2005-01-12 Fire Commission Minutes

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Commissioner Fergerstrom also thanked Chief Oliveira for his hard work and for the professionalism that he has brought to the Hawaii Fire Department. Commissioner Fergerstrom asked Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida if the HFC would be able to discuss the grievance issue raised by Firefighter Christopher Langan in an open or closed (executive) session. Corporation Counsel Ashida asked if he received his memo dated December 23, 2004. Commissioner Fergerstrom replied that the memo was labeled confidential and he was unsure if he could discuss it in an open session. Corporation Counsel Ashida advised him that he could. FEO Mark Ignacio asked if he was able to place his issue on the next HFC agenda. Commissioner Fergerstrom advised him that the HFC would gladly hear from him at the Public Statement portion of the meeting. Corporation Counsel Ashida again responded to Commissioner Fergerstrom that he would be able to discuss his memo in an open session because he was a privilegedholder. CommissionerFergerstromaskediftherewasanyneedforaclosedsession. Corporation Counsel Ashida stated that his recommendation was that it should not be held in a closed session. Corporation Counsel Ashida addressed Mr. Langan and advised him that he was aware of his request for a closed session, but after researching the Hawaii State Laws he was unable to find an exception to having this discussion in a closed session. If the commission hears anything concerning his issue, it would have to occur in an open meeting. He asked Mr. Langan if this was understood. Mr. Langan stated that he understood and agreed to have his issue heard in an open session. PUBLIC STATEMENTS FEOMarkIgnaciointroducedhimselfandexplainedthathehadattendedthe meeting to speak on behalf of a majority of employees who were disappointed with therecenttransfersthattookeffectonJanuary1,2005,andthenexttooccuron 8