2005-04-13 Fire Commission Minutes

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Newly appointed Hawai'i County Fire Commissioners (HCFC) James Browne, Karen Kudlo, and Wil Okabe were welcomed. Deputy Corporation Counsel Diane Noda informed the new commissioners that the County Charter and the County Code could be accessed on the Countys website at co.hawaii.hi.us. A copy of the County Charter was distributed to the commissioners (see ATTACHMENT A). She explained that the HCFCs duties include the selection/removal of the Fire Chief, reviewing and referring complaints, reviewing and making recommendations of the budget, evaluating annually the performance of the Fire Chief, and the review of personnel actions within the department for conformance with the policies under section 7-4.2 of the County Charter. These powers, duties, and functions shall not interfere with the administrative affairs of the department. Commissioner Fergerstrom suggested that the new members review and familiarize themselves with the HCFCs Rules and Regulations. Regarding recommendations to the Fire Chief, Commissioner Okabe asked if this would occur in an executive (closed) session. Commissioner Fergerstrom replied that discussions involving personnel issues would be in executive session. Voting, decisions, and announcements made to the administration need to occur in public. Deputy Corporation Counsel Noda suggested that HCFC Secretary Kaycie Carter distribute a copy of the Complaint for Consideration and Investigation form to each of the three new members. Commissioner Fergerstrom commented that commissioners who have concerns orissuesoutsideofmeetingscontacthim.HewilldirectthoseissuestotheFire Chief, and follow up with the members. He requested that each member inform him of his/her emails. STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS None APPROVAL OF MINUTES CommissionerMaedomovedtoaccepttheMarch9,2005,regularsession minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Matsuda and unanimously carried. 2