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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-02-10 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: 961-8256; Fax: 961-6553 REGULAR SESSION – MINUTES February 10, 2010 Aupuni Center Conference Room Hilo, Hawai‘i CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Stephen Bowles at 10:04 a.m. ROLL CALL Present: John Bertsch Stephen Bowles, Chair Louis Kaoiwi Henry Pomroy Kaloa Robinson, Vice Chair Scott Stabo Absent : Bill Rosehill James Browne A quorum was present. Also Present: Brandon Gonzalez, Deputy Corporation Counsel Darren Rosario, Assistant Chief Ralph Yawata, Assistant Chief Gerald Kosaki, Battalion Chief (Sp. Operations Division) Laurie Kaneta, Secretary to Fire Chief Tom Brandt, Volunteer Fire Chief Noni Sanford, Volunteer Fire Paulette Cainglit, Incoming Commission Secretary Kaycie Carter, Outgoing Commission Secretary Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Commissioners: John Bertsch, Stephen Bowles, James Browne, Loui Henry Pomroy, Jr., Kaloa Robinson, Bill Rosehill, Scott Stabo STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS (Open to the Public) None APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Commissioner Bertsch and seconded by Commissioner Kaoiwi that the minutes of the January 13, 2010, regular session be approved. Assistant Chief Ralph Yawata, requested that a correction be made to the spelling of Sharon VitousekÓs name on Page 4. There were no objections to the correction. The motion was unanimously carried. APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS None CHIEF’S REPORT Reports by: Assistant Chiefs Darren Rosario, Ralph Yawata and Battalion Chief Gerald Kosaki Announcement: Chief Oliveira is presently in Memphis, Tennessee assisting on a peer review panel for the SAFER Act grant. Deputy Chief Glen Honda is also away attending the National Fire Academy. Budget : FY 2010/11 Budget: The budget will be presented to Council on Monday, March 29, at about 1:30 pm. Alternative Funding and Grants : FEMA FY 2007 Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant: (VTC Equipment): Audio Visual conferencing equipment training will be conducted with Data Systems staff during February. FEMA FY 2008 Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant: (Health/wellness program) The Committee has asked for standardization of purchasing stepmi rate monitors and transmitters, and is currently waiting for a m scheduled with Department of Finance to get approval. FEMA FY 2009 Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant: (254 turn out coats and 251 pants): No new updates. 2 FY 2009 Assistance to Fire Fighters Fire Station Construction (Makalei): Will be required to conduct additional Environmental Assessment FY 2010 CDBG Î Replacement Pahoa Apparatus: No new updates. FY 2010 CDBG Î Tanker/Tender Î Pahala Fire Station: No new updates. Capital Improvement Projects : Makalei Fire Station (North Kona): Reports will be required to be submitted to FEMA for environmental assessment requirements. Pahoa Fire Station: Several punch list type items are in the process of being completed or already completed: (apparatus door has been repaired; door chimes ordered; more telephones will be installed this week; law ordered; fencing still pending.) Administration & Support Facility: No updates. Work continues with design consultants on alternatives for radio system. Central Fire Station: Working with MayorÓs Office, Real Property Manager, and Hawaii Housing Authority to go through legislature session to get land gifted to the county from the state. NaÓalehu/Pahala Volunteer Company Garages: Work continues with Public Works in addressing a few items on the site for the garages. Promotions and Hiring: Open-Competitive Recruitment: Fire Fighter Recruit : Awaiting final pre-employment medical screening results. Targeted hire date is March 16, 2010. Internal Recruitments: Fire Captain : (Emergency Operations & Training Bureau): Written examination is scheduled for February 18, 2010. Targeted hire d scheduled for April 16, 2010. Fire Equipment Operator : Written examination is scheduled for February 13, 2010. Targeted hire date is April 16, 2010. Emergency Operations Last month responded to 1,827 total calls. 3 a. 145 fire related calls: 5 were structure fires which resulted in an estimated loss of about $218,052.00 property loss for the occupants. b. 1,269 Emergency Medical Services (ambulance) calls. c. 23 Hazardous condition calls. d. 94 Community Service calls. e. 33 false calls. Kealakekua Ranch fire. Downsized crew at fire scene, demobiliz last week, and terminated the fire last Friday. Kamehameha Bishop Estate (the landowner) is presently doing daily observations of the area and will contact the department if smoke is detected or fire recurs. Ladder truck equipment is being ordered. Several equipment items have been received and will be distributed to S-14 on the West side. Two new Heavy Rescue Apparatus were received. One is assigned to S-7 in Kailua-Kona and the other to S-2 at the Waiakea Rescue Station which were placed into service on February 1, 2010, and fully equipped. Five line Firefighters began the Mobile Intensive Care Technician program. Currently assisting the Hilo Airport Crash Fire with planning of their Triennial Drill set for May. Knox Box update. Currently, all stations have Knox Box keys except for stations in District 19 (Volcano), District 11 (KaÓu), and District 20 (Ocean View). These stations have no Knox Box keys on their apparatus no identifiable Knox Box facilities in those districts. All front line apparatus that do not have Knox Box keys have been identified. Station 1 has K keys on its truck. They also have a tanker which possibly needs one. Eleven additional keys have been ordered for apparatus at the KaÓu and Ocean View companies for future facility Knox Boxes. Burn Trailer. The Burn Trailer is located at the Hilo Airport where the mock plane was formerly located. For training purposes, plans are being made to locate the burn trailer at the Pahoa Station site for six months and also the West side for six months. Currently looking at sites on the West side. Ocean Safety Report by Battalion Chief Gerald Kosaki, (Special Operations Division, Hazmat Company, Rescue Company and Ocean Safety). Three lifeguard towers were recently erected in December and January at LaÓaloa (Magic Sands Beach); Spencer Beach Park; and Isaac Hale (Pohoiki Beach Park). The Dedication and Blessing of Isaac Hale (Pohoiki Beach Park) lifeguard tower was held on February 5th. 4 Commissioner Bertsch inquired as to whether the old towers could be saved. : ResponseThe old towers could not be saved for relocating. The Spencer a LaÓaloa towers were disassembled and disposed due to its extensi deterioration. The Isaac Hale Beach tower was disassembled and stored for reassembling at the PunaluÓu Beach Park. Currently in the process of recruiting two half-time lifeguard positions for PunaluÓu. Working on obtaining the necessary permits to re-erect PunaluÓu tower. The lifeguards may be positioned at PunaluÓu before the tower is erected. One person has already expressed interest in relocating to the vacant position. Two half-time (20-hour/wk) positions will cover a 40-hour work week schedule of five days at four hours per day. Projected time frame is early April. Support Services Division Report by Assistant Chief Ralph Yawata EMS Bureau: MICT Training Orientation held at the EMS Training Center on Ja 2010 for five line personnel EMTs that will be starting on Janua Family members, MICT instructors, current MICTÓs and administrative staff attended. nd The monthly (2 Tuesday of each month) ePCR committee meeting was held on January 12, 2010 at Central Training Room along with VTC (video teleconference) to South Kohala and Kailua-Kona. Also held by teleconference with DOH EMS Clay Chan Î with discussion on data elements. A new chairperson was selected Î MICT Jesse Ebersole. Currently utilizing the use of VTC to avoid travel or mileage expenses. A free training by Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) for EMS Operations was conducted at Hilo Medical Center from January 26-28, 2010 for eight of their personnel Î (Five MICT students, Two Fire Radio Dispatcher MICT). A total of about 40 personnel attended the three day cla Progress report on the MVCRG (Motor Vehicle Crash Reduction Group) meeting. A copy of the 2008 Hawaii Island Traffic Safety Report was distributed to each commissioner. The 2009 report is expected s of the 2008 report referenced the fatality rates for motorists within the State. Hawaii County had the highest rate. Guard rails, rumble strips and signage have been installed at certain areas of the island to better educate the public. 5 Auxiliary Services Communication: A Field Force Management System in Fire Dispatch was installed. Force Management can identify the location of vehicles, and possibly engines and medics as long as their cell phones are on. The system works well in spite of a two minute delay. Will serve helpful in Hilo and Kon are multiple units, but may be difficult in districts with limited resources. FASO (Fire Auxiliary Service Officer) attended a meeting at Civil Defense with CACI, Raytheon, and Hawaii County radio and data representatives. The meeting covered a proposal from CACI and Raytheon for a new Hawaii County radio system. A proposal for a Project Manager is being made by Civil Defense Administrator Quince Mento. Maintenance Shop A new 1,800 gallon, 4x4 tanker truck (HFD 505) was assigned to S-14A. The dedication was held in January. Training Bureau: A CST (Civil Support Team) drill was held on February 8 and 9, first two weeks in March at the Kulani Prison. HazMat teams were also involved and proved to be a good experience. BC Kosaki assisted exercise. A Confined Space Rescue class for the USAR team members will be held in March. This class is sponsored by the State Civil Defense. They are in the process of identifying attendees. Volunteer Section Report by Volunteer Fire Chief Tom Brandt. th On January 30 a quarterly volunteer company officers meeting was held. Chair Bowles and Commissioner Robinson attended and met volunteer individuals. They were impressed with the caliber of volunteers included business owners and self-employed individuals. Many ideas were expressed and acknowledged at the meeting. --The Building Fern Acres: The slab has been poured. The work was donated by Randy Hillhopper (sp?), a concrete contractor from Ainaloa. --Input was solicited from other volunteer officers and also urged to attend the meeting for a more broad based input. At Chair BowlesÓ suggesti 6 Brandt agreed to report back to the company officers after the meeting for initiating any improvements. --The meeting emphasized how well the Career side and Volunteer side are working together. Volunteer side equipment is readily shared with the County side when needed. Their smaller four-wheel drive trucks have ea accessibility in areas where the bigger engines cannot. Chair Bowles commented on how important it was having had the BC at the meeting and he expressed his hopes that more chiefs attend the Volunteer Company Officers meetings. The next Volunteer Company OfficersÓ meeting is scheduled for sometime in . April at Hawaiian Acres. S-7B is unable to host a meeting until August Commissioner Bertsh commented on the positive professionalism of the volunteer organization and the commission and of Chief Brandt’s continued good communication with the company. He also raised a concern he received about benefits (workers’ compensation, death benefits) provided to volunteer firefighters if they are injured during the course of performing their duties. The subject is referenced in the County Code and the HRS, but referred the matter over to Chief Olivera who is getting it defined by the Corporation Counsel with a written synopsis or informational pamphlet. Some questions posed in writing to the Chief were: What defines performance of duty of a volunteer? Does it include time going to and from training? Is it while training? Is it vehicle maintenance? Is attending the chief’s meeting? What if you’re called out to a fire while in your personal vehicle and get injured in an accident? Etc. --Chief Brandt concluded his report by commenting that in the last eight years of participating in the Volunteer Company Officers type of meeting, the recent meeting was one of the better exchanges of information and dialogue. He looks forward to continuing that type of forum. Prevention Bureau The temporary assignment program is continuing. Firefighters are afforded the opportunity to take their pride and skills into the Fire Prevention Bureau. Going from 24-hour status to 8-hour status is a big change for them. Two temporary assignment personnel (1-Kona; 1-Hilo) had the opportunity to investigate a structure fire in the KaÓu district and spent the day with the prevention captain. Commissioner Bowles shared questions brought to his attention by someone who recently had an inspection done and did not receive a notification of the inspection resultAfter an inspection, how is the disposition followed-up . 7 Response: One would need to check with the inspection bureau as to their process. The Fire Chief would be consulted if the situation involves an issue they are unsure about, and the Corporation Counsel would be consulted if it involves legalities. Assistant Chief Yawata offered to follow up on getting the process. Employee/Public Relations The American Heart AssociationÓs 13th Annual Heart Walk is scheduled for February 20, at Liliuokalani Gardens. The Health Fair begins at 7:00 a.m., and the walk starts at 8:00am. The event co-chairs this year are Dr. Djon Lim and Public Works Director Warren Lee. All Commissioners were invited to participate and support the event. A Fire department team will participate again. th EMS Week runs from May 16 to 22. The annual run is on May 30 at Liliuokalani Gardens and the theme is: ÐAny Time, Any Where, WeÓll Be th There.Ñ A poster contest for school-age K-6 grade in ongoing. Prizes will be awarded (WII game console and 27 categories of Savings Bonds totaling over $1,000.00). Money for the prizes is from the State Department of Health, EMS for children. Commissioner Kaoiwi inquired about the time factor in getting EMS to anyone in the large area between North Kona and South Kona, including Na’alehu and Ocean View. Response: An absolute concern in the South area, a chopper is automatically dispatched for emergency because response time and transport time is long. Once the ground unit arrives, theyÓll assess the situation and cancel the chopper only if the ground unit can handle the situation. Otherwise, theyÓll assist while waiting for arrival of the chopper. Commissioner Bertsch inquired as to a status update of the New Chopper One.. Response: No update, however, hopefully in March NEW BUSINESS Commissioner Bertsch announced that he received a $500.00 donation check from the Iron Man Foundation to the National Fallen FirefighterÓs Foundation. The check was presented to Assistant Chief Rosario. EXECUTIVE SESSION None. 8 NOTE : The Commission discussed Chair BowlesÓ letter dated February 3, 2010 addressed to Mayor Kenoi regarding the Fire ChiefÓs evaluation. It was moved by Commissioner Kaoiwi and seconded by Commissioner Bertsch that the letter be approved and submitted to Mayor Kenoi. The motion was unanimously carried with all ayes and no nays. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Commissioner Bowles voiced the need for filling the commission vacancies. COMMITTEE REPORTS Budget & Finance Commissioner Robinson reported on his meeting with Chief Oliveira. He reported that he had an insightful conversation with the Chief on budget issues. Some of the topics of their discussion included: Some of the departmentÓs budget. Volunteer segment of the fire department and the key role the volunteer companyÓs may play in possible budget cuts. That there are 12 unfunded vacant positions. Possible affected stations are Volcano, South Kohala, Central and Kailua. Budget reduced for the upcoming budget. Seven to nine percent may be salary cuts. Possible furlough plans which may involve HGEA, some operationa units and bargaining units. Commissioner Bertsch expressed his uneasiness with Vice Chair Robinson’s report on his meeting with the Fire Chief. He was concerned that information presented may be misconstrued or misunderstood in the minutes of the meeting. Chair Bowles stated that they were having open discussion regarding potential actions and stressed the importance of the discussion. He raised a point most important to the commission which is the Volunteer Program and the need to focus on continuing to strengthen that program in support of the service side, in the budget sense, and how important it is to discuss it at commission meetings. Commissioner Bertsch concurred with Chair Bowles, however, expressed his uneasiness about certain items of the report and that the way it was being delivered was kind of hearsay and that Chief Oliveira wasn’t presenting the report himself. He expressed his concern that the report could be misconstrued based on another’s interpretation of what the Chief said and it being reflected in the minutes. He is also concerned with the fact that the commission meeting is a public forum and felt uneasy discussing information about firefighters who may be affected by possible budget cuts, the closing of stations, or furloughed stations. 9 Commissioner Bertsch felt that specific budget matters must come from the Chief, where the information would be delivered correctly and accurately. Chair Bowles agreed with Commissioner Bertsch, however, felt it imperative on the part of the commission to have an opportunity to discuss future direction as they approach critical times and urged the commission to become engaged in it. He encouraged each commissioner to make time to discuss matters with the chief and his staff and pointed out that according to the Charter, the commission has that responsibility. The Chair shared that he has been working the budget since the foundation of the commission, and that it’s never been as critical as it is now. Commissioner Kaoiwi shared that he understood both Chair Bowles’ point and Commissioner Bertsch’s point, and had concerns with regard to some of the vacant positions that may be eliminated which may lead to TAing of staff, which would still be costly, and nothing would be gained. Deputy Corporation Counsel (DCC) Gonzales appreciated the Chair’s desire for the commission to start thinking ahead as the budget issue would be forthcoming. He reminded the commission that their role in the budget, by Charter, is the review of the annual budget prepared by the Chief. Once the Chief prepares his budget and has it, it’s not a draft, nor a concept of possibilities as was related by Vice Chair Robinson. That’s when the discussion really begins. DCC Gonzales believed that the chair was trying to ready the commission with their questions and is advising them to start the dialogue as soon as possible and to be ready with their questions. DCC Gonzales also agreed that Commissioner Bertsch’s concern that specifics on what may have been discussed cast in the wrong light can create negativity that the department or commission doesn’t need. However, DCC Gonzales felt that Commissioner Robinson’s report didn’t appear to be conveying the chief’s plan, but of possible options. He reminded the commission that the annual budget isn’t prepared yet, but when it does come up for review, that’s when suggestions and dialogue will occur between the administration and the commission. Then, the commission makes its recommendation to the Mayor’s Office and the Managing Director. He reminded the commission to remember to work within their role and start working on questions to ask, such as, “What kind of alternatives can be pitched to the chief, if it’s not already in his budget plan?” DCC Gonzales stated that the discussion was fine and that it was part of the Budget and Finance report as an issue on the near horizon. Chair Bowles voiced that one of the problems the commission has experienced is waiting until the budget is hard. The department needs the commission’s support as it’s been in an uphill battle building the department since 2000. Having some financial decisions made by the State with respect to the County of the Tourism Tax may place the department in a very serious position. The commission has a responsibility to provide services. Members of this commission should be having budget discussions with the chief. 10 Commissioner Bertsch agreed with the DCC and explained that procedurally, the budget was put together by the administration and it was basically rolled out to the commission for a rubber stamp and the commission had the opportunity to comment on it. When the budget was presented to the County Council by the Fire Chief the commission may attend to support it. DCC Gonzales commented that one of the benefits of Chief Oliveira is his ability to work with key people and getting everyone’s input. As Chief of the department, some of the tough calls are going to be his. Essentially, he’ll be held accountable. And, as executive of the department, it’s his call, authority and responsibility. DCC Gonzales also explained that according to the Charter, the Chief has the commission review the budget in order to provide him further input. The DCC further commented that he sees that the Chief is having dialogue with the commission before he prepares his final budget or draft of the budget. DCC Gonzales did not see a problem with that, but was making sure that the commission understood that the Chief, ultimately, will be held accountable, because he’s the administrator and it’s his call. Chair Bowles commented that it’s educational for each commissioner to hear some of the concepts and strategies. Continuing with Committee reports listed on the agenda, it was decided that the commissionÓs committees as derived in the original commission remain listed on each monthÓs meeting agenda. Commissioner Bertsch provided input on Committees while he was Chair. One of his missions was to abolish the Committees and assign Committees based on tasks as they presented themselves. Budget as an example, which is going to be an issue, will probably require a Committee. In the minutes of past meetings, there were no Committee reports from the pseudo committees, simply because there was no business. Commissioner Bertsch recommended to the Chair, that they vote to abolish committees. At Chair Bowles’ suggestion, Commissioners Kaoiwi and Robinson agreed to be responsible for following up on the Budget issue with the Chief before the next meeting. with hopes that the Chief could come up with perhaps a more comprehensive presentation and focus on the budget. Commissioner Bertsch offered direction to commissioners Kaoiwi and Robinson that they ask the chief specific or pointed questions from the commission, as there are topics that need to be addressed in the budget area. He also opened the opportunity for any commissioner to email Commissioner Robinson their questions to ask the Chief. 11 Chair Bowles agreed and asked Commissioners Stabos or Pomroy to forward their suggestions or questions to Commissioners Robinson or Kaoiwi to ask the Chief. Chair Bowles suggested that the commission focus their attention to budget or personnel related issues before other routinely received matters. One of Chair Bowles’ ongoing concerns with respect to the budget has been the position of the unions and he believes that they’re headed for difficult times. Chair Bowles removed himself from the Budget Committee and stated that Commissioner Robinson is very capable and can confer with him at anytime. DCC Gonzales added that he recalls a meeting with the Fire Commission sometime last year when Mr. Bertsch was the chair, and remembers some of the committee discussion. He agreed that if there are no reports being made, it might not be necessary, however he pointed out that a positive aspect would be to have it included on the agenda as a matter of course so the topic could be discussed at the meeting. If a matter came up relating to public relations, and it’s not specifically agendized for that meeting, it could not be discussed at the next meeting and if the commission doesn’t meet every month, the date when you can legally talk about it is pushed back because of Sunshine Law. Having the Committee listings on the agenda every month as a matter of course gives the flexibility to address it at any commission meeting. At Chair BowlesÓ suggestion, the commission will continue having Committees listed on the meeting agenda without names attached. Committee assignments will be assigned accordingly. Office Management and Staffing (Bertsch) No report. Rules and Policies (Rosehill) No report. Public Relations (Pomroy/Bertsch) No report. Training and Education (Bertsch) No report. ANNOUNCEMENTS The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at 10:00 a.m., at the Liquor Control Conference Room, Kona Center, 75-5722 Hanama Kailua-Kona, HawaiÒi. Place, ADJOURNMENT The meeting ended at 11:45 a.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY: __________________________ PAULETTE CAINGLIT Secretary 12