2023-04-27 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes April 27, 2023 Page 9 Ms. Correa asked if the commission wants to continue this and add it to the next agenda for further discussion or if they want to wait for the Salary Commission to reach out to them. Commissioner Nakashima stated they should wait for the Salary Commission. Chair Kosaki stated if that's the consensus, he's ok with that too. Vice Chair Wolf asked if the Salary Commission has a timeline. DCC Wong stated there are current appointments in front of the County Council, and as soon as that's finished, they're supposed to convene immediately. She believes that's when there will be a discussion about the letters that will be sent to all boards and commissions that have appointing authority. Chair Kosaki asked if the Salary Commission will wait until they get all letters of recommendation first. DCC Wong explained that the Salary Commission won't convene until all the vacancies are filled. They don't want to proceed with just seven out of nine members. She thinks that period is coming up quickly because if she isn't mistaken, there are only one or two vacancies, but they have to go through County Council for approval. Chair Kosaki stated the Fire Commission should wait until that time and the commission agreed. EXECUTIVE SESSION (CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC) Commissioner Henkel motioned to meet in executive session to consider complaints against employees of the fire department, where matters affecting privacy will be involved, and for the purpose of consulting with the commission's attorney on questions and issues pertaining to the commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities pursuant to HRS Sections 92-5, (a)(2)(4)(6) and the Hawaii County Charter 13- 20 (b). Commissioner Nakashima seconded, with no discussion, and it carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 10:50 a.m. Motion to reconvene open session was made by Commissioner Nakashima, seconded by Vice Chair Wolf, and it carried unanimously, open session reconvened at 11:08 a.m. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Kosaki announced the commission's next monthly meeting is scheduled for May 25, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., in the County Building, Council Chambers, Suite 1401, 25 Aupuni St., Hilo, Hawaii. Chief Moller provided answers to previous questions. He clarified that the Professional Trainee position is assigned to the fiscal section and the RTO position is the training position. There are three RTO positions that are funded to prevent them from having budgetary issues with backfilling and overtime. As far as the Water Safety Officers, it's two permanent positions and one summer hire. It looks like the one summer hire was hired by Parks & Recs, so they may not have that summer hire position. Chair Kosaki confirmed that the chief's report was inaccurate. Deputy Chief Moller clarified as of today, it's two permanent positions and one summer hire, but they are anticipating the