• Priority two - Removing the pool, upgrading the home and possibly building a new structure on the district's 28 Almendral Ave. property in Atherton.

Has the District taken a public position on how the house on Almendral will be used? Will this house be used to house the fire chief? The Training Captain? Now that the District has lost the house on Hoover Street in Menlo Park will this be free housing for off-duty fire fighters? The District has already budgeted $500,000 to renovate this house, how much more will be needed to make it habitable? Where is the public debate on this issue?

"Where is the public debate on this issue?"

This issue has been discussed at at least four Fire Board open meetings and there has not been a single public comment made on this issue during those discussions.

who is driving the bus?:

Have you gone to any MPFPD meetings? Have you made your "displeasure" known? I doubt it. You would rather snipe on a message board. If this is REALLY important to you, one would think you'd [portion removed] go to a meeting. I know. It's easier to be a sniper than to actually take the time to go to a meeting. Try going to a meeting and show the courage of your convictions. [Portion removed; keep it civil]

"Where is the public debate on this issue?"

Here is the item in the Fire Board's agenda for their August 21 meeting:

10. Consider, Discuss and Provide Direction to the Fire Chief on Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and Updated Priorities

That agenda and the Staff Report for this item (Web Link
were posted 5 days before the August meeting with this statement:

"A fundamental element of democracy is the right of citizens to address their elected representatives. Therefore under Public Comment #2, the public may address the Board on any subject not listed on the Agenda. Each speaker may address the Board for a limit of three minutes. The filing of speaker cards is not mandatory, but is helpful in creating an accurate record. The Board cannot act on items not on the agenda and therefore the Board cannot respond to non-agenda issues brought up under Public Comment other than to provide general information. District policy assures members of the public the opportunity to speak to any regular or special meeting agenda item before final action. This opportunity to speak is during the public discussion of each agenda item and must be related to matters under consideration for that agenda item."

Note " District policy assures members of the public the opportunity to speak to any regular or special meeting agenda item before final action."

Who is Driving the Bus and any other concerned citizens are encouraged to speak up at any of the Fire Board's meetings.