2016-07-20 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaiʻi Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes July 20, 2016 Page 2 Commissioner St. Ambrogio asked how they handle the overtime budget when they have emergencies such as brush fires and hurricanes. Chief Rosario stated that they cut non-emergency overtime such as training. They used to do quarterly captain’s meetings. Now, they do station meetings with chief officers. They start the year by bringing in people for meetings, and then cut back when needed. Mr. Lorenzo stated that expenses above $5,000 must go before the ERC. Chair De Luz stated that this administration expects a balance. The Chief was not allowed to purchase approved equipment. At the end of the day, the Chief’s CEO is the Mayor. Vice Chair Becker stated that the budget now shows an $800,000 balance. He asked how get the message out (explanation). Chief Rosario reported that this Friday, they have their staff meeting. In this day, personnel want an explanation. Right now 100% of funded positions are filled, although the funded positions are not up to national standards. Mr. Lorenzo stated that the 2016/17 budget is status quo except for salaries and wages. Chief Rosario reported that the Kailua and Central ambulances will be replaced. That budget item comes from the State. They operate 15 ALS units and a helicopter for $15 million. They are looking for two ALS locations in Puna. Having one at the HPP Fire Station will not work out, so they are looking at having two units at the Pāhoa Fire Station. The State EMS will make the decision. More recently, requests for services in Puna have exploded. There has been a lot of interest in establishing more volunteer fire stations. However, they need a minimum of $700,000 to start a volunteer station. They got approval for a replacement tanker for Waimea and Pahala and a 4X4 response vehicle for Waipiʻo. · Alternative Funding and Grants: The 2015 CBDG Pāhoa Brush Truck Apparatus Project is expected to be completed on July 22. The 2016 CDBG application for the Wildland Pumper Apparatus for Pahala was approved. They have not yet received notification on the 2015 Assistance to Fire Fighter’s Grant. They are encountering a lot of roadblocks on the Office of Aging Grant for a community based paramedic pilot program in West Hawaiʻi. · Human Resources Division: Random drug and alcohol tests are conducted for helicopter pilots. The FAA desk audit was completed with no issues. In December, there will be 25 personal who qualify for 25 years of service retirement.