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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-07-09 Fire Commission Minutes HAWAII COUNTY FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION - MINUTES July 9, 2003 Liquor Control Conference Room 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 Rudolph Hart Karen Maedo Laura Ward Terry Wallace EXCUSED: Natalie Flattes Louis Kaoiwi A quorum was present. ALSO PRESENT: Lincoln Ashida, Corporation Counsel Major Paul Austria Lt. Col. Roy Cornella Laurie Kaneta Isaiah Nakano Darryl Oliveira, Fire Chief Martha Rodillas Darren Rosario Joe Whitney AWARD PRESENTATION Captain Darren Rosario, of the HFD received a certificate award from Lt. Colonel Roy Cornella and Major Paul Austria. Lt. Colonel Cornella explained that National Guardsmen have full-time positions other than in the Guard, family obligations and guard requirements. Captain Rosario has provided employee support for the Guard and the Reserve. At times this represents problems for employers. Capt. Rosario provided support to the guardsman with Ðflying colorsÑ. The ÐPatriotic EmployerÑ award was given to Capt. Darren Rosario as a supporter of the National Guard. Capt. Rosario was a guard member for 8 years and during that time got in a conflict with work and guardsman duty. He needed to take leave without pay. Because o works with his staff to ensure participation with the Guard. Congratulations to Capt. Darren Rosario. STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS None APPROVAL OF MEETING PROCEEDINGS Commissioner Hart moved to accept the June 10, 2003, regular session minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Maedo and unanimously carrie APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Commissioner Maedo moved to accept communication numbers 03-41 through 03-51. Commissioner Bowles seconded the motion. Discussion regarding Tanya KawananakoaÓs communication transmitted by Ed Case was held. It was agreed upon that this matter has been dealt with. A disposition letter was sent to Ms. Kawananakoa (a copy will be provided to all Commissioners). Corporation Counsel stated that Ms. Kawananakoa would continue to pursue the criminal complaint with the Kona Police Department. No further action is necessary from the HFC. Commissioner Ward stated that Ms. Kawananakoa is not happy about the HFC made. Ms. Ward stated that if an apology letter goes to Ms. Kawananakoa, Ms. Ward would feel better. This is affecting Ms. WardÓs life as Ms. Kawananakoa lives in Ms. WardÓs community. Ms. Ward would like to send a personal letter. Commissioner Fergerstrom stated that it would be better to have a letter come from the HFC rather than Commissioner Ward personally. Commissioner Maedo empathized with Ms. WardÓs point of view. However, there is no apology that is due from the HFC to Ms. Kawananakoa. This is not personal. Ms. Kawananakoa will go through the process. 2 Commissioner Hart stated that the HFC should listen to the Corporation Counsel and no further action is needed. Commissioner Wallace stated that it is an unfortunate situation and the Corporation Counsel handled this matter appropriately. A letter was sent to the complainant. There are no guilty feelings. It may feel uncomfortable for Ms. Ward After discussion, the motion approving written communication NoÓs. 03-41 through 03- 51 was unanimously carried. Nothing further regarding Ms. KawananakoaÓs letter. CHIEFÓS REPORT Chief Oliveira introduced volunteer student helper Isaiah Nakano. Isaiah was recruited to volunteer for the summer. Isaiah puts in 20 hours a week totaling 120 hours for the summer. This opportunity gives him exposure to the Fire Service. Activities that Isaiah participated in include: filing, waxing of the fire truck, water drill, hangs out with recruits, etc. Budget: status quo budget was approved. There is funding for three (3) HOVE Driver positions and two (2) Fire Prevention Inspector I positio filled this summer. No supplemental budgets were approved for any departments. Grants: A USFA grant match was included in the budget. Over $42 equipment and resources with a 30% match from the County. Chief Oliveira demonstrated a piece of equipment called the Ðthermal imagerÑ. The imager picks up any temperature differential in the room. As it is pointed at a different object; it will give an image of what the object is. It can identify corridors, victims, etc. Will be used in the field. The range is from 3 feet to infinity. It can also track imprints on the wall where heat was left on the wall from body temperature. Trying to get this unit that costs about $8,000 per unit. Problems that may be encountered are how quickly the items are refreshed and keeping up with image searching. The imager has limitless uses. Through a radio transmitter it can be hooke searching in the building, people can see from outside of the building. All resources are made available to agencies; i.e. police, etc. Item will be maintained in the AC vehicles and HAZMAT. CIP: Deputy Wery and the Accountant are attending a grant management meeting. Promotions & hiring: Second group of firefighter recruits will start on August 1. Would like to have a class of at least 12 student recruits. On-going recruitment is in the works. An agility exam to be issued in the fall. There are 41 vacancies in the HFD, 33 at the firefighter level. Four (4) retirements coming up this year will increase staffing shortage. Training conducted is based on national standards and fundamental needs. More time is being spent Ðhands onÑ. The a 3 competencies are set by national standards. The Department of Civil Service takes care of the recruitment, which have attracted up to 800 applicants. Looking to fill the Chief MechanicÓs position. Need to keep up As vehicles become technologically advanced, it requires significant tooling, etc. Having a roving mechanic will keep up with breakdowns and mainte breakdowns. Working with Kukio project with hopes of having a West HawaiÒi mechanic shop. Would like to fill the Rescue Specialist position. Working on implementing a new testing procedure. In the past the procedure was Ðpass or failÑ for paddling a surfboard, running, swimming, etc. Looking at getting an overall cycle/circuit type of testing. Would like the participants to pass with the minimum requirement component. Operations division: Would like to open the HOVE station as soon as possible. The new apparatus has an air leak and electrical problems. The Pahala captain was sent to evaluate the infrastructure needs. Currently working with volunteers to place people into the station. Working hard to get staffing out to HOVE as soon as possible. The KMC federal fire installation will terminate fire protection as of August 2004. Met with Senator InouyeÓs office and asked for an extension of time so that HFD can get their services together. Looking at over $1 million to replace the existing resources. Earlier this year they did a risk assessment, which assessed that is a recreational facility, and fire protection is not mandated for a recreation area. It is their desire to fully staff the PTA facility. The KMC unit will be incorporated into Pohakuloa. HFD may be taking over the service and has been offered uses of the facilities by KMC. The cost of an apparatus is over $500,000. The National Park Service area does not include KMC. National Park Service is concerned with wildlife and it is not their mission to do structural fire. HFDÓs EMS provides service to KMC. The focus is on the National Park and KMC; they service the entire Volcano area. Leadership training is going on for newly promoted personnel. Prevention bureau: got formal partnership with Honolulu Fire Department, which will start soon. Fire Captains from Captain Cook was injured and is on light duty; there may be a 4-month window to get well. Inspections: Did a night inspection and identified occupancy pr overcrowding, use of extension cords, violations, etc. These violations would not have been noted during the day. Still investigating the fire that took place in Honolii. Will keep the HFC updated. Training division: Recruits are in EMT training classes for about 2.5 months. They are expected to be on the road in September for the clinical phase. 4 Volunteer division: Volunteer meeting set for July 19 at HOVE, 10:00 a.m. Fire Auxiliary Services Division: Two new Dispatchers are being trained and working out well. New projects: Working with the Microwave 700 MHz project with Police Department. It is the militaryÓs desire to support communications, infrastructure and equipment. RMS (records management system) training to start in August. RMS has been successful. HFD is participating in the CountyÓs ÐWeed and SeedÑ program through the Prosecuting AttorneyÓs office. This program addresses crime and drug problems in the community, taking ownership in finding solutions in the community. Participating in West Hawaii Crew Management group which deals with land management in West HawaiÒi. Some examples are drought conditions, being more pro-active and preventing wildfires. The community realizes they need to be more pro-active. th During the 4 of July holiday, 27 fireworks permits were issued island wide. were 11 fireworks related incidents Î 9 brush fires and 1 burn victim. EMS Division: Received a new ambulance unit that showed up mysteriously yesterday. Better visibility and accessibility for protection of both parties are being considered. Public Relations: Moonlight Madness Î Relay for Life on July 19 the Wong Stadium in Hilo. Will partner with HPD for Ðbagging groceriesÑ at KTA for HawaiÒi Island United Way (HUI) sometime in August. Would like to schedule a brief orientation of a HAZMAT demonstration at the next meeting. Commissioner Bowles is concerned about the distances involved for at the KMC area. Chief Oliveira stated that they would meet with the Mayor to discuss where County will go on this. Coverage can almost be guaranteed if an extension is granted until 2005. If it happens in August 2003, or sooner, uncertain about how it will be done. There may be overtime costs, burnout, etc. More information to be provided at next meeting after speaking with the Mayor. Will give Mayor several options on how this can be done. KMC is comprised of civilian federal firefighters and has a jurisdiction responsibility. Whenever requested, they come out to help. Support area is from Hirano Store to Fern Forest thru a mutual aid agreement. 5 Volunteers in the Volcano area are very active. Uncertain about response time. There is a dispatch problem with radio communication in the area. There are equipment difficulties that need to be overcome. Wants to be accessible by the community. KMC has a nice two-story facility. UNFINISHED BUSINESS NONE COMMITTEE REPORTS Budget & Finance (Bowles/Hart) none Office Management and Staffing (Fergerstrom/Wallace) none Rules and Policies (Kaoiwi/Flattes) none Public Relations (Ward) none NEW BUSINESS Announcement Î July 19 Î 10:00 am Î Volunteer ChiefÓs Association meeting at HOVE station Î attendance encouraged. MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION Corporation Counsel Ashida confirmed with Chief Oliveira that as part of the ChiefÓs reports, the subject matter that needs be brought before the HFC has to do with a personnel matter. This will be considered part of the ChiefÓs report and must be done in executive session. It was moved by Commissioner Maedo at 11:05 a.m. and seconded by Wallace that the Fire Commission go into executive session pursuant to Section 92- 5(2), HawaiÒi Revised Statutes and Section 13-20(b), HawaiÒi County Charter. The motion was unanimously carried. Short recess of 5 minutes was taken. The regular session ended at 11: 05 a.m. and went into executive session. Executive session ended at 11:20 a.m. ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTER 6 None. PUBLIC STATEMENTS None. ANNOUNCEMENTS HFC sends aloha to Commissioner Louis Kaoiwi. The next meeting is to be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2003, at 10:00 a.m. at the Hilo Lagoon Centre, Liquor Control Conference Room. HAZMAT demonstration to be added to the agenda. Set agenda for August 13, 2003 meeting. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 11:38 a.m. SUBMITTED BY: __________________________ MARTHA A. RODILLAS Secretary B&C:Fire Commission:Regular Session Minutes 7-9-03 LSA/mr 7