2023-07-27 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes July 27, 2023 Page 7 Goals for the Department: At its last meeting the Fire Commission asked Chief Todd to put together and present his goals for this fiscal year. He reported on department goals: master planning and strategic process completion, vehicle replacement funding advocacy, program budgeting process improvement, policy and procedure overhaul, document classification system reconstruction, fiscal oversight and project completion, and performance audit review and refinement. He also reported his personal goals: executive fire officer program completion, Laserfiche systems training, and holistic project management system implementation. Commissioner Henkel wanted to know about the development of a drone program, he asked if it would be used for Ocean Safety. Chief Todd explained the reason behind proposing the creation of the specialized Air OPS BC position, citing drones as a pivotal aspect of the future. While efforts are underway to form a committee, he emphasized the necessity of having a single individual oversee the initiative. Currently, there are six drones stored in the warehouse, donated by the Sayre Foundation as part of last year's event. Additional funding from the Ironman Foundation has contributed to this endeavor. Among the six drones, two are multi- use, two are equipped with thermal capabilities, and the remaining two are designed for water -based operations, capable of floating and potentially serving Ocean Safety or Rescue needs. The process of appointing personnel and assembling the committee is progressing. Commissioner Luke referred to the chief's goals and expressed his desire to maintain an ongoing focus on the matter of project management. He emphasized the importance of consistently ensuring the availability of necessary resources to effectively excel in this area. As a commission, this is a key topic that requires consistent consideration and discussion. Recess was called at 10:26 a.m., the meeting reconvened at 10:39 a.m. NEW BUSINESS • Correspondence No. 23-02: Salary Commission's inquiry to the appointing authorities concerning proposed salary adjustments for the fiscal year 2023-2024. Vice Chair Wolf thanked Chief Todd for providing responses to the inquiries outlined in the letter from the Salary Commission. She indicated that in order to discuss this matter, the agenda would need to be amended with a two-thirds vote. DCC Salas-Ferguson further explained that the Fire Commission received a last- minute communication from the Salary Commission asking for information. There wasn't enough time to add it to the agenda with proper notice. Under the provisions of the Hawaii Revised Statute, if a situation of this nature arises, an agenda item can be added through an amendment if two-thirds of the commission members, which amounts to six members, are in agreement. If the commission would like to add this to the agenda and address this today, someone could make a motion to amend the agenda, followed by a second, followed by a discussion and a vote. If all six