2020-02-12 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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HAWAII FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 12, 2020 WEST HAWAII CIVIC CENTER KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Yamada called the meeting to order at 9:07 a.m. Present: Robert Yamada, Chair Benjamin Agdeppa, Commissioner Gregory Henkel, Commissioner Donna Payesko, Commissioner Marcella St. Ambrogio, Commissioner Ralph Yawata, Commissioner Absent: Kyle Keamo, Vice Chair A quorum was present. Also present: Darren Rosario, Fire Chief Robert Perreira, Assistant Chief Craig Masuda, Deputy Corporation Counsel Josie Pelayo, Secretary 2. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS WILLIAM BERGIN, Battalion Chief for West Hawaii, came before the commission to speak on the Fire Chief Selection Process. He stated that this is the third selection process in his 25 years with the Fire Department. He asked the commission to fill the vacancies. He asked that during the selection process, they visit the stations which have three shifts. This would empower the men and women in the Fire Department and make them feel that they are part of the process. Recently, medics had to shut down due to budget constraints. Earlier this year they had 49 vacancies. When someone leaves, a replacement takes two years. They are going back to no training. He told the commission to make sure the next Fire Chief has the support to run the Fire Department to make it safer for personnel and the public. He asked the commission to add to its agenda the lawsuit brought on by former battalion chiefs over salary discrepancy between captains and battalion chiefs. He wants the next Fire Chief to handle it. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JANUARY 8, 2020 Commissioner St. Ambrogio pointed out a non -substantive change on page 2 of the regular session minutes. Commissioner Henkel motioned to approve the minutes as amended. Commissioner Yawata seconded, and it carried unanimously.