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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-27 Fire Commission MinutesHAWAII FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION MINUTES APRIL 27, 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 9:00 a.m. Present: Gerald Kosaki, Chair Carlene Wolf, Vice Chair Gregory Henkel, Commissioner Wesley Mattos, Commissioner Gene Nakashima, Commissioner A quorum was present. Absent: Corey Luke, Commissioner Shon Magsalin, Commissioner Also present: Eric Moller, Deputy Fire Chief Keyra Wong, Deputy Corporation Counsel Charisse Correa, Secretary PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS Alohalani Hope Cermelj came before the commission. She expressed that she has been trying to get the Fire and EMT reports regarding her hanai son who was found deceased in December of last year. She's hoping to get these soon so the family can get some closure. She gave kudos to the battalion chief who came and put caution tape around Mahukona. She stated she hopes they start working on this soon, it's been four years. It's a dangerous building and if someone gets hurt there, the County will be liable. Chair Kosaki apologized for her loss and thanked her for coming before the commission. In regards to the reports that she requested, he advised her that the commission's powers are restricted and limited as far as what they can and can't do. He explained that there is a legal process that needs to be followed and he's confident they will address this accordingly. He explained that he doesn't want her to feel ignored, they just have certain limitations on what they can and can't do. Ms. Cermelj understood and stated she just wanted to put this on record. Commissioner Henkel asked what specific reports she was requesting. Ms. Cermelj stated she wants the EMT report, 911 call, and HFD/EMT personnel names that transferred the body to the Kona Hospital. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes April 27, 2023 Page 2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Vice Chair Wolf motioned to approve the regular and executive session minutes of March 23, 2023. Commissioner Henkel seconded, no discussion, it carried unanimously and the minutes were approved. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT Deputy Chief Moller was present on behalf of Chief Todd. He highlighted items from the Fire Chief's Report, a detailed report is on file. Highlights: Captain Jon Boteilho was named Aloha Exchange Club's Firefighter of the Year on March 26th. He was nominated for his work running the respiratory management program. Chief Moller expressed that goes much further than that. He takes care of everyone and is a trusted member of the community. On March 16tn Congresswoman Jill Tokuda visited the Central Fire Station. While speaking with HFFA, the subject of firefighters' working/living conditions was raised and she requested a visit to the station to observe these conditions firsthand. She was impressed with what the firefighters are doing with what little they have. She said her staff would go back and see if there are some ways to earmark funding. On March 23rd, HFD held a blessing for five new ambulances, they now have seven new ambulances in the department. Three firefighters had the opportunity to meet the founder of the Bambi Bucket, Don Arney. • Budget: Chief Moller reported they are on track. He ran the most recent numbers yesterday, they are about 84.01 % spent and are currently 83% in the year. Salaries and wages are about a million over, due to retros that were paid, going all the way back to July 2021. Chair Kosaki referred to the Kua Bay and Hapuna Beach grants in the report. There's an additional appropriation of $100,000 for equipment for both Kua Bay and Hapuna. He asked what kind of equipment they were planning to purchase and noted the Sayre Foundation purchased a lot of the new rescue boards. Chief Moller explained they have an OCE account for the two beaches and for the past several years, they haven't received any money within those accounts to maintain the lifeguard towers and get equipment at the beaches. They're in the process right now of doing lifecycle replacement for the equipment at the beaches. Chair Kosaki asked what specific equipment. Chief Moller stated he knows signage needs to be updated, boards, and medical equipment. He stated he will get back to him on that, he didn't have a list in front of him. Personnel Report: Testing last year was pushed aside and according to their interview and selection procedures, the eligibility list after the person takes a written test lasts for one year. This has pushed their eligibility list into September and October of this year when normally, it would expire in June. They're honoring the eligibility for one year, but are moving forward with testing and new lists, which will be done in the first half of this year and they'll be back on track for next year. The Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes April 27, 2023 Page 3 Fire Captain, FEO, HazMat Specialist, Fire/EMS Specialist, and Fire Rescue Specialists are all open. They did not select anyone from the eligibility list for the Fire Rescue Specialist last year because there were no openings. This will stay open until June and if the list goes stagnant, they'll review the process for next year. Chair Kosaki wanted to know if there are any current openings/vacancies for Fire Rescue Specialists. Chief Moller stated he doesn't believe there are any vacancies right now. The PAE and evaluations are scheduled to be done and they are expecting potentially two positions. Chief Moller reported the firefighter recruit tests and medicals are currently taking place, they're hoping for a hire date in July or August. In dispatch, they are down to four people. There are currently six personnel in the dispatch recruit class and potentially four additional positions. Off the eligibility list, there are 10 people that have not been interviewed, they are in the process of doing that right now. It's a critical situation, they are below what the minimum requirement is for dispatchers in dispatch. They're meeting with the union tomorrow to see if they could get some augmentation until the class is trained. They're looking at potentially having dispatchers in police dispatch, that way there will be more flexibility with the call - takers. Chair Kosaki stated over the years, there were always problems getting dispatchers. There's talk about having firefighters in dispatch rather than keeping it all civilian. He thinks this is a great idea because they know the system. Schedule -wise, this provides flexibility to those who can't work a 24-hour shift. He further stated they just hired six, but every time they hire six, they lose four, it's always a problem. He asked if they are leaning towards keeping the dispatchers as civilians or mirroring Honolulu, having firefighters in there, and providing a dispatch team or company. Chief Moller shared his opinion, he stated the civilian issue in there is three -fold. They don't have a conducive environment for maintaining the dispatchers. It's a matter of changing the atmosphere. Firefighters coming in to help augment will help improve that environment, it'll give those that are overworked a break. With the expertise that civilians bring, he doesn't think they can mimic that with firefighters. If a firefighter fails in dispatch, they go back to being a firefighter, so they don't lose anything. The problem with the civilians right now is, when they fail, they lose them. One of the reasons they fail is because they don't have a step approach, they don't train as a call -taker first before dispatching. They're asking someone to become an experienced dispatcher in one year. He doesn't think the civilian piece of it is an issue, it's the training. Chair Kosaki stated the pay is not commiserated with what they're expected to know. That's why after a while, they tend to leave. This needs to be thought out, it starts with meetings with the unions; HGEA, and HFFA. Chief Moller stated they're meeting with the union tomorrow. They think firefighters in dispatch is a good thing, they also think civilians in dispatch is a good thing. He offered to do a midnight to Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes April 27, 2023 Page 4 8:00 shift as a call -taker in dispatch, but he was told he needs to type 50 words a minute, but he would have a hard time listening and typing. There are defining characteristics that are required to be in dispatch and he doesn't know how prevalent that skill set is out there. Personnel Report (cont.): The Accountant III position is still vacant, DHR referred one candidate. Recruitment opened for HR Assistant and Clerk III. Professional Trainee I and Senior Account Clerk have been hired. Three offers were sent out for Water Safety Officers, leaving them with one vacancy, potentially two due to some actions that recently happened. HR Section did the Conducting an Effective Job Interview Training. Chair Kosaki stated the report says there are two permanent positions and one summer hire for water safety officers, but in the last minutes it says three conditional offers were sent out, there are two temporary hires and one permanent. He asked which one is correct. Chief Moller stated he believes what they have now is correct, it was two permanent with one summer hire, but last month might have been different, he'll confirm and will get back to him. Commissioner Mattos wanted to know the job description for the professional trainee position. Deputy Chief Moller stated it's in the training division, it's a permanent position for the administration of vector solutions and documentation of training for the department. He advised that he doesn't have the job description with him and will get back to him. • Total Calls for Service: In March, HFD received 2,664 calls, bringing the total year to date to 31,652 for the calendar year. • Turn Out Times: Deputy Chief Moller referred to the report and explained this is a national model. They're trying to bring the numbers down and improve trends analysis as they move forward. • Fire Impacts: Year to date, structure fires are at 16, wildland fires at 40, and a total of 2006 acres burned (2000 in February). • Emergency Operations: In East Hawaii, there was a rescue at Rainbow Falls, someone fell from the cliff and injured their leg. At Sack n Save there was a freon leak through the ventilation system and the store was evacuated. In West Hawaii there was a shark attack at A -Bay, a male in his 60s was bit on his hand and leg. • Special Operations: ➢ HazMat: 15 radiation monitors were purchased with LEPC funds. Lithium Battery Training is scheduled for June 21 and 22. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes April 27, 2023 Page 5 ➢ Ocean Safety: Planning for the Junior Lifeguard Program, it's meeting with great success and will be in June. ➢ Rescue: Rescue Boat 2 is back in service. Repairs are delayed again for Rescue Boat 7 due to part backorder. Chair Kosaki stated he knows his administration wasn't the one who took away the Special Operations Battalion Chief, but it was and now the burden is put on the AC of operations to manage that. There were some concerns that were brought up about basic things such as ordering equipment and necessary material in a timely manner for hazmat. There was one situation where they were out of chlorine calibration gas, so the chlorine meters weren't calibrated for three months before it was operable again. This brings up red flags, not only for the department but for the public, it's a safety concern. He asked if there is a line budget specifically for hazmat because that is a big portion. LEPC assists with purchasing equipment but day-to- day things such as sensors and calibration gas are very expensive and need to be purchased in a timely manner. Deputy Chief Moller explained it falls under the OCE for support services, but he doesn't see a direct correlation to hazardous materials and he'll bring this up with the chief when he gets back. Chair Kosaki stated in the Chief's Report, it says Rescue Boat 7 repairs were delayed again due to parts backorder, but in the minutes, it says Rescue Boat 7 repairs are scheduled for April loth, but considering the state of the boats, they were thinking of just replacing the boats. He suggests they make this a priority because it's an important piece of equipment. Chief Moller stated he agrees and explained they're currently working on a Port Security Grant. Additionally, Sayre Foundation took information on trying to get them a boat because they have a donor that's looking at getting one. Also, through the normal process, they're trying to get funding to acquire a new boat. They're also looking at the ability to fix the boat locally. Chief Moller stated in regards to the Special OPS BC, he agrees that's a job in itself. At the previous meeting, Chief Todd mentioned they're potentially looking at an Air OPS BC. He explained that may be a full Special OPS BC. Chair Kosaki asked if they were aware that the State turned off the water at Hapuna Beach, there was no potable water. He went swimming the other day and there were no showers or drinking water. Chief Moller stated he was not aware of this and will look into it. Chair Kosaki stated he was aware the plan is to promote WSO 5 to be equivalent to a BC. He thinks it's important that you have a chief officer directly involved with them because there are a lot of investigations. When he oversaw Ocean Safety, they took up 50% of his time doing investigations. He heard the captains are doing it now and they have no experience or training. It's a concern because it puts the captain at risk for liability and the department if they don't do the investigations properly and go Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes April 27, 2023 Page 6 through the proper channels. He further stated because there's no battalion chief overseeing those operations, there are a lot of problems starting up in those areas. Commissioner Mattos stated there are two Rescue Boat 7s and both are down. He wanted to know which one this pertains to, to which Chief Moller replied the Radon. Commissioner Mattos asked about the Force, Chief Moller stated he was unsure, he would have to get that information. Commissioner Mattos heard they were going to sell rescue Boat 7 and repair the other Force. Chief Moller said that was news to him and would get that information. He explained that the chief sold a boat, but that was 2, it wasn't 7, and that was nine months ago. Commissioner Mattos stated they brought Rescue Boat 2 from Hilo to get repaired in Kona, but took the Kona boat to Hilo and it's always been a problem. Chief Moller explained it's the contracting portion of it, it's not the same company that was working on it, they bid on the repair and the company that was awarded the bid was in Hilo for 7 and vice versa. Chair Kosaki asked if the Whaler was sold, to which Chief Moller replied yes, as well as the trailer. Emergency Medical Services: The EMS division received seven new ambulances. They changed out the engine on the one that burnt and it'll be back in service relatively soon. Department -wide CPR recertification process has begun. There are five personnel in paramedic school, who have completed their first rotation and have started their second. Through alternative funding efforts, they received a donation of $8,420 from the Community First Program. Training Services: They participated in joint training pre -incident planning and tactical evolutions preparing for structural firefighting response at the Hilo International Airport. Chief Springer gave a presentation to the Fire Science Class at the HCC Palamanui Campus. They also participated in joint in-service training for the MSA self-contained breathing apparatus. The State Airports division, HFD, and Pohakuloa now all have interoperable breathing apparatus. Chair Kosaki wanted to know the importance and reason for having interoperable breathing apparatus with the MSA. Chief Moller stated he believes the biggest reason is so they can refill. Another thing is if they're operating at an incident with outside agencies, they could switch and rotate out. Chair Kosaki heard they were going to train volunteer firefighters to use MSAs or SCBAs. Chief Moller stated that's correct, they'll be placed into the firefighter 1 and 2 training first, and as part of that training, they'll be trained in the breathing apparatus. The intent is not to have them going into structures. There are several fires they respond to, such as car fires. They want to make sure they identify those volunteers that meet the physical requirements. They'll be involved with the respiratory program and must get qualified and certified before they can utilize the breathing apparatus. Chair Kosaki asked if it's feasible to have volunteer firefighters trained in the use of SCBAs; they'll have to adhere to HFD standards, be fitted with MSAs at their Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes April 27, 2023 Page 7 stations, and be trained and fit tested annually. He further explained there's a huge cost and he thinks about the cost vs. benefit ratio. Chief Moller explained that the breathing apparatus they'll be utilizing will be purchased through volunteer funds. His concern is volunteer firefighters responding to vehicle fires, putting them at risk. They need to have a strong and robust training program for the volunteers to get them to the level where they can actually do things. They can't train them if they don't have the proper equipment. This is a training initiative, they won't utilize them in lieu of paid firefighters. They're currently looking at the feasibility, they would like to get them to a level where they can do it, but it might be cost -prohibited, and it might not come to fruition. Commissioner Mattos stated it also becomes the responsibility of the Fire Department and HFD would be liable. Chief Moller reported there's a new standard operating procedure for the volunteers that separates active firefighting volunteers from inactive volunteers. The new policy breaks it down into three basic areas; responders, auxiliary, and specialists. They're also updating the volunteer physicals. • Training Services (cont.): Chief Moller reported they participated in a career fair at Keaukaha Elementary School. • Volunteer Training Section: Volunteers were trained in fireground communications and Pak radio operations. Company 5 Delta, acquired a brush truck from the mechanic's base yard that had sat unused for years. They made multiple repairs to get it back into working order. They assisted with three structure fires within the last month. Chair Kosaki wanted to know the training division's plan. He sees they had a drill at Station 3, he asked if they plan to conduct drills at all stations monthly. Chief Moller explained it's a work in progress, they're working on developing a program. Chair Kosaki asked if they will oversee all the training throughout the department and track required certifications. Chief Moller explained that's one of the reasons for the Professional Trainee position, to handle that. The Training Division also has a Clerk III and they still handle the physicals through the training division. They're hopeful that piece will move over to the Safety Officer, so they can concentrate on the training aspect. Fire Prevention: For the month of March, the Fire Prevention Branch investigated nine structure fires, reviewed a total of 42 plans, conducted five public education presentations, seven complaints were investigated, nineteen fire investigation reports and requests were researched and sent to requestors, and a total of 272 fire prevention inspections, acceptances, and certificates. Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle Maintenance Section: Six candidates are in training for FCO I (fire communications officers). Chief Moller Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes April 27, 2023 Page 8 explained they'll start off as call -takers first prior to dispatching. The vehicle maintenance shop completed 84 repairs in March. Information Technology: MDTs have been installed, and firefighters are now getting up-to-date information as they respond to calls. Future Land Plans: Chief Moller reported on HFD's future expansion and land plans. A detailed report is on file. There will be changes to Central Fire Station and Kailua Fire Station. There's planning for a mechanics and training facility past the Hilo transfer station and a site for new Keaau Fire and Police Stations. There will be repairs and maintenance to stations in Pahala, Paradise Park, Kaumana, and Waiakea. They're also looking at relocating the Paradise Park and Honokaa Fire Stations. Recess was called at 10:28 a.m., the meeting reconvened at 10:40 a.m. NEW BUSINESS Discussion regarding the Fire Chief and Deputy Chief's salaries. Chair Kosaki reported that he received a call from John Bertsch, volunteer fire assistant chief, who sits on the Police Commission. Mr. Bertsch advised him that he would draft a letter to the Salary Commission, requesting and supporting a salary increase for the Police Chief. He asked if he wanted the Fire Commission on the same letter supporting a salary increase for both the fire and police chiefs. Chair Kosaki asked the commission if they wanted to do some research and add this tc the next agenda for further discussion. He stated the commission should look at fire chief's salaries from similar -sized departments nationwide, rather than looking at police vs. fire. Ms. Correa noted that John Bertsch was advised that there should be two separate letters; one from the Fire Commission if they wish to do that and a separate letter from the Police Commission. DCC Wong advised that the Salary Commission sets the salaries and they should be convening sometime this year, but she believes they're still waiting for a couple more appointments to that commission. The Salary Commission must consult with all boards and commissions that have an appointing authority for department heads. At some point after convening, the Salary Commission will send correspondence to the Fire Commissioners, the commission does not have to act right now. She advised the commission that they could either wait or propose something right now if they want to agendize something at a later Fire Commission meeting to draft a letter. For the purpose of today, it's determining what the Fire Commission wants to do and discuss it. Commissioner Nakashima suggested that they wait. Chair Kosaki stated they could continue the discussion at another meeting, wait and look at other fire chief's salaries and get more information. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes April 27, 2023 Page 9 Ms. Correa asked if the commission wants to continue this and add it to the next agenda for further discussion or if they want to wait for the Salary Commission to reach out to them. Commissioner Nakashima stated they should wait for the Salary Commission. Chair Kosaki stated if that's the consensus, he's ok with that too. Vice Chair Wolf asked if the Salary Commission has a timeline. DCC Wong stated there are current appointments in front of the County Council, and as soon as that's finished, they're supposed to convene immediately. She believes that's when there will be a discussion about the letters that will be sent to all boards and commissions that have appointing authority. Chair Kosaki asked if the Salary Commission will wait until they get all letters of recommendation first. DCC Wong explained that the Salary Commission won't convene until all the vacancies are filled. They don't want to proceed with just seven out of nine members. She thinks that period is coming up quickly because if she isn't mistaken, there are only one or two vacancies, but they have to go through County Council for approval. Chair Kosaki stated the Fire Commission should wait until that time and the commission agreed. EXECUTIVE SESSION (CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC) Commissioner Henkel 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 Nakashima seconded, with no discussion, and it carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 10:50 a.m. Motion to reconvene open session was made by Commissioner Nakashima, seconded by Vice Chair Wolf, and it carried unanimously, open session reconvened at 11:08 a.m. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Kosaki announced the commission's next monthly meeting is scheduled for May 25, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., in the County Building, Council Chambers, Suite 1401, 25 Aupuni St., Hilo, Hawaii. Chief Moller provided answers to previous questions. He clarified that the Professional Trainee position is assigned to the fiscal section and the RTO position is the training position. There are three RTO positions that are funded to prevent them from having budgetary issues with backfilling and overtime. As far as the Water Safety Officers, it's two permanent positions and one summer hire. It looks like the one summer hire was hired by Parks & Recs, so they may not have that summer hire position. Chair Kosaki confirmed that the chief's report was inaccurate. Deputy Chief Moller clarified as of today, it's two permanent positions and one summer hire, but they are anticipating the Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes April 27, 2023 Page 10 summer hire won't be hired because it would be through Parks & Recs. Chief Moller will check the fire chief's report and will make necessary corrections. Chair Kosaki stated before they adjourn, he wanted to put it on record and thanked Ms. Correa for her hard work. He also thanked the chief's secretary, Ms. Wiliamson for always being helpful and cheerful when he calls for the chief. Commissioner Henkel wanted to know if anyone was selected or appointed to the vacant positions in the Fire Commission, to which Chair Kosaki stated not yet. Chair Kosaki asked if he could talk about the departure of the last commission member and about the potential member who wasn't approved. He wanted to know if it was ok if he explained why. DCC Wong advised that was fine. Chair Kosaki informed the commission that Commissioner Agdeppa resigned and the potential commission member is still a volunteer firefighter, and while he's an active member of HFD, he can't be on the Fire Commission. He was supposed to go in front of the committee, but they found he was still an active member as a volunteer firefighter and was disqualified. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 11:14 a.m. SUBMITTED BY: CHARISSE CORREA, SECRETARY APPROVED BY: GERALD KOSAKI, CHAIR