2006-02-08 Fire Commission Minutes

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Central Fire Station: Presently, acquiring the site from Lanakila. The · Mayors Office requested a survey of the site thatwill define the amount of property that will be needed and to provide an estimate of the fair market value. Central Fire Station-Retrofit Project: Sent out for bids last month. Bid was · supposed to open on February 4, 2006; however, not all of the bidders submitted the correct questionnaire back so it is delayed until February 16. Commissioner Browne questioned the timeline of completion if it is necessary to relocate the Kailua station. Chief Oliveira stated that the first step would involve acquiring the property. Although there was another offer, it is not clear whether it is a sale or a gift to the County. Currently, discussions are taking place between the Mayors Office and the property owner. Once the acquisition of the property occurs, the department will be allowed entrance to the property and may begin plan designs. Chief Oliveira reported that he was contacted by the media to discuss this project.Heexplainedtothereporterthatthedepartmentsintentionisto make the project work well for the community and not to point blame on anyone. He requested that the reporter delay her article until the following week, so that all the members of the project could be present at the meeting and explain what was happening. Those members include Project Manager Nick AhYo, the Office of the Corporation Counsel, the Developer, and Council Member Angel Pilago. The meeting was then held with the reporter and her editor. It was communicated to them that no one could have anticipated and foreseen the problems associated with the current property. Everyone seemed to have left the meeting feeling positive. Issues discussed involved the site distance, a lien that was put on the property, and numerous other issues. Although it seemed that meeting was positive, the newspaper article was perceived total contrary. Chief Oliveira stated that this was a lesson learned. It is wise to be more cautious when dealing with the media. This is something he would like to share with the commission, because its members will also be approached by the media. Commissioner Browne stated that he received a call from the media and, thanks to Commissioner Fergerstroms advice, he was able to separate himself from the commission and advised the media that he was speaking as a private citizen. As a result, this is the way his comments were published. Commissioner Fergerstrom commented that the media has contacted him in the past, and they now know what his answers are going to be. 4