The San Rafael Fire Commission received updates on the Fire Foundation and deferred a decision on station holiday decorations after members debated scale, funding and whether to continue a tradition of giving crews gift cards.

At the start of the foundation update, Commissioner (Speaker 2) said two foundation designees, Jordan Sachs (a department medic) and firefighter Grant Cessette, are gathering the department's "wants and needs" to inform fundraising. "As of yet, there has been no wish list provided still," the commissioner said, and the foundation expects to begin fundraising in 2026.

A member of the public, David Funkelsred, described progress on a Fire Foundation website redesign and said the PayPal donation functionality "is proving to be a lot more tricky than we ever envisioned," though the new site will transfer existing donation capability from the previous site rather than introduce a new payment processor.

Commissioners discussed whether the commission should continue the informal practice of providing gift cards or meals to crews during the holidays. Commissioner (Speaker 2) suggested an alternative: bringing dinner to the station to foster interaction with crews. Staff (Chief's office) reminded the group of Brown Act requirements for the meeting and advised formalizing preferences by motion.

Commissioner/Subcommittee member (Speaker 7) moved "to table it until next problem" (transcript wording), and Speaker 1 seconded. The chair called the motion and the transcript records the result as unanimous; the motion was recorded as approved. The transcript does not provide an exact numerical vote tally.

What happens next: foundation designees are expected to return with a formal wish list to guide fundraising and any decisions about decorations and gifts in 2026. The PayPal transfer work on the foundation website remains in progress.