2011-01-12 Fire Commission Minutes

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Commissioner Taniguchi thanked Ms. Rose for coming in and sharing this incident with the commission. He expressed that the utmost care for her well- being, personal health and safety was provided; it was very unfortunate she had to experience this. Chair Bowles thanked Ms. Rose for bringing this to the attention of the commission and hoped the response from Chief Oliveira was satisfactory. Chair Bowles noted that there were two things tocover under New Business, the first one was theresponse to the Cost of Government letter and his recollection was that Corporation Counsel was going to draft a letter for review. Chair Bowles noted that Deputy Corporation Counsel Noda did not receive a draft letter. Deputy Corporation Counsel Noda asked if there were any comments in the minutes that would be the basis for the contents of the letter. Chair Bowles stated that the commission didn’t know how to respond because basically the commission is all volunteers and the only thing they get is mileage which is about the only cost. The only other thing is staff which is employees who are paid whether they are hereor not, it’s not like the commission is bringing insomebody special for that purpose. When the ordinance was passed,the commission wassupposed to have full time secretarial services which the commission doesn’t have so the commission has done about everything itcan to be efficient. Deputy Corporation Counsel Noda stated that the commission could point out to theCost of Government Commission the steps ithas already taken to cut and reduce costs. Chair Bowles stated one point that should be taken is that the commission leaves the prerogative of staff attending up to the Chief; however they are already paid staffandare not brought in special. The second point would be that the commission hasnever been assigned full time staff and it has been served by the Corporation Counsel’s office or by the general secretary pool. This commission has done as efficiently as itcould. Commissioner Taniguchi noted the letter requested a response in October tothe five items relative to the Cost of Government and the commission collectively agreed to provide a response albeit late. Chair Bowles clarified that the letter from the Cost of Government Commission is directed at the commission itself as opposed to the department. Chief Oliveira stated that a question was raised at the department’s budget meeting as to whether this commission needed to meet once amonth or less frequently. What Chief Oliveira shared is that itis a decision the commission would have make however, the commission is a very effective communication 10