2023-04-27 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes April 27, 2023 Page 8 explained they'll start off as call -takers first prior to dispatching. The vehicle maintenance shop completed 84 repairs in March. Information Technology: MDTs have been installed, and firefighters are now getting up-to-date information as they respond to calls. Future Land Plans: Chief Moller reported on HFD's future expansion and land plans. A detailed report is on file. There will be changes to Central Fire Station and Kailua Fire Station. There's planning for a mechanics and training facility past the Hilo transfer station and a site for new Keaau Fire and Police Stations. There will be repairs and maintenance to stations in Pahala, Paradise Park, Kaumana, and Waiakea. They're also looking at relocating the Paradise Park and Honokaa Fire Stations. Recess was called at 10:28 a.m., the meeting reconvened at 10:40 a.m. NEW BUSINESS Discussion regarding the Fire Chief and Deputy Chief's salaries. Chair Kosaki reported that he received a call from John Bertsch, volunteer fire assistant chief, who sits on the Police Commission. Mr. Bertsch advised him that he would draft a letter to the Salary Commission, requesting and supporting a salary increase for the Police Chief. He asked if he wanted the Fire Commission on the same letter supporting a salary increase for both the fire and police chiefs. Chair Kosaki asked the commission if they wanted to do some research and add this tc the next agenda for further discussion. He stated the commission should look at fire chief's salaries from similar -sized departments nationwide, rather than looking at police vs. fire. Ms. Correa noted that John Bertsch was advised that there should be two separate letters; one from the Fire Commission if they wish to do that and a separate letter from the Police Commission. DCC Wong advised that the Salary Commission sets the salaries and they should be convening sometime this year, but she believes they're still waiting for a couple more appointments to that commission. The Salary Commission must consult with all boards and commissions that have an appointing authority for department heads. At some point after convening, the Salary Commission will send correspondence to the Fire Commissioners, the commission does not have to act right now. She advised the commission that they could either wait or propose something right now if they want to agendize something at a later Fire Commission meeting to draft a letter. For the purpose of today, it's determining what the Fire Commission wants to do and discuss it. Commissioner Nakashima suggested that they wait. Chair Kosaki stated they could continue the discussion at another meeting, wait and look at other fire chief's salaries and get more information.