2021-07-14 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes July 14, 2021 Page 4 have faster plan reviews. They reorganized their office and the Prevention Bureau is now front and center in order to serve the public better. ✓ Deputy Chief Selection Process: An interview panel recommended Chief Eric Moller. He was selected at Deputy Chief effective July 1. ✓ Fiscal Year 2022-23 analysis and planning has started. Chief wants to be able to look out 5 years. He wants their policies and procedures updated and easily accessible. ✓ Dispatch Staff: They have 15 positions and a supervisor, but have only 9 dispatchers. They have 19% retention of new hires. It is critical to him to change their dispatch system. Dispatch is key to life savings. They have a 13% survival rate for cardiac arrests. He discussed this with the Mayor. ✓ Deputy Chief Moller reported that he looked at Central Station and was alarmed with the cracks in the inside and outside of the tower. Rebars were rusted through. He met with Finance Director Deanna Sako about getting personnel out of the station within a month. Property Management is looking for a new location. Commissioner Nakashima asked what happened to the ladder truck. Chief Todd stated that the truck had to be repaired. However, it took so long for the parts, that it got damaged even more after being left outside. Their trucks have gotten bigger over the years, but the stations have not. Equipment needs to be parked in the shade. Commissioner Mattos stated that at the last meeting they talked about having to do water rescues, but they didn't have a workable boat. His personal view is that instead of repairing the boat, they should sell it, and put the money into a Raton. Chief Todd stated that he is looking at fixing the Raton and buying a new boat. He is looking at a Port Security Grant. He is also looking at repairing the Force. Commissioner Mattos reiterated that he thought fixing it was a waste of money. Chief Todd stated that if they sell the boat, the money would have to go back into the general fund. Commissioner Nakashima motioned to accept the Chief's written report and file it. Commissioner Keamo seconded, and it carried unanimously. UNFINISHED BUSINESSS • Discussion regarding having online access/participation in Fire Commission meeting: Chief Todd reported on this during the Chief's Report. • Robert Perreira's appeal to Merit Appeals Board concerning the selection of the fire chief. (Referred to executive session.)