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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-08-21 Fire Commission Regular MinutesHAWAII FIRE COMMISSION MINUTES OF AUGUST 21, 2019 WEST HAWAII CIVIC CENTER 74-5044 ANE KEOHOKALOLE HWY, KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII CALL TO ORDER Chair Henkel called the meeting to order at 9:06 a.m. ROLL CALL Present: Gregory Henkel, Chair Ralph Yawata, Vice Chair Kyle Keamo, Commissioner Donna Payesko, Commissioner Marcella St. Ambrogio, Commissioner Scott Susman, Commissioner Robert Yamada, Commissioner A quorum was present Also present: Darren Rosario, Fire Chief Lance Uchida, Deputy Fire Chief John Bertsch, Volunteer Commander Rene Schoen, Assistant Corporation Counsel Josie Pelayo, Secretary STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS (None) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 10, 2019 Commissioner Yamada motioned to approve the minutes. Commissioner St. Ambrogio seconded. Discussion: Fire Chief Rosario asked to clarify his statement in the minutes on page 5. He wanted to point out that more was said then just the summarized minutes, and he didn't want anyone to misinterpret this. He further stated that there is no way that any fire personnel would have access to interview questions. The motion carried unanimously with no changes to the minutes. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT Fire Chief Rosario highlighted items from his written report: Budget and Finance 2019/2020: Their $5.4 million overtime budget has not been approved, same for all departments. This includes earmarked contractual overtime, personnel shortage, search and rescue, and fire incidents. They have not been able to approve overtime for training which needs to be done off-duty. Commissioner Yamada stated that it looks like the Mayor and County Council want to put another check on the Fire Department and have the department request the funds. They were under a lot of scrutiny, especially after last year's natural disasters. The funds are there, but they want another additional check. Hawaii Fire Commission Minutes of 'August 21, 2019 Page 2 Chief Rosario stated, "Yes," and that the current overtime is coming out of their salaries and wages. Commissioner Yamada stated that they will recover the funds over the course of the year, so he doesn't see it as a major hindrance, just an added extra. Chief Rosario stated that it is an added layer, and they are hoping all their requests will be approved. • Alternative Funding and Grants ➢ 2018 CDBG: The Paradise Park Wildland Brush Truck arrived in Hilo and they need to do finishing work on it. ➢ USDA USFS Wildland Grant: Final approval $50,000 matching fund grant. ➢ County Council Contingency Fund AssistancE provided funding for equipment. ➢ USFA FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant is expected in September for this Various Council Members have They are awaiting notification. Emergency Operations Division: Coordinated response to the Mauna Kea/TMT started on July 15 and was terminated on August 1. ➢ Special Operations ✓ Hazmat: They are awaiting a DHS grant to purchase equipment mandated by OSHA ✓ Ocean Safety: The Kua Bay tower became operational on July 1. The Daniel Sayer Foundation paid for 30 Jr. Lifeguards to attend the State Championships on Oahu. BC Kim attended a State Ocean Safety conference on Oahu. Support Services Division ➢ Training: Recruit training continues. ➢ Volunteer Training: Commander Bertsch reported that they continue to work on the Active 911 system. He gave big thanks to the Ironman Foundation for their donations. Captain Perreira attended training on what to look for in arsonists. The next Captains' meeting will be on September 14 or 21 in Kohala Estates. Leadership training will start at 9:00 a.m., and the meeting will start at 10:00 a.m. In response to questions, Commander Bertsch stated that they have seen a decrease in volunteerism in the Fire Department. Key elements for this is that they need to do a better job in getting their message out. They tend to get more volunteers in areas where the demographics are younger. They also have demographics where community members have been doing this for a long time. For him, he has his own business, and this is very rewarding. Motivations for volunteerism is different. They have had discussions on what they can do to motivate people to volunteer such as credit when applying on the paid side and waiving property taxes. Hawaii Fire Commission Minutes of 'August 21, 2019 Page 3 Chief Rosario stated that people in the volunteer program have become paid personnel. They have about 170 volunteers on paper, but have about 100 that are active. Commissioner Susman asked if they could help with some of their costs. Commander Bertsch stated that they have to remember that they are a combination fire department. Prior to them issuing equipment, they do suggest they get boots and some other equipment. There are certain equipment that volunteers prefer. Within the last 36 months, everything they requested, Chief Rosario has provided. They host their quarterly meetings, but it is voluntary. He would love to see more money spent on the volunteer side. Chief Rosario stated that the volunteers are there to assist the Fire Department. ➢ EMS Bureau: They received notice to proceed with preconstruction of two F-350 445 diesel medics. ➢ Prevention Bureau: They conducted 52 inspections which usually takes 2 hours. ➢ Auxiliary Services: Three new dispatchers started rotations. • New Projects/Business: They are working with Public Works for permitting and renovation of the Paradise Park Fire Station. Public Relations: They have had to cut back on special event requests that would require overtime. Chief explained how they handle the Ironman event and how they strategically place their ground crews to assist civilians, not the Ironman participants. They treat Ironman as an active incident. • 2019 Program of Work Update (None.) Recess was called at 10:18. The meeting reconvened at 10:28 a.m. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Discussion on the commission's oversight of personnel matters of the Fire Department and compliance with the Hawaii County Charter and Hawaii Revised Statutes. Fire Department's presentation on its recruitment process. Deputy Chief Uchida gave a Powerpoint presentation on the Fire Department's internal recruitment process. A copy will be kept on file with the other attachments for these minutes. In response to questions, he stated that promotions are only for existing Fire Department personnel. They have hired several volunteers. They do have an advantage in the interview when they have knowledge of the Fire Department. Chief Rosario stated that it helps to have military service because the Fire Department is a para military organization, and military personnel tend to excel. Hawaii Fire Commission Minutes of 'August 21, 2019 Page 4 In response to questions, Deputy Uchida stated that ever since they included the two prerequisite college courses, their application numbers have declined. Commissioner Susman stated that he wants to know who's coming in, who got hired, and what that person is bringing into the department. Chief Rosario stated that he will introduce the recruit class at the next meeting. Ms. Schoen stated that there was a question about the commission fulfilling its duties as required in the Charter. Commissioner Susman stated that he had questions for the HR Director and Legislative Auditor and drafted a letter inviting them to the commission's meeting. Ms. Pelayo did not send out his letter. Ms. Schoen responded to his request with a confidential attorney- client letter. Chair Henkel stated that they discussed the letter and it was sent out as they discussed. The Legislative Auditor sent a letter recommending that they work with Corporation Counsel if they have any questions. Ms. Schoen stated that the commission works as a whole, not with just Commissioner Susman. Commissioner Yamada stated that they act as a board. Ms. Pelayo told commissioner Susman that she takes direction from the Chair and Corporation Counsel. Chair Henkel stated that he wanted to put an end to this matter and called for a motion. Commissioner Yamada motioned that they have complete confidence in the Chief to run the Fire Department and in the hiring, recruiting, and promotions process; and the commission is satisfied with the process. Commissioner St. Ambrogio seconded. Discussion: Commissioner Susman stated that he wants the Legislature Auditor to do an audit of the Fire Department. They are not fulfilling the Charter requirements by not reviewing actions of the department. Commissioner St. Ambrogio asked if the Chief's monthly report was not enough. Commissioner Susman stated that he wanted to see all the internal memos. Commissioner Yamada told Commissioner Susman that the memos were his problem, not the commission's problem. The motion that the commission has complete confidence in the Chief to run the Fire Department and in the hiring, recruiting, and promotions process and that the commission is satisfied with the process carried unanimously Hawaii Fire Commission Minutes of 'August 21, 2019 Page 5 Commissioner Susman motioned that the Fire Commission request affirmation by the Legislative Auditor that the commission is compliant with the County Charter. There was no second. The motion died. Commissioner Susman distributed his written copy of excerpts from the Charter regarding the Office of the Legislative Auditor. Commissioner Yamada objected, saying that the handout was Commissioner Susman's interpretation. He refused to accept it, and stated that he doesn't have any concerns. Commissioner Yamada motioned that the Fire Commission is fulfilling its responsibilities and duties as described in the Charter. Chair Henkel seconded. Discussion. Chair Henkel stated that this means the commission does not need an audit by the Legislative Auditor. The motion carried with a nay from Commissioner Susman. CHAIR'S REPORT ON MATTERS OF INTEREST TO THE COMMISSION (None.) ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Henkel announced that the commission's next monthly meeting is scheduled for September 11, 2019, at 9:00 a.m., in the Aupuni Center Conference Room, 101 Pauahi St., Hilo, Hawaii. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 11:55 a.m. SUBMITTED BY: JOSIE PELAYO, SECRETARY APPROVED BY: GREGORY HENKEL, CHAIR