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Mr. Mederios stated that the union€s concern is if the public has a complaint and <br />the HFC finds it legitimate to have an investigation done by the Chief, would the <br />complaint be based on the public€s complaint made to the Fire Commission and <br />the employee€s statement through the Commission. <br />Mr. Mederios asked if it was possible that the HFC only hear the firefighters in <br />closed session. <br />Commissioner Ward stated that the request would be honored only if the <br />firefighter chose to have it in closed session. <br />Commissioner Maedo stated that when dealing with confidential personnel <br />matters, firefighter could choose to talk in public or decide to be heard in a closed <br />session if they choose to speak at all. And when that individual receives the <br />standardletterfromthecommission,theymaycontacttheirunionrepresentative. <br />Mr.Mederiosstatedthatsometimesthepersonnelareunawareofthat. <br />CommissionerMaedostatedthattheemployeeisresponsibleforcontactinghis <br />union representative. The HFC must remain sensitive to the public; it represents <br />the public. At the same time, it is necessary to hear from the firefighter so that <br />both sides of the complaint will be heard. <br />Commissioner Hart stated that the union representatives need to take the <br />responsibility to educate its members. <br />Mr. Mederios agreed that is why he has brought this issue forward, to clarify all <br />information to educate their members. <br />Mr. Medeiros asked if the union representatives also get a letter from the <br />commission. <br />Commissioner Fergerstrom stated that the HFC sends a letter to the employee <br />involved, and he could choose to send it to the union. <br />Commissioner Ward stated that the agenda for the HFC meeting is posted a <br />week before the meeting. The Union has a chance to review the agenda to see if <br />a complaint has been made. <br />Mr. Mederios stated that the union would educate its members and inform them <br />that it is their option to appear. <br />Commissioner Ward stated the union should let its members know that the HFC <br />has no intention of interrogating them. <br />18 <br /> <br />