HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-08-08 Fire Commission Minutes
Harry KimDixie Kaetsu
MayorManaging Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
HAWAII COUNTY FIRE COMMISSION
C/O 25 Aupuni Street #217, Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone: 961-8316; Fax: 933-1521
Email: Firecomm-agenda@co.hawaii.hi.us
REGULAR SESSION - MINUTES
August 8, 2007
Liquor Control Conference Room
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Brazier at 10:00 a.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
John Bertsch
Stephen Bowles
Neil Brazier, Chair
James Browne
Karen Kudlo
Karen Maedo
Wil Okabe
Henry Pomroy
Excused:
BillRosehill
Aquorumwaspresent.
ALSO PRESENT:
Aaron ArblesTom Brandt
Kaycie CarterClint Coloma
Richard FongGlen Honda, Deputy Fire Chief
Laurie Kaneta Darryl Oliveira, Fire Chief
Noni SanfordChris Stellfox
Mike UdovicRalph Yawata
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Commissioners:JohnBertsch,StephenBowles,NeilBrazier,JamesBrowne,
Karen Kudlo, Karen Maedo, Wil Okabe, Henry Pomroy, Jr., Bill Rosehill
(Open to the Public)
STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Okabe moved to accept the July 11, 2007, regular session
minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Maedo and unanimously
carried.
APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Commissioner Maedo moved to accept communication number 07-013 and
07-014. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Bertsch and unanimously
carried.
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INTRODUCTION OF 36 FIRE FIGHTER RECRUIT CLASS
Fire Equipment Operator Richard Fong introduced himself and asked the
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35 Recruit Class, which started on July 16, to introduce themselves. They are:
Zachary Ah ChongCole Arrington
Christopher BergLindsey Capellas
Matthew HoGregory Houghtaling
Brandon KagawaAshley Kanahele
Edward KawasakiJeremy Manasas
Elijah McDannielKyle Toma
James WakefieldClyde Willey
The Hawai'i County Fire Commission welcomed them.
IntroductionofBattalionChiefsRalphYawata,AaronArbles
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IntroductionofSpecialOperationsBattalionChiefClintColoma
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IntroductionofCaptainChrisStelfoxwithOceanSafety
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CaptainStelfoxthankedChiefOliveiraandthemembersoftheFire
Commission who were instrumental with the incorporation of the Ocean
SafetyDivisionwiththeHawai'iFireDepartment.HestatedthattheOcean
Safety Personnel display a positive attitude towards the integration. There
arechallengestoundertake.Basically,itisnecessarytorevamptheentire
Ocean Safety Division.
Captain Clint Coloma introduced himself and stated that he was recently
promoted to the newly created Special Operations position to oversee Ocean
Safety, Rescue and HazMat. At the present time, the department is looking
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toward future improvements. There will be challenges; however, there are
always solutions to problems.
Fire Chief Oliveira, Captains Stelfox and Coloma entertained questions by the
Fire Commission regarding the Ocean Safety Operations. The discussion
included the transference of part-time to full-time personnel, the conditions,
incidents, and usage of Big Island beaches, etc.
CHIEFS REPORT
Budget
FY 2007/08Budget:County Council approved effective July 1, 2007.
·
FY 2007/08 budget disseminated to Commissioners.
(See Attachment A)
Alternative Funding and Grants
FEMA FY 2005 Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant: (Plymo-Vent) All
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stations have been retrofitted with system. Very pleased with the product.
Appreciation to Captain Robert Alamedia, Gerald Kosaki, and Firefighter
Neil Yoshioka who worked on this project.
FEMA FY 2006 Fire Prevention & Safety Grant: Received notificationon
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July 10, 2007, that the application was not funded.
Capital Improvement Projects
Pahoa Fire Station: Construction continuing. The foundation was laid and
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proceeding with the framing of the apparatus floor and living quarters. A
newspaper article was recently published regarding the station.
Makalei Fire Station: Projects Manager Desmond Wery and Public Works
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personnel met with the design consultant and the property owner on
August 2, 2007, in order to address the consultants concerns regarding
the intersection. The consultant needed reassurance that no other
development would be tied to the Fire Stations project. Currently, the
Mayors Office is drafting a letter to the consultant to alleviate any
concerns.
Fire Administration and Support Facility: Design contract awarded.
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Department of Public Works representative David Yamamoto advised
Chief Oliveira that he hopes to have construction begin in 2008 and
occupancy to follow sometime in 2009.
Central Fire Station: Received the Mayors approval to finance the
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requested funding for a full environmental assessment.
Central Fire Station Retrofit Project: The main exterior roof repair and the
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upstairs interior plaster and paint work was completed.
Captain Cook Fire Station: Immediately following last months meeting,
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Chief Oliveira met with supervisors and staff in order to address their
concerns regarding plans for the station. A memo was distributed to
personnel. (See Fire Commission Communication No. 07-014.)
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Keaau Fire Station: Actively looking for a property in order to replace the
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current Keaau Fire Station. The Fire Department has outgrown the
building with the incorporation of EMS and other services. The HFD is
trying to work with the Police on a joint project to improve both stations.
On July 30, 2007, Projects Manger Wery will be meeting with the County
of Hawai'is Department of Public Works engineer and Real Property Tax
manager, to discuss prospective sites at Shipman or Kamehameha
Schools.
Honokaa Fire Station: No site has been identified.
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Promotions and Hiring
Active recruits include:
Open-Competitive Recruitment
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37 Firefighter Recruit Class: Recruitment closed on June 26, 2007, with
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525 applicants. The COMPASS and interviews are scheduled for the first
week in October.
Water Safety Officer I: Trying to fill all existing vacancies. Also, the HFD
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would like to convert all part-time to full-time positions. However, until
there is a recruit program, it is necessary to retain the part-time
employees.
Fire Radio Dispatcher I: Received certification list to fill two remaining
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vacancies. Interviews/assessments will be conducted later this month.
Internal Recruitment
Battalion Chiefs (Prevention Bureau): In the process of finalizing
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recruitment. At the present time, there is one applicant; will be conducting
an administrative review this month.
Projected Retirements
A report was distributed to the Commission which indicated that there are
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over150uniformedstaffhas0-5yearsofservice,andthereare
26 employees with 25+ years of service as of 2007.
Support Services Division
Fire Auxiliary Services Bureau
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BattalionChiefMichaelGahan,whorecentlyfilledtheFireAuxiliary
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Services Officer position, will be introduced at the upcoming Fire
Commissionmeeting.Presently,heisattendingaLiveBurn
Demonstration presented by Waterous and Burton's Fire on Kauai.
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Warehouse Section
Working on the renovationof the warehouse in order to repair sections of
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office space, as well as improvethe shelving/storage capacity.
Received and issued two projectors to volunteer captains to facilitate
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training.
Completed the delivery and issuance of 20 portable generatorsas part of
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the 2007 State Highways Safety Grant.
Established a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Committee to help
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with the purchasing of 240 new PPE's. The goal is to provide all
operational personnel captains and below with two sets of Turnout gear.
Committee will provide department with specifications to help purchase
these products.
Maintenance Shop Section
As mentioned earlier, the mechanic shop is finalizing the PlymoVent
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up-fit project.
Emergency Medical Services Bureau
Battalion Chief Ralph Yawata is working with a steering committee to
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develop design specifications to purchase three new medics for the
current fiscal year.
Ocean View Fire Station received a donation of 20 new EKG units from
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the Ocean View Community Association.
Prevention Bureau
Received approval to participate with the Department of Health with the
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review of agricultural burn applications. Permits were previously issued
without authorization of the HFD. There was cause for concern because
thepartieswhowereissuedpermitswerenotfollowingsafeburn
practices. Therefore, the Fire Department requested that it be included in
the process of reviewing and approving the applications. The Prevention
Bureaus task is to meet with the prospective applicant in order to
determine whether there are any safety issues.
Chief Oliveira stated that the Department of Health asked whether the Fire
Department has the authority to intervene. In his opinion, when reviewing
the Fire revised statutes (Chapter 132), there is a provision that grants the
authority to the Fire Chief to prohibit any practices that would be deemed
a fire hazard or threaten the safety of the community. The Office of the
Corporation Counsel is working with the HFD. Chief Oliveira will keep the
Fire Commission updated on the situation.
Training Bureau
Operations Section
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Recruit Training
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34 Firefighter Recruit Class: Completed the tactics and strategies
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section of the HazMat class on July 16-27. All 13 recruits are now
certified HazMat Technicians. The next process will be their station
assignments.
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35 Firefighter Recruit Class: Currently in EMT-B training.
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36 Firefighter Recruit class: Introduced earlier. Started out with
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17 recruits. One recruit voluntarily resigned. There were a couple of
injuries during Physical Agility Test training.
Volunteer Section
Report provided by Volunteer Fire Chief Tom Brandt.
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Volunteer Chiefs Quarterly Meeting: The last meeting was held on
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July 21, 2007, at the Ocean View Fire Station. It was a very productive
meeting. Chief Oliveira addressed some concerns raised about the
new Fire Essentials Curriculum training.
Upcoming Volunteer Chiefs Quarterly Meeting: Will be held on
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October 27, 2007, at the Puuanahulu Fire Station.
New Projects/Business
Explorer Program: The Explorer Program ended on Saturday,
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August 4, 2007, with a total of twelve students. The Steering committee
will meet in order to determine how to sustain and expand the program.
Emergency Operations Center: The Fire Commission was provided an
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overview by the Civil Defense Agencys Plans and Operations Officer
Neil Gyotoku and Staff Officer Duane Hosaka following the meeting.
Employee/Public Relations
Fifth Annual Employees and Awards Dinner: Event to be held on Friday,
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August17,atHiloMeishoin.
CommissionerBrowneinquiredonvolunteerinterestinWaikoloa.
ChiefOliveiraansweredthattherehasntbeenmuchsuccessinfinding
individuals who are willing to commit.
Commissioner Okabe inquired on the lifeguards starting salary.
Captain Stelfox replied that their beginning pay was an hourly rate of $15.01.
Regarding the lifeguards part time status to full time, Commissioner Okabe asked
whether there would be any half time lifeguards.
Captain Stelfox answered that the intention is to eliminate the half-time positions
because it is not cost efficient.
Commissioner Bertsch noticed that Chief Oliveiras name was listed on the
retirement report.
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Chief Oliveira replied that the report was based on individuals who qualified and
that he was not interested in retiring.
Commissioner Bertsch asked whether the administration was aware of who was
interested versus who was qualified.
Chief Oliveira replied that every year a memo is distributed to the personnel in
order to determine who is interested. Typically, there is an average of ten
employees a year.
Commissioner Bertsch announced that Volunteer Fire Chief Tom Brandt was
reelected.
The Hawai'i County Fire Commission congratulated him.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Budget & Finance (Kudlo): No report
Office Management and Staffing (Bertsch) No report
Rules and Policies (Rosehill) No report
Public Relations (Pomroy) No report
Training and Education (Maedo) No report
NEW BUSINESS
Fire Chiefs Evaluation form Changes and Suggestions.
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Commissioner Maedo provided anoverview of the formulation of the Fire
Chiefs Evaluation Tool/Process. (See Attachment B) She stated that Chief
Oliveira asked for an opportunity to receive feedback from the department.
Therefore, the Fire Commission asked that this information be provided by
the Fire Commissions October meeting in order for the Fire Commission to
finalize the Annual Fire Chiefs Evaluation by December 2007.
Commissioner Okabe distributed a draft copy of the Fire Chief Evaluation
form(AttachmentC).Hestatedthattherewereconcernsaboutgetting
input from the community regarding the Chiefs evaluation. Each
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commissioner represents a district and may hear from the community or the
rank and file. The proposed draft is similar to the Police Chiefs Evaluation.
Commissioner Okabes experience with being on the Fire Commission as
compared to the Police Commission is the fact that the Fire Chief presents an
overview of the Fire Department and its strategic plan to new commissioners.
The drafted proposal that he and Commissioner Maedo created allows new
commissioner the chance to evaluate the Chief based on that presentation.
New members may not have the opportunity to visit the stations and meet
with the personnel. The drafted proposal allows those commissioners the
perspective to simplify the areas of the evaluation more clearly, rather than
the previous evaluation, which was in narrative form.
Commissioner Okabe recommended that the commission review the drafted
proposal this month and have further discussion on this matter at next
monthsmeeting.
CommissionerBertschsuggestedthatChiefOliveiraaddareportupdateon
the strategic plan at the monthly Fire Commission meetings. He cautions
having a numerical rating to the evaluation. He asked Commissioner Maedo
to clarify whether she was requesting that Chief Oliveira provide rank and file
input at the October meeting.
Commissioner Maedo responded that she would like input from the Chief
regarding the draft document. Also, regarding a numerical rating, she
commented that the Fire Commission responsibility is to rate the Chief. His
responsibility is to make sure all of the stakeholders are in the collective
process. It is a tall order, because of the strategic plan that the Fire
Commission is so proud of. The Fire Commission is able to be a prototype
for all the other departments because there is a successful
performance-based measure that allows the evaluation direction to be
clearer, and the commission can articulate it to the public.
Familiarization with the Civil Defense Emergency Operating Center.
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The Fire Commission was provided an overview by the Civil Defense
Agencys Plans and Operations Officer Neil Gyotoku and Staff Officer Duane
Hosaka following the meeting.
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
None
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next meeting is to be held on Wednesday, September 12, 2007, at
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10:00a.m.,intheLiquorControlConferenceRoom,Kailua-Kona,Hawai'i.
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Set agenda for September 12, 2007, meeting.
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Fire Chiefs Evaluation form Changes and Suggestions.
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Meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.
SUBMITTED BY:
__________________________
KAYCIE A. I. CARTER
Secretary
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