2019-06-12 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Minutes of June 12, 2019 Page 7 Commissioner St. Ambrogio recommended that a little knowledge doesn't kill anybody. Maybe they need to hear from these two people on specific questions. They could change the wording on the letters to satisfy everybody. She personally feels that a letter response is sufficient. Ms. Schoen suggested that prior to having HR and the Legislature Auditor come before them, they could have an informational session by the Fire Department to tell them about the current hiring practices, recruitment, and internal recruitment. Commissioner Susman asked why they couldn't have HR and the Auditor come to their meeting. He wants to see the memos. Anytime a commissioner wants to see it, they get it. Ms. Schoen stated that the memos keep coming up. She told Commissioner Yamada that it was discussed at a meeting on April 11, 2018. At that time, the commission didn't want the memos. Ms. Pelayo has the minutes of that meeting. After discussion, the letters to the HR Director and Legislative Auditor was amended to: "We would like to clarify the oversight and monitoring responsibilities of the Human Resources Department and the Fire Commission to assure continuous compliance with civil service statutes and policies for personnel actions in the Fire Department. If you feel the need for an in person discussion, we invite you to our next meeting. Please respond in time for our next meeting." Commissioner Susman motioned to accept the letter as amended. Commissioner Payesko seconded. Chair Henkel voted no. The motion carried. Commissioner Keamo asked if this was going to satisfy this issue. He doesn't want to motion just to motion. He asked if this is the means to an end. Chair Henkel asked if there is an issue or if this is personal. Commissioner Susman stated that he wants to satisfy the public. Commissioner Payesko motioned to invite Fire personnel to talk about their hiring process. Commissioner St. Ambrogio seconded, and it carried unanimously. CHAIR'S REPORT ON MATTERS OF INTEREST TO THE COMMISSION Chair Henkel apologized for forgetting to attend the recruit graduation. Commissioner Yamada asked for information on the Charter amendments that relate to the Fire Commission. Ms. Pelayo stated that allowing the commission to discipline the Fire Chief is a result of a lawsuit filed by the Kauai Police Commission against their Mayor. The Appeals Court ruled that if the commission can fire the Chief, they should have the authority to discipline. This was brought up previously, and the Chief knows about it. An amendment adds water safety to the Fire Chief's duties.