2025-05-29 Fire Commission Minutes

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Regular Session Minutes May 29, 2025 Page 8 DCC Salas-Ferguson stated the commission is also responsible for hearing complaints from the public regarding the department or its personnel and for submitting an annual report to the mayor, managing director, and council. He also explained that after the chief’s report, the chair may ask if there are any questions. Commissioners should indicate they have a question by turning on their light, andthe chair will recognize them. Questions must be relevant to the agenda. DCC Salas-Ferguson clarified that it is everyone’s responsibility to stay on topic and noted he will sit next to the chair to help guide the meeting. Inquiries: DCC Salas-Ferguson stated that Fire Commission Rule 4 permits the commission to conduct inquiries, as authorized by the County Charter and County Code. While "inquiry" is not specifically defined, there is a process in place. Commissioners are prohibited from interfering in the department’s administrative or operational matters, except for purposes of inquiry. Rule 7 outlines how inquiries may be conducted.He conferred with his supervisor and created a procedure. If a commissioner believes an inquiry should be made, they may email the chair, commission secretary, or DCC Salas-Ferguson at least 10 days before the meeting, including a draft letter describing the proposed inquiry. A standard letter template will be provided for this purpose. The letter would be included on the meeting agenda as an action item for the commission to consider and vote on. If approved, the inquiry would be placed on the following agenda, with notice to the chief.Alternatively, a commissioner may suggest an inquiry during the “agenda items for next meeting” portion of a meeting. If the topic falls within the commission’s jurisdiction, it will be placed on the next agenda for consideration. Commissioner Hirakami asked if a vote was needed to place a suggested inquiry on the next meeting agenda. DCC Salas-Ferguson explained that suggesting an inquiry signals interest, and a draft letter describing the inquiry would be prepared for the commission to adopt or not at the next meeting. Chair Kosaki asked if, instead, an item raised during a meeting could be added to the next agenda without a letter. DCC Salas- Ferguson noted that while the process may seem cumbersome, Sunshine Law requires public notice in advance. Chair Kosaki clarified that the matter would not be discussed or voted on immediately but would be listed on the next agenda for future discussion. The commission further discussed procedures for placing items on upcoming agendas. DCC Salas-Ferguson encouraged commissioners to reach out with any questions and noted that each situation will continue to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If the commission wishes to pursue an inquiry, it should be submitted to the chair, the commission secretary, and himself for further consideration. He added that the process is still evolving and is a work in progress. UNFINISHEDBUSINESS Review of meeting guidelines for effective and productive discussions:Commissioner Magsalin, who requested this item, noted that DCC Salas-Ferguson had addressed the