2025-05-29 Fire Commission Minutes

Home

Regular Session Minutes May 29, 2025 Page 7 Ethics:Commissioners are required to submit annual financial disclosures. Every year, there’s a reminder sent to the commission and board members. DCC Salas-Ferguson noted he would provide copies of the County’s Code of Ethics at the next meetingand explained that commissioners must follow the County Code of Ethics, which sets minimum standards of conduct. Key points included treating everyone fairly, courteously, and impartially, regardless of personal feelings. Commissioners should not use their position to gain special privileges or advantages. Any offers of gifts related to commission service must be disclosed and cleared through counsel before acceptance. There was discussion regarding keeping the commission on track. DCC Salas- Ferguson suggested the possibility of sitting next to the chair to assist. They also discussed asking the chiefquestions about operations not specifically listed on the agenda. DCC Salas-Ferguson noted he would provide more guidance on inquiries.The discussion included the chair’s role in voting, with DCC Salas-Ferguson explaining that while there are general principles in Robert’s Rules, practices can vary across county and state commissions. Chair Kosaki noted hetypically votes, as he does on other boards he chairs. DCC Salas-Ferguson clarified that while some actions,such as amending the agenda or entering executive session,require a two-thirds vote, most other commission actions requireamajority. Fire Commission Rules: DCC Salas-Ferguson explained that Rule 4 outlines the commission’s responsibilities, including adopting and reviewing rules for the administration of the Fire Department.Chief Todd notedthat all department rules, policies, and procedures are now posted online and accessible to the commission. The commission is also required to review the Fire Department’s annual budget and provide recommendations to the mayor, managing director, and council. Chief Todd suggested amending the rules to include specific calendar dates for these reviews to assist future commissions and counsel. The commission discussed the timing and process for budget reviews. The commission must evaluate the chief’sperformance at least annually, which has beenscheduled based on the calendar year. They are also required to review the chief’sposition description and program at work for the purpose of improvement,which could be added to the agenda alongside other annual requirements.The commission must review personnel actions to ensure they comply with policies designed to maintain qualified and professional leadership. This includes reviewing recruitment standards to attract highly qualified candidates, ensuring promotions and personnel actions are merit-based, and verifying that appropriate training is provided to the fullest extent possible andpracticable. Chair Kosaki requested that the next meeting agenda include a review of the Fire Chief’s evaluation form.