Community News by Tom Harris, Associate Editor
The Sentinel was in attendance at the January 22 Board of Directors meeting, along with approximately 30–40 residents. The primary reason for The Sentinel’s presence—shared by most of those in attendance—was to observe the progress of an appeal to the MFPD Board that would allow Bingo at the Mosquito Fire Station. The appeal appeared on the agenda as Item 7.8, “Facility Use Request Appeal,” and was to be presented by Board Member Trent Williams.
When Mr. Williams introduced the agenda item, Board President Linnea Uggla stated that she had been counseled and that the Board would only hear public comments.
Meredith Blain, President of the MFPD Auxiliary (D’Ax*), was denied the opportunity to appeal the position taken by Acting Chief Scott Bravo that Bingo would not be allowed at the Mosquito Fire Station. Had the appeal been heard, it would have been clear that it was not specific to a single event, as Chief Bravo asserted, but rather concerned whether the Board of Directors—not the Acting Chief—should make the final decision regarding facility use.
To call the board’s handling of this matter “disappointing” would be a gross understatement. From the outset, it was clear that MFPD Board President Linnea Uggla had no intention of hearing the appeal, rendering a decision, or allowing the Board of Directors to engage in any meaningful discussion. The outcome appeared predetermined.
Board Director William (Bill) Buhnerkempe argued against allowing the appeal on a narrow technicality—that the policy manual does not contain a written appeal process. Yet this position ignores the clear intent of MFPD Policy 1108.3, which states:
“…REQUEST OF USE – An organization, group or individual desiring to use the District facilities or grounds must make their request to the Chief using the “Facilities and Grounds Usage Request” form. It is strongly recommended that the request be submitted at least ten (10) calendar days before the proposed usage. The Chief may approve the request providing that the requirements of 1108.4 have been met. Request Limitations (a) (b) (c) While every effort will be made to accommodate any request received, District related activities will take precedence over all other requests. Upon appeal of a denied request, the District’s Board of Directors retains the authority to approve or reject any use request...”
This isn’t the first time an MFPD Board of Directors was asked to override a position taken by a Fire Chief. In a similar case a few years ago, the existing board at that time took four steps: 1) A board member made a motion. 2) Another board member seconds the motion. 3) The board discussed the matter with input from residents. 4) The board VOTED on it. These are the same steps taken for any motion, and is what the Sentinel expected to happen. But this board never got past step 3!
The reason for the MFPD board’s reluctance to make a decision is not clear, but a similar situation existed during a previous meeting on a motion to take the steps necessary to find a new fire chief – after they agreed and voted to do so previously! The board somehow couldn’t bring itself to vote on the matter.
“California Penal Code Section 326.5….Approval of Use Policies: The Board has the primary responsibility for approving the overarching plans, procedures and rules that dictate how district facilities can be used by the public. Final Decision-Maker: If there is a dispute or non-consensus regarding a decision, the Board typically serves as the final authority…”
Bingo Permit Obtained
D’Ax Treasurer Melissa Stever spent a year securing the necessary permits and approvals from the state and county to hold Bingo fundraisers. The event at Mosquito station 75 fire house was originally scheduled for New Year’s Eve, but Bingo was removed from that event; the party went on as planned, just without Bingo.
At D’Ax’s January Board of Directors meeting, Bingo was included on the agenda. Approximately 20 MFPD community members attended and were vocal in opposing the directive from the chief that prohibited Bingo at the fire station. At that time, D’Ax’s position was to defer raising the issue. However, there was overwhelming public support to appeal to the Board of Directors to overrule the chief’s decision, citing the board’s authority to consider appeals and its ultimate authority over the use of the firehouse.
In addition, several district residents researched the issue and identified at least nine other volunteer fire departments in California that conduct bingo fundraisers in support of their departments. Of the six district residents who addressed the Board at the January 22 meeting, only one opposed holding a bingo fundraiser at the station. Public records show that this individual has a history of opposing and obstructing fundraisers of all kinds in Mosquito and had previously been expelled from both the MFPD and MVFA Boards of Directors. These boards support the Mosquito Fire Protection District and work to advance the safety and well-being of the community.
The District Auxiliary fulfills its mission through social activities, fundraising campaigns, and by fostering positive relationships with other community agencies within the Mosquito Fire Protection District. The D’Ax* Board of Directors consists of five members: Meredith Blain, President; Karen Jensen, Vice President; Melissa Stever, Treasurer; Devon Beesley, Secretary; and Elisabeth Bingham, Director. For information on meetings and fundraising activities, including bingo and other projects, contact the D’Ax* Board of Directors at admin@dax-np.org. Tax-deductible donations to D’Ax* may be made at paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/5109067.
Supplemental Information
Under California law, a local fire department may hold bingo events provided it meets specific legal and organizational requirements. Although bingo is generally prohibited, it is permitted for charitable purposes under California Penal Code Section 326.5.
In California, decisions regarding the use of local fire department facilities for community activities are a shared responsibility between the Board of Directors and the Fire Chief, with each exercising authority at different levels. The Board of Directors serves as the district’s ultimate governing body and policy-making authority. It is responsible for approving the overarching plans, procedures, and rules that govern how district facilities may be used by the public. When a dispute arises or consensus cannot be reached, the Board of Directors typically acts as the final decision-making authority.
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