I'm sorry. >> Now I'll call the meeting to order at
7:13 of the melody
board of directors on April 14th, 2026. Roll call, please.
» Uh, yes. Director Bernstein, >> present.
» Director Bloom >> is excused. Absent.
» Yes. >> And uh, Director Jones
» here. >> Director Solano
» here. and director uh Carly >> present.
» Thank you. >> Thank you. We have
the flag
to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it
stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
There are no reportable items from close session which at 703
and I'll take I'll open it up now to public comment for items not on the
do we have any >> uh we have no hands raised online.
» Okay. Um then I'll hold public comment and then we'll go to item one which is
the report of the fire department. Thank you director for all the members of the
board and of our for our staff and any members of the public that are on. First
of all, I'm just gonna quickly introduce SOA who is our interim cler.
Um thank you to Nicole for pointing us in RTS's direction. So we will have
Denise with us until we have a permanent. Um, with that, I'm going to
uh share with you some information that has occurred over the last month in my
uh monthly fire chiefs report. First of all, just a quick update on fire station
one. The only item of significance on the update is that city of Clark has
actually initiated a kickoff meeting on our sequel process. So, that is good.
Um, we're looking forward to getting that your way. Quick update on the first
minutes and promotions. Our firefighter recruitment is ongoing. We've um already
had applicants complete video interviews. We had 292
video interviews out of we had 500 applicants. So, the numbers are already
shrinking. 292 participated in the video interviews. They each each uh applicant
is going to have their video reviewed by three members of our rank and file
firefighters, engineers, and captains. Then we're going to
file the the scores and take the top 75 to 90%
your next step. So that is underway very quickly and I know will share some of
this in your presence report. We have our recruitment is ongoing. We had
selection interviews today. I think the rest
uh just updates on the community engagement community.
What's going on? Quite a bit. Um
some school group and station tours. Station six with a Girl Scout fourth
grade tour. Station two had a rock and event. Station six uh tour with second
grade girls scout. Station board visit, Little Angel's preschool visit. Station
two, East PaloAlto Primary School Walk to School Day. Station 77 Bell Haven
School Career Day. on classes of giving patients. We had
lost par educator staff CPR training, EPA center staff CPR training, Sacred
Heart Schools, parents hands on CPR training,
job trained staff, hands-on hands-on CPR training, and we had a
regular monthly CPR Red Cross on stop elite classes. Uh they also assisted
with evacuation drill and local business. Uh CIR they completed their
latest CR cabinet added 13 more members to clean right
» 13 >> 13
uh the C team was invited to a presentation for the San Francisco GPA
events. Uh they had an East Palato disaster prep
workshop and then a very big event, two events actually, Easter events in Memo
Park in East Palo Alto. I just share a couple notes from Mike Sony who was our
our on duty or our our firefighter coordinator for the just recognizing
anyone between the two locations. Uh they estimate that they served
approximately 3,000 community members in no product and close to 1500 in East
Kawazo. This was our first event in East which is great.
» Um it's an incredible day. They distributed over 10,000 eggs. And I
just want to recognize some names. Captain Marido,
engineerelli, engineer, firefighter Francis Con, and
fire fire. really big and instrumental in helping this happen and engineer
Wagner who drove whole time around from 10 to 4 non-stop. So also yeah shout out
to our two board members that were there director Jones and
then also to Heather and for everything we did. We also had quite quite a good
presence for our cert members helping out at the event. So really good good
way for us to connect with our community.
Um fire response analysis report. So just
in reviewing that nothing of significance. I will share that we're
still working on correcting issues that director Bernstein brought up at the
last meeting and that they um the vertical lines on some of those graphs
don't match up to the numbers of these. So working on adjust adjusting them
over. So, they're in the appropriate spot. Uh, the new new development
update, not need to report on this month. Next month, I'm going to actually
include a printed out report to bring all the board members up to speed on all
the projects that are going on and their status. So, I think that will be helpful
and we get some feedback on how often you like to see that. Budget sessions
are done, which is why we are going to be talking and sharing with you the
first look at our budget tonight. Uh I attended along with Chief Cole and
Chief McDonald the Redwood City Bashion on March 25th
Easter egg I chatted about. I also had a meeting at the request of the new PA
fire chief ste. He came up from Lin in the ranks. uh we
sat down and chatted uh just kind of kind of a get to know you thing, but
also had some pretty fruitful conversations
on trying to reestablish our automatic aid between us and city of Palo Alto.
And so already Chief McDonald and Chief Foy have met with the with his one of
his number twos over there on how we can start making that work out. We had some
I think some technology issues there but I think we can overcome them. The issues
related to their staffing have been mostly resolved where they had some
stations round up. They they only have one station now where they actually use
the engine to cross staff an ambulance. Everybody every other station is fully
staffed. And the nice thing all the stations that are immediately adjacent
to our district are fully staffed. So uh I'm optimistic that we're going to make
some progress on that. Do you have what they were thinking?
» No, I don't have a timeline. I I I gave a timeline to
my two saying I'd like it at least some papers all by the end of the
» Yeah. >> Right. So trying to figure out and we
may not have it all the way fixed, but there's got to be a way where we can
hack it, so to speak. You know, even if our two computer aated dispatch systems
can't talk to each other, there's some old school ways where we can do that. We
were actually talking about uh there's the ability for us to decide to share
information over tablet command. We both agency use that and that tablet command
can also pre-alert us to call. So we have bright minds on that. One one of
them is retired chief delay. He works for tablet command now. So, I'm
optimistic that we're going to come up with some creative solutions for
addressing the niche. Uh, we've got a list of our outstanding
staff reports here and then I wanted to share with you briefly some information
on our structure fires here.
Oh, and before I get to the structure fires, I also wanted to share with um
going back to the a little bit on the community engagement update, I just uh
Heather shared with me an email from the YCS, the youth community services
youth that participated in our shirt training program. And Mora, how do you
say Morris's last name? >> Omar. Mora sent us uh some notes from
all the students that went through it highlighting some of the things. So I
just I have a couple highlighted things I wanted to share here from our youth
that went through our search training. One notes he or she said participating
in the YCS CERT program has been one of the most impactful experiences of my
high school. Through this ter I have learned valuable emergency preparedness
and response skills but more importantly I have developed confidence
responsibility and stronger commitment to serving my community. Another one
says participating in in the youth community service team
program has been a transformative experience that redefined my
understanding of civic duty. To me, this program is vital because it transforms
young people from passive bystanders into active, capable guardians of their
neighborhoods. Through YCS, I have learned that community resilience is
built on the preparation and empathy of its individual members. So, I just
thought that wow articulate
» see what I started. >> So, what a good program director Jones
and you have some really gifted articulate young members. They're very
articulate and they in all the words I can attest to that when they go through
the exercises they their eyes just light up. Yeah.
» It it really feels like it was impactful and I think in some cases potentially
life changing for them to dissipate through the month.
» And then just on the u the two incidents we had structure fire on no court on
March. bigger incident was a structure fire on the 1200 block at Million Drive
and we spent a lot of fun on April 4th. Uh a couple things to note was there was
a pretty significant fire. We also had our DFR drone as a first responder unit
overhead. It's even noted in here by Chief Stall. But one of the operational
strengths he noticed was that DFR2 that's the drone out of station two
provided valuable intel confirming a working fire while you were still in
route increased their situation awareness for officers while route and
the IC the incident commander while he was on scene. Interesting thing is Tom
texted me to say it was in route clicked on a little link and actually watched
the response. watch truck two lad the roof cut a hole get off. It was u yeah
really interesting and fascinating to be able to watch that in real time and then
also just you know I know part of our conversation tonight
about a mutual aid automatic aid conversation but on that fire there
which I think went second alarm we had six additional units besides our own
that were sent on automatic a two additional VCs from out of our
jurisdiction three engines and one truck to help support that fire. And with
that, that concludes my chief control >> question. Chief
» Yes, >> on the fire on Chameleia. Uh
I I heard there was an explosion, you say? Was there an explosion over there?
» I don't have the cause. >> Oh,
» but I'll find out if it's been released. >> Yeah, that's good because um that
actually happened the day of the their Easter event.
» Yeah. So, Yeah. Yeah.
So, um people were just wondering. I heard from neighbors that there were
cables in it spark, but no one really knows. So, we can just
» get some kind of >> I'll let you know. I know it was pretty
um impactful >> to the the members that live there
negatively and these bow PD reached out to us asking if they if we were aware of
any ways we could find some financial help
and I know referred them to I don't remember the name
» well Red Cross was there >> Red Cross was there
» and they were looking at some you know Ed Young
financial challenges Also, I know I was hurt, you know,
because of those homes over there in that area. They have a lot of knob and
tube kind of >> wiring.
» Yeah. >> So, if it's that, I think the city need
to really try to figure out a way to get get many of those homes taken care of
because it's going to happen even more. So,
» that's what I've heard from some of the neighbors there. So I don't know if
that's true but agree >> with
I want to ask two questions about recruitment.
» Oh sure we're recruiting now but the academy has
to start until next January. Is that right?
» Correct. >> What's the rationale for doing it so
much earlier than the academy? >> That's a that's a great question. Um the
the real explanation is um since we partner with the college of
salmon in that in service academy it's actually
sponsored by them we get the fire service gets half of the slots in there
and then the other half are opened up to the public.
In order for us to um fill our half of the slots, we have
to have the names of our firefighters ready to submit by
» I think it's Julyish somewhere around it.
» And that's because that's the application time for the community
college for entry into that. So it accelerates every agency that's
interested in that January 2027 academy. It accelerates everybody's process. We
have to have agents that are But do we expect then to have to lose a
lot of them? >> I don't expect so. The nice the nice
thing is, you know, if people are interested in Sanonteo County,
everybody's in the same boat as us and the the timeline's similar. So, we don't
think so. And we'll see.
» The other question I had, I I'm not asking this in any critical way, but I'm
a little bit surprised when you said video interviews.
One of the things that I know that they've been trying to do in recruit so
forth is make it somehow
blind towards you know color natural national origin all those kinds of
things and obviously in the video interview it's going to be immediate not
absolutely but to some extent it's apparent people's backgrounds for better
or worse Um, have you discussed this or is this has
this been an issue that you debated or >> It's interesting. We we haven't
discussed the idea of just an audio interview and what that might look like.
Obviously, when you get to inerson interviews, you can't hide people's
ethnicity or gender. Um, I will say the the purpose of the video interview
process is many departments around here,
actually, I don't know of anyone that is up here that's doing it right now. And
so, they go to the the testing group and ask
for the let's say they want to do 70 interviews, inerson interviews, they'll
ask for the top 70 highest scores on the written exam and they'll take those and
um there is when you take everybody that's got a 95
or above on the written exam, it very much causes artificial barriers that are
based on often times, you know, your your background, your ethic, ethnicity,
your economic background, so your education.
» Yeah. All all of those things. And so we have purposefully
said that all we needed to do is pass the written test and every everyone out
of the 500 people that submitted applications. If you passed it, you got
a video. So you had an opportunity at least to
um share your story. They're very short. uh and but people aren't allowed to
share their names uh on there. They have to have
non-escript backgrounds, no any nothing that identifies them or connects them
with the agency. Uh but that way we're not creating um any kind of artificial
barriers and gives us the opportunity for all 500 candidates potentially to
have an opportunity to share, you know, answers. I think it's three or four
questions. >> Okay. Yeah, that was amazing because I
was concerned about it, but I just people are trying to figure out better
ways of doing all this. >> Yeah. But ultimately, we're gonna we're
gonna see the candidates in person. >> So, what happened between the 500 you
had in hand and then the 300 who showed up for the 200 just say no, they don't
want to. >> Yeah. My my guess is some just decided
they didn't want to do it. Some weren't able to get to the testing facility and
take the test or didn't pass the test. some couldn't get their CPAT, the Cyrus
California physical agid physical agility tested. So there's a number of
things. So that we kind of anticipated we'd have a lower number which is
helpful for us. So we don't have 500 video interviews to review, but that's
not a surprising. >> And remind me at the end you want six to
fill six positions. Is that >> four positions?
» Four. >> And we will so
they, you know, we'll have the in-person interviews. They're going to see two
panels. Each person is going to see a panel with three people on two or two
different panels. And then the top, let's say 16 scores,
we'll kind of coil myself up and do selection interview. And then we'll
yeah, we'll have some alternates also in case somebody doesn't stick with four
people finalists in a sense. Yes. >> Okay.
» And we might potentially even hire more than one class on this list. Yeah.
Sometime we could use this list. Yeah.
» Any other questions or comments?
» Just back. Francine was looking at the fire report. The fire was an electrical
fire. somebody heard a big I don't know if that means an arc or transformer or
something >> cable anyway
» I know we had some power line issues in the backyard that were safety concern
sounds like that was the cause >> okay we'll move on to the consent
» go ahead >> I I just want to get back to you what
scenes here is in terms of finding out about the if it's electrical
it should anyone go to public works department or or is that a followup
something that the fire department does? >> I'll check with fire prevention and see
if they follow up if there was something unusual about it.
» Yeah. >> Yeah. It's it's I mean that's obviously
a very generic electrical issue. So if it was related to
you know old wiring like you said the knob and tube or just I don't know if
they have it narrow down to a specific issue.
» Yeah but I'll check let me know if you >> sure
» okay is there a motion to approve the consent
» move second. It has been moved by director and seconded by directors. Any
» I'm sorry.
» Okay. Um any discussion? Not roll please.
» Uh yes. Director Bernstein. >> I.
» Director Jones. >> I.
» Director Solano. >> Hi.
» Director Cwley. >> I.
» Thank you. Motion carries. >> Motion carries. And we'll move on to the
regular agenda item number four which is adopt the resolution declaring seasonal
fees a public thing.
» I will handle this and we've got fire marshal twice on the line if we call my
friend but this is an annual uh item that we bring before the board prefire
season every year to declare a number of particles as nuisances. And there's a
list attached. And with that, I will open questions. And if there aren't any
board set to report and adopt a resolution those
» is he on
there's no question >> any question
every jurisdiction
Please speak. >> Is there a second?
» Oh, sorry. >> Moved by director and seconded by
director B. Any discussion? Okay. Then all we just do all in favor
to do a roll call. >> Uh, you could do roll call.
» Roll call. Yeah. >> Director um, Director Bernstein.
» Hi. >> Director Jones.
» Hi. >> Director Salano.
» Hi. Director Crowley, >> I motion carries.
» Moving on to item five. >> Sure.
» This is just a technical question here. We skipped over it too fast. I'm not
going to discuss anything, but I just want to point out that in my
packet, >> there was this
» page, >> pardon me,
» page. Um, if you look at going back to the
» 84, >> no, the monthly report, the fire
marshals report, the packet jumped from page 16 to 22.
And I want to see if I missed something from the packet 16 to 22.
» Page 16. >> I had page 86.
» 16. >> Oh.
» Oh, yeah. You did. Yeah. And then >> did your I just want to make sure I
didn't miss some pages that were essential.
» Yeah, maybe. >> Oh, I see. You see what happened on page
if you clip mine is print on both sides. I got 22 on one sides, 16 on the other
side. So, I had to reverse it and clip it in here. So,
» but that's why I saying there's no 17, 18, 19, 20, 21. I just want to be sure I
haven't missed
Yeah.
» Yeah. >> Oh, this is from Okay. I think this
» Well, normally they have a packet number. So,
» I I think >> but yours is the same as mine.
» Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So I think what happened was that the four minutes were
from the previous agenda which also says agenda item number 285 page which may
have been page 22 in the previous agenda package. That's how I
» but there was no page 16 anywhere.
» There's nothing missing. It's just missing.
» The temporary bumps that we have is what transition
» effects. Okay. I'm sorry. Not >> no.
Yeah, I've noticed. >> That's a legitimate question.
» Not sure.
» Okay, you're ready. Are we ready for item five?
» Yes. I will this up and hand it over to Elaine.
» This is to review and discuss the district's fiscal year 2627 preliminary
budget and fulltime equivalent staffing level chief. So, and we're not we're not
asking for the board to decide anything tonight. You know, we this is going back
a couple years. The desire for the board to get eyes on the budget, the proposed
budget and the draft budget earlier. Um and so over the course of our budget
process, the board and in combination with committees has been have an
opportunity to see the budget five times. Two at the finance committee and
three at the board. And so this was um last Tuesday reviewed uh in depth by the
finance committee. Um I think we went an hour and 45 minutes in the committee
meeting to >> go through a lot of the details of that.
So and the finance committee has recommended moving it forward to the
board for review. And with that I'm going to turn it over our fiscal wiz.
» Thank you chief. Uh so good evening director everyone. So as the chief
mentioned uh this is just a preliminary budget that we're presenting at tonight.
There's no action that needed to be taken. So I'm just going to uh give an
overview or background you know how we came up with the budget just an over
overview of the process in itself. So we started the budget process around
November of last year. So what we did uh was we rolled you know forward uh our
current year's budget and then we actually included all of the information
that's needed for the program managers to actually uh come up with their budget
with the proposed budget. So we have their current budget uh they also have
like historical information of actual numbers that uh that came up like past
like you know fiscal years. So with that um once we set it up in our system you
know we sent you know all of those you know um uh black template proposals to
the program managers uh to the division chief of flaw in December like early
December as soon as December one and we gave them about two months uh to
actually prepare their budget like put the numbers on it like uh give like some
sort of description uh for the new requests or if there's uh no change you
know explain why there's no change and things like that and uh in February and
March as the chief mentioned we did a lot of budget sessions uh with you know
the executive you know leadership I think we did at least uh six or seven um
so what we did is you know each program uh we went line by line uh we determined
uh the budget you know for each line item you know we discussed you know what
would be appropriate for that line item budget uh we took a look at you know all
the descriptions all the um uh justifications if there are new uh
request, you know, for the next fiscal year. And then we also analyze
historically information what the actuals are to determine whether or not,
you know, what they're proposing is reasonable. Um, so it's very extensive.
Um, we did that, you know, for all of the programs. Um, and then of course,
you know, we came with we summarized everything and then now that's, you
know, the packet that's, you know, in your hands. Um, and if you turn on page
190 of the packet, that's actually the last page of the packet.
So that's attachment C. So this is just to show you the budget adoption
timeline. I think the chief brick mentioned this as well, you know,
earlier. So for the April meetings, um, this is really just, you know, a review
and discussion of, uh, again the preliminary budget, the action that's
needed to be taken on the main meetings. um we're going to present it again, you
know, to the finance community. Um if there are any comments or any like
suggestions that, you know, we think that, you know, it's appropriate to
actually change in our budget. We're going to present it again to the finance
community and then in the main meeting for the pool board, uh that's where
we're going to adopt a preliminary budget. Um so again, that's preliminary.
Um and then by the June by June, uh we're again we're going to present it
to, you know, the finance committee. Um again if there are any changes like any
final changes with the budget and then for the full board in June that's going
to be the final adoption. So that's just you know an overview of um the adoption
timeline for our fiscal year 67 uh project.
So now um I'm going to go over the staff report. Um I'm not going to go over each
of the page and each of the the languages here, but uh we're going to
focus on things that I think are important to highlight. So if you turn
on page uh 96 of the packet.
So 96 of the packet. So this is something new uh this you know fiscal
year. So what you know I did or what we did is we tried to actually uh uh put
some commentaries or narratives on you know what actually affected what are the
things that are needed to be considered in you know the whole budget process. So
it start from page 9 page 99 the first one on there is no tariffs and
inflationary environment which everyone is aware. So even with the um Supreme
Court decision there are still some tariffs that actually are not going away
and there are actually new ones. So we try to incorporate you know uh like any
increases potential increases you know for you know uh the inflationary
environment with the tariffs. Uh the second one on page 96 question. Sure.
The discussion was really good by the way that the the tariffs fall on
imported things when we're doing construction. Haven't we kind of
specified that we need to buy American stuff wherever possible?
uh that one uh I'm not sure if there is already a discussion of whether or not
it's you know a choice or it's required for us to actually uh buy American steel
or uh for constructions that one I'm not quite sure I don't think we did have any
discussion on that uh but I think with uh all of the things that's going on
right now with all the uncertainties um I think it's you know apparent that you
know we have to set aside like contingencies or like plan for like
things that we can't really control of. But uh with your question Dr. Bing, uh
that one I can't really answer. Maybe that's going to be a future discussion
once we go into the actual construction phase. Uh and then probably that has
» I think normal construction >> the market for steel for example is also
could be looked at as a worldwide market. So prices in one place affect
prices in another. But I thought the discussions were really good by the way.
So but I was just curious how much we think these kind of things are really
going to affect our construction costs. >> I think the steel is going to be the
main >> because we're going to be using a lot of
steel >> supply.
I think we'll definitely check in with John Chief and then maybe you know we'll
probably have a separate discussion on that um as we go through you know the
process of this uh station one regular check. Um then the next one is of course
you know uh interest rate environment. So this is more uh related to the
revenues that we're going to receive for uh interest uh right. So, uh I think
there's going to be right now the average expectation is there's going to
be uh another cut interest rate cut for 2026 and another rate cut in 2027. But
with again with all the things that's happening right now with the geopolit
political like you know conflicts and such you know uh uh inflation and you
know the job market you know we don't know exactly what's going to happen. um
even like a year before like you know we're expecting you know the interest
rate to have I mean the cuts to be like you know more than like two or three but
now uh we don't know I mean right now it's just like one I think later this
year and then another one for the next fiscal year so this is really going to
affect you know our uh investment revenue although it won't the impact
won't be that significant because even if you know there's going to be rate
cuts uh so we're anticipating less revenues But we're also anticipating
like inflows of cash. So it's going to probably offset uh the increase in the
investment balance probably going to offset with you know the decrease in you
know the interest rate cuts. And this is you know again just going to be like you
know some sort of heads up you know we're not really going to have this
interest rate environment for the next like five years. So in the next you know
future years when we do our budget of course we're really cautious and
cognizant of you know what the interest rate would be and then we're going to
give you know the board a heads up because you know you might probably like
you know uh notice that you know oh why do we have last year we have $6 million
of interest you know right now we only have $3 million. So this is just to set
you know uh expectations I guess but you know for the next fiscal year you know
we you know uh incorporated uh I'm going to discuss this more when we go through
you know the revenue budget especially for the use of money and property but we
incorporated this you know rate cuts you know to our budget.
Uh the next one um uh real estate market. Um this is always
going to be you know uh one of the key budget considerations you know for the
district. Uh because I think 90% of our uh revenue budget actually is property
taxes or property taxes. I mean so for real estate market you know we there's
uh overall there's still you know some you know uh slow down or pulling with
you know uh the interest rate I don't know there's the real estate you know uh
market but relatively on average is still you know stable and you know
strong so I think for the next fiscal year at least for the uh assessed role
right now for the district um I think we're anticipating about 3.7% in the
assessed role But that doesn't mean that that's the same amount of percentage
increase that we're going to receive for our revenues. It's just a good indicator
of you know what we're going to receive for the next fiscal year. It's not a one
is to one uh but at least gives us an idea of you know maybe like you know
we'll get about like 3.7% or even higher when we actually receive our actually
property tax revenues. Um the next one on page 98
uh the Genentech uh property tax uh settlement. So this was briefly uh
discussed uh or at least uh mentioned in the last board meeting as well. So in
February we received a notice from county you know uh Sato that you know
there is going to be an adjustment with you know our you know property tax you
know revenues for the upcoming you know fiscal year. Um, and it's mostly uh
unsecured, you know, property taxes. So, uh, right now the effect of that is
about $469,000 uh, refund. Uh, so, uh, it's a reduction
of our property tax, you know, revenue for, you know, the next fiscal year. So
in general what I got from the county is you know any adjustments with you know
the assessed roles uh due to like you know things like this like property tax
disputes you know settlements it's going to affect the countywide you know
revenue proportionally so as it's going to reduce the countywide revenue
proportionally um we will also get that you know particular share based on you
know the ADA you know allocation so and this is only for tax years 2005 to 2000
uh uh I think it's for 6 years 2000 to 2005. Um so uh our share is about
$469,000 including the interest already. It may change it may uh increase or
decrease depending on where they when depending on when they actually um uh
send uh us the money or settle the actual you know um funds you know to uh
Genet. But it's probably going to be in the November and this or October and
November um uh aortionment for the next visit here.
And I think in the uh narrative I also mentioned that um
there is still like disputes ongoing for the succeeding years. So right now the
ones in review are from 2006 to 20 you know uh 18 and the county is estimating
about 4 to5 million plus interest. So given that amount um if it's also
proportional to the first you know round of you know the tax settlements we're
probably going to be expecting another reduction about maybe I I would I mean
I'm just you know guessing based on you know uh the numbers here uh with
interest I would assume maybe around $150 to $160,000 in the upcoming years.
So when are we going to know that? >> Um that director Kerali I'm not sure
because again it's still under review. Um they're saying it's going to be in
one to two years uh the settlement in itself. So we might expect you know uh
more like information from them in about like two years I would say.
So, uh, Elaine, I think I missed the first time we talked last week, but are
we talking about for the district, we have a total obligation of $468,000?
» Correct. That's correct. >> With a annual um payout back or rebate
to to the county of aboutund will be it would be proportion every
year. >> Oh, it's not every year, director uh
Jones. So this one in particular since it's already kind of like resolved. Uh
so the dispute was already you know um resolved. So this is kind of like I
wouldn't really say one time but it's the whole uh dispute is you know one
thing right but they're they're doing it in peace mill basis. So this one in
particular is just from 2000 to 2005. Uh so that's one piece and then from 2006
to 2024 we don't know yet. >> Okay. Uh but right now I think from 2006
to 2018 that's the one that they're currently under review and that's you
know the one that I mentioned probably will you know have another like you know
refund or deduction for a property tax revenue of about 150 160k just based on
my uh own estimates. >> Yeah.
» Hey lane did the county did the assessor's office say how they're going
to communicate this this has been going on for a long time. when I first got on
the board, I think that's when the appeal happened and there was no
communication from them and then all of a sudden there's this, right? So it
shouldn't, I guess, be that much of a surprise, but you know, I mean, at least
we can kind of absorb some of these, >> right?
» I'm just thinking there are other pieces that can't, but I mean, are they have
you given them feedback like how that they need to communicate this a little
more regularly to us? Yeah, we haven't gotten any um news or any communication
whether or not it's going to be more frequent. But you know what um we did on
our end at least is because at the end I think you're right, directly correct
because you know we were actually surprised you know oh it's settled right
February we received the notice then we have to plan for it like right away uh
during the budget cycle pretty much because it's already budget cycle. Um
I'm not sure if you know they're going to have like you know uh improvements on
you know communications or at least like do it more frequently. But again on our
end I think what we're doing right now is you know we're I mean we're trying to
contact you know the county to see you know who actually is responsible you
know for like you know this you know assessments or this you know reviews. So
I actually got a contact you know from the assessor's office and you know I
think he or she is the one uh responsible for um uh or to contact
point of contact for like you know ask if we have like any questions you know
in regard to this you know dispute or tax you know settlement. Um so that's I
think you know our solution is to just reach out uh
frequently you know um to them and see you know if there are any updates
because I'm not sure if you know there is going to be more um if they are going
to take you know more initiative on you know letting you know all the agencies
you know within the county that you know this is ongoing and there's you know
constant updates. um that one you know I can't really tell but on our end you
know we're trying to be as you know uh proactive as well
uh to you know just reach out to them at least you know without contacting a
person you know from the county now who can probably you know uh um answer you
know some of our questions if ever >> I just want to follow up on that the
major loser in this is going to be the county itself and I'm wondering how that
might affect affect our district in terms of funding that we get from the
the county and so forth. I'm talking about the cost of dispatch and all those
kinds of things that's going to have to be cuts
» any other services. >> Yeah, I I I don't know the exact
percentage, but it it could hit $15 billion just for the county or something
like that. Have you heard any talk or anything
about how this might affect county services?
» Uh no. um we haven't you know uh really have much information on whether or not
you know uh it's going to affect us when it comes to you know to those type of
services but I think you know from based on you know the actual letter the
agencies that actually got hit the most are the school districts so the two
school districts are a million dollars >> let me say that that also then I expect
is going to come back and affect the Yes. I mean, it's all inter all
interrelated for sure. >> Yeah. I think you know that's why I
think you know on our share like we have about like 51 or $52,000 the refund on
the ERP you know out of the $469,000. So uh in terms of you know actual
services um we don't know what's the effect uh on us yet. Uh but you know I
mean if we're gonna anticipate any you know um cuts you know for services like
for dispatch I think that's probably going to be an even a bigger disc or a
separate discussion with you know the county when you know it's you know time
to actually you know do that. I know um dispatch services has always been you
know a topic of discussion you know for for us and you know for all other you
know fire districts as well. But it's going to affect the ambulance stuff as
well. >> I think the bigger revenue issue for the
county right now is related to the vehicle license.
» Yeah. Yeah. But that only affects mainly the cities,
» cities and counties. >> Yeah. It's not going to affect the
school districts or the um the the special districts,
» but the short for the county and Yeah. >> Yeah. for the services. Yeah.
» My county is going to be looking for >> that gap.
» I mean, we Yeah. Anyway, that's a different discussion which I think we
probably need to have at some point. >> Yeah. And then uh the next one would be
uh geopolitical conflict. So this one we kind of like know already and this
really affects you know our you know gas you know fuel and um compressed you know
um oil like you know uh budgets. Uh the next one on page uh 99 uh pension
obligations. you know, I put this here. I think it this is kind of like some
sort of a reminder as well. I know we actually adopted, you know, pension
funding policy, but you know, we continue to be uh wary and cautious
with, you know, our pension obligations. So, even with, you know, our um UI, you
know, uh funding, you know, uh policy that, you know, we adopted a couple of
years ago, uh I think, you know, we started to actually reap the benefits of
it. You know, I'm going to discuss it later with the retirement, you know,
budget. uh but this is I mean 2697 is going to
be the third year uh of the implementation for the virtual or strong
pressure you know policy that we did or that the board adopted a couple years
back. Then last one would be the fire station one. This is going to be an
ongoing one until we actually complete the project. Now the reason it's here is
because of course you this is a huge project. So we're trying to balance you
know our operating needs and capital needs.
So uh we're trying to like you look into our options and as director uh Bernstein
had mentioned as well earlier you know about the costs you know there's going
to be a lot of you know uh projections on that and considerations when it comes
to investigation project >> I think the optimum uh sentence
uh I'm sure everybody read it was in the one through third paragraph and it's
about the third line down and start about uh it says that this proactive
reserve strategy strategy support major infrastructure investment. I think
that's to me that's we we really need to keep our eye on uh what we can do to try
to increase that because there there will be increase in cost just because of
inflation just because of what >> cost of supplies
» supplies and the whole thing. So we just need to keep an eye on on that and I'm
sure Alan gonna let us keep >> Yeah, I think uh that's a good point
director Jones. Second thing what we're doing at least on our budget process is
you know uh every time we do the budget we uh I think we're lucky that you know
every year when we do the budget you know we have uh an excess like you know
uh revenue over you know our expenditures um I think right now an
average is about like $20 million like you know every year or more depends on
the savings and we'll know more once you know of course you know when we you know
we have our reconciled you know balances at year end uh but you know what we're
doing you on our on the budgetary perspective is you know for example for
that $20 million right you know a part of it you know let's say four or $5
million you know would be you know allocated to the current year's you know
project current year projects IP projects and then the rest we keep as a
reserve so um to your point uh director Jones you know we are doing that um
during the be the beginning of the year and then at the end of the year as well
when we know uh basically analyze and reconcile what the actual savings would
be and it depends on you know the fun balance reserve policy that we have then
you know we're allocating into the different reserve categories and that
includes you know uh CIS
then um so that's you know again that's the fiscal environment you know that's
you know the project considerations you know that you know uh we you know
tackled you know during you know the old you know budget process so they'll go
over now with you know each you know, >> before you leave the general things, I
was going to ask about our contracts with with um the state and federal
governments for when when we're called up and so forth. Is there are there
adjustments for fuel prices changes and things like that? And those are is that
a fixed cost and we just eat the the higher cost of fuel
» there? Uh I think the chief is part of you know but there is a rate letter
» uh there are adjustments you know every year uh for um uh for I think for the
vehicles right chief you know for um >> mainten
state and US force but they do make adjustments in in theory
Um, when we're on the incident, we get fuel for free from the incident. Our our
travel from home to the incident is in theory on us, right? So, no
reimbursement for getting there. The um, interestingly enough, that they
reimburse us at the FEMA for the FE the FEMA vehicle rates per
hour, and in theory, the FEMA rates are a wet rate that include the cost of
fuel. So, we nice nicely enough actually get
kind of double reimburseed, right? They're giving us a FEMA rate that in
theory includes fuel plus they actually fill up our vehicles while we're at the
fire. So, fuel cost should be almost fully covered except
» travel to >> uh I think I think the FEMA I'm not
super familiar with how how FEMA reimburses us, but I think our fuel
costs are all covered. It's all it's all reimbured as long as it's approved. Um
it's it's there's a form pretty much for FEMA as well. For Calia's side, um we
have the ICS 213. So if it's on there, then you know we're going to get reverse
for that. Same thing with you know um FEMA. So for FEMA, it's almost as if you
know we get 100% reimburse for any uh expense renewal related you know uh for
I mean deployment related expenses including uh fuel.
Let me just ask what we're talking about that
you're saying that when we take an engine or a truck down to Los Angeles,
say we pay the cost of getting there. We pay the cost of getting back.
We we pay for fuel to go there. The we're also at the same time getting
reimbursed an hourly rate for driving our type one engines there. That's I'm
just gonna say for the sake of conversation is $200 an hour. And in
that $200 an hour rate that they pay us includes the cost of fuel.
» And does that rate also include for example the depreciation on the vehicle?
» Depreciation maintenance annual maintenance etc.
» Okay. Thank you.
uh ask some questions under topic areas.
» Oh, are we wait till we get there?
» Well, I'm asking which >> uh which topic
» uh tactic tactical medics >> uh maybe um I can go over uh
» I thought you were done with the others. >> Oh, okay.
» Can we continue with that? You got 10 more question.
» Uh, it says here that there four law enforcement SWAT teams.
» Oh, I'm sorry. 165.
want to start basically on page 100 right now
the specific spreadsheets charts. Yeah, I think um we can go over like you know
uh the next few pages and then if there are questions along the way and then you
know if we actually don't go through this in specific
then we can yeah then we can have the questions you know
» our our intent is not to go through each and every program but
» after yeah's done if you have questions that you have
I think I just want to make Sure.
» Okay. You want to start You want to go and start on the general funary budget
summary. >> Uh so if you turn on page 100 uh of the
packet. So the general fund preliminary budget you know uh summary. So um
overall um our revenue budget is 101. It's on the third from the last column.
Uh $101.7 million. is our expenditure budget for
the general fund is $81.9 million and then the excess uh is about $19.8
million and that's operating transfer out that you see there. Uh that's um uh
the transfer out with the CIP fund which I mentioned earlier director Jones is
going to fund you know the current CIP budget or expenses plus you know the
rest is going to be you know put on the resource. So uh I think overall the b
the balance is uh the budget is balanced uh meaning the our anticipated revenues
are greater than you know our uh expenditures or greater than or equal to
our expenditures and you know uh transfers. So um for revenues um on page
eight uh which is on page 102 of the packet.
So the table there again as I mentioned um it's $101.7 million uh which is about
6.5 million or 6.8% increase uh from you know the prior year uh prior year's you
know budget uh property taxes uh again it's comprised about 90 90% of you know
the proposed budget. So I'm not again going to go over each of you know the
line items here but I just want to reiterate that you know with you know
our budget you know process for you know property taxes we consider you know the
$469,000 refund from you know the gen property
taxes um so if you go on page um 108
uh so I wanted to actually again discuss you know the use of money and property
uh again as I mentioned earlier we considered you know the interest rate
environment. So what we did here is um so right now we have two um uh we have
two major portfolios right now for investment one is you know our liquid
portfolio and then the other one is our core portfolio. So for our fourth
portfolio portfolio we actually budgeted about 4%
um for the interest rate and that is because I mean if you would notice 4% is
actually higher than you know the current you know interest you know rate
right now which is 3.575%. But the reason why we actually have 4%
is because 4% is the current yield uh yield cost. uh right now what it means
is you know um if we actually uh keep everything at maturity that's the amount
of you know um interest you know person in percentage wide that that that we're
going to get and it's higher because you know we're pretty much locked in into
those rates because we did not just you know put you know those investments
right now when the interest uh rate you know was low we actually have you know
um investments like you know two to three years back when we actually, you
know, uh we were able to actually lock in, you know, those, you know, better
rates. That's why you see that right now it's at 4%. But for our liquid
portfolio, um we budgeted uh 3%. So, we want to be a little conservative on this
one. Although, um right now, um the current rate, um our interest rate right
now for a liquid portfolio is about 3.7%, 3.7 to 3.8%.
Um we actually budget I just >> yes that's correct that's correct that's
late at our camp um it's about 3.7 3.8 you know percent uh we budgeted 3% again
because of you know uh two anticipated rate cuts within the fiscal year um so
we decided to go with you know 3%. And I think that's uh all I wanted to
actually emphasize for you is the revenue budget. So if we can go to the
general, you know, uh expenditure budget. Well, wait. Can I can I just And
I don't know where the right place is to bring this up, but um just to be on the
lookout and I'm not gonna say too much about this because I think the chief
might talk to you, but I was at the CSDA legislative day and one of the proposed
legislation talks about local or talked about local revenue and blade in the
community's community reinvestment fund that um that would require the state
treasur to set aside 5 to 10% of the funds in Lif were deposited into a
community reinvestment account quote unquote and then so I mean I can so just
to be aware of that um that you know
» well let me read this is how they the legislature proposal has defined it
funds so deposited to be used as a c quote a catalyst for small business
lending firsttime home ownership and community reinvestment connected to
measurable community lending performance while prioritizing safety liquidity and
unquote. So, and there's a separate risk controls, liquidity thresholds, etc. But
the point isn't that I'm just giving you a heads up that we should be on the
lookout if we want to take more money out and that's something that the board
has to decide, but something that we need to research or keep an eye on.
» Yeah, definitely. I think you know what we're doing right now even you know in
general with the investment portfolio we're trying to actually you know even
even if we're doing I think we're pretty doing doing pretty well with our
investment portfolio right now what you know we've been doing is we're
constantly trying to actually look for you know opportunities not just with you
know our >> uh core portfolio because you know
that's managed by PFM but you know with our liquid portfolio director Kerali you
know we have you know other options that we're looking into we have la we have
you know cab we also have actually met with you know uh two other um LGIP
providers I think in the last couple of weeks just to see what's out there um
other options you know that we may have eventually doesn't mean that you know
we're going to you know jump onto it like right away uh but at least like we
know uh what what's out there and then we can act you know pretty quickly when
we need it. So uh thank you director for mentioning that. I'll definitely take a
look at that and see. >> It's AB2214.
» Yeah. So, um there's nothing to be alarming alarmed about right now, but I
just want to put it out that this is kind of floating around.
» Thank you, director. So, um >> getting back to the expenditure budget.
Uh so, um on think uh page I would say
» page 15. Oh, page 109. >> 109.
» So, page 109. uh of the packet, you know, the table there um shows
uh $81.9 million and this is excluding the operating transfer. Uh it's
reflecting $4.9 million or 6.4% increase from, you know, last year's budget.
Again, I'm going to focus on maybe two or three things here. Um the first thing
um or if you look on page 110 the next page actually it's it's at the
very bottom but it really starts on page 111 and it talks about
uh the information technology specialist FTE.
» So I think you know um we currently have 153 um uh FTE right now. So we are or
the district is request I mean we are staff is requesting you know addition
for an IA specialist. So um overall I think you know the reason for that is
you know there's I mean the technological environment actually has
grown a lot and then the complexity as well actually has evolved um and that
actually led to you know an increased you know workload for you know for our
staff our IT staff to keep up with you know our technologies you know maintain
you know uh operations you know minimize downtime you know address you know cyber
security risks all of those responsibilities activities. So um this
request is really to actually help with you know the current you know workload
for us to be able to maintain you know reliable operations you know um the
capacity as well to um improve and address you know current and future
technological needs. Um so that's you know uh the main reason for you know uh
our request. I think you know the overall narrative is actually explaining
in more detail you know uh the justification for that request is
actually presented on that page and then um on page uh 112
uh page 112 or it starts on page 112 uh for retirement. So for retirement uh so
we are budgeting $14.9 million which is actually $27,000
decrease uh >> $217,000 decrease uh it's a decrease. So
um this is you know what I was referring to earlier when um when we're starting
to actually reap the benefits of you know the policy that you know we adopted
you know a couple of years back. So even though there is definitely an increase
in you know the fionable salaries because of you know anticipated increase
in you know um costs you know for you know our staff. Um the decrease is you
know uh related to I would say related to three things. Number one is um for
the investment return Kalpers investment return actually for fiscal year um
uh 2495 I believe is uh 9 you know uh 3% which is well over the 6.8% 8% you know
um target you know uh rate you know of return for caler. So that actually
contributed to you know a lesser uh unfunded you know acred liability for
the district. Uh the second one is you know in relation to the annual payments
that you know we are paying to Kalpers um that you know additional
discretionary payments uh which is part of the policy again um for 10 years you
know for that soft virtual fresh start you know um we're contributing more
right now so we're fronting the money but you know we're um uh benefiting from
you know longer term uh interest you know uh not just interest but you know
UI let you know reductions because you know we're smoothing out the volatility
for the UL so now you would see that you know um there's actually an overall
decrease in you know the unfunded overall unfunded liability which is I
believe on page uh 114
» uh so that that first table uh on page 114
so that bridge shows you know, uh, cuz U is really a big part of, you know, of
retirement budget. So, there's actually about 534,000
decrease, uh, for our overall, you know, um, U, uh, budget.
» And then, >> yeah, so again, we're starting to reap
the benefits of, you know, our policy. Uh, plus, you know, I think in the next
year or so, I think Calver still had like a good, you know, investment
return. I think it's about 11 point something%. So we're going to have we're
going to continue to see at least on uh if we're going to keep it simple if
everything stays the same and then uh there's no um increase in UL due to you
know uh assumption changes or actial you know um uh costs then next year we will
also expect you know another u it's probably another good year for us
because of the investment return. And then lastly is um if you turn on
page um uh page 113
uh that first table
uh this is the normal contribution rate. So normal cost uh so besides classic uh
safety classic there's actually a slight or modest decrease uh in the normal cost
you know percentage you know 4.697. So that contributed you know to the overall
decrease of you know their retirement budget.
And then um
last thing for contract for uh expenditure budget um if you turn on
page 114 uh so contract services.
So for contract services I wanted to emphasize this because this actually has
the biggest jump you know out of you know our budget. So for contract
services um we are budgeting 11.3 million uh which is $2.7 million
increase uh for the next fiscal year. So that one
is you know uh there's four major factors why we're increasing you know
that you know budget by a lot 2.7 million increase. First one is um oh
actually first and second one this goes hand in hand. Um so we are budgeting
about $1.5 million for the temporary fire station and then $120,000 for
temporary office relocation. So in preparation for you know the
construction for the fire station one rebuild. Uh we the plan right now of
course might change but the plan right now is you to demo uh the yellow house
or you know the annex building and you know set up a temporary fire station you
know for uh for uh that you know piece of land. So that's you know where the $
1.5 million um increase is you know coming from. And of course, we're going
to have to relocate, you know, uh HR staff and then the payroll, uh staff
right now, as well as, you know, uh staff at, you know, fire station one,
which is training and, you know, uh our senior management analyst for the BFR
program. So, that's the $120,000. >> Demoing the building behind us here.
» Uh not this one. Uh the building right next to
» next to what? next to the admin building.
» The back part of the 170 >> the yellow building.
» Uh there's the yellow house there. >> Oh, I'm turning around that way.
» Oh, >> this way. This way.
» Yeah, I got it. >> Yeah.
» Wow. >> Yeah. So, I think right now that 1.5
million is, you know, just an estimate. you know, talking to John, uh, I think
that's, you know, what it would cost to, you know, set up, you know, the Empire
Fire Station, set up those two trailers, uh, um, pretty much, you know, uh,
getting it ready, uh, for all operational, you know, uh, needs.
» So, when we were all done, we just have a big bot.
» Uh, when we're all done, I think the plan right now, is this actually
» it's going to be vacant, but probably going to sell.
» That's interesting. Um yeah, the plan is we'll have it'll
probably be a parking lot and we'll sell once we're ready to move in here, we'll
sell both the admin building and that parking lot together separately. And
John's opinion was that with the quality of that yellow house that's there
the raw land is worth almost as much as having the building on it. And it's just
uh for kind of a value initiative.
Seminary was willing to rent us um about half an acre, 3/4 of an acre. Uh but the
the cost over the um the timeline for the construction was going to be almost
$3 million in just ground rent for nothing. And so it made more sense for
us to spend the money to do some demo over there and then just put the
temporary station there. And ultimately I think it would probably one and a half
to$2 million to the good having the temporary station there. And then yeah
the value of the property at least in John I think and also talking the
commercial real estate brokerise that makes sense but yeah we ran through
those things. It is also possible we have some other possible conversations
going on with uh USGS, well not USGS, the developers
of the new USGS property because they may not need to do anything or with it
for six years and so there might be an opportunity to uh put the temporary
station there and also provide office stations but very pre
» yeah we're just looking at a variety of options but That's the current
» or the ideas. >> Yeah. I guess I'm only reacting because
it's historic. I don't know about historic, but certainly very old house.
» It's old. It's uh interestingly not enough. Not not its original location.
It was moved there >> decades and decades ago. And yeah, and
the city of Melo Park doesn't have any historic recognition for it.
» It is a tired old Victorian house for sure. And I think also chief in our
discussion in the facility committee there is a kind of another option that
seemed like it's being looked at a little bit more u at least talked about.
They haven't gotten any conclusion yet about the acquisition of
some more property from seminary.
» Yeah. So uh continuing the discussion. So uh those are the two major things and
you know the other two that uh actually uh is affecting that 2.7 million
increase is now uh third one is the workers comp. So for workers comp you
know we've just seen you know a significant increase you know in the
past couple of years for the claims. So uh we're trying to anticipate that in
the upcoming year as well. So we increased our budget by $55,000
for that. And then the last one is you know uh the mobilization exercise grant.
So that um it's a $519,000 grant that the board actually approved
last year as well, but most of the expenses are going to be in the next
fiscal year. Uh so for this one in particular, um $450,000 is allotted for
contract services. It's for our other participating agencies, but this is
actually completely reimburseable. So we're going to get the money back, you
know, for this one particular. So I think that's for the general fund
expenditure budget and if you turn on page 116
116 uh so page 116 to page 122 so this is a
continuation of you know what we did last year as well last year this is the
uh this is the second year that we're doing it. So what we're trying to uh
accomplish here is you know for budget highlights and new initiatives. So we
are trying to um present you know things that are new uh for the next fiscal year
or any other things that you know u we think that it's important you know to
highlight uh particularly if there's a significant increase in the budget. So I
think there's about 12 of it uh right now I'm just going to go over uh it real
quick. Uh the first one is community hubs. This is the search cache. I think
gauge our farm mash le actually did a demo or um a walk through of you know
the first you know community hub uh that third cache you know uh so there's going
to be two more this fiscal year before the end of fiscal year and then I think
the plan is to add additional three in the next fiscal year so total of six uh
the next one is the see-through navigator devices uh that's on page 117
uh these are the quake cameras that we received uh this you know fiscal year.
So we are actually just uh budgeting for you know the subscription for a software
that's needed for us to be able to utilize all the functions of you know
those. The third one is the drone as first
responder program. So this is you know uh there's going to be an expansion of
the program. So overall, I think we're requesting about $84,000 and that's
going to be for a new dock and then for all other requests, you know, for any
other things that's needed for that. The next one for pay on page uh 118,
election services. So there's going to be an upcoming election, you know, this
year. This there's three um seats uh this cycle. So we're looking to fill
those positions. Um and we budgeted about $180,000 for that. I think last
time we did it was 4 years ago. Um the actual cost of that is about $148 or
almost $150,000 but with anticipated you know share you
know cost increases throughout the years. You know we decided to budget
about 18. Next one is facility condition
assessment. This one was actually already approved last year by the board.
uh we are just rebudgeting it because we are postponing the project you know uh
just uh priorities came up you know uh other priorities actually came up this
fiscal year so um this project is going to get postponed for the next
the next one is IT infrastructure equipment replacement so there are just
you know a lot of you know um uh equipment you know IT related you know
uh equipment that we needed to replace because it's already um uh nearing the
end of life or it's already uh non functioning. So that's you know pretty
much you know what the budget is. The next one is the Nox key secure upgrade.
So we're just upgrading that our uh Knox uh uh branded key secure units uh to uh
I think secure system. Uh I think all the functions are actually written on
that. Uh but if there's questions feel free to ask.
» Is it is that an electronic system? >> Uh does it require power? Yes.
» Does it require power? >> Uh I think they those knock systems
already have power going to them because they operate electrical gates. But also
for just the fixed ones that are on a building that don't have power, it would
be battery operated. Yeah. It'll have a battery in there. Um, but this will I
don't know if that's your question, but it's yeah, completely digital um with
full tracking of everyone who removes the digital key and accesses it and also
the ability to recode. I mean, we won't we won't ever lose. I just
I I hope we take a hard look at these because this idea of not being able to
get in a Knox box because the batteries run out or something of that sort.
» I'll double check. There's got to be some kind of redundancy.
» Yeah, every time I get one of these things
that's supposed to be fail safe,
I'll double check and get back to you, but I'll check with our expert gauge.
How much how how much is an up the upgrade is really just
so on private property with an upgrade. Um
» we're going to Yeah, we're going to upgrade everybody's box. We're not
asking the community to do something that we want to do because they've
already got it installed, but it's on it's everyone's gate. It's everyone's
building. It just replaces the tumbler, the mechanical tumbler with this
electronic entry. But somebody like um like Facebook for example might have I
don't say 50 of those things but yeah we we will replace whatever is necessary to
make everybody digital >> that that project would come before the
board though at some point right >> assuming the funding exceeds my ability
to sign for it. >> Yes. But it looks like we're asking for
funding for $9,000. Um, so it might not.
» Well, it's hard to imagine it would only cost 90,000, but I thought it would make
90 million. >> No. Yeah.
» So, >> I'd probably be saying no to that.
» Never got >> So, Chief, are you saying that the
knockbox are run off of batteries? >> I'm going to check
» because answer. It's got to be.
» The question didn't become who's going to replace the batteries
» and the call. Who going to pay for that cost? I'm gonna have a good answer for
you at our next board meeting.
» So, uh the next three one uh the next three are actually things that we
already discussed. The temporary office relation, the whole grant and the
temporary fire station as well. Uh and then if you turn on page 121, uh the
wellness initiatives. So this one I think in the past like two years I think
it started uh when we actually asked for uh some budget for some wellness
initiatives. So uh we the board actually approved you know the 25 sessions you
know psychological uh counseling sessions you know for each
you know employee and then for next fiscal year we're budgeting $180,000 for
that. But there is new next fiscal year that you know we wanted to actually do
as well. Um it's we're budgeting about $170,000
you know to implement a critical wellness you know program you know aimed
at strengthening the health performance and resilience of the district
personnel. So all the components are there. Um the chief could probably talk
about this more but our goal really is you know of course you know collectively
to deliver like short term short and long-term you know benefits you know uh
enhancing you know of course you know the the person's you know operating
readiness uh the risk of injuries um um reducing the risk of injuries and you
know and eventually um we're hoping you know to actually um lower our workers
you know compensation costs you know with this. So uh chief
» yeah I will share shortly as Elaine noted as we were talking about our
workers comp is on the rise significant I mean that's the same
with everyone the cost of treatment the cost are 48 50 times so what we're
trying to do yeah and I I love our employees and really seriously
interested in their wellness I'm also interested in trying to reduce and
control costs and we have um there's four four major
fire departments, LA City, Dallas, Fairfax County, and Phoenix that have
all implemented similar programs um where they're bringing some uh some
physical therapy therapy and rehab and recovery elements into the fire stations
kind of to proactively treat. You know, as we get older or with this job, we
always have nagging injuries. were trying to prevent them turning into
something more serious work result in treatment or time off and the results I
will just share you know somewhat anecdotally because there's so many
variables but in general the return on investment is two to five times um on
this we'll see over time but again that's that's part of it is trying to
also reduce our costs in addition to the you know by other
health and safety. >> I like that thing, you know.
» So, are we >> I was going to just say, oh, one other
thing. Even though the we're spending $170,000
approximately on this new program. Um, I made some reductions in the overall RMS
budget. So, the net increase is right around $100,000. Still, we made some
reductions in some areas. So, it wasn't such a
Sorry, Dr. >> It's okay. I It may be a rhetorical
question, but are are we uh keeping a um any kind of analysis database as to
from the beginning as to >> yes
» five years from now to see if this if there's going to be
» we'll be collecting data. I'm going to call it as I do with most of new
programs a kind of a pilot program and you know actually I don't anticipate
we'll be able to measure its efficacy after a year but after a couple years
we'll be able to measure the data uh we'll collect that internally and also
working with ICS our workers comp provider our third party administrators
so that that's our plan and we'll report back on the results too
» I think I think the last one for the budget highlight I can new initiatives
is the workers comp which we actually already discussed in detail so I'm not
going to go over you know that um then the next one so that's the general pond
budget so uh we uh the next two uh pawns is probably going to be very quick so
for CIP um if you turn on page 123 of the packet
so again on third to the last column you know our total budget Right now, our
proposed budget for fiscal year 2627 is about $4.5 million.
Um, and it's uh $3.4 million is for actual, you know, constructions and CIP
projects. Then the 1 million $1.1 million are is related uh to uh purchase
of fixed assets. So, >> purchase of what? fix.
» Uh those are things that are um
uh unit uh those are purchases with a unit cost of $10,000 or more based on
our current policy. Um so if you turn on page um 126
so um so that table over there just summarizes you know the ongoing
projects. So, uh that we currently have. So, we don't have any uh new projects uh
that you know we're going to have besides the ones that we have right now
or at least on the construction you know piece of it. So, uh all of the budget
you know that we propose are anything that's ongoing. The only item that you
know is new for the next fiscal year um is the ERP system upgrade. So, we
budgeted $300,000 for that. Um, so although it's not a construction, you
know, uh, per se, it's, you know, under, uh, CIP, it's an improvement because
it's going to be a long-term, uh, there's going to be long-term benefit,
you know, for that ERP system upgrade. So, we're going to have to capitalize
it. And you know with you know the discussions in the past that keeping
everything that you know we are capitalizing into the CIP fund we
decided to actually uh be consistent about it and you know we are um putting
you know this you know budget you know of $300,000 you know for uh the CIP fund
for the next fiscal year. So uh just a little bit of background on this one.
We're actually already starting with you know the project. So this has something
to do with you know our you know financial and HR systems. So right now
um we have like the four or five like different systems. You know what we want
to do is you know we want to change you know our overall like ERP system to
enhance functionalities because right now our system is really outdated. um it
doesn't really give us you know uh much you know uh capabilities um and with you
know all the you know things that's going on you know with you know the
growth um and then the difficulty and complexity of just you know with you
know accounting finance and HR you know processes you know we decided that it's
time to actually you know switch to a better uh hopefully a better like you
know ERP system so we're starting the process now um we are looking for we are
actually in the process of you know um doing our due diligence you know
reference checks with you know our uh consultants uh who actually um uh
submitted you know proposals for the first phase of the project. So we are
anticipating you know by I think I would say at the earliest last quarter of next
year uh we're going to start with you know the implementation of the new ERP
system. Implementation meaning not like fully
ready but starting to actually switch doing you know the all you know the uh
data entries migration you know parallel testing all of that stuff.
It implies in here that you won't have a payroll service anymore. You're going to
do it in house. Is that correct? >> It's not nec it's it doesn't necessarily
mean that you know we're actually going to you know uh I mean it's an option but
you know what again what we're doing right now is you with the consultant you
know is you know we're trying to actually have them help us you know with
the needs assessment part of it. So that means like you know we are trying to
understand you know how our current system actually functions you know what
can we improve what do we need what do we want um and what it makes sense what
what is really better for the district based on our you know current you know
operations. So we may actually you know uh do it in house we may keep it
separate it all depends on you know um the results of you know of the first
phase of you know the project. Um, so we're not really um decided yet whether
or not, you know, we're going to do it inhouse or yet continue to, you know,
outsource, you know, the cutting of the checks uh pretty much. So, we're trying
to weigh all of our options and again, there's going to be a lot of work uh
during the first phase of, you know, the project where we're going to really
analyze, you know, all of that needs. >> The goal would be to pull into the ERP
if possible. Um but we just have to go through the process to see because
especially with public agencies and special districts and bar groups um we
need to make sure that it that it can manage effectively all of the rules. Um
the goal would be to not have a system.
» Have we had any problems with that >> with our current payroll?
» Yeah. >> No. Um the issue is um not that there's
necessarily problems. It's that um our payroll system doesn't substitute for an
HS system. And so it's not um comprehensive. So like say for example
when we do um a wage table change which is anou negotiated increase um it's
basically updating an excel spreadsheet and manually entering those changes into
our payroll system versus if you have an ERP and you can go and do these manual
mass updates. It's just less like room for error, less manual entry, just kind
of having an ERP system that can actually store salvary tables versus
having these Excel tape, you know, it's just it's just antiquated the process we
currently use. So, it's just trying to kind of bring it up to date.
» Yeah. I think also uh in addition to that as you know uh with um with
advantage of you know have keeping it you know in-house or having it in house
is we have more control of you know uh uh the system. So if there's going to be
any change you know with you know uh theus you know we can pretty much you
know uh do our own thing and then start to you know just you know uh
incorporated into the system instead of like relying on you know uh the third
party system which sometimes can be really difficult uh because you know
there you can have like a good customer service rep and then the next day you
know uh no one knows about you know what we're talking about. So at least with
with this one you know we have more control so we can have like more backups
and you know more training cross trainining you know with you know people
in you know the finance departments. How how how do you now two things how do you
deliver checks to employees um
because not everybody's at work all the time. And then um
are you having payroll taxes paid automatically or are you writing checks
for the various >> uh no so we're using ADP so they do all
of that for us. So um they're cutting the checks you know sending the payments
you know to to employees. I think right now most of our employees are
» uh no not by mail it's electronic. So I think you know I would say about 99%
I would say of you know uh the district person are getting paid through
electronic direct deposit electronic payments. Um there's a few instances
where we have to cut checks. Uh but that's only when there is let's say um
there's a new change in you know their bank account and uh payroll already was
processed. So we have to actually you know uh cut you know an actual manual
check you know to them. And again, ADP is, you know, mailing that. Um, so other
than that, it's all electronic. Um, so that's, you know, I mean, in terms of
taxes, you know, of course, we still do the reconciliations. We do all the work.
Um, ADB is pretty much just, you know, um, sending it out like for
communications, you know, to people when it comes to, you know, the tax, you
know, things like that. >> Yeah, that's good for record keeping.
So with the new system you got you going to bring where is the data going to be
stored in house or it's going to be all >> yes it's going to be
» the goal is as Francine mentioned the goal is you know um it's going to be uh
a news it can be stored in the new system whatever that system would be uh
but you know most of the work or all of the work like you know all the
reconciliations like sending out W2s it's all going to be in counts like
cutting the checks. Uh when I say cutting the checks, doesn't mean that
it's a manual check, but you know, sending in those payments for like, you
know, their salaries, you know, their compensation, it's all going to be the
responsibility now of, you know, finance. So, we're going to set it up
all in the system, all into the system. But once it's set up, um it's pretty
much, you know, uh good to go unless, you know, of course, there's going to be
like, you know, changes like, you know, uh here and there. uh but everything is
going to be in-house now meaning we we're not you know using any third party
uh to do you know some of those you know responsibilities.
» My thought and concern was what if you have a fire in the office
» and you got to get to the data. >> So it that it won't be on prem meaning
that we're storing this on servers. Um it's actually these are cloud-based
systems. That's >> I mean at least our goal is cloud-based
right? Um it helps us with you know uh controls as well like financial
controls. Um of course we're going to need to have like you know some sort of
like you know compliance requirements like stock to like certifications you
know things like that. Uh but it's going to be cloud-based. So it's going to be
stored uh um into that you know that system that cloud-based system. So it's
not stored like >> physically manually. So even if there's
a fire um as long as we have a laptop or an internet connection we can still you
know process you know payments and I think the last one would be the
special budget which is on page 113.
So, uh I apologize. I think you know uh some of the tables got messed up uh
during the process. Uh but uh that table um
I don't I don't it's table second kind of table. The the table in the middle
» table 2.5. >> Yeah.
» 2.5. >> Yeah. The table in the middle. Uh so uh
we are budgeting $1.4 million in preliminary for the special revenue
fund. Again as a refresher uh special revenue fund this actually houses you
know the operative agreements. So that 1.4 million really is just the estimated
carryover of you know you know grants you know
that we have. So since it's a cost reimbursement grant uh the budgeted
revenue and budgeted expenditures are the same. Um and then I think the rest
are you know forformational purposes you know um only we also did you know some
five-year you know projections you know for our budget uh on page 136 to 138 uh
and then the rest are just some sort of details you know per per
» so uh I think that concludes you know uh my uh budget presentation so um if there
are any questions uh I think director Before you guys ask questions, I I
texted Gage. I'm like, "How does this Knox system work?" It's you love this uh
brilliant answer. The battery is actually in the key that we carry in the
engine. So, when you plug the key in, >> it powers the unit
» and it's always being charged by the 12vt battery in the fire engine.
» I'm not a billionaire. >> I couldn't think of that. I'm like, "Oh,
it's actually I'm like, "Wow, what a great idea."
» Yeah. >> No need to ever charge the battery and
carry it. >> You just got to be to plug it in every
now and then. >> You put it in somehow it powers it up.
Beyond that, I don't know the answer how it works, but I just know that's the
answer. And I can check that off my list. I will not report back on it.
» I have a question on page 165 talked about the impact of
in the paragraph says
well I think it should be broken down you see the paragraph
yeah the sheriff's office has one regular city
has one then there's a north county one so I think they just need to
specifically break that down from just the the generalized counties
four and I'm sure each one of them have different training commitments
» and you'd like that called out to identify is it three or four teams but
it's 14 >> so they're not the counties you just
want so there isn't a misunder
think of the sheriff's office those other agencies should
Can I comment? This is something we discussed before. Um, and this is where
we as a district are supporting the law enforcement, other districts and so
forth. And well, I'm not opposed to that. That's one of these things where
the county is coming and asking for more money because all the supports they give
us. But I I think we should be clear that this is a this is a commitment of
ours to provide this, >> right?
» And it is it's not just the county. It's like all it's that collaborative of all
law enforcement agencies across the county, whoever utilizes each other's
SWAT teams. And we're we are almost all that of the fire agencies in the county
are providing medics to the SWAT team to actually protect this. I understand what
I don't remember that that they didn't all do it. We were one of the few that
provided it. >> I don't know how many people from us or
what the makeup of the teams are. I think we have three active participants
in the team. >> But you're probably right. Not every
agency has somebody on there just because some of the smaller agencies
don't even have staff. But yes, that's >> and again this is this is not in support
of the county. It's in support of the law enforcement officers there.
It almost never was we almost never supported a real incident. Most of the
support was for training set purposes so >> but it just when we did it again it
increased our overtime and all those kinds of things
» Rob you finished. >> Yeah.
» Yes. Thank you. >> Uh I have one last question before we
leave the lane spreadsheet. uh on page 188 and Chief can probably answer this.
It has to do with the explorer program. Um
the general question is we can be all >> 181
» 181 or 88 >> 181.
» You know I got that sug.
Um first question is is is um um you talked about to ensure success
successful completion of explorer program and prepare student to advance
into a mill park fire cadet program. So is this what you was kind of making
reference to earlier the cadet program is that the one that's related to sail
or something entirely different? >> Um it's it's entirely different. The
explorer program is in general supported by I don't know it's not it's no longer
called boy scout area but it's for people that are generally in I don't
know what the age range is >> high school
» yeah 17 to 21 kind of in that range and that's for people just to get some
exposure they come do ride alongs hang out at the fire station and do very
limited duties the cadet program that we have is also
So, this is for people that have been
through a um
not an inservice academy, but a community college academy and they um
will come and participate as kind of a fourth person. They spend the night at
the station, one shift a week. Um oftent times it's a stepping stone to
employment with us. We've hired uh I know over half of our department are
people who have formerly been cadets. So, but it's a separate separate
program. Some of our our explorers is kind of like a work experience program
» that you get in high schools to give people exposure to that and it's local
kids for us. Uh the cadet program, it's a little bit broader reach, you know,
for the people that come and apply and it's a that's that's usually a stepping
stone from our cadet program to buy service somewhere.
fire department hire from our cadetses all the time and hopefully we do.
» So this is >> Yeah. And then and the whole community
college thing is completely separate with us putting our people in. We may
end up hiring some of our cadetses and putting putting them into the College of
Sonale program. So they'll go through a second academy,
» but it's an inservice academy that's geared specifically towards
um Sanontale County Fire Agencies. So the exporters is at um middle Aston. Is
that where it originate from? >> Uh I don't know if they just come from
MA. Um I'd have to check. I think we allow it from any of our schools, public
or private school program. >> Okay.
» Thanks. Any other question?
» Just for clarification, Franc said it's age 14 to 21.
» 14 to 21.
» Okay. Okay. So, there's a lot more. Do you have any comments? I don't know if
anyone's in out in in Zoom for public comment,
Denise, but there's no one here, but I wanted to check.
» Yeah. No, we have no hands raised online.
» Okay. Okay. Well, so um thank you. Great job. And this is the preliminary budget
book. And I guess next month are we getting
» Yes. Next month. Next month. Yeah. We still uh have an opportunity to actually
take a look at the budget, but we're going to adopt it pretty narrowly
budget. Thanks. Next. >> Yes. Okay.
» Sure. >> Do you is the staff essentially done
with this now or do you expect some significant revisions?
» Uh we don't necessarily expect significant revisions. I think in the
past, you know, few years, you know, there's, you know, uh two or three
things here and there. It depends on you know uh how significant the information
you know we received during you know April to you know May and June. So uh I
think last year you know there was a change you know because of you know the
influence increases. So again it would depend but I think I'm right now I'm not
anticipating any big changes besides probably um uh the uh personal cost uh
budget. So between now and then uh I think you know depending on you know how
uh yeah so we so be that might be a a cause of the change but you know we
don't know yet. >> So I don't want to ask the number or
anything but when you prepare this did you make an assumption about
what the contract was going to be? >> Seven assumptions.
» Okay. So that there's a it's possible that there would be no change in what's
going on, but but we're dealing with it to some extent plus or minus I don't
know 30% or something like that. >> Not necessarily 30%
10%. >> Yeah. So our assumptions I mean uh it's
really just you know since you know it's not final and without authority uh
there's nothing yet in place. So this is just a reasonable you know um assumption
based on you know um historical trends plus you know uh current you know market
uh surveys. So that's you know what we kind like you know put preliminary. So
» good answer. So within what you're saying is there a um area of
fluctuations or area that may create this change that that that Chuck might
be alluding to in terms of dollars amount. um um
» anticipated >> in terms of percentage director or
» yeah percentage or or errors that may we may we may think that it's x today but
tomorrow it may based upon what's going on may change like
» uh yeah I mean I would say of course again can't really say much about you
know what's going on right now but um I think the changes that you know might uh
have an effect with you know the budget probably would be of course you know um
colas of course and then probably health uh and I think those are the two major
ones uh but then again we didn't really disclose anything but yeah
» no I will say for for anyone that may be watching this live or the recorded thing
there's no need to go and try to reverse engineer the numbers because they're
just you know there's we not based on
anything related to board authority or where we need to end up being it's just
reasonable exceptions.
» Okay. Then can we move on to proposed agenda items?
Discuss the underest
position on mutual aid versus auto aid and related issues in advance of the
county requesting addition. So this is um
I mean I guess figure out
» really it's an opportunity for director Bernstein since it's on the agenda more
clearly explain what you'd like to accomplish versus that and for you to be
able to have questions and then via a vote decide whether or not to place it
as the future. You >> want to kick it off Chuck? Yeah, let me
let me ask a question first in reference to what you were talking about with
PaloAlto. >> Yeah, I was just
» um
can we legally do auto aid across county line?
» So Mark and I kind of talked about that. He's trying to
» I don't know. I mean that you're asking a legal question. I I know in my last
jurisdiction we did it u with Santa Barbara County agencies and LA County
and LA city agencies wanted the issue. Then we had a formal agreement that I
think was approved by our board. >> U we had done this before the the fire
chiefs
» chiefs it was that they had like a little council where they met once a
month or whatever. San
» sanitary county and they vetoed it um and basically made it hard for us to do
but I I don't know how they had any authority to do that and
» I don't yeah I don't anticipate that >> yeah the group dynamics have changed I'd
be surprised if anyone wasn't >> well let me this is really important to
me I live in the south end of the county it's heavily wooded
» and um we have nobody on our southern end that can come and aid when we've got
things that involve migrating north because of something that's happening in
Mexico City or San Carlos whatever and so that's that's important and we're
very close to Alto both particularly station two um
we're very close to be able to help them as well so to me I I I think it's
important but I I I don't like us I don't like the fact that dispatch could
send our units elsewhere and leave us potentially uncovered in places that
that bothers me. I wish we could get back I don't know if it's possible to
get back to a place where we had some detail follow and where this
particularly became an issue was when Redmond City decided to close its
station on our >> downtown our northern border the one the
closest one there and then we were responding to all their calls and they
did it to save money which was very nice but it left us sending moving you know
people to legislation and
that's not cooperative. I mean, and I'm troubled by the fact that the county
doesn't cover weekend neighbors. They're fortunate
and that's us doing it. >> They get the money and we get we get the
work and that that just doesn't seem fair. So, I'm I've been troubled by
Also, we we we buy a water tender. Well, that's wonderful. But the fact that I I
was I am against us putting that into the pot that that um and I think maybe
you reassured us slightly last time that that dispatch couldn't just send it
somewhere and leave us without it if he needed it and so forth. But I think the
county has been trying over the years to, you know, they talk about, oh, being
a team player and and participating with the whole community and all this kind of
stuff to to effectively try to create a countywide fire department.
And I I just don't think that's right. Also, if we care about our training, if
we think our training is really superior, we put extra money into it,
why should we let it go to Redmond City
when we might need it? And why should we get red cities coming in if we don't
think it's as well trained? And I know that's
politically incorrect to say, but here we are trying to beef up our training,
do a better job, getting better equipment, getting better apparatus
so that we can serve. And and again, no reports, and I know why politically it
would be um explosive for us, but we do not
provide a report, which we used to do, on how much aid we send out and how much
aid comes back in. You never see you never see that because it was a huge
imbalance. We were a giant exporter of fire services. Um and I don't think it's
fair to our taxpayers. So I I I think the auto aid
is a blank check for agencies that want to cut their budgets and so forth. Now I
realize Palo Alto did that for a time being. They they they've put that back.
restaffed at South Palo Alto fire station that they had a millfield and
things like that um after they had a big fire and there was I think a delay in
getting fire engines to it. But um anyway, I I I just think we should
retain more control. I think but I I know operationally that's hard to do
because dispatch needs to know what it can send out. For a time, we did not put
all our engines into the pie because we weren't being reimbursed for them. But
now, I believe they're all in the pot. So, all of our all of our engines can be
dispatched and all of our when we first bought the second truck,
um it it was not put into the pot and but now it's in the pot as well. So we
could be in a situation where both of our our ladder trucks are out in other
jurisdictions and we don't happen to send. So all that troubles me and I just
don't know how we can manage that if auto is just the prevailing subject.
Well, I think the probably the largest well
the door that was open when we all turned over dispatch services to the
county and gave them with the old dispatch
responsibilities to use a CAD system where they could dispatch engines and
personnel and equipment where they they needed to. So that door was open a long
time ago. But you know, you bring up a good point. Just the aspect of water
rescues. According to our budget, uh we're
spending between 724,000 and 566,000
to do water rescues on the bay because we have the airboats. I mean and of
course we have task force three that uh completes all those rescues and you
know that responsibility falls with us and Paul Alto doesn't even they have an
airport they don't even have rescue responsibilities there. So yeah, it's
it's a huge problem, but you know, like we had he ate a home fire and we
sure needed help. >> People came along,
» right? >> Well, I was just thinking the community
fire in East Pal, right? Did he have backup from
backup? >> It was mostly in
» Yeah. So, >> so in that way it works.
» Yeah. Well, but you know it's not not one agency
it's a major incident including taking calls for service you know huge
volumes of emergency calls. So I mean you know when we had our own dispatch
there'd be no way that we could handle all those calls for help. So,
» so is my understanding >> a little, you know,
» well, we're trying to figure out if we want to put this on the agenda. So,
» yeah, I think we need to put on agenda because I'm following what Rob just got
to see on the fly. That's what I >> we get you as the backup came from River
City rather than Palto. >> Yeah. Yeah. And so that Yes.
» Yeah. Because it's a different county, Robert.
» Yeah. I mean this is only a half a mile you know.
So I mean I would be willing to put this kind of agenda item on the agenda if the
chief is okay with it. But specifically with regard to PAL working off
» again it's it's easy for me to >> put an item on my chief's report because
a lot of director Bernstein's concerns I I could address right now. I just
» I'd probably get kicked in the shin. >> Yeah, I would kick you in the shin. But
um and I think it would give you a lot of um comfort in hearing what my
response would be. Um so I could easily put it on my next month's chief's
report. >> And we can and then we can see whether
that answers the question sufficiently enough and I'll I'll put it out there
enough so there can be some discussion around it.
» Oh, sure. >> But I don't think it would, you know,
require a really robust staff report as much as a conversation. I talked about
Palatoto, what we're trying to do, the issues like you mentioned about with
Redwood City shutting down a station because there's similar issues in North
County that they've been able to address through technology now. So, it equalizes
things. if that's satisfactory. I
» I'm not arguing with that, but I was in the past I think we tried to make the
chief's report not a discussion place
» generally and but it's I'm I'm finding that we can address some of these things
if I appropriately agendaize it so that the public's aware
» that we can have a discussion without it creating a lot of staff work and a
formal board or stat report. um you know and then we can just kind of have a an
open dialogue about it and there could be a discussion and we can see if there
if there's anything else that needs to be addressed but
» as long as they have a discussion I'd be fine
» then why why don't we hit that on next month's change report is that
» I got it that's >> does that work for you
» yes >> okay then let's do that and see that
it's satisfactory okay then moving on to item Seven. Are there any new proposed
agenda items?
None. Okay. Then we'll go to reports. Committee reports. Emergency
preparedness. Gary facilities. Robert.
» Oh, we made I think the chief report we talked about it.
» Okay. HR. We did not need finance. Robert, I
know that Er's channel is actually muted.
» Well, I think we went Elaine went over the same stuff that we went over
tonight. So, I don't think I don't have anything else to add.
» I've got one thing unless you saw his email.
» I saw his email about the audit committee.
» Yes. >> Yeah. So, um does any basically he sent
Gary was Did he just text? Actually, Robert, I don't know if you've seen it.
No, I haven't. >> Okay. So he just emailed it to us a
couple of hours ago right before the meeting started and he basically says
that the audit committee concurred with concurred with the staff recommendation
to run an RFP process for our external auditors. So I don't know if anyone on
that Robert or Mark >> basically that was yeah it normal
process I don't know every what was the number how frequently six years
» so just it's a best practice that we >> yeah we were in agreement that we we
should do it and it's possible that we may select and it's permissible to
reseelect I Bailey but >> but different members
» but anyway Anyway, it's just a good best practice. And so that's what the finance
audit committee agree and in concurrence with staff's recommendations.
» Are we required to take the proposal with the lowest price if we do it that
way? >> Uh no. Uh since it's an RFP cost is only
one of you know the criteria uh for uh selecting you know there our you know
external auditors. So it can be a combination of different things. So we
don't necessarily need to actually choose you know the lowest cost b for
that's
» okay. Anything else from finance you outd did yourselves. Okay. Uh,
liaison reports county has east.
» I don't have anything. >> One little park. Really nothing to
report except that I went to their spring fest and east drive hunt um on
April 4th and it was a huge success. Thank you to the firefighters. they
really outdid themselves and made sure that everyone who was there had a a good
time. And then I went to um East Palato, it was the same thing. So it was
wonderful. >> Think of anything else. I don't think I
have anything else for you. Um Santo County
for Santo County, but for the premed. >> Okay. Yes, that's the next thing. JPA.
You know, I just emailed uh the board about 5:15 today some correspondence
that they sent me involving the new uh contractor that
contract. >> Yeah. The gist of it is is that JPA is
hiring federal engineering to do an evaluation at the radio infrastructure
as well as some procurement processes with the thoughts on
anyway that's can be discussed at the meeting.
» So they haven't cancelled the meeting. No, maybe not. And I don't think
» Well, I mean, it's really problem, you know, they're doing this kind of
hiring all that. Okay. Well, give us an update in May, I guess.
» Nothing for the San Francisco
director reports.
I just wanted to shout out what you just talked about the
the fire staff at the Easter egg hunt. I mean, I
had a I had a great time and the families that that I was associate or
interacting with, it was uh they was thrilled. I I have never seen that many
kids in one location in the city since I've been there the last 45 years. And
they all had fun. I mean, if I I wish I had have been taking some pictures
because when they threw out the eggs, you could just s see a wave of kids just
chasing after those eggs and it was I was just I was really tickled because if
you can imagine when that happened and and the staff was good, too. I mean,
they were very interactive with the uh the young kids that came by and did the
face painting. And the balloon lady, she was there for almost what, three hours.
And she stayed there and blew up every balloon for uh for every kid that was in
line. She gave balloons. So, it was really good. It was real organized.
So, thanks to the staff, the fire the fire folks for being there and putting
it on. and and city council members, a couple
of them came by and it was actually uh uh related to the turnout.
» Okay, Chuck, anything? Yeah, just just one quick minor thing and that is um
when I read the fire the fire analysis reports report um I was amazed you look
at the fires and there's less than 2% of the calls are fires and this huge
percentage of calls for false alarms and for so-called good intent whatever
whatever that mean I mean we've talked about what that means but it really
doesn't mean anything Um, and I somehow think we ought to see what we can do
about reducing that because those by the time we add up the fuel costs and the
depreciation and the people's times and I don't know if these are coming at 3 in
the morning or if these are coming, you know, during the daytime primarily
» they got the time on there. They got the time when all that stuff happens
» but not on each different kind of call. In other words, for the false alarm, I
don't know if people are doing false alarms at three in the morning or most
of them are like school kids during the afternoon or whatever, but the idea of
waking up people and and disturbing their sleep and so forth for false
alarms, I think we should make some sort of an effort to reduce that. And um but
since I don't know what the problem is, I don't know I don't have any idea what
the solutions would be. But it would be worth some sort of a study or perhaps
even a consultant or something um to to see how we could reduce the number of
times those vehicles go out for a meaningless run.
» President actually have a few things to talk about. Um, one, as I mentioned
earlier in the meeting, I I attended the CSDA legislative day. I was there for
SDRMA. Um, but it was really really good. One
of the things that I mentioned earlier was about the LE potential LE
legislation. Um the other thing that was very interesting was
a lot of the proposed legislation revolved around AI
and um just limiting AI or you know just constraining innovation and not even
realizing that AI is being used for a lot of things and not you know that
doesn't necessarily replace employee needs right so I just wanted to just put
that out there. I talked about our drones as a first responder and some of
the initiatives and the things that we've been doing and not just recently
just over the last 10 years, right? The drone policies and things that we were
doing early on. So, um I don't know if this is going to be a trend, but I hope
that next year if there are any directors because we used to send
directors there and even I mean Harold was Mark maybe you should go next year
just because a lot of these um these proposed legislation legislative well
proposed legislation might affect what we're doing I mean
technologically and even with the life situation financially. So, I think that
the more that the special districts get engaged, the more they take us
seriously. So, I just want to put it out there that I think it's if if anyone's
available to go next year, it's I think they're going to move the legislative
days as a CSDA to April. I I think it would be worth it right now because
there's just so many changes going on that I think we should hear about or
give input about or input for. Um I also met with Josh Becker's office with Joan
Dipler his district director and this is regard to the family on Alamita Del or
in Atheus
uh in the sirens and all of that. So, I don't know what the solution is, but I
kind of offer us work with Gary and maybe Josh's office to go and talk to
the family and maybe with Travis, but maybe I I don't know. So, we're we're
trying to put figure out who should be there just so they to kind of educate
them, right? I mean, it's not really there's nothing intentional about, you
know, making having the sirens just go off willy-nilly there because that's not
what we're happening. But I think it would be a good thing if we met with
them face to face. So that so she wanted to to talk about that. Um, and the third
thing was we had the interview with the potential clerks, the our board clerks.
We interviewed three candidates today. They were all very very good and um
based on the timeline I'm hoping that we'll have someone maybe by May by the
May meeting. And so they're all experience. They come from um you know
just different backgrounds, different parts of the state, some with larger
cities, some with smaller cities, special districts, you know, that kind
of thing. So any one of the three that we get, I think will be really good. And
I just want to thank the board for you know kind of asking me to go and sit in
on the interview. Um I did mention that the the importance of um the board clerk
to the board and what it means you know for us to to have a very very close
working relationship with with this whoever becomes the our next board
clerk. So they understand that you know the board um input and the board's
importance is is for us and it's important but also for the public it's
important and I think they all stressed their role and responsibility to the
board and and recogn
Francine and Mark, thank you for being here and really fancying for your team
for putting this process together. I thought it was really good and I think
we have three good candidates. You can't go wrong with any of them.
» Do you have anything to add about it? I think we um you know it was fast process
but I think the candidates are you know we have
» Okay. I'm just curious, do do most or all of
them live locally? >> Um um well, what do you mean by locally
in the Bay Area? Yes. But locally, there's one who lives um in Sano County.
» But we're not planning to relocate. >> No, there's not a relocation issue that
I know of. >> They Yeah, they all live within
community distance. >> Yes.
» Yeah. Okay. Anything else? Okay. Well, then I
guess uh we'll adjourn on to the meeting of May 92 at 9.
Thank you. Thanks, Denise. >> Thank you, everyone. Have a great
evening.
Thanks.