HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-06-16 Fire Commission Minutes
HAWAII COUNTY FIRE COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION - MINUTES
June 16, 2004
Royal Kona Resort
Discovery Room
Kailua-Kona
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Laura Ward at 10:00 am.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT:
Stephen Bowles
Neil Brazier
Rudolph Hart
Karen Maedo
Laura Ward
Clifford (Joe) Whitney
A quorum was present.
Absent: Dale Fergerstrom
Glen Matsuda
ALSO PRESENT:
DarrylOliveira
Martha Rodillas
NoniSanford
Desmond Wery
STATEMENTSONAGENDAITEMS
APPROVAL OF MEETING PROCEEDINGS
It was moved by Commissioner Maedo that the minutes of the May 12, 2004 regular
sessionminutesbeapproved.CommissionerHartsecondedthemotion.
Commissioner Whitney stated that a correction to page 7 of the minutes should be
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
made. Legislative SB 2399 should state that it is sitting on the Governors desk waiting
to be signed. The motion was amended to reflect this change and unanimously carried.
APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Commissioner Maedo moved to accept communication numbers 04-023 through 04-27.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Brazier and unanimously carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
None.
CHIEFS REPORT
Budget: The HFD has gone thru a complete set of hearings with the County
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Council. Waiting for final approval by the Mayor. Included in the budget were the
following: Kalaoa Station personnel; KMC Station personnel; 12 Fire Fighter
positions (to upgrade the one-man stations) and 3 Fire Radio Dispatcher III
positions. There are a total of 42 new positions for HFD. This is the first step
making the stations up to standard. Its not the final step. Thanks to HFC for
providing input to the County Council. HFD is looking at the open competitive list for
more potential candidates to fill the Dispatcher III positions. A position description
and classification for the Fire Radio Dispatcher IIIs are needed. Internal recruitment
and announcements need to be done.
Power Point presentation (see Attachment A) by Deputy Chief Wery re Proposed
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ManagerialReorganizationPlan.
CommissionerMaedostatedthattheneworganizationalpatternmakessense.
DeputyWerysaidthecommunicationissuebetweendivisionheadsisthebiggest
problem. When there are different ranks that are considered division heads it
causes problems. This was presented to the captains group. This reorganization
will give people more opportunity to move up in rank. There will be more managerial
level type officers. HFD is no longer a small department. The HFD needs to get
better organized.
Commissioner Hart stated that the HFD is the best. The supervisors get good
responsibility, especially the battalion chiefs.
Commissioner Bowles asked how the budget is going to be presented for explaining
the new revisions.
Chief Oliveira explained that they have looked at downgrading the Assistant Chiefs
to the Battalion Chiefs. There will be costs involved for the new three Battalion
Chiefs. There are 23 separate companies for the volunteer program (230 people).
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There are more responsibilities that the Administration would like to give to that
person, but its impossible. A true division commander is needed.
Commissioner Bowles stated that there was confusion expressed amongst the
council members regarding other issues. The more HFD can simplify the
presentation to Council and make it clear the better it would be. A flow chart with
money would be a good idea.
Chief Oliveira stated the he will put something together and he appreciates the
feedback given by the HFC.
Commissioner Bowles stated that the HFD should be kept on a business type
approach.
CommissionerWardaskedifthiswouldtakeplaceonJuly1.
ChiefOliveirastatedthattheyaretargetingtheendofthecalendaryearasthe
target date. Recruitment for positions would be involved, reclassifying positions,
getting it approved, getting funding, etc.
Commissioner Ward asked if there are personnel that will be downgraded. Or if
action will be taken once the employees have retired.
Chief Oliveira stated that right now theres only one person left in that class that will
be affected. This individual may not lose any money. This individual would move
into an EM position at a different step. This individual may apply for one of the 8-
hour positions available. The Big Island is not covered adequately due to its size.
The rescue stations have such a big area to cover due to poor response times.
Alternative Funding & Grants:
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Rural Development Grant: Chief Oliveira met with Stacy Rogers & Lei Kapono on
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Oahu on May 21, 2004. Trying to channel money from Maui Community College
to Hawaii Community College to start getting some fire career training available
to the general public. Wild land training is one of the subjects on the training
program. A program is made available to the public, the State Forest Service will
pick-up during the summer.
Housing and Community Development: This type of funding is used for areas
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that have depressed and lower income levels. Communitys areas that may
qualify include the funding for the Pahoa Station.
Commissioner Bowles stated that there was a discussion regarding a tax-exempt
bond for community development between developers and the County. There
could be tax-exempt bonds which include the design and plan and all the way
until completion. The individual lot owners do the payback. Commissioner
Bowles suggested that Chief Oliveira speak with Finance Director Bill Takaba
regarding this issue. Halstrom, a private developer that is associated with
growth, is promoting this. There can be a bond issue for this.
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Chief Oliveira stated that the Mayor is requesting HFDs participation for
infrastructure identification.
ODP Grant: Deputy Wery stated that for the past 3 years, The Office of Domestic
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Preparedness (ODP) gives grants via the State Civil Defense. For 2004, $1.9
million has been assigned to the County of Hawaii. $800,000 was secured for
the HFD. Items that are being considered for this grant are: replacements for 2
rescue boats ($80,000 for the boats and the vehicles to tow them) and 6 other
towing vehicles; EMT and EMS trailers; compressors, communications
equipment and detectors for HAZMAT crews. West Hawaii HAZMAT was
secured last year. The HAZMAT truck should be out by the end of the year and
will be stationed at the new Kalaoa station. People are already being trained for
this. Rescue stations will come out middle of 2005.
Capital Improvement Projects:
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Puna Public Safety Complex: no new updates. Still in negotiation phase
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between the County and W.H. Shipman (landowner).
Pahoa Fire Station: Chief Oliveira will be going to the State Land Board on Oahu
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for approval of the Right of Entry for acquisition of the land. This parcel of land is
mile from Kahakai Boulevard. This is a joint venture between HFD & HPD.
This location has good access to lower Puna and Pahoa and has good access to
Hawaiian Beaches.
Fire admin: no new updates to report. This project will be assigned to Captain
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AhYo. If the Ponahawai site is chosen, water & sewer lines & infrastructure will
need to brought in.
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Promotions & hiring: 31
recruit class doing medical screening and drug testing.
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Targeted hire date is August 1, 2004.
Operations Division:
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Officers Meetings: Having quarterly meetings with officers; positive
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communication. Had RMS training for the officers.
Fire Cause Determination for Company Officers: Held on May 17-21. 15 of the
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HFD personnel attended. Police State Crash & PTA were also invited to attend.
Feedback was positive. Looking at how we can get instructors back.
Participantsstimulatedawarenessonsceneinvestigations.
BioterrorismConference:Sent4individuals(ScottDavis,VictorSalis,Chad
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Toyomura & Neil Yoshioka) to a bio terrorism conference at Kapiolani
CommunityCollegeonMay26-27,2004.Theconferencestimulatedawareness
to attendees.
HazMat Technician Course: Chemistry course being held June 14-25. Sixteen of
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HFDpersonnelwillattend.TacticsportiontobeheldAugust2-13,2004.
PreventionBureau:
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FundamentalsofFireAlarmSystems:FireinspectorsJackPacleb&AlanYagi
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attended fire alarm systems course on June 15 & 16 on Oahu. Tuition fees were
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waived for our inspectors. Our inspectors are waiting to go back to the academy
for more training.
Training Division:
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30 recruit class: Fire training just about completed. Will be starting their EMS
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on July 6. Needs driver training and skill evaluation.
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29 recruit class: Almost finished with EMT I training. Training review on June
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14 & EMT I exam on June 27 on Oahu. Practical exam on June 28. Between
thththst
the 28 & 29 classes, there were three-drop outs. The 30 and 31 classes
have 20 quality recruits. Officers involved in the training are pleased with the
recommendations of the selection committee.
Driver Competency Training Program Update: Of the 271 drivers, a total of 257
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audits have been completed to date (95%).
Emergency Vehicle Operations and Control Instructors Course: sent two
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personnel (Captain Kendrick & FEO Honda) to Sacramento, California from May
17-21 to attend this course. This course was very intense and a demanding
course on vehicle dynamics and handling and control of vehicle in mock
situations using police vehicles, traveling at speeds up to 75 - 80 mph.
Volunteer Division:
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Driver Training Class Update: Continuing to conduct driver training for volunteer
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companies.
EMS Division:
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MICT Class: Conducted second MICT Mentoring training on review of cardiac
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emergencies on June 1. Third session scheduled for July 14. This program has
been beneficial for everyone.
Fire Auxiliary Services:
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RMS: CADS link was implemented on May 26. Information is now being sent
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directly into the RMS system.
New Projects/Business:
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2004StateLegislatureSessionUpdate:
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SB2690:WaitingtohearonthefinalwordofGovernorsigningthebillfor
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HOVE ambulance service. Petition has been circulating thru the community
tohavethebillsupported.
CitizensAwardsProgram:Adraftcopywasdistributed.HFDpersonnelare
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working the Corporation Counsels Office for input in creating this program.
WorldSprints(August13-15):ExpectinglotsofpeopleinHiloduringthistime.
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Providing support for this event.
Publicrelations:
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Emergency Medical Services Week (May 16-22): Commissioners Maedo, Ward
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and Hart were thanked for being present for this event. This was a very
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successful 4 annual EMS week 5K Run/2.0 mile walk that was held on May 22
at Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo. There were about 435 participants. Thank you to
everyone for his or her support of this event. Generated about $4,000.
Proceeds were going to a firefighters son who has leukemia. Proceeds will also
be shared with the Hawaii Bone Marrow registry.
Puainako Express: A fun run is being planned for August 7, 2004. This event is
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coordinated by the East Hawaii Coalition for the Homeless and supported by
County Departments (Fire & DPW). Proceeds will go to the East Hawaii
Coalition for the Homeless.
HIUW 2004-05 Campaign: This event will officially kick-off on June 30. HFD will
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be a pacesetter department. Bagging brigades may take place at KTA
Superstores island-wide.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
none
Budget & Finance (Bowles/Hart)
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none
Office Management and Staffing (Fergerstrom)
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(Maedo)
Rules and Policies
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Public Relations (Ward)
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Commissioner Ward distributed Save a Day cards for the Sayre Foundation
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dinner planned at the Four Seasons Hotel for September 11, 2004. Would like to
have 500 people attend this event. They are looking for sponsors to cover
expenses. This is an excellent committee. Silent auction items raised $10,000
last year. Four Seasons Hotel matched Mauna Keas price. The Sayres are
excited about this event.
Commissioners Hard & Ward had fun at the EMS fun run.
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Commissioner Brazier confirmed that based on the recent draft of the Citizens Award
Program, the HFCs role is only to monitor and not to vote on recipients receiving these
awards.
Commissioner Ward called a recess at 11:10 a.m.
Meeting resumed at 11:20 a.m.
Chief Oliveira requested to go into executive session to discuss personnel matters.
Commissioner Maedo moved to go into executive session pursuant to Sections 92-5
(a)(2)and92-5(a)(2)(6)todiscussandconsiderdisciplineandchargesagainst
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employees of the Hawaii County Fire Department where consideration of matters
affecting privacy will be involved and a closed session is requested. This motion was
seconded by Commissioner Hart and unanimously carried.
Regular session ended at 11:20 a.m. and the executive session started at 11:21 a.m.
Executive session ended at 11:27 a.m. and regular session started at 11:28 a.m.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
None.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next meeting is to be held on Wednesday, July 14, 2004, at 10:00 a.m. at the
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Liquor Control Conference Room, Hilo Lagoon Centre, Hilo, Hawaii.
Set agenda for July 14, 2004, meeting. Cost update of financial reorganization.
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ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 11:29 a.m.
SUBMITTED BY:
__________________________
MARTHA A. RODILLAS
Secretary
B&C:Fire Commission:Regular Session Minutes 6-16-04 LSA/Mr.
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