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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-05-12 Fire Commission Minutes HAWAII COUNTY FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION - MINUTES AS AMENDED May 12, 2004 Liquor Control Conference Room Hilo Lagoon Centre CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Neil Brazier at 10:00 am. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Neil Brazier Dale Fergerstrom Rudolph Hart Karen Maedo (10:10 a.m.) Glen Matsuda Laura Ward Clifford (Joe) Whitney A quorum was present. Excused: Stephen Bowles ALSO PRESENT: Michelle Nahale`a Aaron Arbles Leningrad Elarionoff Dennis Iyo Laurie Kaneta Diane Noda (10:50 a.m.) Darryl Oliveira Del Pranke Martha Rodillas Noni Sanford Ron Sanford Desmond Wery STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Del Pranke commented that there are a lot of commendation letters that appear on the Fire Commission agendas. He commended the HFC, Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief for the outstanding work they are doing.After speaking with firefighters, it was expressed that the morale of the Fire Department has turned around within the last two years for the better. People are much happier with the work situation. This has lots to do with this Commission and Chief Oliveira. Mr. Pranke thanked the HFC. APPROVAL OF MEETING PROCEEDINGS It was moved by Commissioner Hart that the minutes of the April 14, 2004 regular session minutes be approved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Fergerstrom and unanimously carried. APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Commissioner Ward moved to accept communication numbers 04-017 through 04-022. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Whitney and unanimously carried. NEW BUSINESS: Councilman Leningrad Elarionoff “Character First” Presentation – see Power Point presentation. (Attachment “A”) CHIEF’S REPORT Harry Yada of the State of Hawai‘i Department of Land & Natural Resources was present to answer any questions regarding the State land acquisition process. Chief Oliveira stated that to acquire State lands, it must be done by executive order. This may be a consideration for the Pahoa fire station and Fire Administration - depending on which site is selected. Harry Yada stated that last year they set aside land for the County of Hawai‘i to do a County building in Kona. This matter went before the Land Board in 2001. The executive order was completed in October 2002. The Land Board included a right of entry, which allowed the County to do studies, environmental assessments, construction right of entries, etc. If these are included when presented to the Land Board, it will take time. Each matter is different -- it depends on the specifics of the property, i.e. is a subdivision necessary? Surveying can be done in-house or hired out. Commissioner Ward asked if there is more than one site to be considered can this process be done for all sites? Chief Oliveira commented that there might be more than one site in both Pahoa and in Kona Palisades. 2 Harry Yada stated that it is not wise to do the process for all sites – it is better to be specific. He stated that the people’s perception of the State’s process is sometimes tainted with other experiences they had happen with the State. Commissioner Brazier stated that he is interested in the rapidly growing area in the Pahoa/Puna area. Chief Oliveira stated that they are looking at three different areas in Puna. The Ogasawara property, another piece of property that is ¼ mile from the Ogasawara property (a former anthurium property which may have lava tubes on the property) and rdnd the 3 piece of property is .8 miles from the 2 property more on the Keaau/mauka side of the road nearby the water supply tank, both sides provide good response. The Chief nd expressed that he prefers the 2 site because it’s closer to Pahoa and it belongs to the State. rd Harry Yada stated that the 3 site has a 5-acre lot surrounded by a 1,000 acre, which the State owns. Chief Oliveira stated that they are considering a joint operation between HFD & HPD. A larger piece of property would support that concept and allow P&R to add infrastructure. Commissioner Matsuda asked if the 5-acre lot is being leased. Harry Yada stated that both lots are vacant and are not being leased. The prior leases were either terminated or expired. Chief Oliveira stated that when dealing with the Government, time deadlines are difficult to predict. Ron Sanford asked if the Volcano station is being considered. Chief Oliveira stated that the Volcano station is not being considered yet and firebreaks would be included in all projects. Ron Sanford stated that run away areas can be prevented by having firebreaks. Harry Yada stated that it’s very difficult to work with the State to obtain State lands. Sometimes people form barriers in their own minds; hopefully that can be broken down and all involved may work cooperatively. Fire Equipment Operator Dennis Iyo did a presentation on the proposed “Hawai‘i County Fire Department Outstanding Citizens Awards Program” (see Attachment “B”). The purpose for this awards program is to formally recognize citizens from the public who has gone beyond the call of duty in assisting the HFD in a crisis. The citizen would have displayed an act of bravery, performed CPR, etc., that made a difference. This 3 awards program would consist of two types of awards: the outstanding merit award – for citizens who perform excellence and risk their personal safety to help the general public and the certificate of merit given to those people who have not met the requirements of the outstanding merit award. The outstanding merit award recipients will be presented a plaque and invited to the annual Fire Chief’s award dinner. The certificate of merit award recipients will receive a framed certificate and will be presented the award at the HFC meetings. The selection process is made of committee members to determine which award the individuals will receive. The HFC’s responsibility would be to provide final approval of the recommendations. Nomination forms will be sent to each Fire Station. As the HFD goes out to do their calls, they’ll complete the form. Commissioner Matsuda asked who would complete the forms. Dennis Iyo stated that the forms would be completed by the HFD personnel and given to the committee members. Commissioner Whitney asked if the volunteer firefighters would be considered for this program. Dennis Iyo stated that they would not be considered for this particular awards program, however they would be eligible for something separate. For a “lay person” to do an act of bravery, it’s outstanding and they should be recognized. Commissioner Fergerstrom asked about details of the Selection Committee. Dennis Iyo stated that he is the chairperson. Committee members consist of one HFD personnel from East Hawai‘i and one from West Hawai‘i. FEO’s Eric Kunitomo and Keith Laeha are members of this committee. Chief Oliveira stated that this awards program would be sanctioned for HFD only. There was an incident that happened in Honokaa where a young boy discovered a fire at his home. He got his family out of the house and this would be an example of an act of bravery. Chief Oliveira would like to see this program grow. Commissioner Maedo stated that she would prefer it be re-titled “acts of bravery & courage”. Deputy Corporation Counsel Noda stated that she is not sure that this “approval act of the award recipients” is within the scope and duties of the HFC. Commissioner Fergerstrom stated that the wording needs to be worked on; tighten up the form a little bit. The HFC supports this program and will wait for further instruction from the Corporation Counsel’s office. Commissioner Matsuda asked if this would be done every month or quarter. 4 Dennis Iyo stated that the certificate of merit would be done every quarter. The outstanding merit award would be given annually. Commissioner Fergerstrom stated that the key component is to get a few people to make the nominations. The field personnel may not think it’s important and pass it off. Commissioner Ward stated that she is concerned with the word “approval” she would rather use word “recognize”. HFC agrees that they would like to acknowledge the public for the good that they do. Commissioner Ward made a motion to support the awards program and encouraged the HFD to continue to do things like this. Commissioner Maedo seconded this motion. This motion was withdrawn. Del Pranke stated that this awards program presentation may be brought before the County Council and it can be viewed on television. It was decided that this item would be placed under unfinished business for next month’s HFC meeting in Kona. Commissioner Matsuda suggested that the individual making the nomination should be either the East or West Hawai‘i person. Dennis Iyo stated that the Firefighter involved in the reporting of the act of bravery would be included in the presentation to the civilian. Noni Sanford stated that her daughter performed mouth-to-mouth on someone and kept this person living. They were disappointed that the HFD did not do anything to recognize this act that was well deserved. Commissioner Hart stated that a young boy in Honokaa received an award from his school for the act of bravery that he did. This award did a lot for the boy. Receiving this award changed his life. Chief’s Report: Budget: Mayor Kim included three Dispatcher III positions in his submittal to the County Council for FY 2004-05 budget. Alternative Funding & Grants: Department of Transportation, Safe Communities Grant: applied for 50 radio translucent spine boards to equip the medic units. There are no metal rods on these boards, which would improve patient care. Total cost is $10,000. Funding will be awarded in October 2004. HFD would like to share the boards with the lifeguards. The grant was successful last year in obtaining the extrication tools for the Kaumana & Kawailani stations. 5 Rural Development Grant - $500,000 with subsequent funding for another $500,000 thru the University system. Meeting with them to partner on the grant i.e. bachelor’s, certificate and or A.S. programs is being explored. Time frames are nearing closure. Puna Public Safety Complex: Discussions are continuing for land acquisition. Pahoa Fire Station: Considering three different parcels. Each parcel has unique benefits. The first site the size and price is major considerations. For the second site, a lava tube is the major consideration and for the third site, access to the nd property is a major consideration. HFD prefers the 2 site (a former anthurium farm). Fire administration: Would like to obtain feedback from the HFC on the identified sites for the future Fire Administration Building. Chief Oliveira stated that while he was on the mainland he visited an administration, dispatch, banquet hall (all in one facility) complex with 7 bays, etc. HFD is considering looking at a consolidation of Central and Kaumana facilities. Needs are to be assessed. Promotions & hiring: HFD just had a resignation of a dispatcher who went to the Prosecutor’s Office. Also, a resignation (retirement) of personnel clerk effective April 30. Working on filling both positions. Operations Division: HFD responded to a significant incident – airplane crash in Kona on April 18, 2004 at the 4,500’ elevation, Hoopuloa Mauka, Ocean View. There was good communication between agencies including the cell Phone Company. Commissioner Fergerstrom was thanked for getting information regarding access to the incident site. This particular incident was discussed with Kona Hospital, Coast Guard and other agencies. HFD is looking in getting portable communications mechanisms to speak with people involved in the search. After meeting with the Coast Guard they agreed to program the HFD’s frequency to speak with HFD during crises. The Coast Guard is willing to provide HFD with equipment. Prevention Division: Merrie Monarch festival went very smoothly. HFD provided a proactive approach. Inspectors met with the project coordinator regarding exit control, seating arrangements, etc. Plan Review & Inspection of Fire Sprinkler Systems: Inspectors have been attending training regarding sprinkler systems; taking advantage of all training available in the state. Training Division: th 30 recruit class: This class will be trained in wild land fire training, followed by firs responder then lifeguard training. They are completing their essential curriculum to be followed by a final testing and practical skill review and practice. There were a few mishaps, however all is ok now. 6 th 29 recruit class: This class completed their EMT-I curriculum and are back in the stations for five weeks for clinical rotations. Tentative graduation date is June 18. Driver Competency Training Program Update: of the 271 drivers, 250 audits have been completed to date. Volunteer Division: 25% of the volunteer companies have completed the Driver Competency Training Program. About 50% of the remaining companies have completed the classroom portion of the training.The large apparatus’ are up and running. EMS Division: MICT class: HFD established an MICT mentoring program. Letters were sent out and 15 candidates submitted letters of interest. With a peer driven concept, better support can be provided. The first class was conducted on May 4. Fire Auxiliary Service: RMS program continues to move forward; on-going classes are continuing. New projects: FRESH program will go live on May 17. This program is the County’s financial approval process for bill paying, requisitions, etc. 2004 legislature session update: SB 2399: Relating to the funding of emergency ambulance services in the HOVE community - did not make it out of conference committee.This bill is sitting on the Governor’s desk waiting for her signature. SB 2690 - establishes Emergency Medical Services Special Fund through an increase ($20 - $25) in the vehicle registration fee, is with Governor Lingle awaiting her signature. Performance Measurement for Government Conference: Deputy Chief Desmond Wery attended this conference held in San Diego. Deputy Chief Wery reported that six other County departments were represented at this conference. These departments were selected because they are the larger departments. There was representation from federal, local and state agencies, the army and some from Germany. The strategic planning process and the budget are between two “hands”. This conference was to help these two “hands” connect. In comparison with other jurisdictions, the HFD is up to speed. Other agencies are at the same crossroads as others. The concept is sound and mandated for federal agencies i.e. performance management budgeting.The 6 county departments that went will form a core committee. There needs to have measurements in place and the results will justify the budget; these have to be transparent to the public, and the personnel. There needs to be a clear understanding of what the vision and mission is – Countywide. 7 Position Audits: Position audits were done within the Fire Administration office. A question that needs to be answered is: “do we have the right number of positions to effectively manage the department?” There are a lot of duties being overlapped. Seeking answers to “how do we provide the employees with the tools/help to do their job? And how do we fix the problem now?” There are a lot of people working overtime. Looking forward to answering these questions. Solutions 2004 Conference: Held at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott on May 1. Emergency Response Academy presented a youth mentoring program. Each youth group varied in age groups of 16-23. This program provides them with a perspective of public safety and basic fire fighting skills. There has been success of youth getting jobs i.e. lifeguard, etc. This program opens the door for kids and gives them hope. Public relations: th EMS week May 16 –22: The 4 annual 5K fun run/walk will be held on May 22 at Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo. The proceeds will go to a bone marrow registry and a portion will go to the son of a fire fighter who has leukemia. This event is dedicated to the victims of the recent plane crash. Mother’s Day rose delivery project: Fire Fighter Chris Honda coordinated this event. 140 rose bouquets were delivered. Approximately $2,000 - $2,500 was raised for the American Cancer Society. Puainako Street Extension Run: The road is tentatively scheduled to open in July, however this date is not confirmed. Proceeds of this event will go to the homeless. Commissioner Ward commented that the HFD’s presentation at the Solutions 2004 conference was excellent. Chief Oliveira stated that when they did the selection of the dispatcher, character was looked at and considered. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None COMMITTEE REPORTS Budget & Finance (Bowles/Hart) none Office Management and Staffing (Fergerstrom) none Rules and Policies none Public Relations (Ward) : Commissioner Ward reported that she and Chief Oliveira discussed the insurance issue in Kohala regarding Sea Village. These residents are 8 saying that they are being rejected for insurance because of the cliffs and being too close to the ocean. The Sayre foundation dinner is scheduled for September 11 at Four Seasons -- nominations are needed as soon as possible. At the Solutions Conference Commissioner Ward met with Denise of the Maui Fire Commission. They are working on evaluating their Fire Chief and would like a copy of the HFC’s evaluation form. Deputy Corporation Counsel Noda will follow-up regarding turning over the chief’s (blank form) evaluation to Maui Fire Commission. Friends of Charlie Awata – donations are being accepted. Commissioner Maedo suggested that it would be a good idea to create a nucleus of fire commissioners. NEW BUSINESS Dennis Iyo - Citizen Valor/Recognition Award (discussed earlier) PUBLIC STATEMENTS None ANNOUNCEMENTS The next meeting is to be held on Wednesday, June 16, 2004, at 10:00 a.m. at the Discovery Room, Royal Kona Resort, Kailua-Kona. Set agenda for June 16, 2004 meeting: Dennis Iyo - Outstanding Citizens Award Program Commissioner Hart thanked Martha for appearing today although she was under the weather. Meeting was adjourned at 11:54 a.m. ADJOURNMENT SUBMITTED BY: __________________________ MARTHA A. RODILLAS Secretary B&C:Fire Commission:Regular Session Minutes 5-12-04 LSA/mr 9