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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-05-11 Fire Commission MinutesHAWAI`I FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION MINUTES MAY 11, 2022 AUPUNI CENTER CONFERENCE ROOM 101 PAUAHI ST., HILO, HAWAFI CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Kosaki called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Present: Gerald Kosaki, Chair Gregory Henkel, Commissioner Shon Magsalin, Commissioner Wesley Mattos, Commissioner Gene Nakashima, Commissioner Daniel Paleka, Commissioner Carlene Wolf, Commissioner A quorum was present. Absent: Benjamin Agdeppa, Vice Chair Corey Luke, Commissioner Also present: Kazuo Todd, Fire Chief Eric Moller, Deputy Fire Chief Ian Smith, Assistant Chief Palani Kurashige, Battalion Chief Malia Kekai, Deputy Corporation Counsel Charisse Correa, Secretary Leanne Kapahu, Fire Chief's Secretary PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS (None.) APPROVAL OF MINUTES • Commissioner Wolf motioned to approve the regular and executive session minutes of April 13, 2022. Commissioner Henkel seconded, it carried unanimously, and the minutes approved. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT • Budget: Chief Todd reported total spending through April 30, 2022 is at 87.08% with 83% of the fiscal year completed. They are currently in phase two of revisions for the Hawaii County Fire Department's budget. The initial budget looked at adding five or six positions; those were three clerks, a safety specialist, and a permanent trainer position in dispatch. They are currently looking at adding more positions, which would be approximately four clerks, a safety specialist, an accountant III, creating six unfunded captain positions and six unfunded equipment operator positions. These are placeholder positions and may become live positions. The maintenance worker position previously requested Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes May 11, 2022 Page 2 has been approved. The fourth clerk will assist with maintenance tasks, record requests and releases, tracking maintenance in the mechanic shop and assisting in the warehouse. In addition to that, they will have a fire maintenance worker, who will be responsible for the annual maintenance and repair requests. The audit revealed that requests for maintenance hasn't been managed, so they will start tracking that internally. They also added two part-time positions in dispatch that are funded and four unfunded recruit training specialists that would be under the training bureau. The department has been funding recruit training officer (RTO) positions with overtime for decades. In the beginning of the fiscal year, they will start the process of decreasing the overtime budget to start funding these positions and hire permanent into the position. Vice Chair Kosaki asked how can the department hire an RTO externally? Chief Todd stated that it would be an internal specialist position, a promotion, and an SR- 19 position. Vice Chair Kosaki asked if they would be permanently assigned to training and what would they be doing when there isn't any recruit training? Chief stated that his goal is to bring their department's training section from 4-5 personnel to 10. The goal is not to just train personnel in the beginning of their career; he wants to provide continuous training. The chief further explained that there isn't much coordination with anyone else in the department once you leave the training section. They organize, but no one goes out to assist in training. He wants to build a department where their training bureau is 1/3 of the process. They would bring a car, and equipment, personnel won't have to take equipment off their rig, because that impacts response times. The training bureau would bring all the equipment and would provide training on -site, at the stations. Vice Chair Kosaki stated that it's all good in theory, but there's tracking concerns. Another concern is when you go to engine companies to train, if they're still online, you still have the problem with them responding to calls. Chief Todd's response was that there's logistical issues that's still on the way. If there were enough RTOs, they could possibly have a replacement group come in, so they could respond to minor calls. Chief Todd reported that eleven WSO positions would be moved up to full-time. They still need to work this out with employees after July because some of them might prefer the job being part-time, in which case they will probably create unfunded positions and hire two part-timers. Vice Chair Kosaki asked about the safety specialist position. Chief stated that it would mirror Honolulu's safety specialist position. They will take the job description from there and have something similar. Chief Todd reported FY 21-22 budget was at $52.5 million. Budget going into next year is estimated at $61.9 million. Unknown if this is the final budget going into next year; the County Council may want to push for more positions in the Fire Department or make other changes. Increases to their budget includes minimal staffing, overtime, PPE funding, vehicle maintenance, and covers the increase to Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes May 11, 2022 Page 3 utilities. They also asked for money to fund the chaplaincy program. The Police Department has been advocating and funding the program, the Fire Department has been using it without contributing. They also received funding to support training for Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). Chopper 1's engine will need an overhaul, so they put aside $1.4 million to facilitate that. Commissioner Mattos asked if the total budget included the money received for EMS and lifeguards. Chief Todd stated that the full amount of EMS funding does not show up in their budget. They didn't have enough for ambulances, so he asked the state legislatures for a $1.2 million increase, which was approved. This will go towards equipment, five ambulances and automatic compression devices for CPR. Commissioner Mattos asked about the raises. Chief Todd stated that the difference in the total cost of this year to last year is accounted for in the budget. Vice Chair Kosaki asked if the overtime is for emergency overtime or scheduled overtime. Chief stated that it is for staffing overtime and holiday pay. • Highlights: Chief Todd conducted station visitations and Coffee with the Chief. Coffee with the Chief was streamed on YouTube and is still available to be viewed. They spoke about his vision and discussed the Annual HFD Survey results. Approximately 80-85% of the department is either satisfied or very satisfied with how things are going. 10% do not care, 5% is unhappy, and 1 % is very unhappy. His goal is to go out to all the stations, every four months and speak with personnel. Vice Chair Kosaki asked what percentage of employees responded to the survey. Chief stated they received 150 responses out of 400, which is good compared to other surveys he put out in the past. He noted that the survey was not anonymous, unknown if this affected it. Chief Todd presented Battalion Chief Palani Kurashige with a challenge coin. Chief Todd shared that while conducting station visitations, one of the stations praised BC Kurashige. They have been facing severe issues in Eden Roc Estates, with vehicles parked all over the road, preventing EMS access. They reached out to BC Kurashige, who then worked with vehicle recovery, resolving the issue. Chief Todd reported that a volunteer fire captain hit an HPD vehicle while responding to a call in Pahala. HPD's vehicle may be totaled; the incident is still being investigated. Currently, there's one criminal investigation within the department due to harassment against an employee. They have a private investigator looking into social media issues with different employees. Human Resources: Chief Todd reported internal recruitments: a fire captain in Emergency Communications, a fire captain in the Fire Prevention Bureau, a storekeeper, and two account clerk positions, one will be temporary and the other permanent. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes May 11, 2022 Page 4 • Updates: Chief Todd reported that funds for the PGV SCBA compressor has been transferred to an account for the department to access, they are proceeding with the procurement process. The goal is to obtain built in units, tied into the building. IT has been working on the conversion process from TradeGecko to Ecommerce (inventory management platform). They have been working on the Hawaii Fire Chief's Association conference in December. The current plan is to have a mixed conference, which would be both virtual and in person. One of the speakers there will be retired Fire Chief Bobby Halton, who is the chief editor for Fire Engineering Magazine. Commissioner Paleka motioned to meet in executive session to consider complaints against employees of the fire department, where matters affecting privacy will be involved, to work on the evaluation of the Fire Chief, and for the purpose of consulting with the commission's attorney on questions and issues pertaining to the commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities pursuant to HRS Sections 92-5, (a) (2) (4) (6) and the Hawaii County Charter 13-20 (b). Seconded by Commissioner Magsalin, and it carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 9:45 a.m. Commissioner Wolf left the meeting while in executive session at 10:10 a.m. Regular session reconvened at 10:47 a.m. CONSIDERATION AND INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS (Briefly summarized) • HCFC 22-02: Complainant, Alohalani Hope Cermlj alleges that she was lied to about an arson investigation. Ms. Cermlj came before the commission. She shared that she had lost everything she owned due a house fire. She stated that Chief Todd, Deputy Chief Moller and their crew were excellent, but she still lost everything. Ms. Cermelj stated that she had to contact Chief Todd in order to have an arson investigation conducted. She explained that one of his employees told her over the phone that they do not do arson investigations on unpermitted structures. She asked for proof of this and this employee hung up on her. She expressed her gratitude for Deputy Chief Moller and Battalion Chief Kurashige, as they later responded and conducted an investigation. She hopes that in the future, personnel receive better training and that this never happens again to someone who has an unpermitted structure. Chair Kosaki asked Ms. Cermelj if since then, the problem has been rectified and if it has been clarified that they do conduct investigations for all fires. Ms. Cermelj stated yes, it was remedied and they later conducted a very thorough investigation. Battalion Chief Palani Kurashige came before the commission. Chair Kosaki asked if he had spoken to the initial employee that Ms. Cermelj contacted, who told her that Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes May 11, 2022 Page 5 they do not do investigations on unpermitted structures. BC Kurashige stated that she initially went to the fire station to ask for an investigation and the captain there referred her to him. At that time, he was a week in as the acting battalion chief. His understanding was that there was a memo stating that they were going to concentrate on major fires, to include high dollar value loss and injuries or deaths due to fires. Even as a captain prior to becoming the acting battalion chief, it was known that unpermitted structures weren't going to be investigated without a reason. She wasn't lied to, they do arson investigations, they just need to determine how to best utilize their resources. About a week later, they did the investigation. Commissioner Magsalin asked if arson investigations go to the police to investigate. BC Kurashige explained that when it comes to fire investigations, they only determine origin and cause. If the cause is determined to be an arson, they give the case to police. A police officer initiated a case on their end and routed it to a detective; the fire department is done at that point. Commissioner Wolf returned to the meeting at 11:00 a.m. Commissioner Paleka asked about the detective's findings. BC Kurashige stated that the case was suspended. He explained that unless further information comes forth, to determine that the case will continue to be investigated, they call it a suspension. Until you get more information to continue the investigation, it will remain suspended. This case is still open. Chair Kosaki asked how fires to unpermitted structures would be handled in the future. BC Kurashige stated that it is a case -by -case basis; the fire captain can make the call. Usually you want an investigation for documentation purposes to recover your loss, there is the record management system for that purpose. Captains are capable of doing initial investigations and making that determination. He further stated that this case was unique because of the previous memo that was sent out, it was a misunderstanding. UNFINISHED BUINESS Amendment to the Fire Commission's Rules. Proposed amendments include the following: ✓ Amendment to Rule 5(B)(1): Changes regular meetings from the second Wednesday of each month to the fourth Thursday of each month, unless otherwise specified by the Commission. ✓ Amendment to Rule 8(a): Extends the time to file a complaint from sixty (60) days to ninety (90) days from the date of the incident. Commissioner Paleka motioned to adopt the amendments, seconded by Commissioner Henkel, all in favor, no oppositions. DCC Kekai stated the proposed Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes May 11, 2022 Page 6 amendments needs to be posted for thirty days. At the next meeting, the commission would formally adopt the amendments. Fire Commission Meetings at Council Chambers: Chief Todd stated that on June 23, 2022, Council Chambers is available at the West Hawaii Civic Center. Chair Kosaki asked the commission if that date was open with everyone. There were no oppositions. The next meeting will be rescheduled to June 23, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. • Fire Chief's Evaluation: Chair Kosaki stated the Fire Chief's Evaluation would be completed by the end of the fiscal year. He further explained that Chief Todd would be evaluated on several elements: leadership, communication, strategic planning, resource allocation, safety, and emergency management operations. He requests all responses to be submitted to Ms. Correa as soon as possible. Upon all commissioners completing the evaluation, he will compile the draft, propose it to the commission during July's meeting in executive session, and approve it before presenting it to Chief Todd. ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS • Investigation of complaints ✓ HCFC 22-01: Complainant alleges that an EMT violated the privacy of her family by disclosing details of her sister's emergency. Commissioner Henkel motioned that this was a lawful occurrence, seconded by Commissioner Paleka, and it carried unanimously. In light of all facts present, the commission finds that the alleged incident was lawful and proper. ✓ HCFC 22-02: Complainant alleges that she was lied to about an arson investigation. Commissioner Paleka motioned that there is sufficient evidence to support the complainant's allegations, but found no evidence of wrongdoing, seconded by Commissioner Henkel and it carried unanimously. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Kosaki announced that the next meeting is tentatively scheduled for June 23, 2022, at 9:00 a.m., at the West Hawaii Civic Center. Fire Chief Todd will be in contact regarding holding the meeting at the Council Chambers. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Paleka motioned to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Wolf, and it carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 11:36 a.m. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes May 11, 2022 Page 7 SUBMITTED BY: CHARISSE CORREA, SECRETARY APPROVED BY: GERALD KOSAKI, CHAIR