2025-05-29 Fire Commission Minutes

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Regular Session Minutes May 29, 2025 Page 12 data collection, and analysis. Councilmember Inaba helped draft a preliminary RFP for this purpose. The commission discussed whether the survey should be distributed to all department employees.DCC Salas-Fergusonstatedthat HR recommends distributing it department-wide.Commissioner Cushnie explained thatthose unfamiliar with certain duties wouldselect “N/A.” Chief Todd raised questions about how demographic data could be incorporated to interpret results better and suggested questions be specific enough for meaningful analysis without compromising anonymity. Commissioner Cushnie shared that Councilmember Inaba envisions this as a model for other commissions, with HFD serving as a pilot. Chief Todd recommended expanding the evaluation scope beyond the department, including stakeholders such as legislators and other agencies, but noted cost constraints.Chief Todd also suggested considering lower-cost tools like Survey Monkey to administer the survey internally, emphasizing the importance of asking meaningful questions and analyzing data effectively. Concerns were raised about employee reluctance to participate due to anonymity fears. Chief Todd noted the survey could be managed by the Mayor’s Office or the Fire Commission secretary to maintain separation from the chief. Commissioner Hirakami proposed includingquestions about overall department culture and employee well-being, rather than focusing solely on the chief’s performance.Chief Todd confirmed similar surveys had been done in the pastand expressed openness to the commission’s preferred approachand noted the potential benefits of using professional services like Gallup for advanced analytics. Commissioner Perrin asked about Councilmember Inaba’s role regarding this. Commissioner Cushnie explained that, as his district’s councilmember, he reached out to Inaba for advice, noting that money is an issue. He attended a Zoom presentation by Gallup, but their fees were high. Inabastarted looking at various other commissions and noticed similar challenges across the board. He saw potential in developing a standardized approach that could benefit multiple commissions. His intent is to streamlineother commissions and improve the overall process. Commissioner Hanano inquired whether the chiefconducts performance evaluations for captains and battalion chiefs.Chief Todd responded that heevaluates his secretary and deputyand explained that they followa paramilitary structure. He also noted that he visits each station three times a year to engage with personnel. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Kosaki announced the next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., at the West Hawaii Civic Center, Building A, Council Chambers.