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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-12-11 Fire Commission Minutes HAWAII COUNTY FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION - MINUTES December 11, 2002 Paniolo Conference Room Keauhou Shopping Center Kailua-Kona, HI CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Neil Brazier at 10:00 am. ROLL CALL: PRESENT:ALSO PRESENT: Neil BrazierLincoln Ashida Dale FergerstromLaurie Kaneta Rudolph HartChristopher Langan Louis KaoiwiDarryl Oliveira Laura WardMartha Rodillas Terry WallaceScott Susman Joe Whitney Mike Andrade Aaron Arbles Wayne Awai A quorum was present. Excused: Karen Maedo, Stephen Bowles, Natalie Flattes STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS Chris Langan thanked the Commission for the opportunity to speak; he read communication No. 02-118 (see Attachment ÐAÑ). Commissioner Brazier stated that the HFC is confident in Chief Oliveira and he is aware of the happenings. The HFC will support the Chief and not get involved with the day to day operations of the department. A discussion was held and all commissioners agreed. Aaron Arbles addressed the Commission on behalf of the Firefighters Union. Diesel soot in the stations are creating unhealthy situations for the employees. This issue has been addressed with the chief. Mr. Arbles asked the HFC to push money to address this problem. This situation arises when the trucks are cranked up. The diesel trucks give off benzine which causes leukemia. The k next to the floors where the trucks are located. Receiving complaints from the stations. The Firefighters union are supporting Chief OliveiraÓs supplementary budget. A discussion was held and Mr. Arbles was encouraged to seek support of the HawaiÒi County Council with respect to the budget of the Fire Department. Mr. Arbles expressed a concern of inadequate manpower at the one-man stations. Corporation Counsel Ashida advised that no decisions shall be made regarding these issues as these items are not listed on the agenda. Mr. Arbles was encouraged to submit the concerns in writing addressed to the HawaiÒi Fire Commission. Chief Oliveira stated that there is a need for the chain of command; if there are obstacles, the firefighters can come to the chief. The decision to promote off of the list was his. There was no solid proof of cheating and the positions needed to be filled. A discussion was held with the Department of Civil Service regarding the scores being higher on the second day; however that was no indication that cheating was done. There may have been college graduates vs. high school graduates, senior members, etc. Many candidates didnÓt want the test thrown out because they studied hard to pass the test. A policy can be established to eliminate the ÐinformalÑ ranking list that is posted at each station. The administration does not participate in the publishing of this list. The Mayor has agreed to allow over-time monies be spent to administer the test on one day only. Mayor is supportive of improving the process. Tests will be given on one day at the same time at different location; groups will be sequestered until the exams are done. It will be the responsibility of the applicants if they are on vacation or sick leave. Commissioner Kaoiwi observed all interviews and concluded that it is a highly confidential and professional procedure. Chief Oliveira requested for more positions in the budget to provide adequate staffing levels at all stations. Chief Oliveira stated that it costs $15,000 per unit to take care of one truck (for the diesel soot). It is an OSHA violation and the Mayor and County Council have been made aware of this. APPROVAL OF MEETING PROCEEDINGS Commissioner Kaoiwi moved to accept the November 13, 2002, regular and executive session minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ward a carried. APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 2 Commissioner Kaoiwi moved to accept communication numbers 02-111 through 02- 117. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ward and unanimous Commissioner Ward moved to add communication no. 02-117 to the a motion was seconded by Commissioner Hart and unanimously carried CHIEFÓS REPORT Chief Oliveira acknowledged Mike Andrade as acting Captain for 2 years leading a company and as a nominee for the CountyÓs ÐSupervisor of the YearÑ awards program. Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Awai nominated Mike Andrade in the CountyÓs ÐSupervisor of the YearÑ awards program. AC Awai spoke highly of Mr. Andrade acknowledging the demands of the district for two years without knowing when it would end. Mr. Andrade displayed all hallmarks of a great leader: integrity; honesty; commitment to his job. Mike Andrade thanked everyone for the recognition and stated that he was glad to go through that experience for two years. Mike Andrade was presented with a letter of appreciation from th Budget: provided Finance Committee with supplemental budget. An informal presentation can be done at the next meeting. Tried to identify items of one phase of a multi-phased unit need to limit ourselves as to what we can train and hire. Hoping to hire 30; with 2 classes of 15 each. Next fiscal year, can budget for 30 more positions and a training center. Grants: Council passed a resolution to spend a $5,000 grant fro Wildlife. USFA grant application looks promising; still optimistic. Promotions & hiring: discussion held earlier regarding driverÓs promotions. Notification of selection in process. Selection for equipment mechanic to be done by Friday. There are 13 applicants. Firefighter recruit background checks being done. Using established radio dispatcher list; waiting for finalization on sharing of list with Police. Operations division: Kailua apparatus has been restored and returned to service. Air compressor for West Hawai`i to be implemented by December 31, th West HawaiÒi to do their own refills. EMS Division: one candidate may be extended; no fair evaluation process on Oahu. Prevention bureau: preparing for upcoming fireworks sales. Department of Data Systems working on electronic format to complete permits on-line. Training division: Put together a training team; targeting January. 3 Volunteer division: Insurance bureau is evaluating the WaikiÓi district. Fire Auxiliary Services Division: radio vendors Î 800 MHZ band; frequencies absorbed ok for metropolitan community; gathering information fo 700 MHZ. Public Relations: Graduation from leadership training; positive for department. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. COMMITTEE REPORTS Budget & Finance (Bowles/Hart) Commissioner Hart distributed a chart prepared by Commissioner Bowles. By 2005, the Fire budget should be balanced if 11% of real property tax is contributed towards this department. Anyone is encouraged to call Steve if they have any questions. Chief OliveiraÓs budget was put together well. Office Management and Staffing (Fergerstrom/Wallace) Commissioner Fergerstrom reported that the evaluation form that was distributed to everyone of the Fire Chief is accepted and will be used. Commissioner Wallace moved to accept the evaluation of the Fire Chief form. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Ward and unanimously carried evaluation to be done by this committee. The evaluation will be commission then discussed with Chief Oliveira in January. Commissioner Fergerstrom moved that all Commissioners be prepared to discuss the ChiefÓs evaluation in January and to finalize the evaluation back form of each page. This motion was seconded by Commissione unanimously carried. Rules and Policies (Kaoiwi/Flattes) Commissioner Kaoiwi stated that the evaluation should be done in March, which would allow the Chief to have served one complete year as the Chief of the Fire Department. Corporation Counsel Ashida advised that the evaluation of the Fire Chief goes to the Mayor. Evaluation of the Fire Chief and annual report of activities of the Fire Commission are due to the Mayor annually. Public Relations (Ward) 4 A tribute to Hawai`i firefighters film is showing Friday night. There was a Ðletter to the editorÑ in yesterdayÓs paper regarding not having a hazmat team on this West side of the island. This article will be given to Chief Oliveir NEW BUSINESS Election of Officers for 2003 Commissioner Wallace nominated Commissioner Neil Brazier to serve as the Chair of the HawaiÒi Fire Commission for 2003. This motion was second Commissioner Hart and unanimously carried. Commissioner Ward no Commissioner Stephen Bowles to serve as Vice-Chair of the HawaiÒi Fire Commission for 2003. This motion was seconded by Commissioner F and unanimously carried. PUBLIC STATEMENTS None. ANNOUNCEMENTS The next meeting is to be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2003, at 10:00 a.m. at the Liquor Control Conference Room, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Hilo, HawaiÒi. Commissioner Wallace will be in California from December 12 through January 6, 2003 and will be visiting the San Francisco training facility on Set agenda for January 8, 2003, meeting. Items to be discussed in January: salary commission (expects to have a quorum in January); possible golf tournament at Hokulia for Sayer Foundation ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 12:05 pm SUBMITTED BY: __________________________ MARTHA A. RODILLAS Secretary B&C:Fire Commission:Regular Session Minutes November 13, 2002 LS 5