Commissioners press SFFD on Station 35, fireboat conditions and bond-related costs

Commissioners used the administration reports to press for specifics about facilities and fleet. Deputy Chief Ramon Serrano said Station 35 is fully operational though some punch-list items remain; engine 35 is staffed with a four-person crew and the fireboat complement includes three-person crews (pilot, engineer, officer). Serrano said the fireboat Saint Francis is fully operational, Phoenix is in dry dock at Bayside Boat Works with an anticipated late-July return, and the Guardian is not operational and is being considered for donation because repairs are not cost-effective.

Deputy Chief Tom O'Connor explained bond and contract issues tied to station construction, saying a compensable schedule-extension claim related to PG&E delays was settled for $598,000 and that the settlement amount was paid to the contractor under the contract’s delay provisions. Commissioners discussed how bond funds may be reallocated if projects have savings and noted inflationary pressures may affect remaining 2020 bond projects.

Commissioners requested follow-up items, including clearer project lists tied to specific bond measures and a future briefing on fireboat fleet strategy. No formal policy changes or additional appropriations were authorized during this meeting.