HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-03-14 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
March 14, 2007
Liquor Control Conference Room
Kona Center Building
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Brazier at 9:55 a.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
John Bertsch
Stephen Bowles
James Browne
Neil Brazier, Chair
Karen Kudlo
Karen Maedo
Henry Pomroy, Jr.
WilOkabe
Excused:
Bill Rosehill
A quorum was present.
ALSO PRESENT:
Kaycie CarterLunakanawai Hauanio
Laurie KanetaErin Miller
William Tiki MorrisDarryl Oliveira, Fire Chief
Mac Goddard
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
Mr. Morris stated that he was concerned about the Fire Departments personnel
not using Wildland Personal Safety Gear (OSHA/NFPA approved). His
presentation reflected his letter sent to the Fire Commission. (Written
Communication No. 07-06) (See attachment A)
The Fire Commission thanked Mr. Morris for his presentation.
Mr. Lunakanawai Hauanio distributed documentation regarding his presentation.
(See Attachment B)
The Fire Commission thanked Mr. Hauanio for his presentation.
(ExecutiveSession)
STATEMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Maedo moved to accept the February 14, 2007, regular and
executive session minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Okabe
and unanimously carried.
APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Commissioner Maedo moved to accept communication numbers 07-05 and
07-07. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Okabe and unanimously
carried.
MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Commissioner Bertsch moved and Commissioner Maedo seconded meeting in
an executive session to consider the hiring, evaluation, dismissal, discipline of or
charges brought against an employee of the Hawaii County Fire Department,
where consideration of matters affecting privacy will be involved and a closed
session is requested by the concerned individual, or to consult with Corporation
Counsel on questions and issues pertaining to the commissions powers, duties,
privileges, immunities, and liabilities. (Pursuant to HRS 92-5(2) and Hawaii
County Charter Section 13-20(b). The motion was unanimously carried.
The regular session ended and the executive session began at 10:25 a.m.
Regular session resumed at 11:30 a.m.
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ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTER
It was moved by Commissioner Bowles and seconded by Commissioner Kudlo
that HCFC complaint 06-02 be sustained and referred to the Fire Chief for further
investigation. The motion carried with the following votes.
Ayes Bowles, Brazier, Browne, Kudlo, Maedo, Okabe, and Pomroy.
Nay - Bertsch.
At 11:35 a.m., Commissioner Maedo requested a five minute recess.
Meeting resumed at 11:40 a.m.
CHIEFS REPORT
Budget
FY 2007/08 Budget: Mayor Kim presented his budget to the County
·
Council and included the following supplemental budget items:
Warehouse renovation $20,000
·
Personal Protective Equipment Program $260,000
·
Safety Shoe Program $40,000
·
Two New Replacement Rescue Apparatus $1,060,000
·
The Hawaii Fire Department will present its budget before the County Council on
Friday, March 30, 2007, at 9:00 a.m.
Alternative Funding and Grants
FEMA FY 2005 Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant: (Plymo-Vent) The
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projected start date is March 19, 2007.
Capital Improvement Projects
Makalei Fire Station: Deputy Chief Glen Honda and former Deputy Chief
·
Desmond Wery (Projects Manager) met with the design consultant on
February 19, 2007, to discuss building and site requirements.
Pahoa Fire Station: Continues with the site grubbing. Septic system was
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installed.
Fire Administration & Support Facility: No new updates.
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Central Fire Station: No new updates.
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Central Fire Station Retrofit Project: Pre-construction meeting was held
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on February 14, 2007, with contractor to iron out details of project.
Captain Cook: Fee proposal currently under review by the Department of
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Public Works.
Paauilo Volunteer Station: Continuing with design phase of project.
·
Naalehu Fire Station: Submitted a request to Mayor Kim to request to the
·
Governors office for an executive order for Naalehu site near Waiohinu.
Mayor responded and requested a comprehensive priority listing of all fire
station needs. This formal report will also include existing stations.
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Promotions and Hiring
Active recruits include:
Open-Competitive Recruitment
Fire Fighter Recruits: Sent out the conditional offers of employment for
·
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candidates of the 36 Firefighter recruit class. Will be setting up medical
screening. Target date for hire is June 1, 2007. Anticipate hiring for the
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37 Firefighter recruit class in November or December 2007.
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36 Firefighter Recruit Class family orientation will be scheduled in May.
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Commissioners are invited. Details will be advised at the April meeting.
Internal Recruitment
Fire Equipment Operator assessment: Held on February 17, 2007.
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Candidates were notified by mail. The promotions of 12 individuals are
expected by April 1, 2007.
Battalion Chief Positions (EMS and FASO) closed on February 28, 2007.
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A total of five applicants. Will be scheduling an assessment center. The
commission will be notified of the date. Applicants are concerned with the
pay. The HFD is working with the Department of Human Resources on
the reallocation of the Assistant Chief and Battalion Chief positions. The
reallocation will put these positions in line with every jurisdiction in the
State.
Emergency Operations Division
Firefighter1TrainingProgram:BattalionChiefscontinuetoconduct
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routine meetings.
Working on initiating an Incident Command System Training to line
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personnel.
Meeting with Battalion Chiefs to stress the importance of the use of
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personal protective equipment. Trying to encourage the officers to
understand that it is their responsibility and they are accountable for the
use of the equipment issued.
Support Services Division
Fire Auxiliary Services
·
Fire Communication Center
·
Continue to work with the Police Department and the wireless
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entities regarding the wireless project that will begin soon. GPS will
track cellular calls.
Warehouse
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Distributed Fire Extinguisher and Flammable signs to stations. This
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should complete all Support division activities for HIOSH
remediation.
Air Bag (Safe Highways 2006 Grant) distribution completed.
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Maintenance Shop
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Apparatus and equipment repair: Continue to work on replacing
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two water tanks on brush trucks in Honokaa and Keaau.
New Apparatus: Received word that new engine for Captain Cook
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is ready for final inspection.
Emergency Medical Services Bureau
Appreciation to FF/MICT Wayne DeMotta for his assistance with the
·
EMS staff. He has been instrumental with the distribution of critical
EMS supplies.
Construction began on Hilo Medical Centers Emergency Room
·
renovation project. Patient drop-off area is affected. Deputy Chief Mento
is working with the Hospital Safety Officer and the CEO to ensure safety
and disposal of contaminated material.
Met with Hilo Medical Center to discuss current state of ambulance supply
·
procurement. HMC and Kau Hospital do not want to continue supporting
the current restocking system. Will be working on a price term agreement
bid to secure a vendor to provide ambulance supplies.
Prevention Inspection Bureau
Three inspectors attended Fire Inspections Principles Training on Oahu
·
from February 12-23, 2007. This is a fundamental class that is needed for
them to continue with their training at the Fire Academy. Fire Academy
Superintendent Dr. ONeil has pledged his assistance in helping to admit
future HFD personnel.
Training Bureau
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33 Firefighter Recruit Class: Promoted to Firefighter status as of
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March1,2007. They arecurrently finishing up the minimum requirements
needed to be an assigned EMT on a Medic unit.
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34 Firefighter Recruit Class: Concluded their EMT-B clinical phase of
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training. They will be takingtheir finals this week and begin their EMT-I
class on March 9, 2007. Tentatively scheduled to be completed by
May 11, 2007. Graduation scheduled for May 12, 2007.
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35 Firefighter Recruit Class: Finishing up their Fire Essentials
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Curriculum and taking their skills testing and written final exams. They
completed Wildland Fire Training, Propane Gas Emergency Training, and
Water Safety Training. Will begin Driver Training.
Volunteer Section
CaptainsClydeKomatsuandRalphYawatacontinuetofamiliarize
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themselves with the different volunteer companies.
WestHawaii:Trained89volunteers(10companies)inCPR/AED
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and First Responder. Working on supply inventory.
East Hawaii: Met with 64 volunteers (12 companies) and worked
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withthemoninventoryandPUCissues.
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Ocean View Volunteer Mac Goddard praised Captains Komatsu and
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Yawata for doing an excellent job.
Volunteer Chiefs Quarterly Meeting: To be held on April 21, 2007, at the
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Pahala Fire Station. Details will be provided at the upcoming meeting.
Other Support Division Activities
Assistant Chief Mento continues to work with FEMA on reimbursement for
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October 15, 2006, earthquake damages.
Assistant Chief Mento working with representatives from HPD and
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Department of Data Systems in the selection of a consultant to design a
new radio system for the County of Hawaii.
Assistant Chief Mento working with the Office of the Corporation Counsel
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and Pacific Wireless on the relocation of the Kapoho Radio Tower.
New Projects/Business
Fire Chief Oliveira attended the National Fire Academys Executive
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Analysis of Fire Service Operations in Emergency Management on
February 19 March 2. 2007, in Emmitsburg, Maryland. He is
encouraging the Deputy Chief, Battalion Chiefs, and Assistant Chiefs to
attend.
Public Education/Relations
American Red Cross Hats off Campaign: Held at KTA-Puainako and
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Kailua on March 3, 2007. Raised a total of $4,954.05.
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5 Annual Employees & Awards Dinner: Will be postponed.
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Commissioner will be notified.
Commissioner Bowles questioned whether the volunteers were distributed
equipment.
Chief Oliveira responded that they were not issued the Wildland pants. The Fire
Department is trying to raise money to purchase it for them. At the present time,
the volunteers are encouraged to use Federal standard non synthetic pants.
Commissioner Okabe inquired as to the use of the Personal Property Equipment.
Chief Oliveira replied that the personnel are required to use it. However, it was
notbeingenforcedandthereisaneedtoholdtheofficersaccountableforthis.
CommissionerBertschquestionedthecallvolumeandthevacanciesatthe
KailuaFireStation.
ChiefOliveirastatedthattherearevacancies;however,personnelareassigned
to those vacancies. These are typically the recruits in transition.
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Regarding the statistics at the station, Chief Oliveira reviews the annual report
rather than the monthly report to determine whether there is a consistent
increase in demand.
Commissioner Bertsch asked whether the Fire Department was developing a
plan with regards to a disaster.
Chief Oliveira replied that the Fire Department is considering revisiting and
rewriting its emergency response plan.
Commissioner Bertsch questioned the status of the burn trailer.
Chief Oliveira answered that he would provide a demonstration at the next Fire
Commission meeting.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
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
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next meeting is to be held on Wednesday, April 11, 2007, at
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10:00 a.m., in the Aupuni Center Conference Room, Aupuni Center Building,
101PauahiStreet,Hilo,Hawaii.
Set agenda for April 11, 2007, meeting
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Meeting was adjourned at 12:24 p.m.
SUBMITTED BY:
__________________________
KAYCIE A. I. CARTER
Secretary
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