2004-06-16 Fire Commission Minutes

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There are more responsibilities that the Administration would like to give to that person, but its impossible. A true division commander is needed. Commissioner Bowles stated that there was confusion expressed amongst the council members regarding other issues. The more HFD can simplify the presentation to Council and make it clear the better it would be. A flow chart with money would be a good idea. Chief Oliveira stated the he will put something together and he appreciates the feedback given by the HFC. Commissioner Bowles stated that the HFD should be kept on a business type approach. CommissionerWardaskedifthiswouldtakeplaceonJuly1. ChiefOliveirastatedthattheyaretargetingtheendofthecalendaryearasthe target date. Recruitment for positions would be involved, reclassifying positions, getting it approved, getting funding, etc. Commissioner Ward asked if there are personnel that will be downgraded. Or if action will be taken once the employees have retired. Chief Oliveira stated that right now theres only one person left in that class that will be affected. This individual may not lose any money. This individual would move into an EM position at a different step. This individual may apply for one of the 8- hour positions available. The Big Island is not covered adequately due to its size. The rescue stations have such a big area to cover due to poor response times. Alternative Funding & Grants: · Rural Development Grant: Chief Oliveira met with Stacy Rogers & Lei Kapono on · Oahu on May 21, 2004. Trying to channel money from Maui Community College to Hawaii Community College to start getting some fire career training available to the general public. Wild land training is one of the subjects on the training program. A program is made available to the public, the State Forest Service will pick-up during the summer. Housing and Community Development: This type of funding is used for areas · that have depressed and lower income levels. Communitys areas that may qualify include the funding for the Pahoa Station. Commissioner Bowles stated that there was a discussion regarding a tax-exempt bond for community development between developers and the County. There could be tax-exempt bonds which include the design and plan and all the way until completion. The individual lot owners do the payback. Commissioner Bowles suggested that Chief Oliveira speak with Finance Director Bill Takaba regarding this issue. Halstrom, a private developer that is associated with growth, is promoting this. There can be a bond issue for this. 3