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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-03-10 Fire Commission Minutes William P. Kenoi Stephen Bowles Mayor Chairman Kaloa Robinson Vice-Chairman HAWAI‘I COUNTY FIRE COMMISSION C/O 25 Aupuni Street #2602, Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 Phone: 961-8317; Fax: 933-1521 Email: Firecomm-agenda@co.hawaii.hi.us REGULAR SESSION - MINUTES March 10, 2010 Liquor Control Conference Room Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Bowles at 10:15 a.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: John Bertsch Stephen Bowles, Chairman Louis Kaoiwi Kaloa Robinson Bill Rosehill Scott Stabo A quorum was present. ALSO PRESENT: Bill Brilhante, Deputy Corporation Counsel Kaycie Carter Henry DeSa Stacie Waltjen Ralph Yawata, Assistant Chief Chair Bowles asked for a moment of silence for Commissioner Henry Pomroy, Jr., who recently passed away. Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Commissioners: John Bertsch, Stephen Bowles, Louis Kaoiwi Kaloa Robinson, Bill Rosehill, Scott Stabo STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS (Open to the Public) None APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Commissioner Bertsch that the minutes of the February 10, 2010, regular session be approved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Robinson and unanimously carried. APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS None CHIEF’S REPORT Presentation : Certificates of Recognition was awarded to Volunteer Company 7-B for completion of Firefighter I & II training in accordance with the standards as set forth in NFPA 1001 Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications. The members are as follows: Company Officer/Driver Derrek Domingo FF Mike Medins Driver/FF John Bertsch FF Kaiwa Punahaole Driver/FF Chad Kinney FF Kip Rietow Driver/FF Greg Limbacher FF Dylan Springmeier FF Twila Ashley FF Greg Stephens FF Mike Dixon FF Brad Willeford FF Matt Loper (current HFD recruit) Assistant Eric Jackal Budget FY 2010/11 Budget: Will be presenting budget to the County Council on Monday, March 29, 2010, at 1:30 p.m. Chief Oliveira met with Commissioner Robinson and Kaoiwi to review the budget. A PowerPoint presentation will be provided after the Fire Chief’s report. Alternative Funding and Grants FEMA FY 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant: (VTC Equipment) Continue to expand utilizing of the Video Teleconferencing system. After the Fire Commission meeting, a Chief’s forum from Kailua Fire Station will be conducted, FEMA FY 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant: (Health/Wellness program). Presently, getting ready to go out for the next bid cycle to receive additional equipment. There are approximately 40 individuals who are expected to complete their screening. 2 FEMA FY 2009 Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant: (254 turn out coats and 251 pants): No new updates. FY 2010 Community Development Block Grant: Submitted application for replacement frontline apparatus for Pahoa and Tanker/Tender for Pahala Fire Stations. Capital Improvement Projects Pahoa Fire Station: A few minor loose ends being tied up. Administration and Support Facility: No new updates. Continuing to work with the design consultant on the issue of the radio towers. Central Fire Station: Received approval from the HUD Office in Chicago. Presently working with the Mayor’s Office and the Legislature with the executive order process. The current rules require the landowner put forth concurrent bills with the House and the Senate to authorize the gifting of the property to the County. In addition, an appraisal must be provided. Therefore, the Fire Department is working with the Real Property Tax Division on the appraisal. Kawailani Fire Station: Due to potential land availability, the Kawailani Fire Station will be moved up on Fire Department’s CIP list. The property located on Kawailani Street will be affected by the future plan to widen the street. Once that occurs, the road shoulder will come within ten-feet of the Fire Station’s front entrance. Therefore, it is necessary to relocate the station. In addition to that, the building was constructed in the 1960’s and does not meet current standards. Chief Oliveira explained that recently a Council Member was approached by the Machado Acres Community Association regarding a parcel that was earmarked for a passive park. This particular parcel could support both a Fire Station and a passive park. Pahala and Naalehu Volunteer Garages: Meeting with the Department of Public Works to expedite the process. The Department of Public Works project managers are working on the designs/plans. They are also working with Captain Clyde Komatsu and the Volunteer Company Officer Wayne Baji on conducting a site inspection of the Waiohinu baseyard. Promotions and Hiring Open-Competitive Recruitment th 39 Firefighter Recruit class: Hire date is targeted for March 16, 2010. Family Orientation will be held on March 12, 2010, at 5:00 p.m., at the Aupuni Center Conference Room. Commissioners are welcomed to attend. Internal Recruitments Fire Captain (Emergency Operations & Training Bureau): Concluded Assessment Center on March 9, 2010. 3 Fire Equipment Operator: Assessment Center scheduled for March 29 and 30, 2010. Commissioners are welcomed to participate in the two-day process. Emergency Operations Tsunami (February 27, 2010): Chief Oliveira praised his department’s efforts in dealing with the recent Tsunami Alert.The tsunami moved quickly from an advisory to a warning (without a watch period). All staff including volunteers did an exceptional job. Two stations were relocated due to their locations. The Fire Department’s cost incurred with the Tsunami Warning was approximately $42,000.The cost includes overtime, logistical supplies, and helicopter expense. Chair Bowles asked if there was a problem with a brush truck at Waipio Valley. Chief Oliveira was not aware of the situation. However, he will follow up on the matter. Commissioner Bertsch questioned whether the Fire Department seeks relief expense through the State or Federal government. Chief Oliveira replied that it would depend on the declaration process. A Declaration was made by the Mayor and the Governor. That facilitates the process on receiving additional funding and support. Commissioner Bertsch noticed that the Fire Department gets leaned on by other agencies. He expressed his concern on Fire Department having to burden all the cost. Chief Oliveira replied that the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) coordinates the incident. The Fire Department’s role is to evacuate the shoreline. Chief Oliveira briefed the Fire Commission on the Kealakekua, Waikoloa, and Kau brushfires. Ocean Safety Division Lifeguard Tower Replacement: Dedicated three lifeguard towers on February 5 and 19, 2010, to Isaac Hale Beach Park (Pohoiki), Laaloa Beach Park (Magic Sands), and Spencer Beach Park. 4 Support Services Division Emergency Medical Services Bureau Medical Intensive Care Technician Training: Five candidates continuing training. Fire Auxiliary Services Communication Assistant Chief Ralph Yawata, Battalion Chief Michael Gahan, and the department’s human resource specialist are continuing to work on the reorganization of the communication section. They are trying to establish a supervisor for the communication section. Presently, the three online dispatch supervisors report to Battalion Chief Gahan. Training Bureau CPR Certification: Battalion Chief Gerald Kosaki is continuing instructor recertification classes. rd Civil Support Team Drill: 93 Civil Support Team will be instructing Hazmat personnel. Exercises will take place on March 3-5, 2010, and March 8-12, 2010. Volunteer Section Report by Volunteer Derek Domingo. Volunteer Fire Chief’s meeting: Scheduled for April 10, 2010, and will be held at Fern Forest. Employee/Public Relations American Heart Walk: Held on February 20, 2010. Raised approximately $2000. Appreciation was offered to Kawailani Fire Station for donations raised. Kawailani Fire Station raised $850 and Dispatcher Cheryl Brezowski raised $400. Emergency Medical Services Week: The annual event is scheduled for Sunday, May 30, 2010, at Liliuokalani Gardens. This year’s theme is “Any Time, Any Where, We’ll Be There.” Proceeds will benefit a county employee diagnosed with cancer and the asthma coalition. Commissioner Kaoiwi asked whether Chief Oliveira requested funds through the County Council for the new Dispatcher Supervisor position. Chief Oliveira explained that the position already exist in the budget. The department is not creating a new position.Originally the position supervised both dispatch and warehouse sections. However, because the individual would spend a considerable amount of time in one section the other section would be neglected. As a result, the decision was made to dedicate that supervisor specifically to Dispatch. 5 Commissioner Rosehill expressed his concern regarding the recent forest fire in Kealakekua. He kept himself informed on the fire by reading the newspaper daily and noticed that in a day’s time the fire spread from 400 to 1800 acres. Commissioner Rosehill stated that he inquired with other agencies involved and the fire should have been contained at 400 acres. His conclusion as to why the fire was not contained was that personnel may have been apprehensive on bringing in resources to extinguish the fire because of the cost it would incur; especially regarding the current economical situation. Commission Rosehill commented that a multi agency effort should be formulated to have better coordination in order to contain fires in its earlier stage. He is not sure what the cost incurred but thinks that the expense would have been less if resources were used earlier. Chair Bowles asked whether the fire was under the Fire Department’s jurisdiction. Chief Oliveira answered that the fire was under the Fire Department’s jurisdiction. The department is scheduling an “after action review” with the landowners and other agencies. Once the meeting is scheduled, he welcomes any member of the commission to participate. Also, for the last seven years he has been working with the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Agency, Volcanoes National Park, and other agencies that belong to the Big Island Wildfire Coordinating Group. They have discussed creating an “All Hazard Type 3 Management Team.” Commissioner Bertsch asked whether the Battalion Chief would be under scrutiny for the amount of money spent under his direction. Chief Oliveira replied that they are accountable for the requested resources not its expense. Commissioner Bertsch recommended that the HFD keep track of the American Medical Response (AMR) call volumes because they are supplementing the Fire Department’s EMS program. AMR utilizes the Fire Department’s dispatch center. He does see the positive in the partnership. However, at the same time he does also anticipate future issues. Chair Bowles stated that it would be appropriate for Commissioner Bertsch to submit his concerns to the Fire Commission in written communications. Commissioner Bertsch recognized Captain Henry DeSa and Assistant Chief Ralph Yawata for their support to the Volunteer Program. Commissioner Bertsch questioned the status on the Waikii Ranch Volunteer Fire truck and the Injury and Death benefits for volunteers. 6 Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante reminded the Fire Commission that specific topics must be identified on the agenda. Although these topics are familiar to the commission because it is old business; it’s unfair to the public who does not know what will be discussed at the Fire Commission meetings. The intent of the Hawai‘i Sunshine Law is to notify the public of topics that will be discussed. This offers them ample time to participate if they show interest in the topic. Regarding the Waikii Ranch Fire truck, Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante briefly stated that he was in contact with the Homeowner’s Association. Currently, the members are reviewing a draft of the MOA sent to them. Regarding the Volunteer’s injury and death benefits, Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante stated that that topic would need to be placed on the agenda. At 11:20 a.m., Chair Bowles called for a 5-minute recess. The meeting reconvened at 11:25 a.m. COMMITTEE REPORTS Budget & Finance: Chief Oliveira provided a PowerPoint presentation. Office Management and Staffing: No report. Rules and Policies: No report. Public Relations: No report. Training and Education: No report. MOTION TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION At 12:04 p.m., Commissioner Bertsch and Kaoiwi made motion to consider a continued evaluation of an employee of the Hawai'i County Fire Department where consideration of matters affecting privacy will be involved and a closed session is requested, and to consult with Corporation Counsel on questions and issues pertaining to the commission’s powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities. (Pursuant to HRS 92-5 (a)(2) and(a)(4) Hawai‘i County Charter Section 13-20(b). Fire Chief’s Evaluation. ANNOUNCEMENTS The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at 10:00 a.m., in the Aupuni Center Conference Room, 101 Pauahi Street, Hilo, Hawai‘i. Set agenda for April 14, 2010, meeting. 7 ADJOURNMENT The meeting ended at 12:30 p.m. SUBMITTED BY: __________________________ KAYCIE CARTER Secretary 8