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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-11-04 Fire Commission Minutes William P. Kenoi John M. Bertsch Mayor Chairman Bill Rosehill Vice-Chairman HAWAI‘I COUNTY FIRE COMMISSION 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2602, Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 Phone: 961-8317; Fax: 933-1521 Email: Firecomm-agenda@co.hawaii.hi.us REGULAR SESSION - MINUTES November 4, 2009 Aupuni Center Conference Room Hilo, Hawai‘i CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Bertsch at 10:03 a.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: John Bertsch, Chair Stephen Bowles Louis Kaoiwi Henry Pomroy, Jr. Bill Rosehill Scott Stabo Excused: James Browne Kaloa Robinson A quorum was present. ALSO PRESENT: Tom Brandt Bill Brilhante, Deputy Corporation Counsel Kaycie Carter Chris Honda Glen Honda Laurie Kaneta Darryl Oliveira, Fire Chief Noni Sanford Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Commissioners: John Bertsch, Stephen Bowles, James Browne, Louis Kaoiwi Henry Pomroy, Jr., Kaloa Robinson, Bill Rosehill, Scott Stabo STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS (Open to the Public) None APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Pomroy moved to accept the September 9, 2009, regular session minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Bowles and unanimously carried. APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS None. CHIEF’S REPORT Introduction of newly promoted Battalion Chiefs and Assistant Chief. Battalion Chief Warren Sumida Battalion Chief Gerald Kosaki Battalion Chief Dennis Iyo Assistant Chief Ralph Yawata Presentation Award for National Paramedic of the Year Chris Honda. Chief Oliveira honored Emergency Medical Technician Chris Honda for being awarded National Paramedic of the Year. He was presented with this prestigious award in Atlanta, Georgia, on October 27, 2009. On behalf of the County of Hawai'i, Chief Oliveira presented EMT Chris Honda with a Certificate of Commendation. The Fire Commission congratulated him. At 10:15, Chair Bertsch called for a recess. (Pictures were taken with the honoree.) The meeting resumed at 10:20 a.m. Budget: FY 2009/10: Will be submitting program budget to the Finance Department by November 15, 2009.Since September, Accountant Robert Belcher is being trained by retiree Gerald Wakino who is currently a contract hire. An update will be provided at the next meeting. 2 Alternative Funding and Grants FEMA FY 2007 Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant: (VTC Equipment): System is in operation and is being used at several functions. There is consideration on using the VTC at the upcoming Hawai'i Fire Chief’s Conference. If the Fire Department is unable to use the VTC equipment at the event they may decide to video tape it instead. The Fire Department is allowing other departments to use the equipment. FEMA FY 2008 Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant:(Health/wellness program) The department is addressing concerns that members have regarding medical information being shared within the program. Members are assured that any medical screening records are separate and protected. HIPA regulations do not allow the employer to obtain those records. The lab records are stored with the lab and only shared with the Nurse Practitioner who is conducting a one-on-one assessment. FY 2009 Assistance to Fire Fighters Fire Station Construction: ($4,113,686 award) Received notification of award. Recently, submitted two follow up reports to FEMA. Capital Improvement Projects: Makalei Fire Station: Continuing the design phase and working with the Department of Public Works Engineer on developing the bid specifications. There are conditions that need to be complied with in order to receive the grant award. Pahoa Fire Station: The station began operations on Sunday, November 1, 2009. A formal blessing is scheduled for December 12, 2009. The department is searching for a kahu to perform the blessing. Administration and Support Facility: In the process of the design phase. Meeting with the design consultant to address concerns raised by the community regarding the placement of a radio transmission tower on the site. Central Fire Station: Received notice from both Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority that they are interested in transferring the 1.8 acre parcel of Wailoa and Ululani Street to the County.However, the State would also like to discuss with the county the possibility of leasing or purchasing the land. Chief Oliveira discussed this matter with the Managing Director. Also, if the land is gifted to the County it is necessary to go through the Legislative process. Promotions and Hiring Open-Competitive Recruitment Firefighter Recruitment: Completed recruitment. Will be notifying selected individuals by the end of the month. Targeting class to begin March 2010. Internal Recruitments 3 Recently Promoted Assistant Chiefs/Battalion Chiefs: Earlier introduced. West Hawai‘i’s promoted Assistant Chiefs and Battalion Chiefs will be introduced at the December meeting. Fire Hazardous Materials Specialist: Promotion effective October 1, 2009. Fire Captain (Emergency Operations & Training Bureau): Began recruitment process. Fire Equipment Operator: Began recruitment process. Support Services Division Emergency Medical Services Bureau Report provided by Assistant Chief Ralph Yawata H1N1 Vaccination program: Approximately 75 percent of personnel received the H1N1 influenza vaccine. Ambulances: Two medics were ordered and will be sent to Waimea and Keauhou Fire Stations in March/April 2010. Prevention Bureau Fireworks: Met with the Office of the Corporation Counsel to discuss fireworks regulations. With only two Captains, one on each side of the island, the Prevention Bureau is extremely busy. The Fire department’s goal is to recruit for officers to work in the Prevention Bureau. Fire Auxiliary Services Communication Report provided by Battalion Chief Michael Gahan On October 15, 2009, Battalion Chief Gahan met with Fire Dispatch Building Committee. Chief Oliveira had request for helpful information from all participants of project about the safety of radio tower for nearby residence. On October 19, 2009, Battalion Chief Gahan met with the consultant at Intergraph about the timeline for the installation of the new CAD system and the training needed for personnel. Warehouse Section Received 610 safety vests. Maui Fire Department provided Black Fire Helmets for the Fire Explorer Program. This will identify the youth immediately. Commissioner Kaoiwi expressed his concern with inventory accumulation. Battalion Chief Gahan and Chief Oliveira replied that this matter is being addressed. The inventory is being accounted for and circulated to stations. 4 Chair Bertsch inquired on the Fire Department’s responsibility with private communities that have gated codes and the knox key system. He asked whether the department would be able to incorporate the gate code into the CAD system. Chief Oliveira replied that every response unit has a knox key. Also, most subdivision that changes their access codes usually inform the Fire Department. However, the Fire Department does encourage subdivisions with a gate code to obtain a knox key. Training Bureau Report provided by Battalion Chief Gerald Kosaki th 38 Firefighter Recruit Class: Recently graduated. They are expected to complete their ambulance criteria by November 15, 2009, and will be assigned to their stations on November 16, 2009. Deployment: Recently, two individuals who were deployed to Iraq returned to the Big Island. One individual is in the process of obtaining the necessary requirements needed to return to his position. However, the other individual was deployed during recruit training and must continue his training. Audits: Battalion Chief Kosaki explained the different audits conducted by the Drivers, Fire Equipment Operators and Captains. Hazmat operating procedures: The Office of the Corporation Counsel is assisting with revisions on operating procedures. Supplies and equipment: Outdated equipment on the trucks needs to be upgraded and/or changed. Rescue Training Program: In the process of developing a Rescue Training Program. This will allow those who are interested in a Fire Rescue Specialist position to receive the minimum qualifications to be temporarily assigned or promoted to a Fire Rescue Specialist position. Ocean Safety Division: The three new lifeguard towers were received on October 28, 2009. They will be replace the present towers at Isaac Hale Beach Park (Pohoiki), Laaloa (Magic Sands), and Spencer Beach. The department is in the process of obtaining the required building and special management area permits in order to erect them. Kona Transportation is allowing the Fire Department to store the towers at its baseyard free of charge for 30 days. Volunteer Section Report provided by Volunteer Fire Chief Tom Brandt A sample of the new volunteer vehicle identification decal. A smaller version will be place on their helmets and polo shirts. Volunteer Station 14A tanker truck was delivered. 5 New Projects/Business Hawai'i Fire Chief’s Association Conference update: Registration was extended and is ongoing. Wednesday, November 18, 2009: Everyone Goes Home Program-Courage to be Safe Train the Trainer. Thursday, November 19, 2009: National Fallen Firefighter Foundation Golf Tournament at Mauna Lani Resort. Friday, November 20, 2009: Recognition of National Paramedic of the Year Chris Honda. Lt. Governor Duke Aiona, Mayor Billy Kenoi, and U.S. Fire Administrator Kelvin Cochran have confirmed their attendance. Break Out Sessions includes: Paratech GEBCO - Accountability, Credentialing, and Validation RAE Systems Phos Check Clerical Support Staff Saturday, November 20, 2009. Keynote Speaker: USFA Administrator Kelvin Cochran National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) Representative. International Association of Fire Chief’s President. Sam Choy cooking demonstration “Cooking from the Heart.” Cookbook sale proceeds will benefit the NFFA. Employee/Public Relations Hawai‘i Island United Way: Continuing to solicit participation from employees. NEW BUSINESS Chris Honda – Recognition for EMT Paramedic of the Year. Introduction of Assistant Chiefs and Battalion Chiefs recently promoted. Nomination/Election of Officers. Commissioner Rosehill made a motion to defer the Election of Officers to the Fire Commission’s January meeting.Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante stated that according to the Fire Commission’s Rules and Regulations the election needs to take place in December. The Fire Commission agreed to defer the nomination/election to December’s meeting. Fire Commission Orientation Binder – Introduction (draft) letter (Comments and suggestions.) 6 Commissioner Bowles stated that it was not necessary to include the letter into the orientation binder. Presently the Fire Commission’s Deputy Corporation Counsel and the Chairman brief the new member on the HFC’s responsibilities and duties and this should be sufficient. Commissioner Kaoiwi stated that he does not see any harm in including the letter. However, the Hawai'i Fire Commission’s rules and regulations handbook is self-explanatory. According to Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante, once a new commissioner is confirmed by the County Council, his office schedules a meeting with the new member to receive a copy of the rules and regulations, and receive their Oath of Office. If the commission agrees he will incorporate the viewpoint of the letter into his introductory meeting. Commissioner Stabo stated that he finds the letter helpful and that it should be adopted into the orientation binder. Commissioner Rosehill suggested that the commission include some of the information into the binder and delete redundant information that is redundant. Commissioner Bowles made motion to have Deputy Corporation Counsel incorporate the essence of the letter into his introductory meeting with new members. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kaoiwi and it was unanimously carried. At 11:50 a.m., Chair Bertsch called for a five minute recess. Chief’s Evaluation Process – Review of forms and procedures. MOTION TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION Rosehill and Bowles 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). UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. COMMITTEE REPORTS Budget & Finance (Bowles) No report. 7 Office Management and Staffing (Bertsch) No report. Rules and Policies (Rosehill) No report. Public Relations (Pomroy/Bertsch/Browne) No report. Training and Education (Bertsch) No report. ANNOUNCEMENTS The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 9, 2009, at 10:00 a.m., in the Liquor Control Conference Room, Kona Center, Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i. 75-5722 Hanama Place, Chair Bertsch announced that effective November 18, 2009, the Fire Commission’s Office will be relocating to the newly renovated Hawai'i County Building, in Suite 2602. All future Hilo meetings will be scheduled at the Hawai'i County Building’s Hamakua Conference Room. Set agenda for December 9, 2009, meeting. Evaluation of Fire Chief – Update. Nomination/Election of Officers. Recap of the Fire Chief’s Conference will be incorporated into the Chief’s Report. Commissioner Bowles will provide a brief report on the budget status. The Fire Commission considered inviting a Union Representative and the Fire Department’s Accountant to the December meeting. However, because the next meeting is scheduled to take place in Kona, the members agreed to defer the request until the January meeting. ADJOURNMENT The meeting ended at 12:50 p.m. SUBMITTED BY: __________________________ KAYCIE A. I. CARTER Secretary 8