative at the games where
she was able to help create the first nursery and Olympic Village history where mother athletes
were able to bond and care for their children.
Alona Mar emerged as both an athletic force on the pitch and a face of women empowerment.
She competed in the 2020 Olympic Games, 2022 World Cup, and in 2023, she overcame
in injury those thought to be season ending to return to her sport and help her team win gold
in the Pan American games. Her team also won bronze at the 2024 Olympics in rugby this year
and she has taken the world by storm with her advocacy for body positivity and has quickly
grown to be the world's most followed rugby player on Instagram. She encourages women and girls
girls everywhere to be strong and proud in who they are and what they accomplish.
This at all is wonderful to hear and look back on, especially when you consider the impact
that all this positivity and traction can have in our own community.
With professional women encouraging girls and women of all ages to play sport, be strong
and have fun.
We as a community can rise above and influence a generation to accomplish anything in sport.
At CSD, we strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment in all programs that
we offer.
We specifically commit ourselves to offering sports programs, especially for women and
girls, and some of what we offer are women and girls golf programs, girls divisions, and
our youth basketball, youth soccer, and youth volleyball leagues, as well as a women's adult
softball league.
Now, let's take a look at how women and girls participation at CSD has grown since our
first national girls and women in sports day seven years ago. In sports classes in 2019 we had
747 total participants versus in 2024 where we had over 2600 female participants. In sports
camps for 2019 we had 183 participants with a total of 13 sports camps running and in 2024 we had
at 193 participants with a total of seven camps running.
In sports leagues for 2019, we held 582 female participants
versus in 2024.
We had 731.
So with our call to action,
because some, I don't know if anybody knew this,
but we're opening a building up in June.
It's called the Corps.
We're all pretty excited about it.
So the Corps Recreation Center will be opening,
which is a project unlike any other
that we have embarked here at the district.
Core will be a recreation facility that focuses
on fitness, health, and wellness
through individual and group fitness.
A core belief of the individuals
bringing this building to life
is that all individuals who enter this building
are athletes.
The word athlete is defined as a person
who is proficient in sport
and other forms of physical exercise,
which at the core will summarize
just about any person walking through its doors
come opening day.
Leading the crew at Core are two incredible women
and who we believe will quickly become
the face of this facility.
Sherry Bell, our membership specialist,
is an absolute beacon of light,
who smile and zest for life is infectious.
Her smile is pretty bright
and it's almost as strong as her love of kettlebells.
Additionally, we are proud to have Liz Rodriguez
as our fitness professional,
who truly embodies patients and determination
as she accepts the role two years after joining
the Sumna CSD as a part time.
So at this point in time,
we are here for the proclamation.
We are here to recognize student athletes and we would at this point like to recognize the lagooned Creek Girls Flag football team
In
2024 it was the birth of girls flag football for a lot of the state of California and especially schools here for the Elk Grove Unified School
Local district, the LC girls team competed in the Delta League of the SAC Joaquin section against six other schools in their district which was participating in this inaugural season. They got the chance to compete for the very first time and represent their school at the Rockland Jamboree on August 17th, 2024, and just a few weeks later to comb their first dub, winning the first game against Valley at CRC on September 5th, 2024.
So some things just to kind of highlight.
they had success despite an experience, multiple participants had never played
organized sports before. These athletes utilized their experiences in other
extracurricular activities to come together as a team.
Additionally, the multi-sport
athletes excelled. Many of the athletes came from strong backgrounds in other
sports which allowed them to utilize a variety of skills and experience that
translated well into Flag Football. The team kind of showed exceptional solid team chemistry
despite all those varieties of sports in their backgrounds and experiences they quickly developed
a strong sense of camaraderie and worked together effectively on the field. The individual player
development that occurred led athletes who transitioned from other sports show measurable improvement in
football specific skills such as flag pulling, route running and passing. And the team success
created a positive buzz around the campus and in the community with a strong
support from fans, school staff, and parents. Flag football brought together a
diverse group of students from different athletic and social backgrounds,
fostering unity and school spirit. At this time we'd like to open it up to any
questions. Any of the girls or the coaches would like to say anything as well.
We'd like to turn it over to them.
Yeah. Thank you so much, Jenny. You want to come up
Good evening, President Spees, board members, CSD staff, and community members.
My name is Courtney Fowell, and I'm the head coach of Laguna Creek High School Women's
Flag Football Program.
I wanted to sincerely thank the Community Service District and its staff for recognizing
that Laguna Creek School's Women's Flag Football team on this special occasion.
National Girls and Women's in Sports Day.
It's an incredible honor to be here representing the team of strong dedicated athletes who are
shaping the future of women's sports.
Sports have been a defining part of my life not just as an athlete, but as an educator
and coach from recreational leagues and competing competitively playing from high school to
college athlete athletics.
Each step in my journey has helped me complete my education and ultimately pursue my passion
of teaching and coaching in high school students.
Athletics gave me the discipline, leadership skills and resilience to succeed both on the
build and off. Growing up, I participated and consumed the CSC recreation programs and
used its facilities throughout my life. Those experience not only helped shape me as
an athlete, but has instilled the values of teamwork, perseverance and community values.
I now strive to pass on to my students and players. Sports are about so much more than the game
itself. They empower young women, giving them the confidence to lead, the strength to overcome
challenges and the connections they build lifelong friendships. The physical and
mental and social benefits of athletics are undeniable and I'm proud to be a
part of the community that recognizes and supports the next generation of
that female athletes. To our players continue to break barriers and lead with
courage and to the sumeness community service district thank you for
fostering opportunities that allow young women to grow through sports. Your
commitment to the recreation and athletic change lives, and I am living proof of that.
Let's continue to uplift and invest in the futures of women's sports.
Thank you.
And if it's okay, we would like to invite President Spice, Vice President Secaris and the board
to come up and present the proclamation, maybe grab an autograph for two, and get a picture.
Director, let's go.
Great.
First I was just going to let the directors say a few things.
Yeah.
I would like to go first if I may.
I appreciate the opportunity and staff putting this together for to recognize women in sports
and I happen to be one of the coaches of this team and these are amazing kids that literally
do come from all different backgrounds of experienced school social circles and unfortunately
not everybody can be here because one of the focuses is really getting women involved in
different activities and sports throughout the school year as opposed to just a season.
And so we have many of our team members that are participating in women's basketball right
now, women's soccer, softball, and the list goes on and so I want to thank the five that came
today for their dedication to not only the sport but certainly the school. And one last
thing I'd like to mention is that we did have quite a few kids that didn't had never played
organized sports and I'm going to point out one of them who had never ever played and she
had the honor of getting second team all league this year. And so it just shows you that when
you provide an environment for women to succeed and encourage them. Good things happen.
And so we look forward to future years and I want to thank the coach, my daughter actually
for all the work she does and the work off season and in the classroom to create a culture
that women feel comfortable and can succeed. So that's it. Thanks.
Yes, first of all, to the Laguna Creek girls flag football team. Congratulations. I'm really impressed that you're all here as a father of an elite athlete who traveled all over the United States whose daughters started in recreational sports and moved on.
And I think the choices you make now are going to forever follow you through.
So congratulations, keep doing what you're doing, try every single sport out there.
You guys are awesome.
Just keep going.
Thank you so much.
I think I want to reiterate what Pete said.
I've lived in sports all my life.
I'm older than most, but I just gave up softball last year.
So you can go for your whole life, have fun at it.
Yeah, I want to thank you both for a great presentation and all the work that you do with all the staff
because on the CSC, making it possible for these girls to have safe place to go and recreate
and learn all about sports.
Just like the fellow directors, I've been involved in sports all my life, still find it
to be therapeutic, keeping your mental health straight, just rewarding, and congratulations
on all you've accomplished, and also that you will do in all your life because with this
kind of discipline that you've started this early on, it will carry on just like the director
of the trail and you'll always yearn for something.
So congratulations and thank you for being role models to all the other little girls
out there.
Okay.
Thank you.
Good
evening.
President Spees, members of the board, Philippe Rodriguez, your fire chief.
It's my privilege this evening to present to our preparedness in regards to wildfire.
Now I understand there's many types of fires but based on what occurred in Los Angeles
is the beginning of January, I think it's very fitting that we allow our
community to know exactly where we're at here in El Grove, Galt, in all areas
within the South part of Sacramento County that we cover. So first and foremost
we have our mission vision and values that we abide by. I went ahead and highlighted
a few different areas and I felt are important to really reflect today's
discussion. The first thing is that we really work hard in this district to to
to dedicate ourselves to enhance the quality of life
of everyone within our community.
And specifically within the fire department
by protecting lives, property and the environment.
And we do that in different ways.
One of them is through superior fire suppression.
Of course emergency medical services,
fire prevention, and special operations response.
Within our vision, I highlighted a section there in the center.
I know we're very innovative, inclusive,
and intentional with what we do.
But also in providing those exceptional services
that exceed expectations.
I'm going to pause for a second and just think our firefighters who may be watching this
or maybe at a later time, but those who are here in the room today, they're the ones
who are out there day in and day out providing those exceptional services.
Our chief officers are here dedicated to leading those who are out there.
We have local faculty to present today as well in firefighter Bryant Powell.
And thank you so much for all the work you all do every single day.
And then our admin staff, of course, who is here within the Fire Department.
We'll kid and do it without all of you.
And the slides that I'm going to talk about today, talk about some of those resources.
And thank you so much for approving those.
And then to our leadership team here within the district as well for supporting it.
Regarding our values, I highlighted two that are very specific.
Of course, everything applies, but these two are definitely at the top.
And that would be the safety and mitigating risk component.
also the value of service to our community. I have five topics to discuss today
our overview for the fire department, the risk of wildfire and elk roving
galt, deployment of resources to mitigate the fires, access to sufficient
water supply and hydrant inspections, and fire prevention and community
readiness. The overview of our department we cover 157 square miles, we serve a
population of just over 210,000 people and we respond to just under 25,000 calls per year.
Our daily staffing includes 53 personnel and they staff nine fire engines, eight ambulances,
one truck company. We do have 10 cross-staffed well-land firefighting units, those are eight
well-land fire engines and two water tenders. On the right side there, I did highlight a little bit
that measuring provided the opportunity to add two squads.
We also added an additional battalion chiefs, now we have two battalion chiefs on duty
every single day.
I do apologize that the screen got cut, but it did reformat when we uploaded it onto
this with the measuring logo.
Okay, the district boundaries, those 157 square miles are outlined by the outside perimeter
there, and then you'll see the city of Elk Grove at the top in Blue Dash line and the city
of Galt down at the bottom in that blue dash line. There's a green line that separates
the top and the bottom and that's the park's district up at the top. That's now part
of the Consumers Community Services District. The old Galt fire districts down at the bottom.
So all together we serve as a fire department the entire 157 square miles. 42 square miles
are in Elk Grove at the top and 6.8 are down in Galt. The Elk Grove population is 178,000 or so
and Galt's just under 26,000.
The unincorporated area is everything else in between.
That's 108 square miles, which is the majority of the district.
And the population is about 5,800.
The location of fire stations,
and I do apologize that your print might be a little small.
I understand you got new screens.
So if you do need to turn around because of the visual,
the screen is a lot larger behind you.
So we do have the eight fire, nine fire stations now.
we had eight, we just added station 77 and those are located up at the top with seven being in L
growth and two in galt and those are in the green section is our urban areas more populated with a
Or more people within one square mile. And the salmon colored areas are the rural areas, and those have less than 1,000 people per square mile. I believe those are more like at 500 per square mile. So we do have coverage throughout so that we can respond to any type of emergency, all hazards within the areas as quickly as possible to meet our adopted response times. Risk of wildfire and elk grove engulfed.
So we have a map there on the left and that's a state of California map as
published by Cal Fire and that has a different colored areas there you'll see
more of a heat map of the likelihood of the risk of having a wildfire in that
area and you'll see up in northern California you have a lot of yellow and orange
sections mainly in the mountains when you look down in southern California you see
a red down there along the coast. There's one little spot that's right on the coast there just
out the Malibu that's really dark red and have a circle around it. That little section right there
is called Pacific Palisades and that's where that fire occurred and the Topanga Canyon is right behind
it. So that's the area that was affected by these wildfires that occurred on January 7th and 29
nine people lost their lives in palisades and in Altadena.
So a wildfire is considered an unplanned, uncontrolled fire.
When we have wildfires, we have fires throughout the year.
Matter of fact, in the state of California, there's between 7,000 and
9,000 wildfires that are greater than 10 acres per year.
Last year alone, in 2024, we had just over 8,000.
Cal fire logs those on their website and those are visible for anyone to see.
These are fires that are in grasslands, which we have here in Oak Grove, prairies or forests.
We have influence areas here in Oak Grove.
And a few influence areas, those are ones that can have a fire that can spread quickly.
If you look at the map on the right, that's right from our standards of cover.
And you'll see the green sections are areas that have very low risk.
The lighter green is low, and then we have a few yellow sections that are moderate.
it and we have a couple little high spots here and there within our boundary that is considered
high.
We don't have any that are very high but those are the areas that we are concerned with and
those will be located in the stone lakes, refuge area on the west and those do butt up to
some of the homes there in stone lake.
The rural area, the rural East Elk Grove community and that's a pretty large area that we have.
Rural areas of galt and I highlighted those down the large section there on the left and
and a little bit on the right.
And then anywhere that we have a waterway
that is seasonal, where the water doesn't run you around,
that area will dry out.
Of course, the waterways that run you around,
those stay pretty green, but as you go out a little bit
from the waterway, those do dry up.
So those are the areas of concern to us.
We are well prepared.
I feel very confident after speaking to our chiefs
and just my knowledge of the area and being in this central valley
here for the last 20, almost 26 years, I've seen what can happen out here and we have a little
bit of a difference in our topography compared to Pacific palisades. They have a elevation change
from sea level to about, I thought it was 2,000 feet, I double checked it today, it's at just over
1,800 feet from one end of the area to the other. We said it at about 42 feet of elevation,
it's pretty flat here. So a topography driven wildfire moves quickly and then when you add 100
mile an hour winds behind it, it moves really quickly. So it is very difficult to get in front
of a fire like that, no matter where you are.
We also have something to consider is the risk
of a large residential area fire, a conflagration, if you will. That would occur during one of those
high wind events, where there are 7,100 mile an hour winds. Those are going to be very difficult
to stop no matter where you're at. And a combination of the depletion of resources with that, which is
was kind of what happened in Southern California.
They had many house fires at the same time.
A lot of fire engines connected to fire hydrants at the same time.
And that was where it really got out of control.
Fireworks in July.
I know that's always a topic of concern for everyone.
It's great to celebrate the independence of our country,
but at the same time, we must do so safely with safe and
safe fireworks.
It's the fireworks that fly up in the sky or explode.
that cause a major risk for us, we do staff additional resources and we make sure that we have fire engines, additional fire engines on staff that day, and all of our chief officers are called back, and we make sure that we have additional coverage in case of numerous fires which do occur that evening of 4th of July.
and they'll occur simultaneously so that's what is a greater concern is when we run out of resources
because they're on too many fires we have nine fire engines we might stop a few extra but if you
have 20 or 30 fires at the same time you can't get to all them we also send one engine at a time
instead of sending multiple engines to those fires on 4th of July we'll send one so they can see what's
going on and hopefully try to extinguish it before it gets too large and we'll add more as needed
So we can really spread our resources out and in areas where hydrants are greater risk than the developed areas
So we do have a lot of areas in the east side of Elk Grove that don't have hydrants
They run off of wells and we will send water tenders for those, but those definitely pose a greater risk for a fire
So mitigation factors
Those would include ensuring that we have sufficient personnel and firefighting resources to combat the fires that may occur
We also make sure that the construction advancements that we know that have happened in the fire and building codes, those are other mitigation factors, we continue to stay on top of the codes and adopt them every three years.
Residential occupancies that were constructed after 2010, they have sprinklers.
However, a lot of our community was constructed prior to 2010, so it would be the larger ones or if somebody voluntarily installed sprinklers on a residential property.
some commercial properties were required to have sprinklers even before 2010.
A larger one, for sure.
Our vegetation management program, also known as our weed abatement program,
that our fire prevention division manages,
and I'll talk a little bit more about that in a few more slides.
Also, other mitigation factors include the collaboration that we currently have
with the Sacramento County's industry working group.
We have two members who go to those meetings that be our general manager
and our fire marshal.
Ensuring we have an adequate water supply
by in hydrant inspections and testing.
And fortunately, General Manager Camille's came in this evening,
shared a little bit about Elk Grove Water District.
They've done a fantastic job with the response after we had our meetings
following the LA fires and really since receiving our insurance service office report.
They've been very reactive to that.
They have changed their schedule to once per year now for their inspections as you mentioned tonight.
And have a good amount of water to serve the east side of the Elk Grove community.
very pleased with the reaction and the collaboration that Mr. Camilo has
brought forth. And also our community preparedness is important that we partner
with our community and make sure that they are prepared. When it comes to
deployment of resources to mitigate these types of fires you see these pictures
here that's pretty much all of our operational pictures of the 911 calls
people call for a little bit of training on the right side there but these are the
ones who are out there, the women and men in our department who serve this community 24-7.
Some of the things that we have done with our deployment of resources is bolstered them.
We've invested thanks to you and to a lot of the planning and management of additional
resources.
We invested $11 million into new fire apparatus over the last three years or so.
We also have an apparatus replacement plan as part of our department's strategic plan.
Actually, the chair is here tonight, but talented Kevin McLean.
Thank you for all the work you've done on that and the team that makes sure that we replace those
apparatus on a schedule. And those include fire engines and a fire truck. We have a couple,
one reserve, dual role ambulances. Those have firefighter paramedics on them. It's very important because
we can utilize that personnel to fight fire
during a large emergency.
Command vehicles, wild land engines, water tenders,
emergency staff vehicles, and other auxiliary resources
that we have throughout our fire stations within the district.
Apparatus in vehicles are replaced on the schedule
and we base that on the mileage of the apparatus
of vehicles, the usage and safety.
and so as that changes we upgrade our vehicles. We've also added 30 new fire
fighters since 2020 and we've added engine 77 and medic 77 with 15 of them
and the other 15 were deployed on our two squads, six on each and the
battalion chief on battalion 11 now that we added thanks to Measure E. We have a
standards of cover, we have a strategic plan and we're currently seeking a
accreditation through the commission on fire accreditation
international.
Regarding weather, weather is an important part of wild land
fires and what happens during those times.
The National Weather Service has a fire weather watch,
and they use that to alert us to a high potential
for the development of a red flag event within a 12 to 72-hour
time frame, normally in the near future,
and they'll alert us.
Then the actual warning occurs.
So the red flag warning, so there's a little different in Southern California than Northern
Cal down there.
It's 15% humidity and winds of 25, 35 miles an hour over six hours.
That's what they were facing down there.
They had 100 mile an hour winds and low humidity.
For Northern California, it's based on four different humidity levels and wind.
So anywhere from less than 9% relative humidity, any winds that are between 16, 11 miles per
hour dictate a red flag warning. Normally we see between 9 and 20, 10 to 20%
during the summertime. So that's where we normally fall. So if we expect to have
12 to 20 mile an hour winds for the next eight hours, that's a red flag warning.
And that's when we normally see. Then you can also go all the way up to 42% on
the lower ones, but the winds have to really increase about 30 miles an hour
or greater. Not too often that we see that for eight straight hours, but the two
two middle ones there are the ones that we could see regularly during the summer months
and into the fall.
So that's where we really have to be aware.
On the right side, you see that's one of our grass or wild land fire engines, and that's
us conducting a training exercise that we do about every June.
Okay, so I've got a couple that got cut off here, but it's okay.
The response for a red flag condition would be three wild land fire engines, one battalion
chief water tenders depending upon the location for sure on the east side or some of the
rural areas of galt will send water tender with the response.
Then we can special request a dozer down there on the bottom.
You see the picture of the dozer or a helicopter up on the top right from SAC Metro.
We have a contract with them to request us at any time.
The other picture is our water tender that's down in galt.
We have another one up here in Elk Grove.
So we have those two.
And if we call for a second alarm, that would repeat the previous alarm, plus two more water tenders.
This would be for red flag.
It's a typical day without red flag, we just reduce one fire engine, everything else is still applies.
And we can request resources as needed.
Mutual aid system, we have that in place.
Currently here in Sacramento County, we have automatic aid with all of our neighboring agencies.
We have, I reviewed the agreement just a few weeks ago, and it's still in place, and we support each other.
We have a boundary-less system, and the closest resources respond.
If we had to expand from that, we could pre-deploy resources in the center there.
You see that center bullet.
They did do that in Los Angeles, as a matter of fact, they pre-deployed resources.
So the state OES Office of Emergency Services will grant a request, and we have resources deployed
currently in Sacramento County for the storms that we're experiencing.
But we can do it for wildfires or any large-scale emergency or whatever could develop into a disaster and request for the state to fund those.
The resources that they would normally send, or if you look on the top right side, is the green fire engines, those are the OES engines.
That's our crew right there in Pacific Palisades and the picture on the right bottom as well.
And they would send those out and we would team them up or send even one or two at a time to add additional protection.
We did do that last 4th of July.
We pre-deployed resources and we utilize them on 4th of July here.
We can also request for resources outside of Sacramento County.
That's the beauty of our state of California.
I'm sure many other states, but ours, we can request from outside of our region here,
outside of our county in Northern California.
And if that gets exhausted, then we can move to request resources from Southern California,
such as what happened when the palisades occurred.
We were on the road that evening and they were working by the next morning
for the next 56 straight hours, fighting fire.
So that's a great thing about California,
and that's for the community to know
that we have a lot of backup,
and that's really important
that we help each other throughout the state.
Regarding sufficient water supply and hydrant inspections,
these are the three areas that are within our district
that have hydrants.
Now there's other water purveyors,
but the main ones are sat county water agency,
they're on the left in orange.
Elk Grove Water District, as you heard from General Manager Camille last
night, he covers the green section and then down in Gaults, the city of Gaults,
that covers that area.
The big question. Yes Chief, I just have a quick question.
I see on the Elk Grove Water District and the city of Gaults water there's two
different colors. What do those indicate? So they have the irrigation district and
then there's the water district down in Gaults and then in the Elk Grove one the
The light green has a kind of a joint partnership with Sac County Water on, I believe that's the way that works and within the Elk Grove Water District one.
Okay, so the pink and galt would be the galt irrigation.
So that is a big question that I've been asked and we've been asked. And as a matter of fact, we're providing this presentation in partnership with the police department, police chiefs for both the city of Oak Grove. And I believe for the city of Gulp, I meet with the city manager in our general manager tomorrow in Gulp.
for Gulf to determine what day we'll present to their councils, but we'll be presenting this also
here in Elgrove on February 12th. So, when it comes to this occurring, running out of water and
all of that, could it happen here? It could happen anywhere. Really, with a hundred millenar winds,
the water situation, if you have that many pumpers, that many fire engines hooked up to hydrants,
It's flowing water at a faster rate than they can be replenished.
It could happen anywhere.
We're fortunate to have a lot of water here in our area.
There was the initial report.
I know they're still conducting their investigation in Los Angeles, but the San
Aenez Reservoir had 117 million gallons before it went under construction.
They reduced that down to three million gallons from what the reports say, three one million
gallon tanks for all the Pacific palisades. As reported tonight by General
Manager Camilo's they have two two million gallon tanks so four million gallons
just for East Elk Grove here. They have three million for the entire Pacific
palisades and all the fires at the same time with fire engines hooked to every
hydrant they ran out and pumps potentially were shut down because the power
outages and all of that all together it was just a perfect storm for that
situation to occur. So the important part is to make sure we have enough water.
It's my understanding that there's over 9 million gallons for just the city of Galtalon.
And that's great.
I have a lot of confidence in the water systems here.
Even talking to our fire marshal and our operations chief and others who have worked, they have
not had the situation where they have broken water hydras that don't work.
There's main breaks and there's issues.
The important part is to test them and make sure that they're in good condition all the
time.
But a fire engine flow is 1500 gallons per minute, so it goes quick.
As was mentioned tonight, they can flow for 8 hours, 3500 gallons per minute.
The insurance services office, fire flow requirements, and that used to all be pretty on one
line.
But now the 3500 is on the far right, formatting, 3500 gallons per minute for 3 hours.
That's what the requirement is.
We flow 3500 gallons per minute.
We were at 34.85 so it's got to be between 3,000 and 3,500 so we almost hit that 3,500 gallons per minute for three hours when one of the hydrants was tested we had to test many hydrants during the survey.
The water system received 28.49 out of 30 points when we tested it with the insurance services office provided all the information in 2023, 94.9% score.
The hydrant placement and quantity of hydrants within our developed areas were almost the perfect
score, almost 3 out of 3.
The hydrant inspections and flow testing, that is an area we need to work on.
In partnership with the water purveyors, I don't have the authority to go test all of
their hydrants without permissions and it's their responsibility to test the hydrants.
1.04 out of 7 points, that's the area that we need to address and that's where I could
use the partnership with a policy level to provide the necessary support for those inspections
to occur. They were, they've been occurring at different rates. Oh, Grove Water District,
as was mentioned tonight. The standard is once per year, they were doing them with
watery three years. They're not doing them once per year. Great. Let's not focus on the past,
let's focus on the future. They do have 17 and 1701 hydrants there, Sacramento County Water
agency 5600 or so. They're conducting them on every three to five years. They did 741 last year.
So they've got just over 1100 hydrants the inspection schedules under development. It's brought to
their attention after everything that occurred and also following our ISO report and they will I will
be meeting with City Manager tomorrow. I'm sure more will follow, but those are that's the latest
information we have that's been provided to us. I have another quick question. What is the law
law, or is there a law that states how often hydrants need to be checked, or is it just
the recommendation from our insurance, which I hold in high regard, of course, because
that's what we pay to ensure, right, but not them specifically, but our insurance rates
are based on that rating. What is there a law that says they have to be tested every
somebody years or that wouldn't say there's necessarily like a legal law where
someone's going to be you know find or arrested for not checking them once a
year the standard from the insurance services office to get the points that
they provide are once a year at least once per year is what it states the flow
testing schedule is once every five years so just checking the hydrants flowing
that is currently happening as a developed new areas they do flow test the
hydrants to make sure that they're working but those are the two standards that
are applied. Of course, you have the American Water Works Association, which their standards
are almost like as needed. So there's a little bit of in-between for the two. As the
fire chief, my recommendation is to abide by the once per year standard, which allows us
to get the highest amount of points and the lowest insurance rates for the community.
So that would be what I would ask for is once per year, and inspect the hydrants, and then
flow tests in every five years. The flow testing one, a little bit of understanding on that
during drought seasons, it's tough to flow additional water in large amounts and just
even just the appearance of that to the community that we were wasting water or something.
But when it comes to safety, it's very important that everything works.
Like I said earlier, very confident in our water system.
The inspection schedule, I think that's something we need to work on.
But I don't have a lack of confidence that our water is not going to work.
And we have a municipal water system here that's well maintained and well used, it's just
the inspections of the hydrants and documenting them, that's lacking.
All right.
I just wanted to make sure that there were no legal requirements, but just certainly want
to support ISO recommendations.
So thank you.
Absolutely.
Chief, I also have a quick question.
You met with Sacramento County Water Agency.
Yes, we did.
And were they interested in doing once a year?
We didn't get to that level.
They're very receptive very everyone was very kind and very understanding
But we didn't get to the point where the commitment was there to do the one spring it because I was looking at 14% and I think you're gonna
I'm hoping you to talk about ISO
deployment
Here it looks like coming up in the but those two items are probably our keys that could bring us from where we are current
Three or were you class two two two?
Two.
Okay.
The two Y is in the role areas because the hydrant is further than 1,000 feet from an occupancy,
but class two is basically what we're talking about.
Okay.
And could we've gotten close to class one if we had that hydrant inspection?
I think the combination between the two lower scores were the deployment section.
We did add some squads and battalion chiefs since that time.
The deployment section, we scored five out of ten points and the hydrant inspection section
was one out of the seven allowable within that area.
Between the two, we miss class one by 3.3 points overall.
So what we do here for ISO does it just affect this district
and affects every business in this community?
Business and residents.
Okay, thank you.
So a few things that we will do, our strategy,
is to continue to collaborate with the Oak Grove Water District,
Sacramento County Water Agency and City of Galt.
That's very important that we keep that relationship going.
I mean, that's what today is about, really,
inform our community and letting our water partners know
that we are partners.
We need to collaborate and work together to get this done
and make sure we provide the best service for the community.
We also are confident in the available water supply
and the quantity and placement of hydrants.
As I mentioned, we're collaborating with them
for the annual hydrant inspection and flow testing
within that ISO standard.
That is a copy of the front cover on the right side
for the ISO report.
and that's available online currently.
We plan to seek reassessment for the ISO Public Protection
Classification in 2027.
They are done about every five years now.
The last time was 2023.
I think we can get class 1 by 2027
with the hydrant inspections
and the reassessment of our deployment.
We are currently a two-to-y fire department
and it's including the fire department itself,
dispatch, and water.
the water supply and hydrants.
The last section is fire prevention and
community readiness. So our fire inspection program is managed through our
fire marshals office. They conducted in 2024, 1865 plan reviews, 5100, we're
so construction inspections, 100 percent compliance with the state mandated
inspection requirement, and operational permit inspections is something new. Those
are more of your high hazard occupancies. They did 122 out of 138. Those are
voluntary we don't have to but it's a very good idea to do the high hazard
ones and that's something that I've asked for a financial to add to what they do
and they've completed 88% of those so those are not the priority the priority
are the state mandated ones and then the high hazard ones come next the operational
permanence vegetation management program that's that weed abatement program you
look on the right side there those are our inspectors on the top right with their
tablet and writing up what they need to write up giving people enough time or
reminder to cut the weeds down and and if they don't then we end up having to
enforce that but 900 plus properties were inspected we did issue 367
correction notices 11 out of 367 didn't do it so we made sure that they were
abated but 97% compliance thank you to the community those who receive the
notices and cut the high weeds down but you can see on the bottom right the the
high grass and how dry it gets out here in the summer.
Regarding the emergency operations plan,
we partner with the cities of El Grove and Galt.
They both have emergency operations plans
that are just within the last few years old.
We also abide by the Sacramento County evacuation plan.
And that's the annex that they have for our area.
It's for El Grove Galt and the areas of South Sacramento County.
We have evacuations in place that we can implement
in partnership with the police departments for different types of incidents.
So, evacuations are definitely instant dependent.
Fires might be quick, time sensitive.
We have to get people moving out of the areas and relocate them to the high schools or
Elk Grove Park or some of the other safe places that we can move people to, or is there time
to plan?
Like, for a flood, we expect the waters to be rising and we have several hours to evacuate
people out of the way.
we would do that with the police departments side by side with them and we
would probably also for something larger activate the emergency operation center
at either city and partner with the police departments and city leadership to
manage the incident. Coordination would also occur with Sacramento County Office
of Emergency Service OES for the evacuation and the mass notification portion of it
to let people know. So it's important that people register their cell phones since most
people have a cell phone now with Sacramento County and I'll provide that link there at the end.
I know there's a lot of information on this map and it's very small so it might be easier to see
up on the screen but this is the actual map that is available. It's on our website as well. The city
of Elk Grove uses this map right here of the evacuation routes for the areas. There's a difference
between an order and a warning. The order is that you must evacuate now. When people here in order go
out, just please move. The warning normally comes before the order, normally, and that
gives you time to get together some important items that you might want to take with you,
and that would be provided normally ahead of time if possible. Now, for a fire, it might
just be an order, but for other things, you get an evacuation warning first. A lot of information,
this is, like I said, available on our website to look at. It's a pretty detailed map.
These are provided for all of the cities and areas in Sacramento County.
They've done a fantastic job with it.
For Galt, very similar.
And that's the similar map in the information.
And it has the five P's of evacuation on it.
And that's important. That's people and pets,
papers, prescriptions, personal needs, and priceless items.
So to make sure that you have those ready to go,
to be able to move when asked to do so,
to figure out on safety.
So what can we do to be fire ready?
Prepare your home and yourself for a potential fire emergency.
Ensure you have smoke alarms on every floor and outside of sleeping areas.
Create a fire escape plan including a meeting place away from your home.
Assemble an emergency go bag within 72 hours of essential supplies.
Have important documents readily available.
No two ways out of your neighborhood onto a main street.
We usually use the same route every single day, no a second way out, and then create
the fenceable space around your home or business, specifically regarding rubbish and dry
vegetation, and then trimming vegetation away from the home.
We recommend 30 feet if possible, and if you live out in the country up to 100 feet away
from your home to make sure it's nice and clean, and that's partnering with us so that we
can mitigate those emergencies a lot easier.
year.
And then the last slide I have for you is to receive time sensitive alerts for emergencies.
You go to Sacramento Alert and that would be for other important community news such
as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons, evacuations of buildings or
neighborhoods and the website is there at Sacramento-alert.org.
We did post it on our social media pages yesterday and should be able to link right to that register
your cell phones. If you haven't done so already, whether you're watching this right now or at a
later time, please register your cell phones. We can communicate with you directly when there's an
emergency or disaster. And with that, I will open it up to any questions you may have.
Thank you so much. Appreciate that very, very thorough report to us. I appreciate it immensely. I know that we're we all are really aware with unfortunately with happened down south and appreciate all the time and energy put into this and. Thank you.
specific questions. You did mention the water, the discrepancy of us making sure that
we have tested once a year to help our ISO. You also mentioned deployment. With the additional
BCs, the squads, the additional personnel, do you feel that that's going to meet the deployment?
The deployment numbers for us to get to that class one rating, or we're going to need something
in the future. Now let me preference it. I did look at ISO. I can't figure out their
math and I don't want to figure out their math and I also compared that to NFPA. I didn't
think I was going to have to do that after I retired but I did.
Between those two documents
do we have a plan to try to get that deployment and that water issue at least bringing us close
to that class one, class one, which are going to help our constituents get better interest rates in times where interest rates are exploding.
So yeah, for the insurance rates, definitely would help. We do have a plan for both.
As I mentioned, we already added some resources, we added the squads, we added the BC.
I don't know what that final number will be between the five and the ten points gap.
definitely would help for sure by adding those resources the there was a section
within it regarding distance to geographical distance with resources so
that's the part that's still being worked on for us to make sure that we have
the right amount of resources for the area so we'll know more when we conduct
that that survey again in 2027 we do know that we need to continue to work as we
We've added the 35 firefighters over the last few years since 2020 towards the number
that we are supposed to have based on NFPA as you mentioned.
We are reaching the, the trigger is about one firefighter per thousand people.
We have, it's 0.97 but just under one firefighter per thousand so we will be working towards
that over the next several years to try to close the gap for that.
But when the water, regarding your water supply section question, that definitely will help with the Class 1.
Even if you go from 1.04 to 4.5, you know, 4.7, we're going to be there.
We're going to be right at that 90 points that we need for the Class 1.
We're at 86.67 points, so we are 3.3 points short of the Class 1 number.
and so that we would end up being a class one fire department and the best
insurance rates possible because that is the best you can do. Well thank you.
That's what I wanted to hear that we have a plan. We were fortunate to get some
updates from our Acting General Manager that sent some of those
statistics out which helped me understand better and made me understand this
presentation better. We're not going to get there tomorrow but I like the idea
that we're planning for the future. The point 970 said firefighters per thousand is that so
that puts us close to what 200 200 plus firefighters 204 would be the number 204 and we're currently at
where are we at currently 192 192 okay all right thank you appreciate it thank you for the presentation
and please that's on the back to all those staff members that helped you put this together
Yeah,
I just want to say thank you for it you answered all my questions as you went through I appreciate the time and energy it took to get this and
I'm certainly willing to help where I can from policy level to ensure that we
Increase cooperation where needed so if that cover becomes an issue feel free.
Okay, appreciate
Okay next item
Next item E, public hearings.
We have no public hearings notice in this agenda.
Next item F, staff reports.
Item F 13, approval of side letter agreement
between the district and local 522 fire staff premium pay.
Staff is recommending that after the presentation
the board approves the side letter agreement
to reflect the combination of difference, pay,
and fire premium pay as base pay
for the purpose of calculating percentage-based incentives
and Approves Resolution 2025-05 Retroactive to July 1, 2005 in Attachment A, and authorizes
the General Manager to execute the side letter agreement between the Consumnist Community
Services District and IAF-F-Local 522 as written in Attachment B, Acting Administrator
of General Services, Josh Freeman.
Good evening again, President Spees, Members of the Board, Josh Freeman, Acting Administrator
of General Services. The staff report before you today discusses a compensation calculation
practice that has been employed with the district here for many, many years.
In short, this calculation takes place when members of Local 522 transition from a 56-hour
work week, their normal 4896, to a traditional 40-hour work week, and how their compensation
calculation is calculated, so this would include their base pay, their day shift pay, and their incentive pays.
With the recent retirement of three of our fire captains, CalPERS performed a periodic audit of our calculations,
our reporting and our contractual language between 522 and the Cousinmas Community Services District.
During this audit, it was recognized that some contractual language and some terminology
needed to be addressed to ensure that our members were receiving the correct calculation
and compensation when they reached their retirement point in their career.
Staff and 522 and District Council worked collaboratively to create the correct language.
language, that language was sent to CalPERS for review and confirmed that this language would
meet the needs of calculation, and a side letter was created. Along with this side letter,
we decided to research some of our previous contractual language, and back as far as 2005
was as far as we could go back and find language of this sort that needed to be addressed.
So resolution was created to address that as well. Retroactively taken the side letter
agreement back to 2005 to ensure any members previous to our most recent retirees would
be taken care of as well. CalPERS agrees with and permits the current
calculation. There are no changes to the practices that we have moving forward. We're just cleaning
up the language to make sure that we are dotting our eyes and crossing our teeth. Any members
that have been effective. This calculation will be looked at by CalPERS. Any
affected members will receive a retroactive calculation and be made hole in the
past. Excuse me, made hole in the future. Unfortunately, one of the things that
CalPERS has required us to do is to publicly read the resolution. Fortunately
District Council was very generous and kept it very short to the point. So if you'll
Bear with me for a few minutes.
Let me read this resolution.
Resolution number 20, 25-04 resolution
of the Board of Directors of the Consumnes Community Services
District, approving SL522, 2024-2,
a side letter agreement with local 522,
providing clarifying language and compliance
with CalFPERS report special compensation related to base pay,
whereas the Consumnes Community Services District District
And the Cassandra's chapter of local 522, 522, have a contractual agreement governing
the terms and conditions of compensation for 522 employees.
And whereas CalPERS has identified a discrepancy in the language of the contractual agreement
related to base pay compounding, as such term and methodology is recognized by CalPERS.
And whereas the district in 522 have negotiated a side letter agreement to their contractual
agreement.
A copy of which is attached here to As Attachment A and Incorporated herein by this reference
per N SL 522-2024-2 to cure this discrepancy.
Now therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Directors of the Consumnest Community Services
District adopts and approves the following.
One, the Board hereby approves SL 522-2024-2, attached here to As Attachment A, and two, the
The Board authorizes the General Manager to take any and all actions on behalf of the district.
To ensure the completion and implementation of SL522, 2024-2, including making any non-substance of changes as required by CalPERS.
Pass and adopted by the Board of Directors of the Cassandras Community Services District, this fifth day of February 2025.
That concludes my report and I'd be happy to entertain any questions.
any anyone from the public wish to comment on this item? No, there's not. Okay.
Like comment on the item, any directors?
Just one question Josh. Have we looked at other contracts to make sure that we are set
across all contracts and all labor groups?
As I mentioned, we looked back in 522 as far back as we could find this type of language
which went back to 2005, and as far as I know,
this language only lives in the 522 contract
from the 56-hour work week to the 40-hour work week.
Just want to make sure it doesn't affect
any other of the labor groups, okay?
Okay, thank you.
Go off of the vote.
Okay, you want to make the motion then,
director of the lecture?
Go off of the vote.
Okay.
Second.
I'll second it.
All in favor?
Hi.
Okay.
Next time, item G, Board of Directors Business for items G14 to G17, item G14 Meeting Event
Approval, the cancellation of the May 7th Board Meeting.
Okay, well most of our members of the Strategic Leadership Team and two directors myself
and Director Secures will attend the Cap to Cap Conference in Washington DC this year
and we will be flying back to California on May 7th.
and will not be available to attend this meeting.
Does any director or staff have anything
to recommend under this item?
Okay, then we'll go ahead and entertain a motion
to prove the cancellation of the May 7th board meeting please.
Second.
Okay, second by director of lasano.
All in favor?
Aye.
Okay, thank you.
Next item?
Item G15 meeting and event report.
So any director have anything to report?
I just have a couple of items.
I attended several events for MLK during the weekend.
Breakfast in a walk had the opportunity to walk with staff from both our organization and the city.
It was a great event.
It was like a four mile walk that took us almost three hours, but hey, it was good.
And I know some of the directors here are a president was also there so I appreciate that
That's all I have thank you
Director Lossano
Yeah, a couple of things
Having attended a few events. I will just
Report out on one that other directors went at
And that was the annual bird festival it in the city of Galt was held at McAffrey Middle School last Saturday
And it's pretty interesting.
I learned way more than I ever thought I would learn about bats, the black and gray and brown
things that fly around that we never see and don't often hear.
So it's pretty interesting, but also there was a nonprofit organization there doing a presentation
on different animals that they find in the region here, specifically the
consumers preserve and so those included some hawks and owls and other
flying. I got to see for the first time a Swanson hawk I've never I've
heard about them for years but never really got to see a live one so that was
pretty cool. And I just want to mention the CREB feed last Saturday was awesome. Thank you
to the Association for putting that on. It's always a blast. And fortunately, I was
able to attend this year. Last year, I wasn't. And the new venue is a great place to hold
it. Really roomy. And I thought it was a good turnout. So, that's all ahead.
Okay, the one other item that Director Sikaris and Director Zlonald mentioned was the years
in service awards that we got to attend in January, and first of all, I want to give
kudos to all the staff and everyone that put it all together, I think this S&T team
and everyone that was giving out the awards did a really great job of flow, and congratulations
Congratulations to all of you that have shown your dedication to this organization over all these decades.
I know a lot of you, the firefighters in different parks and rec people,
just different individuals that were serving that day that couldn't attend perhaps.
But please know that you are valued and thank you for all your services.
It doesn't go unnoticed by residents. I hear daily how much everybody loves all the amenities. They're safety. So thank you. Thank you to all of you for all you do every day. That's about it. Thank you. Next
item is item G 16 miscellaneous. So not meeting reports.
I have nothing. Next item. Item G 17 general manager report.
Good evening, President.
I just wanted to take a moment to also reflect on a few things that have happened as Director
Luzano mentioned we had our crab feed over the weekend and I'm happy to report we had
432 attendees which was a wonderful attendance and it's an event that definitely could not
happen without all of the support of staff as well as volunteers.
We had 25 staff members volunteering at that event, as well as 40 volunteers, which included from the high school basketball team, as well as some of our interns.
So this is an annual event that just seems to keep getting better and better every year.
We also are very excited to have launched our core membership offerings.
We do have a special happening now for anyone who signs up as a founding member.
This opened just a few days ago and we already have 358 members signed up.
So we are well on our way towards our goal for our opening and looking forward to really being able to utilize this great new asset that will be here within the community.
I also wanted to take a moment and just reflect on our Measure E Oversight Committee meeting that was last week.
week. We've had several of these meetings, but this was our first meeting to have the
annual report, and there was a report out from both the city as well as the district
of the initiatives that we've been able to complete. First, we were both able to present
clean audits, which really indicates our dedication to our financial responsibility and transparency.
We also were able to really celebrate the new initiatives that these funds were able
to help us bring to the community, including our light preemption system, off-duty training
for our firefighters, our urban forestry program, and our youth outreach coordinator.
All of these are brand new programs that we were able to launch with Measure E. We were also
able to expand on a lot of our operations.
We've were able to add our additional firefighters and BCs,
able to launch those squads with those additional resources.
We've expanded our park ranger program,
we've expanded our sidewalk repairs,
and we're able to really replace some of that aging infrastructure.
Along with these items,
we're also been able to upgrade some of our systems that have been aging,
including our instant management software,
our learning systems here within the City of Elk Grove.
We've been able to modernize our irrigation
and purchase vehicles for our fire staff,
as well as equipment for some of our fire vehicles
and apparatus.
It was really amazing to hear all of this report out
to see the good work that these funds are doing here
within the community and will continue to do
as those funds continue to grow.
It was just our first year and I'm confident
that as we continue to invest in the community with our measure eFUNs, we'll see additional impact.
As we look forward, we are looking at having our fire preparedness presentation that was given
this evening. To be repeated, we will be back with our City Council in Elgrove next week on Wednesday,
and as well as a future City of Galt's Council meeting. As soon as that is scheduled, we will be
promoting that through social media, and I will, of course, let the board know.
We were scheduled to be meeting with our federal representative, Matt Sui, later this month.
Things have been a little bit busy in Washington, so unfortunately, we will be moving that to
a March date when she's going to be able to be here and be present for that, and we'll
that opportunity to really talk about the district
and all of the amazing things that we have been doing here
as well as thank her for the funding she's been able
to secure for us.
I'm excited to announce that our leadership Oak Grove cohort
will be starting soon.
Leadership Oak Grove is an almost year-long program.
It's going to be starting later this month.
And this year we have four participants from the district.
So we're very happy to see that continue to happen and have support and see some of our really valued staff members go through that and have that learning opportunity.
There's always a lot going on. So I'll just end there for the report and thank you for all of your dedication and service and again thank you to the fire chief for that great presentation.
I know that all of us feel much more secure and confident knowing that we have the best fire department here in the area that is fully prepared for any kind of disaster end of my report.
Great, next item please.
Item H identification of items for future meeting.
Does any director have anything under this item that they need to report?
Okay, then I'll go ahead and enter the motion to get adjourned.
Okay, we'll go night.