San Rafael Fire Department staff told commissioners they will begin reviewing significant San Rafael City Council agenda items with the commission before the council posts them so commissioners can offer input and, where appropriate, attend council meetings to support department positions.

"If we have an important city council item that's going to be posted on their agenda, then we're gonna review it with you first to obtain your input and, hopefully, your support," Staff (Chief's office) (Speaker 5) said, describing the new practice as a way to "elevate your presence and your participation" as commissioners.

Commissioners also asked about CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). Staff said San Rafael runs a local CERT that follows countywide protocols and that a new staff member, Tricia Howard, is assigned to bolster and expand CERT participation; staff will invite her to a future meeting for an update.

In commissioner reports, Speaker 2 proposed rotating one-on-one outreach to city council members in 2026 so commissioners build familiarity; commissioners agreed that would help advocacy and understanding. In the same section of the meeting, the commission moved to invite "McFarmer" to present to the commission in 2026. The motion was seconded and, per the transcript, the chair called the vote and the motion passed; the transcript does not provide a numerical vote tally.

Staff also pointed commissioners to a new San Rafael Major Projects portal on the city's planning pages that maps proposed major developments and includes renderings. Staff urged commissioners to review the portal as projects move through planning and building phases.

What happens next: staff will circulate proposed city council items for advance review when appropriate, invite Tricia Howard (CERT) to present at a future meeting, and follow up on the invited presenter (transcript name: McFarmer) for scheduling in 2026.