2012-01-11 Fire Commission Minutes

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HawaiÒi County Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes January 11, 2012 Page 4 Prevention Bureau: They are still conducting investigations, school reviews, and plant reviews. They also do fire investigations. Five of them are very busy. Auxiliary Services: They county is going through a mandated $80 million FCC radio system upgrade. They are looking for sites. Volunteer Training Section: Volunteer Fire Chief Tom Brandt reported that they will be having their quarterly volunteer firefightersÓ meeting on Saturday, January 14, at Waiki`i Ranch. Chair Taniguchi encouraged the co to attend this meeting. New Projects/Business: They are coming up with an arson task force which will tie in early with the police and prosecutor. This will help them collect evidence properly and ensure they are doing an investigation the right way. Employee/Public Relations: They are going through grievance and disciplinary processes for several employees. North Kohala had an incident i attacked an acting fire captain. The captain has since returned to work. The suspect was issued a no trespass notice. Additionally, Chief Rosario reported that they had only five documented fire works incidents which were small grass fires. They are short on maintenance due to the departure of a mechanic. Concerning a firefighter who was terminated, the arbitrator upheld the termination. They are looking very closely at the overtime budget for EMS. He could provide the commission with quarterly budget reports. Chair Taniguchi asked Chief Rosario to submit his monthly report to them before the meeting so they could read it ahead of time. At the meeting he could review a few important issues. The Chief agreed, but pointed out that some items relating to Employee Relations would be confidential. NEW BUSINESS Selection of Chair and Vice Chair of the Fire Commission for 2012: Commissioner Moku nominated Scott Stabo as Chair and Kimo Lee as Vice Chair. Since both were absent, Deputy Corporation Council Udovic suggested they keep the same Chair and Vice Chair until the next meeting. Commissioner Namahoe moved to keep the same Chair and Vice Chair in place until the next meeting. Commissioner Moku seconded the motion. Discussion: Commissioner Namahoe tha Taniguchi for doing a fine job as Chair for the past year. The motion carried unanimously.