HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-01-11 Fire Commission Minutes
Harry KimDixie Kaetsu
MayorManaging Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
HAWAII COUNTY FIRE COMMISSION
C/O 25 Aupuni Street #217, Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone: 961-8316 ; Fax: 933-1521
REGULAR SESSION - MINUTES
January 11, 2006
Liquor Control Conference Room
Hilo Lagoon Centre
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Maedo at 10:00 a.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Neil Brazier
James Browne
DaleFergerstrom
Rudolph Hart
Karen Kudlo
Karen Maedo, Chair
Glen Matsuda
Wil Okabe
A quorum was present.
ALSO PRESENT:
Tom Brandt
KaycieCarter
Laurie Kaneta
Quince Mento
Diane Noda, Deputy Corporation Counsel
Darryl Oliveira, Fire Chief
Noni Sanford
Chair Maedo thanked Commissioner Fergerstrom for his years of service and
leadership as the former Chair.
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Commissioners: Neil Brazier, James Browne, Dale Fergerstrom, Rudolph Hart, Karen Kudlo
Karen Maedo, Glen Matsuda, Wil Okabe
(Open to the Public)
STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
None
(Executive Session)
STATEMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Okabe moved to accept the December 14, 2005, regular session
minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Browne and unanimously
carried.
APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Commissioner Okabe moved to accept communication number 05-016 through
05-019. Commissioner Hart seconded the motion. Volunteer Fire Chiefs
Associations President Tom Brandt stated that a correction should be made to
communication number 05-018. Communication number 05-018 should be from
Wayne Krug, not Wayne F. Ching. The motion was amended to reflect the
change and unanimously carried.
CHIEFS REPORT
Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira acknowledged outgoing charter members,
Commissioners Hart and Fergerstrom for their valued support over the years.
Thank you gifts were presented to Commissioner Fergerstrom.
Chief Oliveira introduced members of themanagement team. These members
include Assistant ChiefsClesson Murasaki and Quince Mento, Battalion Chiefs
RobertBailey,AlvinTabosa,DarrenRosario,RaymondRowe,RuebenChun
and Michael Millare.
Chief Oliveira expressed the departments appreciation of these individuals.
Theydemonstratedtheirabilitiesandearnedtheopportunitytobepromoted.
CommissionerFergerstromthankedthemembersofthemanagementteamfor
taking the time to appear before the HCFC.
According to Chief Oliveira, as a result of the reorganization conducted last year,
heintendstoprovidethecommissionwithacomprehensivereportbyallowing
the management team the opportunity to report the departments activities and
operationstothecommission.Thiswillallowthemachancetoexplainfirst-hand
current projects; thereby achieving recognition for their hard work and efforts.
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Budget
FY 2006/07: The budget submittal is scheduled for Friday,
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January 13, 2006, withthe Department of Finance. An update will be
provided at the next Fire Commission meeting.
Commissioner Kudlo questioned whether the Fire Department would learn
if its budget will be approved at the meeting.
Chief Oliveira replied that although there may be some indication on what
is being considered favorable, the department would be notified after the
meeting. Once all the County Departments supplemental budgets are
reviewed, it is necessary for the County Council to balance the funds and
prioritize how they will be distributed.
Chief Oliveira explained that this years budget of $2.3 million was lower
than last years $4.1 million because a large amount of funds was set for
the replacement of apparatus at the South Kona district. This year, the
Fire Department is attempting to acquire alternative funding for the
replacement of its equipment. Assistant Chief Mento recently turned in
the Community Development Block Grant application to purchase
replacementapparatusforthePahoaandKauDistricts.
Alternative Funding and Grants
FEMA FY 2005 Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant: Anticipating the
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completion of the vehicle emissions control systems draft bid award
proposal. Once completed, it will be submitted to the Department of
Finance. Fire Fighters Neil Yoshioka and Gene Nakashima are
researching the National Historic Preservations requirements and
assessing the electrical needs of the stations.
FEMA FY 2004 Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant: Resulting from the
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recent appeal filed with the Department of Commerce and Consumer
Affairs, Chief Oliveira was informed on January 10, 2006, by the Office of
the Corporation Counsel, that the appeal officer rendered a decision in
favor of the HCFD. At the present time the department is awaiting a
response from the Finance Director on what step to take next. An
extension may be required; therefore the department will be contacting
FEMA.
Chief Oliveira addressed Commissioner Matsudas previous meetings
inquiry regarding the process of a bid appeal. He informed the
commission that the first step was for a vendor to request the Department
of Finance Director to have its bid reviewed and explain why it was not
awarded. The vendor may challenge the decision further with the States
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. At that time, a hearing
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officer would render a decision. If the vendor continues to appeal, they
would need to take it further with the court system.
Commissioner Matsuda questioned the DCCA involvement.
Chief Oliveira answered that the DCCA is the regulatory agency for the
procurement laws.
Commissioner Brazier stated that submitting the lowest bid isnt
necessarily the deciding factor.
Chief Oliveira replied that there were other factors involved, such as when
a vendor takes exception to a requirement. The Department, which is the
customer, needs to determine whether it wants to accept that exception as
areasonableaccommodation.
CDBG FY 2006 Grant Proposal: As mentioned earlier, recently submitted
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a Community Development Block Grant proposal for $850,000 to
purchase a replacement Pahoa Fire Engine and Pahala Fire Tanker.
DOT Safe Highways Grant: Received $33,000 to purchase air bag
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devices for distribution islandwide. Recently submitted the first quarter
report; bid specifications are at the Department of Finance. The
specifications were turned in, in December and the bid will be sent out in
March. Therefore, the product will most likely be received in July.
Commissioner Fergerstrom questioned how long the department had
been seeking grants.
Chief Oliveira replied that some of the grants, mainly CDBG, have been
utilized extensively in the past. There has been more success with some
of the other grants, such as the Fire Act grants and the DOT grants, which
have received tremendous success.
Capital Improvement Projects
Pahoa Fire Station: Awaiting the design plans from Architects Hawaii,
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who are making changes and adjustments requested by the department.
Projects Manager Nick AhYo is optimistic that the construction bid will go
out by January/February.
Fire Administration & Support Facility: Assistant Chief Mento and Projects
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Manager Nick AhYo are still working on the space requirements and
needs assessment for the Training Bureau. Following this, the
department selects the Design Consultants to put together conceptual
designs, obtains cost projections and continues with the construction
process. Projects Manager Nick AhYo is also working with the
Department of Public Works on organizing the Design Consultant
Selection Committee.
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Kalaoa Fire Station: Friday, January 13, 2006, is the scheduled deadline
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for the developer to give a final cost estimate for this project. At that time,
the department will determine the Countys position regarding this issue.
A resolution is favored. However, at the same time, the department is
considering alternative sites should things not work out.
Commissioner Browne questioned what alternate sites were being
considered.
Chief Oliveira responded that there was a property being offered by the
developer in the area. It is about 7/10 of a mile further north from the
current site. This site is approximately 5-6 miles from Kailua, near the
Matsuyama Mart. The existing site is a few tenths of a mile north on the
makai side, directly across the Makalei Subdivision. The new parcel will
still provide optimum coverage for the district because it will overlap with
Kailua,andwillkeepacloseproximitytotheoriginalplan.Basedonthe
preliminary assessment of the property, it may have better site access and
site clearance issues. There are some benefits if the project is moved.
Commissioner Browne asked what the timeline was if there is a move.
Chief Oliveira stated that the developers (Bolton, Inc.) cost data deadline
is January 13, 2006. Once that is received, a meeting will be scheduled
with Mayor Kim to determine where the County is going with this project.
At that time, there will be a determination on whether or not there will be a
change in site locations. The commission will be offered a better idea of a
timeline at the February meeting.
Chief Oliveira mentioned that the project will move faster because certain
phases of it are in place and the Pahoa Station would be used as a
template for the stations design.
Commissioner Browne asked whether it was possible for the commission
to receive a floor plan of the station.
Chief Oliveira replied that when the final floor plan design is received from
Architects Hawaii, it will be circulated to the commission, as well as to the
stations. This allows feedback from the personnel to see if something was
overlooked and makes them aware that their past suggestions, such as
adding public restrooms, bigger apparatus bays, an exercise room, etc.
were taken into account. These suggestions have been included in the
plan. This is a reason why the station is costing over 4 million dollars.
Commissioner Matsuda stated the Kalaoa Fire Station has taken some
time because of the site acquisition issue that was brought up a long time
ago. He asked if the Fire Department favors some other site at this
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particular point in time or whether the department is still going to try to
hold Bolton down.
Chief Oliveira replied that the first issue the department considers is what
is needed in the community, and tries to meet and address that need.
Another consideration is that the price is allotted for this project and that
was based on where it was going to go originally. To make a change may
delay not only the construction but may change the dollar amount. At the
same time, the department does not want to take away what is needed
from the community. The Fire Departments position when looking for a
proposed site for a Fire Station is to consider whats the best site to
service the community, the projected growth in the area, and the sites
accessibility to the public. A fair portion of business is drive-in business,
whether people are looking for directions, looking for help, or needing aid
foranactualincident.Also,theparcelneedstoaccommodatethe
stations design, and because there is difficulty finding training areas in the
community, there is a need to have a good terrain for training. Another
consideration is that the parcel is able to support aircraft but not be
intrusive to neighbors. Lastly, there is the departments mission with
disaster/response being up and running. The parcel needs to be a place
where the department will be operational in times of all disasters. It must
be able to support mass casualties and to deal with a spectrum of large
incidents. This project began in 1999, prior to the current administration
coming on board. The site was already identified. The department is
trying to make it work for the community. If it doesnt, they will need to
work with the community and inform them of the relocation.
Commissioner Matsuda questioned whether the project was ready to go
forward if the issue with Bolton is resolved.
Chief Oliveira responded that the Office of the Corporation Counsel would
be looking into this further. But if the parcel needs to be purchased, then it
is necessary to consider if the parcel is in the countys best interest.
Central Fire Station: No new update.
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Central Fire Station-Retrofit Project: Project went out to bid and will be
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open on February 2, 2006.
CIP Six Year Program: Submitted to Planning Department. As discussed
·
at the last meeting, a total of 13 projects submitted in order of priority
through FY 2009-10.
Chief Oliveira stated that the HCFD wants to secure the Projects Manager
position.
Commissioner Fergerstrom asked whether the Project Manager position
would be a civil service or a contracted position.
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Chief Oliveira stated that the department would prefer civil service
because it is secure and permanent. Whereas contracted money may not
be there all the time.
Paauilo Volunteer Fire Station: Finance Department has given us
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approval on five acres at this site and allowed pursuit of funding.
Promotions and Hiring
Internal Recruitments: Active recruitments include: Three Fire Radio
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Dispatchers, One Fire Mechanic. Interviews and assessments will be
scheduled soon.
Captain, FEO, and Prevention Inspector positions. Recently received the
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results of the exam scores from the Department of Civil Service and will
be notifying the candidates. An update will be given at the next meeting.
Emergency Operations Division
Penalties for Arson: As requested by Commissioner Okabe at last
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months meeting, penalties imposed upon minors for arson investigations
cannot be determined because of the fact that it depends on the juveniles
age, criminal history, and the severity of the offense, unless they are tried
as an adult. Penalties are standardized statewide.
Deputy Corporation Counsel Noda stated that the level of the offense
depends on the dollar amount of damage or whether it was intentionally
set. In Juvenile Court, if a juvenile sets a fire, the sentence will be
according to the Hawaii penal code. For parents to be held accountable,
suchaswhentheTeaHousewasburntatLiliuokalaniPark,theCountys
Office of the Corporation Counsel sued the parents in a civil suit and the
parents paid out of their homeowners insurance.
Commissioner Fergerstrom stated that the penalties imposed are very
complicated.
Deputy Corporation Counsel Noda stated that even the criminal property
damage statutes highest level is not more than $20,000 in damage, or a
maximum of 10 years in prison. It is a Class B felony.
Ms. Noni Sanford mentioned that Russell Kokubun tried to lobby the
legislature; however, his proposal was turned down.
Chief Oliveira stated that in the past three years, there has been a
2.5-2.6% increase in population. At the same time, the department has
seen a nine percent increase in calls. The population increase may not be
accurate because the population data for 2004 was only up to July. Also,
it may not include visitor data.
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Commissioner Browne stated that he attended the Fire Chiefs
Conference and spoke with the Kauai Fire Chief, who informed him that
they count their visitors as part of their population. He volunteered to
research and locate figures on visitors for a year for District 8 and 9.
Chief Oliveira stated that he would appreciate that information.
Commissioner Fergerstrom asked whether his research would only be
restricted to those two districts.
Commissioner Browne stated that because that is where the largest visitor
population is concentrated, he would like to start with those two districts.
Commissioner Fergerstrom suggested that he compare his statistics with
the official government statistics.
Support Services Division
PreventionBureau:
Fireworks permits: Sold 1,684 permits islandwide, grossed a
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total of $42,100.
TrainingBureau
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32 Firefighter Recruit Class: Presently in their EMT-Intermediate class.
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Scheduled to graduate on February 17, 2006. Following this, they will be
assigned to their companies on March 1, 2006.
rd
33 Firefighter Recruit Class: Presently in driver training.
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Assistant Chief Mento mentionedthat an issue that has come to his attention is
that the Harbors Division is requiring that anyone responding to harbor
emergencies receive security training. This basically entails watching a
41-minute video.
EMS Bureau
Automatic External Defibrillators (AED): The software needs to be
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installedintothecomputeratthecompaniestoextractthedata.Once
that isdone,theAEDswill be distributed to the various companies, and
theoldstockwillbereturnedtothewarehouse.
Electronic Ambulance Report Form committee: Members were selected
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andhelditsfirstmeetingonJanuary10,2006.
Auxiliary Services
Maintenance Shop: Anticipating filling the Mechanic position.
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Warehouse: Recently received the breathing apparatus units. Presently
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conducting an inventory and will proceed with distributing the equipment
and coordinating training islandwide. At the present time personnel are
volunteering to pick up and receive equipment from the warehouse. The
department is trying to obtain a quote from Mihara Trucking regarding
delivery of supplies to the stations. This will be more efficient, because
the department is able to schedule deliveries, and its personnel will need
to sign receipts. Also, Fire Communication Control Center is working on
filling three dispatcher vacancies. Recently created a Radio Dispatcher
supervisor position. There is a need to create criteria on what the
dispatchers job description entails, as well as the temporarily assigned
personnels qualifications and backgrounds. Working on job performance
rating for Radio Dispatch positions.
Volunteer Training Section
VolunteerChiefsmeetingtobeheldthisSaturday,January14,2006,at
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10:00 a.m., at Station 17-A. Hosted by Wayne Krug. Tom Brandt
encourages the commissioners to attend. Chief Oliveira will not be able to
attend. He will be attending the Firefighter Recruit Agility test scheduled
for the same day.
New Projects/Business
2006 Legislature: Submitted proposal to increase the EMS budget by
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$512,931 to provide dedicated staffing for the air medical helicopter.
Fireworks permits: Working with Representative Jerry Chang on various
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fireworks legislation. The HCFD is hoping to change the law so that it will
allow the Countys Fire Department to delegate authority to the vendors to
sell the permits. Some of the complaints received were that the county is
making it difficult to obtain permits.
nd
32 Firefighter Recruit Class Graduation: To be held on Friday, February
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17, 2006, starting at 5:00 p.m., at Nani Mau Gardens. Invitations will be
sent to the commissioners.
Employee/Public Relations
th
4 Annual Employee Awards and Recognition Dinner: Scheduled for
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March 18, 2006, at King Kamehameha Hotel in Kona. Invitations will be
mailed to commissioners this month.
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Hawaii Heart Walk: 9 Annual Heart Walk to benefit American Heart
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Association will be held on February 11, 2006, at 8:00 a.m., starting at
LiliuokalaniGardens.Commissionersareinvitedtoattend.
CommissionerBrownequestionedthetimelineontheaerialtruckforWest
Hawaii.
Chief Oliveira stated that the bid period comes up in March, and they are
expectingtohaveconstructionanddeliverybyearly2007.
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Commissioner Browne inquired where the truck would be located.
Chief Oliveira stated that the department is decidingon its location. Both sides of
the island are in need of an aerial apparatus.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Update on the Fire Chiefs evaluation.
·
Commissioner Fergerstrom compiled the Fire Chiefs evaluation forms.
Before reviewing the results with Chief Oliveira and Mayor Harry Kim, he
asked if there were any concerns or comments from the members.
Chair Maedo questioned where the evaluation forms would be filed.
Commissioner Fergerstrom stated that the evaluation forms would be
submitted to the Fire Commissions Secretary and would be filed with the
commissions records.
Commissioner Okabe questioned whether the members individual score
sheets would be submitted as part of the commissions overall evaluation.
Commissioner Fergerstrom stated that copies of the score sheets would be
submitted to the Mayor.
Commissioner Kudlo asked how the five performance categories were
selected.
Chair Maedo stated that it was developed to be similar to the Police
Commissions evaluation form for the Police Chief. Also, her educational and
administrativebackgroundplayedapartinherdevelopmentofthefive
performance categories. She mentioned that suggestions or revisions were
continuouslyallowedforconsiderationbythecommission.
ChiefOliveirastatedthathewouldliketoeventuallyworkonhavingan
evaluation done by the rank and file.
In light of the issue raised with the Honolulu Police Chief, Chair Maedo
advised Chief Oliveira that the commission had discussed this matter at the
previous meeting, which he was unable to attend. The Fire Commission
decided that it was not necessary.
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Chief Oliveira stated that this process would get feedback from the rank and
file and would be appreciated by the administration in order to get a true
perception of their comments.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Budget & Finance (Hart/Matsuda) No report.
Office Management and Staffing (Brazier/Okabe) No report.
Rules and Policies (Maedo) No report.
Public Relations (Browne/Kudlo) Commissioner Kudlo mentioned that there is a
need to find a more active way to inform the public about Firewise, such as door
to door information. This is an urgent project for her district.
Chief Oliveira stated that there was a door to door assessment or survey of
properties conducted in Waikoloa. The Association can share that information
with the community to show which homes are at high risk for brush fires.
Training and Education (Brazier/Maedo) No report.
NEW BUSINESS
None
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
None
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next meeting is to be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2006, at
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10:00 a.m., in the Liquor Control Conference Room, Hilo Lagoon Centre,
101 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
Set agenda for February 8, 2006, meeting.
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Follow up on the Fire Chiefs evaluation.
·
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Commissioner Fergerstrom stated that he enjoyed working with the Fire
Commission. In the beginning there were very diverse opinions, but in the
process of organizing the commission and selecting the chief, he saw a
tremendous amount of compromise and support among the commissioners. He
thanked everyone for their commitment and dedication.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 11:28 a.m.
SUBMITTED BY:
__________________________
KAYCIE A. I. CARTER
Secretary
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