Quincy Fire Protection District

Board of Directors Meeting

Date: July 10, 2025

Time: 08:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Location: Feather Publishing Co. Board Room

Address: 287 Lawrence St. Quincy, CA 95971

I.            Call to Order:

a)      Chairman Mike Taborski called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. with Vice-Chairman Johnny Mansell, Treasurer Andy Ryback, Fire Chief Frank Carey, and Administrative Secretary Karrie White in attendance. Guest Speaker: Unit Chief, Eric Ewing, and Assistant Chief Joe Walton Cal Fire Lassen -Modoc Unit (based in Susanville)

II.            Public Comment:

The meeting was called to order with an introduction of guest speakers from Cal Fire, Chief Eric Ewing and Asst. Chief Joe Walton. Chairman Taborski acknowledged that there has been growing interest in Cal Fire establishing an office or station in Quincy. Cal Fire representatives were invited to share their plans, objectives, and what such an expansion would mean for the local community.

Chief Eric Ewing provided a brief overview of his background:

·         Third-generation resident of Susanville

·         Nearly 38 years in the fire service; 33 years with Cal Fire

·         Extensive experience serving Susanville, Lassen County, and Modoc County

·         Strong personal and professional ties to the region, particularly the Camero Basin and Honey Lake Valley

He explained that Cal Fire's presence in Plumas County has historically been minimal, with the only current footprint being a small Quincy office staffed by a forester and a captain, primarily supporting land use planning. Unit Chief Ewing discussed the recent structural change to enhance Cal Fire’s regional impact:

In 2024, Cal Fire added an Assistant Chief position to expand its leadership reach and operational support in Plumas County. Chief Joe Walton was appointed to this role to serve as a liaison between the unit leadership and local agencies, community groups, and other stakeholders. This position enables more streamlined communication, coordination, and authority in day-to-day interactions with partners on the ground.

Chief Ewing outlined a significant departmental pivot towards fuel reduction, fuel break development, defensible space inspections, and pre-fire mitigation planning. These changes are a direct response to the increasing wildfire risk and historical fire activity in areas like Plumas County. While these practices have been advanced in Lassen and Modoc counties with partners (federal agencies, fire safe councils, and private entities), similar engagement has been lacking in Plumas — a gap that the new leadership role aims to close.

Chief Walton elaborated on his activities and local coordination efforts to collaborate closely with the Plumas Fire Safe Council and Firewise communities, particularly supporting leaders such as Amber Hughes (Firewise program lead). Participate in Firewise meetings and community events, assisting with education, defensible space awareness, and emerging requirements. Support local efforts with tools, data collection, and coordination for fuel reduction and mitigation projects.

“We try to capture intel from the field and push it up to influence broader planning. While we can’t promise changes to insurance, our goal is to reduce risk and help homeowners; however, we can.”

Focusing on the local strengths and future direction, Unit Chief Ewing acknowledged that Plumas County has a much stronger grassroots fire prevention infrastructure than Lassen County. The number and activity level of HOAs, Firewise communities, and Fire Safe Councils are greater, which presents both an opportunity and a larger coordination effort. Cal Fire’s intention is to build on that foundation, expand presence, and bring state-level resources to local efforts more effectively. Chief Ewing confirmed that Cal Fire does have an interest in expanding its presence in Plumas County and intends to build on the foundation already being laid.

I.    Approval of June 2025 Meeting Minutes:

a)      Chairman Taborski asked if the board members had reviewed the minutes. Treasurer Ryback said yes and made a motion to approve the June 12, 2025, board meeting minutes, with Vice Chairman Mansell seconding the motion. The motion carried.

II.    Financial Committee Report: Treasurer Ryback:

a) Financial Report:

Treasurer Ryback reported that Karrie sent the financial documents, reconciliations, including the balance sheet. The June income statement reflects the assessment of property tax as well as the Cal Fire OES strike team. A higher expense payment of $72,487.42 to the Quincy Volunteer Department.

b) Review and Approval of Claims:

Karrie presented the current claims for review. After the discussion, the claims were approved and signed.

c) Financial Transfers:

Karrie said our annual audit has started, and the price has been raised from $8,000.00 to $11,000.00. I recommend $40,000.00. Treasurer Ryback made a motion to transfer $40,000.00 from the money market account to the operating account. Vice Chairman Mansell seconded the motion, motion carried unanimously.

V.  Fire Chief's Report: Frank Carey

a) The department responded to a total of 45 calls during the month, including 38 EMS calls, 7 fire-related incidents, and 0 hazardous materials calls. On average, calls are down, holding steady at 4 personnel attending each call.

b) Feather River College Fire Alarm System Update

Chief Carey reported that Al from Current Electric has finished the alarm system at the Student Center. I will be conducting an inspection and system run-through at the site this afternoon to ensure everything is functioning properly. Once the inspection is complete and the system passes, the project can be signed off, allowing work to proceed to the next building.

Last month, four new volunteer members successfully completed the Driver/Operator 1A course. In addition, two members are scheduled to attend the Pump Operations course this coming weekend. Upon completion, the department will have four newly qualified drivers available to operate all of our engines, enhancing overall operational readiness and staffing flexibility.

III.  Fire Drill Report: Frank Carey

a)  On 7/1/25, we had our officers’ meeting to review monthly training, corporate financials, and upcoming events.

b)  On 7/8/25, Pig rig in the field

c)   On 7/15/25, WUI (wildland urban interface) and triage training

d)   On 7/22/25, Hazmat training

e)    On 7/29/25, Maintenance cleaning rigs and the stations.

IV.   Other District Business, Discussion, and Possible Actions:

1)  Fire Station 2 replacement: Fire Chief Carey

Fire Chief Carey presented an updated proposal from Vista Point Builders, reflecting a revised cost of $683,000.00. This reduced estimate factors in Jason Ackley and volunteer personnel contributing labor toward the project.

Board members engaged in a discussion comparing the original proposal with the updated bid. During the discussion, the board also approved an appraisal for Skip Partlow’s property as part of exploring long-term facility options.

Additionally, Beatty Construction to be scheduled to conduct a preliminary walkthrough of Station 2. The purpose is to evaluate the feasibility and cost of remodeling the station, including necessary retrofits to accommodate the new fire engines. Jason Ackley and Chopper Munoz provided input during the discussion, contributing operational and logistical perspectives related to the proposed renovations.

V.  Discussion and possible action regarding the progress of the LaPorte facility project:

a)  Taborski inquired about any updates regarding the LaPorte parcel. Mansell reported no updates.

VI.  Discussion and possible actions regarding a 2% increase in Measure A special parcel tax:

Chairman Taborski opened the floor for discussion regarding the proposed 2% increase to the Measure A parcel tax, which had been tabled from the previous month and added to the current meeting's agenda. Treasurer Ryback moved to approve the 2% increase for inclusion on this year’s tax roll. The motion was seconded by Vice-Chairman Mansell and passed unanimously.

Chairman Taborski called for a motion to adjourn the regular meeting and enter into closed session. Treasurer Ryback moved to adjourn, and Vice-Chairman Mansell seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

VII.  Closed Session:

1.   Public Employee Performance Evaluation of Chief Carey. No action was taken in closed session after the review was completed.

The meeting was adjourned by Chairperson Taborski at 9:21 a.m.

Submitted: _______________________    ________________

                   Chairperson Taborski                   Date

Public Participation is encouraged. In compliance with Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec 12132) and in compliance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, if you need special assistance to enable you to attend and participate in this meeting or if you need the agenda or related materials in an alternative format please get in touch with the Administrative Secretary at 530-283-0870 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.