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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-04-14 Fire Commission Minutes HAWAII COUNTY FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION - MINUTES April 14, 2004 Liquor Control Conference Room Hilo Lagoon Centre CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Neil Brazier at 10:00 am. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Stephen Bowles Neil Brazier Dale Fergerstrom (10:20 am) Rudolph Hart Karen Maedo Glen Matsuda Laura Ward Clifford (Joe) Whitney A quorum was present. ALSO PRESENT: Laurie Kaneta Louis Kaoiwi Curtis Matsui Diane Noda Martha Rodillas Noni Sanford Ron Sanford STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS None APPROVAL OF MEETING PROCEEDINGS Commissioner Maedo moved that the minutes of the March 10, 2004 regular session be approved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Matsuda and u carried APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Commissioner Ward moved to accept communication numbers 04-012 t The motion was seconded by Commissioner Matsuda and unanimously CHIEFÓS REPORT Battalion Chief Curtis Matsui represented Chief Darryl Oliveira whom is in Emmitsburg, Maryland working on a Fire Grant from April 12 - April 16. Chief Oliveira was selected as a member of a national committee. Deputy Fire Chief Desmond Wery is attending a Forest Fire Council Conference on Kauai. This involves the states of Nevada, California and HawaiÓi. This conference discusses many important concerns that relate to wild land fire concerns. BC Matsui stated that the HFD appreciates the dedication and hard work that the HFC puts into the system. He thanked the HFC on behalf of the HFD for their time and dedication. BC Matsui introduced two new Fire Radio Dispatchers: Cassie Fernandez & Tasha Kodani. Both dispatchers agreed that the job is challenging and is enjoying their new employment with the Fire Department. BC Matsui introduced two new mechanic shop personnel who take ca apparatus and small equipment repair: Raymond Boots & Elmer Longboy. Both men are honored to work for the Fire Department and feels that it is a good organization. Now with sufficient amount of personnel, the mechanics will be a establish service for outer districts. th The 30 recruit class consists of 20 new recruits who are highly motivated. This recruit class will address the problem of vacancies within the HFD. Captain Glenn Honda is the lead instructor for the firefighter recruits. This class is in its fourth week of training and is following a nationally recognized curriculum. The training will last about 16 weeks then another 15 weeks. The HFD has been fortunate to use the Francis Wong Stadium, The NAS swimming pool and The Hilo Drag Strip as training areas. There has been lots of personal commitments to help out with the training. To address the shortages, Captain Honda has taken the leadership role in getting the individuals trained. There has been great support from the administration and the line company th personnel to get the firefighters trained. The 30 recruit class introduced themselves. Names: James BooneKlaylan BurchettLaka Burgess Stacy DomingoMichael GlendonIvan Higashi 2 Gregory HopkinsJay IgawaMichael Jackson Kilipaki KanaeMatthew KomataJustin Kouchi Lyle OmotoShane PaulosAdam Ranne Gabriel SasakiMark SpainPatrick Springer Joseph WedemannDesmond Wery, Jr. Budget: Fiscal Year 2004-2005 Department budget review was held on March 11. Thank you to Commissioner Bowles for his testimony, as well as Commissioners Brazier, Whitney, and Matsuda and Ron & Noni Sanford for their p support. Council members were supportive of the budget, although they did express reservations with setting an 11.5% base of real property tax revenues for the HFD. Recent reports indicate the HFD budget represents 8% of real property tax revenue. Alternative Funding & Grants: Office of Domestic Preparedness (ODP) in the Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighter Grant program (formerly USFA Fire Act Grant): Grant writers Keola Payao & Michael Hayashida submitted the HFDÓs proposal for a mobile Modular Live Fire Training Unit, which will provide invaluable training opportunities for the paid and volunteer personnel. The trailer type unit can be moved to different areas and can be used as a burn tower. Will of accomplishing fire fighting. Currently, the HFD utilizes structures scheduled for demolition to conduct live fire training exercises. However, long before the training exercise can even begin, the structure needs to be donated to the HFD, then approved for demolition by various County & State agencies. The owner must take samples of man-made materials from the structure and send them to a laboratory at his own cost. If asbestos is found in any of the materials, the owner must pay a private contractor to have it removed. HFD has been trying to streamline the process to make it easier for the homeowners. This process is very discouraging to the homeowner and severely amount of structures that are donated, which in turn severely hampers the live fire training exercises. The acquisition of the Modular Live Fire Training Unit will circumvent this problem. In addition to supporting the training of the personnel, the use of this training unit will have a direct impact on the air quality of the environment. Utilizing clean burning fuel (propane), emissions and particulates will be minimal. The total budget for this project is $430,000. Federal request is $301,000 (70%) with the HFD matching $129,000 (30%). Department of Transportation, Safe Communities Grant: Provides means of obtaining State grant funding for highway safety projects. The HFD will be 3 applying for funding to acquire 42 radio translucent spine board medic units (3 per unit). Total cost is $8,400. Radio translucent is the reason HFD wants these. Once a person is on the board and they are mobilized, the can get to the hospital for x-rays on this board. CIP: Puna Public Safety Complex: no new updates to report. Pahoa Fire Station: Conducted a site visit of a second possible site for the replacement of the Pahoa Fire Station, which is State owned property on the makai side of Highway 130, approximately .20 miles (north) of the Ogasawara property. An assessment and an evaluation report were submitted to the Mayor regarding both sites. Fire Administration: Temporary Fire Administration relocation (former Public Works in County Building) pending asbestos clean-up in the County Building. There will be site visits after todayÓs meeting for five possible future sites. Promotions & hiring: th The 30 recruit class was introduced at the beginning of the HFC meeting. A family orientation was held on March 12, 2004. The class began 16, 2004. Everyone is doing well at this point. They are start ladders, hose handling, CPR & First Aid. FEO & Fire Captain Internal Recruitments: Continuing to evaluate and establish fair and comprehensive selection process. Operations Division: RMS update: RMS Committee met on March 11, 2004 and discussed the progress of the HFIRS. They are fine-tuning the data to suit their needs. West Niles Virus: The County is preparing for the proper disposal of dead birds that may be infected with the West Niles virus. The HFDÓs role is to identify designated pick-up/drop-off stations and assurance of safe and sanitary disposal. Flash flood conditions: There has been lots of flooding in Waik Kohala & Kona areas. The bad weather situation was handled well by different participating agencies. Prevention bureau: Preparation is underway to provide adequate coverage for the Merrie Monarch festivities to assure a safe and enjoyable event by all. 12 firefighters (including 2 inspectors) attended the Origin of Electrical Fires - Arson Investigations course on March 29. This course was instructed by the NFA in coordination with Honolulu Fire Dept. Training division: th Status of 28 Recruit Class: Began second rotation of assignments on March 17. One member is on active duty in Iraq. All are doing well. 4 th Status of 29 Recruit Class: Began their clinical rotations at stations in March for about five weeks before returning for EMT-I classroom training. Driver Competency Training Program Update: Of the 271 drivers, a total of 170 audits have been received to date. Volunteer division: Driver Training Class Update: Driver training has been completed for all priority companies, and Ocean View, Pepeekeo, North Kohala & Volcano are running again. In the process of coordinating training for about 12 more smaller companies. Next Volunteer Fire ChiefÓs meeting will be hosted by Fire Administration and is on May 8, 2004 at the Training Room. EMS Division: MICT Class: Targeted for September, 2004. Conducted orientation briefing with 15 personnel who have expressed interest. HFD plans to have a m program for these candidates that will include one-on-one mentoring and tutoring, periodic lesson and skill training and possible case study review. This will assist the candidates prior to and during the MICT classes. MICT is one of the most difficult and complicated training. Support to the can beneficial. Fire Auxiliary Service: projects are on-going. Already completed one phase of the West Hawaii sub-storage project. Because of the distances between Hilo, North Kohala, and Kona, it is difficult to distribute supplies to the various stations. To minimize this problem, a sub-storage unit was created. This 40-foot Matson container is stationed at the Waikoloa fire station. It will store supplies for distribution to the outer districts. A records retention project has began. These records were on ha (paper). HFD is trying to take past records and transform them on to CD or DVD. Diane Noda was thanked for assisting with legal process regarding the retention schedule, etc. A RSVP volunteer is scanning the materials onto the hard drive. HFD is trying to modernize and move more paperwork into electronic formatting. A Microsoft office training was held for Office, Excel, Word, Access and Power Point programs. CAD/RMS link Î accomplished upgrades. There were several glitches. The Volcano station was supposed to have come on line last night. O stations are hooked up, should be able to have computer system talk to each other. A public survey will be finalized soon. Data Systems ha helpful in getting the system up & running. New projects: Status of Fire Commission Secretary: Have not yet heard from the Mayor regarding this position. In preparation for the CountyÓs new financial computer system (FRESH), ongoing meetings and training are being held. 5 2004 State Legislature Session update: SB 2136: Died in the Senate and therefore no longer on the legislative agenda. (RE: public safety training academy). SB 2399: Relating to the funding of an emergency ambulance serv Ocean View community. This bill was heard in the House Finance April 7, 2004. Written support was provided by HFC, Fire Chief, Council Members, Ocean View Volunteer Company, and the Ocean View Commun Association. The bill passed the Finance Committee, however the effective date is amended to 2010. According to Senator KokubunÓs office, this done as a strategy to keep the bill alive and to move it to the conference committee between the Senate and House. The effective date is debatable. nd 2 annual awards dinner Î was held on April 3, 2004 at the Royal Kona Resort. In addition to recognizing employees for service and promotion awards and retirement, FRS Curtis TaosakaÓs memory was honored and tribute was paid to firefighters who are presently serving the country. Public relations: March 27, 2004 - American Red Cross Everyday Heroes Event recogn members of our community for their bravery and courage. A young boy was honored for alerting his family to a fire. A citizen was recognized for playing a proactive role in the prevention of a brush fire. The Sayres were honored for their contributions to the community over the years, including their support of the HFD rescue program. May 24, 2004 - North HawaiÒi Public Safety Committee nominated Firefighter Gabriel Lindsey for his longtime (30 years) of service to the HFD and the North Kohala Community. April 1, 2004 - Aloha Exchange Club recognized FEO Glen Honda as their Fire Fighter of the Year for his contributions to the HFDÓs training program. th Preparing for Emergency Medical Services Week - May 16 - 22, 200 annual EMS week 5K run/2.0 mile walk on May 22 at Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo. Will be dedicated to the memories of Mandy Shiraki, Danny Villarios, and Ron Laubacher, who lost their lives while flying to the Big Island f transport. A special commemorative t-shirt to honor them is being made. Invitations to Fire Commissioners will be mailed soon. Agendize for May 12 meeting: Dennis Iyo Citizen Valor/Recognition Awards Program Councilman Leningrad Elarionoff ÐCharacter FirstÑ presentation Commissioner Ward asked about the number of participants in the MICT program. BC Matsui stated that they would like to maintain the level of service until 15 new personnel are brought on board. It takes a long time to train the MICTÓs; constant training is the key on getting the individuals trained. In August, there will be 20 more firefighter recruits. Offers of conditional employment have been issued. They need to have cle records; pass the physical examination and drug testing, etc. 6 Louis Kaoiwi stated that the HFC needs to get more active in acquiring the station in Pahoa. Need to push the County Council and take a more active role in getting this project moving along. Commissioner Matsuda asked if in light of new recruit class, are there going to be any more dispatchers being hired? BC Matsui stated that personnel shortages are trying to be filled. Commissioner Matsuda stated that because of the regulations & bureaucracy involved, how many homes are actually donated for the training purpose per year? BC Matsui stated that sometimes 4 structures are used for one training class. In past classes, maybe one or two structures are available to burn. It is difficult to get houses to burn. Commissioner Fergerstrom stated that it costs about $5,000 - $14,000 per structure (environmental assessment, etc.) UNFINISHED BUSINESS none COMMITTEE REPORTS Budget & Finance (Bowles/Hart) none Office Management and Staffing (Fergerstrom) none Rules and Policies none Public Relations (Ward) HFD is part of the Solutions Conference to be held on May 1 at the Waikoloa Marriott. The community meets government agencies and it gives the people a chance to speak up and be active. Laura has applic interested in signing up. The Sayre Foundation is looking for nominations for an honoree for their upcoming dinner that may be held on September 11, at the Four Seasons Resort. NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC STATEMENTS none 7 ANNOUNCEMENTS The next meeting is to be held on Wednesday, May 12, 2004, at 10:00 a.m. at the Liquor Control Conference Room, Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street. Set agenda for May 12, 2004 meeting. Î Leningrad Elarionoff. Co Bowles will not be present at the May 12 meeting. The HFC went on the various site visits and the public was invit ADJOURNMENT Î 11:16 a.m. SUBMITTED BY: __________________________ MARTHA A. RODILLAS Secretary B&C:Fire Commission:Regular Session Minutes 4-14-04 LSA/mr 8