Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-23 Fire Commission Minutes HAWAII FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 23, 2023 WEST HAWAII CIVIC CENTER, BUILDING A, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 74-5044 ANE KEOHOKALOLE HWY., KAILUA-KONA, HI CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Kosaki called the meeting to order at 9:01 a.m. Present: Gerald Kosaki, Chair Carlene Wolf, Vice Chair Benjamin Agdeppa, Commissioner (at 10:25 a.m.) Gregory Henkel, Commissioner Corey Luke, Commissioner Shon Magsalin, Commissioner Wesley Mattos, Commissioner Gene Nakashima, Commissioner A quorum was present. Also present: Kazuo Todd, Fire Chief Keyra Wong, Deputy Corporation Counsel Charisse Correa, Secretary PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS (None) APPROVAL OF MINUTES • Commissioner Luke motioned to approve the regular session minutes of January 26, 2023. Commissioner Henkel seconded, no discussion, it carried unanimously, and the minutes were approved. • Commissioner Henkel motioned to approve the executive session minutes of January 26, 2023. Commissioner Luke seconded, no discussion, it carried unanimously, and the minutes were approved. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT Chief Todd Highlighted items from the Fire Chief's Report. A detailed report is on file. • Highlights: HFD is still running into issues in the communication center regarding staffing. They're looking to augment that with firefighters. Currently, the supplemental agreements are being run through DHR, in terms of getting those finalized and then sent to the unions. Chair Kosaki asked if HGEA was consulted. Chief Todd explained this has been going on for about six months. They've had multiple meetings with both unions. Currently, they have verbal approval from everyone to move ahead. They're currently working on finalizing everything and putting it on paper before implementing the new program. Ideally, when dispatch has less than 75% of full-time Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes February 23, 2023 Page 2 staffing, they're looking to maintain this program. This is intended to be a temporary program. 51st Recruit Class: The 51st recruit class graduated on January 13t". The ceremony was held at Nani Mau Gardens. Fire Communications Officer Honored: Fire Communications Officer II, Jacob Nixon, was honored on January 19t" by the Aloha Exchange Club of Hilo. He was recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty in helping locate and rescue two lost hikers. Six-Month Program Budget Review: In January they did a six-month program budget review to track and manage HFD's financial performance. They made basic changes to their minimum staffing. Their goal is 105 minimum staffing per day, as opposed to 107. Chief Todd also met with the county auditor this month and they are moving ahead with better financial measuring systems. Commissioner Mattos confirmed that they're cutting two personnel staff to manage the budget. He stated that he visited the station, saw the memo, and was told he was cutting from district 7 and district 14. He wanted to know why he decided to cut from those two stations in West Hawaii and none from the other stations. Chief Todd stated the position is their extra firefighter position. It's not that they're saying that position isn't going to be staffed, it actually is, it's just not the minimum staff, which means they will not recall if that person is out on leave, such as vacation or sick. Commissioner Mattos asked if firefighters are going to be paid overtime to work in dispatch. Chief Todd stated no, they will pull potentially 8-12 guys off the line. Commissioner Mattos asked if he will minimize the staff. Chief Todd explained minimum staffing will remain at 105. Personnel working in dispatch will be working straight shifts, and those filling in for the vacancies will be working overtime. Chair Kosaki referred to the expenditure report and stated the training overtime is really high. He wanted to know if that was because of the recruit class, are they using personnel and allocating that to training? Chief Todd stated he needs to double-check that. Chair Kosaki stated the report says the training overtime was 900% over. Chief Todd said that might be an error and will double-check. He further explained there's a lot of data in there and is hoping as they move forward with the new system, he'll be able to show the commission real-time analytics. • Budget Report: Chief Todd referred to HFD's budget statistics for fiscal year 22-23 and reported that their numbers are a little high, but are correcting their salaries and wages. State-Funded Budget Items: The fiscal year 2023 budget for the State EMS grant is looking good. There is a total of seven ambulances on the way. Five ambulances Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes February 23, 2023 Page 3 are on order, the first two are already en route and are expected to arrive shortly, and there will be a blessing ceremony for that. Commissioner Mattos asked what districts the first two ambulances will be going to. Chief Todd stated if he remembers correctly, Station 15 and Station 5. Commissioner Mattos stated when he went to the station, they said that Stations 6 and 7 are both running on their second ambulance. Commissioner Mattos said regarding District 15, he understands the volume of calls, but is it because their medic is over the mileage? Chief Todd stated he doesn't have all the data in front of him and he won't micromanage the decisions personnel makes. Chief Todd stated he had stopped at Station 7 during station visitations. The subject was brought up about their ambulance being burnt and they asked if they'll get a new ambulance. Chief Todd said it would make sense to him because they were running on spare ambulances and advised them he would check on it. Assistant Chief Ian Chadwick (formerly Smith) and personnel looked at the entire fleet and made the decision on where it was most critical to assign the new ambulances. Chief Todd stated he will send the commission information showing where all seven ambulances will be going. Commissioner Mattos stated Stations 7 and 6 are both running on their second ambulance. He would think at least one of those districts would be a higher priority over 15. Chief Todd stated Chief Honda and personnel do a thorough job when making decisions and he doesn't feel the best option for him would be to question their decisions and micromanage. He'll ask them for the data and will send it to the commission. Commissioner Mattos stated some personnel he spoke to expressed it would help if there was a mechanic on the west side of the island. When he was working, Chief Oliveira was trying to get a mechanic on the west side, but it didn't happen. Chief Todd stated he is asking for two additional mechanic positions. Instead of setting up their own mechanic shop in Kona, they could be tied in with DPW or Mass Transit or other agencies so they wouldn't need to necessarily have a supervisor on the west side, they're looking at different options to make it happen. Chair Kosaki stated there are so many logistical problems. It would be great to have a mechanic out here, but you will need the tools and equipment. He can see having a mobile mechanic out here just to do the day-to-day minor repairs, but of course, any major repairs would still have to go to Hilo. Chief Todd stated there are three potential locations they're looking at. One is a new Station 16 in Waikoloa and the possibility of turning the current Station 16 into a centralized mechanic location. Another option would be a hangar for Chopper 2 at Station 14, with the potential for a mechanic location. Another option would be at Station 7, using the land in the back to drop a mechanic's bay. There are also some warehousing options that are in the Waikoloa region, behind the Waikoloa Fire Station which is used by hotels, they could possibly work out a lease agreement. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes February 23, 2023 Page 4 Chief Todd continued the budget report and reported receiving $200,000 from the state for lifeguarding. In addition to that, he asked for another $1.4 million for an additional six paramedic positions, and six Fire/EMS recruit positions. He's not sure if this will be approved, but if it does, he will drop a second paramedic in Kailua, and a second paramedic in central. • Alternative Funding and Grants: Chief Todd got permission to pursue another Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant, he will be asking for an additional 12 firefighters. The current Grant is for six captain positions and three firefighter positions. They're still expanding on the USDA, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, State & Private Forestry Grant. The FY 2021 Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) Grant will be used to purchase and install washers/extractors and dryers. They just put in for another AFG Grant, this will be for launching Blue Card, which is a system for management on scene. There's enough additional funding still built into the Hapuna and Kua Bay State grant awards that they're not expanding on. He will be adding two positions, a WSO V as well as a clerk III. He's hoping to have the paperwork completed within the next couple of months. • Personnel Report: Chief Todd reported on internal and open recruitments. The Fire/EMS Specialist II assessment occurred on February 16th. The Fire Rescue Specialist Assessment Center has not yet been scheduled. Delsyn Hirota and Steven Tabura will be promoted to Fire/Hazardous Material Specialists effective March 1, 2023. The targeted hire date for the next recruit class is August 1, 2023. They're in the process of creating recruit training officer positions, which will open up four additional positions. After this recruit class comes in, HFD will be close to 100% staffing. The targeted hire date for Fire Communication Officer positions is April 1, 2023, for seven vacant positions. The Accountant I position was temporarily reallocated to a Professional Trainee I, as of February 1, 2023. Lene Labrador was hired as Clerk III (Auxiliary Services Bureau) effective February 1, 2023. Clerk III (Administration) Interviews were conducted the other day. Taetum Atkins was hired as Clerk III (EMS Bureau) effective February 1, 2023. Both Lene and Taetum were both former dispatch recruits who decided they didn't want to work in dispatch, but came back to work for HFD in other areas. The Performance Assessment Exercise was conducted for Water Safety Officer I, for 14 candidates. Four candidates passed the PAE and interviews are scheduled during the week of February 27-March 3, 2023. Commissioner Mattos asked regarding the EMS Specialist, will they drop back down to a firefighter? Chief Todd explained he's currently in communication with DHR regarding this. There's a three-year minimum requirement for the Fire/EMS Specialist I. They take the Fire/EMS Specialist and drop them into a firefighter position on paper to meet the minimum requirements. Chair Kosaki asked if there's a requirement now that states once you go to school you have to run for four years or commit for a period of time. Chief Todd stated Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes February 23, 2023 Page 5 technically on paperwork with the MOU between HFD and the union, yes, however in reality, they haven't been able to hold people to that at times. Employee Development and Training: Chief Todd continued with his report. Conducting an effective job interview training was held on January 19, 2023. It's a required training for personnel to be able to sit in on interview processes. • Total Calls for Service (Calendar Year): Chief Todd reported year to date, HFD received 2,815 calls for service. The total number of calls projected for 2023 is 33,780. • Response Times: Chief Todd stated their average turn out times are a little higher than where they want them to be. They would like to be at 1:20, but are currently at 1:32. Chair Kosaki stated the response time is hard because of the geography and how big our island is, but the area HFD can try to improve upon is the turn out times. • Fire Impacts: For January there were 30 fires (wildland). 1500 acres burned caused by lightning strikes on the PTA land area. • Emergency Operations Highlights: On January 15, 2023, there was a fire in Papa'aloa. On January 16, 2023, EMS responded to Makalika Street, the initial call was a possible suicide, but it turned out to be a double homicide. On January 22, 2023, there was a residential fire that was confined to the room of origin. On January 15, 2023, a fisherman was pulled overboard by a fish. HFD assisted the Coast Guard with search efforts, but he was not located. • Special Operations: ➢ Hazmat: Haz-Tech training class was completed; 16 personnel completed the course. The Fire Hazmat assessment was completed, with two new hires. Various training opportunities are planned: CST, Li-lion, and radiation. ➢ Ocean Safety: WSO I PAE was completed on February 8, 2023. Interviews are scheduled for March 2, 2023. ➢ Rescue: Promotional assessment has been postponed/canceled. As of right now, no one from Rescue is getting promoted or looking to leave. Even if they have a list of names, there are no positions for the names to go to. • Incident Heat Map: Chief Todd referred to the incident heat map for January 2023 and compared call volumes across the island. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes February 23, 2023 Page 6 Commissioner Mattos stated he was asked by people in the community what the problem was with their rescue boats. He was told that Sayres offered to purchase a boat for HFD. Chief Todd stated Sayres is still moving forward with the purchasing of the boat. Commissioner Mattos stated the last time they spoke about it; two boats were getting fixed and it's kind of embarrassing. Chief Todd explained they paid for the repair, authorized it, and got the contract, procurement can take a ridiculous amount of time. It went into the shop, it was being repaired and they noticed a steering leakage issue. They went back to finance to move ahead, but finance said it had to go out for bid because it was over a certain amount and they couldn't use emergency procurement because it was over $5,000. The process went forward, but in the meantime, they ran into more issues. They're looking at alternative options, but it's mostly finance mandating how they go about procuring things and running into issues there. Chief Todd stated they're looking at a few other options to pursue a boat and Sayres is still a possibility. Commissioner Magsalin stated she is happy some commissioners are retired firefighters; however, she feels there should be a process when people go to them with complaints. She feels they're privy being that they're retired firefighters and know personnel at different stations. If someone goes to a commissioner with concerns, maybe they should go to the chair to discuss them first instead of bombarding the chief with these issues. She doesn't know if it's factual, rumors, or gossip. Chair Kosaki stated the process is to bring it up if it's directly related to the operations of the department or things that they're discussing on the agenda. If Commissioner Mattos speaks to him about it on the side, that might violate the Sunshine Law. Any issues that he has, he can bring it up with the chief. Chair Kosaki asked DCC Wong to correct him if he was wrong, but he believes this is an open forum for the commission to address issues with the chief regarding the department's operations. DCC Wong stated that's correct. It's an open meeting, there's notice that is posted for the public. People can come in and testify whether it's good or bad and if they want to file a complaint. She stated she is unsure about what was stated earlier regarding Commissioner Mattos and Chair Kosaki being privy to any information. All the information that commissioners receive should be done here. She thinks that's the process that is followed. Commissioner Magsalin stated if someone comes up to her with a complaint or concern, she would want to know if it's a fact. Chair Kosaki stated not everything they are told is a fact. The public is invited to attend the meetings, it's an open forum, but a lot of times the public doesn't want to come. They know there are commissioners here and they see them as an avenue to bring up certain concerns. As commissioners, they can determine if it's a valid point and whether to bring it up or not. They're not bombarding the chief, they're bringing up issues to help him Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes February 23, 2023 Page 7 address these issues to make the department better. Chair Kosaki told Chief Todd he hopes he doesn't take anything they say as an attack, that is not their intention. They're just bringing up things to help him do better, as far as running the department operationally. Chief Todd stated it doesn't bother him and he understands the point that Commissioner Magsalin was trying to make. She's saying does each commissioner get the opportunity to just go wherever they want before clearing it with the chair. As far as Sunshine Law, that doesn't apply, it's when three or more get together and start having meetings. If it's just one commissioner reaching out to the chair requesting to address something at the meeting, that could be something that the Fire Commission can establish as a structure, that's the choice the commission would take. The Commission should also decide if any commissioner can bring up any subject that they want. Chief Todd asked DCC Wong if he was correct. DCC Wong stated that's pretty accurate, except where for example Commissioner Mattos goes to Chair Kosaki then the next day he goes to Commissioner Luke, then to another Commissioner, it then becomes serial communications outside of an open meeting. She feels the commissioners are aware of that and that isn't an issue here. Chair Kosaki stated they don't discuss things privately amongst each other because they don't want to have any inclination of Sunshine Law violations. Commissioner Henkel stated this is his seventh year of being on the Fire Commission. He was on two different commissions, under three different chiefs and it's the first time that he's served on the commission with firefighters. He really appreciates the knowledge they bring, which provides him with an understanding he didn't have before. Commissioner Mattos stated he was not trying to tell the chief what to do. He's just bringing to his attention, what he hears in his district. Maybe a lot of it is negative and maybe he should give him so positive feedback. Some firefighters did say they think the chief is doing a good job as far as being an administrator, but there were other things that they brought up that he won't bring up in open session. As instructed by Corporation Counsel, they as commissioners cannot go into the stations and ask personnel about the chief or the deputy, but if it's brought up to him from the outside, he feels he should address it with the chief. Chair Kosaki stated as commissioners, they need to conduct an evaluation of the chief on an annual basis. They bring things up and have the chief respond and it's all a part of the evaluation that all commissioners need to be aware of. Commissioner Mattos stated any commissioner could do the same thing. They can go to the fire station to see how things are going. Vice Chair Wolf stated they should be doing that. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes February 23, 2023 Page 8 • Emergency Medical Services Branch: Chief Todd reported the EMS Branch completed the ESO patient care documentation class for the 516t fire recruit class. They also finished the National Registry recertification/renewal for personnel whose certifications will be expiring at the end of March 2023. HFD received three LUCAS CPR compression devices, from the Hilo Medical Center. These will be assigned to Medics 6, 8, and 18. Personnel went to Braun to look at two new vehicles assigned to North Kohala and Keaau. HFD's next five new vehicles will be assigned to Haihai, Kealakekua, Honokaa, Pahoa, and Naalehu Fire Stations. Five personnel in the paramedic class will begin internship rotations The EMS Branch assisted with this year's KWXX Ho'olaule'a in Hilo. Chief Todd stated it was different this year, a lot of issues arose. A variety of issues sprawled out onto the streets after the event had ended, as people moved on to the bars in town. • Training Services Branch: The 51 st Recruit Class graduated on January 15th with 18 members, four of whom were from the Department of Transportation Airport Rescue Fire fighting (HI-DOT ARFF). Chair Kosaki wanted to know how HFD handles the discipline with the ARFF firefighters because they're in their class, but aren't employees of Hawaii County. Chief Todd explained that they have their own trainers there. They have personnel from ARFF who get converted over to trainers and work with them during the entire training period. They're held to the same standards and they work together to make sure it gets handled properly. Chief Todd reported that in-service training for basic aerial apparatus operations and maintenance was delivered at Station 14 to 26 total personnel. HFD is working on ICS Type IV and V command and control training for battalion chiefs, company officers, and supervisory personnel through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant. • Volunteer Training Section: Chief Todd reported they've been doing Chapter 1 again. This is completed annually, every January they're back at Chapter 1, then they move their way through the firefighter assessment over and over again, year after year to keep up to date because there's constant turnover on the volunteer side. Volunteer Company 8-Alpha responded to multiple callouts in the month of January which consisted of 4 brush fires and 1 structure fire. Volunteer Company 9- Bravo had 3 new volunteers. Volunteer Company 7-Bravo responded to multiple callouts in the month of January which consisted of 4 brush fires, 1 structure fire, 1 vehicle fire, and 2 rubbish fires. HFD also has four more companies that are out there voluntarily doing work in the community. Most of their vehicles are antiques, hopefully, they'll start replacing some 1967 Jeep Kaisers and other vehicles. • Fire Prevention Branch: Chief Todd reported on January 13, 2023, they passed the NFPA fire code update. The 2018 edition of the NFPA 1 Fire Code and amendments are now in effect for Hawaii County. On the State Fire Council side, Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes February 23, 2023 Page 9 they have accepted the 2021 code amendments which have gone over to the State Building Code Council for their adoption. Commissioner Agdeppa arrived at 10:25 a.m. Chair Kosaki asked if anything changed in the NFPA 1 Code that he thinks is substantial. Chief Todd stated not particularly. They're seeing some changes in construction throughout the United States. There are code changes to basically keep up to date with how construction is changing. He also explained that there have been some changes to refrigerants. • Auxiliary Services Section: 18 interviews were conducted for Fire Communications Officer I and seven candidates were offered conditional offers of employment. Chief Todd reported the warehouse is facing supply chain issues, which has been affecting shipment times. He also reported updates on apparatus and equipment repairs; there were 80 total repairs/services, 29 service calls, and 14 contracted out. Final inspections from January 29, 2023, to February 1, 2023, in Washington for Medic 5 and 15. • IT: There have been updates and changes to how data is dropped into the CAD. Chief Todd explained Bryx and updates to the system. He also reported a new mapping feature in Spillman which shows satellite imagery, as well as units as they move. It's tentative, they are currently working with IT to establish their own firewall system. EXECUTIVE SESSION (CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC) Vice Chair Wolf motioned to meet in executive session to consider complaints against employees of the fire department, where matters affecting privacy will be involved, 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). Commissioner Henkel seconded, with no discussion, and it carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 10:44 a.m. Motion to reconvene open session made by Commissioner Henkel, seconded by Vice Chair Wolf, no discussion, and it carried unanimously. Open session reconvened at 12:35 p.m. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Kosaki announced the next meeting is scheduled for March 23, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., in the County Building, County Council Chambers, Suite 1401, 25 Aupuni St., Hilo, HI. He won't be present at this meeting, so Vice Chair Wolf will lead the meeting. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 12:37 p.m. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes February 23, 2023 Page 10 SUBMITTED BY: CHARISSE CORREA, SECRETARY APPROVED BY: CARLENE WOLF, VICE CHAIR