2017-07-10 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes June 14, 2017 Page 2 Budget and Finance: (Mr. Lorenzo was present to provide clarity and answer questions.) They were 4% in the black at the end of the fiscal year. Commissioner De Luz stated that although they have line item expenditures, the Chief doesn't have total discretion with some expenditures that have to go through the County's Expenditure Review Committee. Collective bargaining is also out of his realm. They also lack administrative staff. Chief Rosario reported that they have only one secretary assigned to the Chief, but she also does work for the Assistant Chiefs. They need clerical assistance in Finance and Human Resources. They are always told to live within their budget. They are being impacted by cuts in Federal funds. The Mayor signed off on the 2017-18 budget which includes State funding to run their EMS Program and Hapuna Beach. They are looking to replace the engine at Waikoloa and Keauhou. According to OSHA, they need to maintain at least one HAZMAT company. Critical items that were taken out of the budget, were put back in, but not additional staffing. Supplemental budget requests are still waiting for funding which includes wildland fire equipment. Mr. Lorenzo pointed out that the budget does not include pay increases. • Alternative Funding and Grants: The 2015 AFG Grant for replacement masks was delayed, and they are waiting for FEMA's approval to purchase. Human Resources Division: The Fire/EMS Specialist II promotion is targeted for August 1. The BC promotion is pending interview and selection. They have open recruitments for Account Clerk and Fire Radio Dispatcher I. The Hawaii Fire Fighters Union is still waiting for one jurisdiction to approve the contract. • Emergency Operations Division ➢ Operations. East and West Hawaii had numerous incidents and rescues, one of which was fatal. The 4t" of July was pretty quiet around the island. They support an additional runaway truck ramp on the D.K. Inouye Highway. Recruits were trained in all aspects of wildland fire June 26-30 recruits. ➢ Special Operations ✓ Hazmat: Scheduled training with the Gas Company regarding propane incidents. The LEPC approved funding for personnel to attend the annual Continuing Challenge Conference. ✓ Rescue: Work continues on updating the SOGs. Equipment purchased with a $25,000 grant from the Karakin Foundation was distributed to Waiakea and Kailua. The Sayre Foundation now provides equipment for volunteers and Ocean Safety. ✓ Ocean Safety: Started Jr. Lifeguard sessions around the island which is being funded by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Championships will be held on Oahu on July 29.