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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-01-12 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: 961-8317 ; Fax: 933-1521 Email: Firecomm-agenda@co.hawaii.hi.us REGULAR SESSION -MINUTES January 12, 2011 Department of Liquor Control Conference Room, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 230, Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Bowles at 10:02a.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Chair Stephen Bowles Vice Chair Kaloa Robinson Commissioner Greg Henkel Commissioner Kimo Lee (arrived at 10:26 a.m.) Commissioner Toby Taniguchi Commissioner Luahiwa Namahoe Commissioner Byron Moku Commissioner Scott Stabo ABSENT: Bill Rosehill A quorum was present. ALSO PRESENT: Deputy Corporation Counsel Diane Noda Jennifer Kualii, Fire Commission secretary Stacie Waltjen, Fire Commission secretary Laurie Kaneta, Secretary to Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira, Fire Chief Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Commissioners: Stephen Bowles, Greg Henkel, Kimo Lee, Byron Moku, Luahiwa Namahoe, Kaloa Robinson, Bill Rosehill, Scott Stabo and Toby Taniguchi STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Moku moved to approve the Regular Session Minutes of December 8, 2010. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Stabo. Chair Bowles noted a correction at the bottom of page 12, second paragraph up, should be “asks” not “as.” Minutes approved as amended and carried unanimously by voice vote. APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Commissioner Taniguchi moved to accept Communication Numbers 10-09, 10-10, 10-11 and 10-12. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Moku and unanimously carried by voice vote. CHIEF’S REPORT Chief Oliveira introduced Captain Todd Vincent of the Training Division and Battalion Chief Lance Uchida who was recently promoted to the EMS Bureau. Battalion Chief Lance Uchida introduced himself to the commission. He has been with the Department for almost 17 years. Captain Todd Vincent introduced himself to the commission. He has been with the Department for 20 years. Chief Oliveira took this opportunity to thank Commissioner Taniguchi for meeting nd with him on December 22regarding the Department’s budget and for also th. participating in the presentation before the County Council on January 4 Budget: Presented budget to the Finance Department and currently awaiting what will be referred to the Mayor for recommendation. Alternative Funding and Grants: 2009 Assistance to Fire Fighters Act Grant –FEMA grant that was successful in receiving funds to replace over 250 sets of personal protective gear, structural fire fighting gear, for both paid and volunteer staff. 2010 Assistance to Fire Fighters SAFER Act Grant –grant application submitted to obtain funding for 1) recruitment retention project; and 2) increase and improve staffing. The development of a commercially developed public or promotional video would be used to take 2 out into the community and promote and recruit volunteer members for our volunteer program. The second part of the application for is for 20 new positions for the Department which would be 100% federally funded for salaries, wages and benefits for two years but in year three the County takes over the responsibility of the funding. Chair Bowles asked Chief Oliveira how is he planning to present the recruiting video, by going to schools or community associations? Chief Oliveira replied that is what he is hoping to do. The Department of Human Resources hired a professional videographer to produce a recruitment video and the intent was to reproduce that video and make it available for everyone as an opportunity recruit and promote the volunteer program. Chair Bowles noted that Commissioner Lee arrived at 10:26 a.m. Alternative Funding and Grants: CDBG or Community Development Block Grant Programs –contract was awarded for the 2010 CDBG application package to purchase a water tanker tender for the Ka‘u district. AC Rosario is in the process of finalizing all the necessary contract requirements with Purchasing and the vendor, and hopes to see delivery of the vehicle within six months. 2011 CDBG Grant application – submitted again for the funding to purchase a brand new fire apparatus for the Pahoa Fire Station. Chief Oliveira spoke to Councilman Fred Blas from Puna and received his commitment that if the grant application is received, he would support the use of some his Puna Geothermal Asset Fund monies to augment the funding. Capital Improvement Projects: rd Makalei Fire Station -advertising for bids started on December 23 and hope to award the bid in February.There is a push on this project because $4.1 million in federal monies that was received through the Assistance toFire Fighters grant program need to be expended within three years. –continuing through the permitting process. Chief Oliveira would like to meet with Commissioner Stabo to discuss a partnership to put up the garages. ADA Compliance and Hazard Abatement projects – still moving along with the Waimea and North Kohala stations. Promotion and Hiring: Open competitive recruitment isin place for the fire fighter recruit. The candidates interviewed and presently in the process of scheduling the preemployment medical screening as well as other preemployment orientation requirements.Target hiring date is the spring. 3 Emergency Operations Division New Year’s weekend. There were 14 incidents related to fireworks,compared to 11 last o year. Large brush fire directly related to fireworks in Kona which burnt o approximately 75 to 100 acres. Issue with the selling of luminary balloons. These luminary balloons is o a tissue paper balloon on a wire frame which embedded on that frame is a fuel a pad. It’s a paper fabric type of material that’s soaked with some form of a fuel. The device is intended to be lit,released and then drifts away burning. For the department, it was an immediate fire hazard and concern. The department worked with Corporation Counsel as well as the Mayor’s office, got permission to use funds that was generated inpermit sales to buy out the stock that the retailers had on the shelves. Chair Bowles asked Chief Oliveira who caught that? Chief Oliveira replied that one of the prevention inspectorshappen to see a demo of the product at one of the retailers. By Monday morning, the department was already working on astrategy with Corporation Counsel to get this off the shelf. Chief Oliveira goes on record to say that the fireworks retailers here were very cooperative and a large part is due to the relationship the department has built with the retail industry towork together. At that point, the department was able to negotiate the buying of the products off the shelves. Chief Oliveira stated that he is going to reach out to the UH to do more extensive product testing to identify the composition of the material. Commissioner Moku asked Chief Oliveira if this is a situation where he could talk tohis peers on the other islands. Chief Oliveira replied that he was having correspondence; unfortunately, the chief onKauai was on the mainland,he supported the position but was out of state which made it difficult for him to take a position. On Maui, they didn’t have any product being sold. On Oahu, they weren’t prepared and took a position hoping that nothing would happen. At the State Fire Council on March 6 & 7, this matter is on the agenda so it will be discussed. Chief Oliveira asked volunteer chief Tom Brandt to talk about the volunteer program. Tom Brandt introduced Joel Thompson, volunteer from Fern Forest and also the secretary for the volunteer company of officers. Tom Brandt stated that starting this month,training for CPR AED re-Certification begins. The retired volunteers division is certified as CPR and AED for the County. The next meeting will be February 12, 2011 up Pu‘uanahulu beginning at 10:00 a.m. 4 Tom Brandt spoke with Captain Doug Keown,from Paradise Park,and he was very appreciative of Commissioner Henkel stopping in during the training and would like to offer that invitation to any of the commissioners. Chief Oliveira called on Chief Uchida to provide the current status of the MICT candidates. Chief Uchida noted that some of the MICT candidates completedtheir training program which consists about one year. Three of the candidates have completed their program and received their temporary MICT license and running as Fire Medical Specialiststoday. On February 20, 2011, they have to complete their national registry skills testing to be permanently certified a Fire Medical Specialists. One member that was extended on his internship and he’s scheduled to finish his skill testing on Friday. Chief Uchida stated that as far as the ongoing class, being that the department hadonly two candidates for the MICT program, the training center didn’t feel that was very viable to commit one year of training at the EMS training center here in Hilo for just two students, so the department sent the two students to attach to a th paramedic class on Oahu which started on January 10. Vice Chair Robinson asked Chief Uchida if the program is still running under KCC. Chief Uchida replied that it’s still under KCC but the department has some issues with the prerequisites for the MICT program. KCC has always required prerequisites but the department had some kind of agreement where they didn’t require our students, our employees to have those prerequisites. Now KCC is requiring the prerequisites. Chief Oliveira called on Captain Vincent to provide the current status of the recruit class. Captain Vincent presented that the recruit class has17 members with one member serving in the military overseas.The remaining 16 members finished the EMT portion of their class and willbegin driver training. Looking at a th graduation date of February 25. Chief Oliveira stated in the past, the department was privileged not to have been required to have the prerequisites to get into the MICT program; it was like a waiver through the university system. But as a matter consistency,they are now requiring all students to have the prerequisites, the unfortunate thing is that the same prerequisites that are required for MICT is the same as what’s required for the nursing program. The department is trying to partner with the college to bring the curriculum to the local campus to cut down on costs and make it easier for the employee. 5 Prevention Bureau: Fireworks issues over the New Year’s weekend –sold approximately 1,300 fireworkspermits which amount to about $33,500. Monies th generated from the permit sales are used to help subsidize the 4of July community public displays.The department is moving in a direction where it will eventually be able to limit or even prohibit fireworks use during the dryer months of the year by supporting the non-profits in putting on a display. Vice Chair Robinson asked Chief Oliveira ifrevenue generatedfrom the sales of the permits is used to fund public displays, what will happen ifthere is a complete ban. Chief Oliveira replied that based on his observations and interaction with people in the community, he doesn’t think there will be a complete ban of fireworks for New Year’s here as it’s very culturally entrenched and engrained and the department respects and understands that. It’s cooperation on developing safe use, so the department will always generate revenue with New Year’s and that’s th the revenue that will support the 4ofJuly. Vice Chair Robinson asked Chief Oliveira about his foresight regarding the total fireworks ban in Honolulu and how it may impact New Year’s here. Chief Oliveira replied that he was asked to be part of the Senate’s established Illegal Task Force that has been meeting for the last six months. Recommendations from the task force that has beenforwarded to the Legislature for consideration is how create consistency amongst the jurisdictionswith whatever regulations are going to be imposed. There is going to be a need for some consistency. Employee and Public Relations: Thankedmembers of the department and stations that participated in the station decorating contest as well as thankedthe commissioners who helpedjudge the contest. Vice Chair Robinson noted that he did get a chance to visit the Pahoa and Keaau stations;unfortunately he didn’t place his choices in time. Break (10:56 a.m. –11:05 a.m.) Chief Oliveira did a PowerPoint presentation on the EMS Career Ladder. History -in1975 became the first and only fire department to integrate the EMS into this mission set. Today,it is still the only municipal fire department in the state that has EMS as part of its mission and forum and providesambulance service. When the program started back in the 70s, there was no additional compensation, it was done voluntarily. In the mid to late 1980s,the state basically took itself out of ambulance service and 6 contracted statewide all the services and donated vehicles to the department with the understanding that the department provides the EMS service. In the 1980s, the department started to develop the compensation packages for the EMS personnel. Proficiency pay or propay is an hourly rate compensation differential provided to the employees who run the ambulance at the time so right now with the roll out of the EMS Career Ladder, thatproficiency pay is eliminated. The employees that continue to receive proficiency pay are EMTs assigned when they are running on ambulance. Back in 1981, was the creation of the EMS Captain position which eventually evolved into the Battalion Chief position. In the early 1980s,the dept created relief positions and designated positions. Designed MICT or paramedics who were permanently assigned to a unit and running with that unit everyday. The department also had a number of relief positions which were those who were licensed MICTs that would be used to fill in on personnel shortage on a daily basis. The difference between the two is that the designated MICTswould receive their propay even if they were on vacation or sick leave, the relief MICTs would only receive their propay when they were actually working. Those positions were later morphed into permanent designated positions. In 1995, the department became the only municipal organization across the state to create an air medical program. Between 1995 and 2002, the department was the only air medical program in the state dedicated and operated by the government to provide response to the community. The air medical program is a 24 hour operation that is funded 60/40 split, the state provides 60% of the funding and the county provides40% of the funding. In 1996,the state cut their funding sothe department has been operating it using personnel from the ground medical unit in S. Kohala. It would be more appropriate to have dedicated crew but it becomes a funding issue. Organizational Structure -today the department runs15 advance life support units, the helicopter, one EMS BC, one EMC Captain and 45 designated MICTs positions. Dr. Judith Fitzgerald is the department’s medical director whichis a contract employee.The EMS budget also provides funding for some of the dispatchers, mechanics, a store keeper and a portion of the funding for the department’s administrative staff. Structure of the EMS Program -Prior to August 1, 2010, this was the ladder of the EMS program. One BC, one Captain and all EMS personnel. Now the EMS BC and Captain are Bureau positions tasked with program management oversight Goals of EMS Career Ladder Sustain the established superior quality EMS program and quality of o services provided to the community. The program works real well because the patient care is seamless.The challengeswith maintaining the program islosing trained personnel for a number of reasons -either choosing to go out of the EMS program because of a lack of opportunity or quit out of burn out because of a lack of opportunity for relief -dead end career prior to this. 7 Provide for increase in opportunity for career advancement. Establish o appropriate rank structure commensurate with the level of responsibility, decision making, etc. Provide for fair and equitable compensation adjustment. Nobody in the o process of implementing the career ladder isgoing to lose money; thru those strategies, the department would reduce burn out by recruiting and retaining employees and providing a recruitment incentive. Proposed Plan Establishment of three new classifications of work or positions, o implementing the phase in strategy, establish and conduct internal recruitments as necessary. New classes tobe established Fire Medical Specialist 1 or FMS 1 equivalent to an SR21– o basically non-assigned paramedics that meet minimum qualifications and considered as relief personnel not assigned to a unit. Fire Medical Specialist 2 or FMS2 equivalent to SR 23 – permanently o assigned to the ambulance unit formerly known as designated MICTs. Fire Medical Specialist 3 or FMS 3 equivalent to a SR 25–comparable o to fire captain. Responsibilities include supporting the quality improvement and assurance programs, investigating complaints, assisting and training for the department and the day-to-day support of the operations from the EMS standpoint. Proposed Bureau Organizational Structure Create more opportunities for personnel who would like to stay in the o EMS system for career advancement. Benefits of Proposed Plan Rank -recognize individuals for their license,provide with education o experience points as they compete in internal recruitments. Italso provides for a temporary assignment opportunities for subordinates. Compensation -all of future earnings will be based off of a new base o salary. Although propay is eliminated, the base salary is now calculated higher base. Compromise/Concession –propay got factored into the base pay. o st Implementation -August 1the department reallocated all existing o MICTs to SR 23, Fire Medical Specialist 2,provided the employee met the minimum qualifications. Any future Fire Medical Specialist 2 vacant position will be filled with internal recruitment. Company Structure –nothing changed. Chair Bowles asked Chief Oliveira if there were any structural problems as far as the call outsfor particular fires. Chief Oliveira replied that nothing has changed,like any new program, there won’t be 100% on board but in time they’ll see the benefits of the program. For those who may not reap as much benefits as the next person,sometimes sacrifices need to be made for the betterment of the community and that’s what he’s asking the personnel to understand. 8 NEW BUSINESS Complainant Darlene Rose is called to the front and sworn in by Deputy Corporation Counsel Noda. Ms. Rose indicated that she wanted her hearing in open session. Deputy Corporation Counsel Noda noted that Fire Fighter Brigoli was not present. Ms. Rose provided a summary of her case which occurred in December 2009 in the Black Sands Subdivision area. She became ill and the paramedics were called to her home. Ms. Rose noted that the EMT who assisted her performed his job perfectly; she had no complaints of the workmanship or quality of care she received. It was after she was taken into the ambulance to be transported to the hospital that she noticed a change in character in the EMT. She was cold and requested a blanket. The EMT refused to provide Ms. Rose a blanket, came very close to her face, his eyes wide and showed her his teeth and seem very agitated that she had requested a blanket. Ms. Rose stated that it was a very frightening experience for her in that she was in an ambulance, a closed area, and this person changed. This is the reason Ms. Rose felt that she needed to report this incident. Chair Bowles asked Ms. Rose what she desired as an outcome. Ms. Rose stated that she wants to make it known that bedside manners matter. It was frightening to be alone even though it had nothing to do with the quality of care she received; the EMT did everything expected ofhim except to give her a blanket that was requested. Deputy Corporation Counsel Noda asked the Commission if anyone had questions for Ms. Rose. Chair Bowles called up Chief Oliveira to present his observations. Chief Oliveira stated that upon receiving the complaint, the matter was reviewed and investigated and appropriate action taken. Unfortunately, when an investigation is done, what actions the Department takes with the employee cannot be disclosed. Chief Oliveira did provide Ms. Rose the assurance that the matter was addressed, and is confident this was a remote incident that wouldn’t be repeated. Chair Bowles noted that he didn’t know what other action could be taken at this point as Chief Oliveira has responded. Commissioner Taniguchi moved to exonerate this matter based on testimony provided by Ms. Rose and Chief Oliveira. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Henkel and carried unanimously by voice vote. 9 Commissioner Taniguchi thanked Ms. Rose for coming in and sharing this incident with the commission. He expressed that the utmost care for her well- being, personal health and safety was provided; it was very unfortunate she had to experience this. Chair Bowles thanked Ms. Rose for bringing this to the attention of the commission and hoped the response from Chief Oliveira was satisfactory. Chair Bowles noted that there were two things tocover under New Business, the first one was theresponse to the Cost of Government letter and his recollection was that Corporation Counsel was going to draft a letter for review. Chair Bowles noted that Deputy Corporation Counsel Noda did not receive a draft letter. Deputy Corporation Counsel Noda asked if there were any comments in the minutes that would be the basis for the contents of the letter. Chair Bowles stated that the commission didn’t know how to respond because basically the commission is all volunteers and the only thing they get is mileage which is about the only cost. The only other thing is staff which is employees who are paid whether they are hereor not, it’s not like the commission is bringing insomebody special for that purpose. When the ordinance was passed,the commission wassupposed to have full time secretarial services which the commission doesn’t have so the commission has done about everything itcan to be efficient. Deputy Corporation Counsel Noda stated that the commission could point out to theCost of Government Commission the steps ithas already taken to cut and reduce costs. Chair Bowles stated one point that should be taken is that the commission leaves the prerogative of staff attending up to the Chief; however they are already paid staffandare not brought in special. The second point would be that the commission hasnever been assigned full time staff and it has been served by the Corporation Counsel’s office or by the general secretary pool. This commission has done as efficiently as itcould. Commissioner Taniguchi noted the letter requested a response in October tothe five items relative to the Cost of Government and the commission collectively agreed to provide a response albeit late. Chair Bowles clarified that the letter from the Cost of Government Commission is directed at the commission itself as opposed to the department. Chief Oliveira stated that a question was raised at the department’s budget meeting as to whether this commission needed to meet once amonth or less frequently. What Chief Oliveira shared is that itis a decision the commission would have make however, the commission is a very effective communication 10 tool for the community as well as the department so meeting less frequently would be sacrificing orreducing the effectiveness of the commission. Chair Bowles noted that would definitely be the case, particularly with respect to Chief Oliveira but also with the volunteer departments. This is their forum and opportunity to communicate. Chair Bowles viewed this recommendation as a very negative position to change the frequency andfrom the very beginning he indicated the frequency seemed appropriate for the need. Chief Oliveira stated that it could be a comment that this commission meets once a month in the frequency and the effectiveness is very appropriate for what it needs to do. Commissioner Henkel asked if utilizing videoconferencing technology can be a way of streamlining the meeting. Chair Bowles stated that the problem arose in having a public meeting location, every videoconference point had to be accessible to the general public and it had to be announced that way. Chair Bowles asked if Corporation Counsel could draft a letter. Deputy Corporation Counsel Noda stated that she would be able to draft a letter for the commission’s review. Commission Taniguchi movedto ask Corporation Counsel to draft a response to th the Cost of Government Commission’s request letter of August 5, taking into account the discussion that was had. Chair Bowles seconded the motion and the motion was carried unanimously by voice vote. Chair Bowles stated that as mentioned on the agenda regarding the report of the AdHoc Committee,without a statement of what the committee was, he recalls that this was a group to discuss the future evaluation of the Chief.Two things that were to be done were an assignment was to proceed with the evaluation of the Chief and the second step to prepare or discuss the appropriate methods of evaluating the Chief. Chair Bowles indicated that the committee solicited from each of the individuals using the previous method of evaluating the chief. He received comments from Commissioners Rosehill, Stabo, Robinson as well as his own. Chair Bowles stated that he is unclear as to where the group goes from this point. Deputy Corporation Counsel Noda recommended that the item be placed on next month’s agenda for discussion and asked Chair Bowles if the information would be compiled or put into a report. 11 Chair Bowles stated that there are two steps to be taken. The group has to take the results and draft a letter from the commission to the Mayor, but in fairness, before we submit the report to the Mayor, the commission would like to have Chief receive the evaluation in executive session. Chair Bowles asked Chief Oliveira if he wants his evaluation in open session or in executive session. Chief Oliveira replied that it doesn’t matter, he is fine either way. Commission Henkel clarified and agreedwith Commissioner Taniguchi’s earlier statement that as a new member, he doesn’t feel qualified to evaluate the Chief. Hevolunteered to be on the AdHoc committee tolearn the process but he would go with along with the judgment of the older commissioners. Chair Bowles stated that what he would like to do at the next meeting would be to take the evaluation form, go thru it in executive meeting and at the same time present the findings by the four commissioners. Chair Bowles asked Chief Oliveira if he is acceptable to this process. Chief Oliveira replied in the affirmative. Commission Moku clarified that at the next meeting, Chief Oliveira will be presented with his evaluation. Chair Bowles replied that Chief Oliveira would be presented with the evaluation of the four who been assigned the task plus participate in the evaluation of the document that was used. Commissioner Moku asked if this would fulfill the obligation of the Chief receiving his evaluation at the next meeting. Chair Bowles replied in the affirmative. COMMITTEE REPORTS Budget–No report. Chair Bowles made one observation after Chief Oliveira did his presentation. He would like to have the opportunity to discuss the history of the budget because hewill be a short timer and hasfiles that may be appropriate to pass on to Commissioner Taniguchi, but hewould like the freedom to discuss with him. Chair Bowles stated this request before the commission because he wants the commission toknow what he intends to do. The other observation and concern isabout overtime issues. With respect to the budget, is the Mayor really addressing the issue of the negotiation of wages with the unions? Chair Bowles isconcerned with talk about reducing the budget -by reducing 10% to15%, 12 which is very difficult,especially with equipment failure; hewantsto make sure that message gets through. The department has to be discussing the total wage base including overtime as part of this discussion because the department can’t keep cutting 10% of nothing, the department has to be cutting elsewhere and that’s his concern over the budget. Chief Oliveira stated the message all the department heads received with regards to the requested consideration of budget reduction, the Mayor is very aware,for most part,every department’s budget isapproximately 80% salaries and wages.The directive for the department heads is to look at where and how that effect may play out and what the impact is going to be when we start touching salaries and wages. He is aware the Mayor is very sensitive to the salary and wage issues when it comes to collective bargaining. Chair Bowles stated that he’s heard this comment in a different arena but thought it appropriate to make that point before this commission because it is facing that issue and it’s going to become an increasingly serious one. Chief Oliveira noted that the other tough part with collective bargaining negotiation is there may be at least one or two jurisdictions that will have the money to pay; they may have reserves that will effect the decision. There were no other committee reports. , Next meeting will be on Wednesday, February 92011, Department of Liquor Control Conference Room in Hilo at 10:00 a.m. Member from the public wanted to address the commission and asked to put an item on the agenda for the next meeting. Chair Bowles asked his name and what it was about. Mark Ignacio introduced himself and began to provide details in what seems to be a complaint against the department. Chair Bowles asked Mr. Ignacio if he would be filing a complaint. Mr. Ignacio replied in the affirmative. Chief Oliveira offered to provide Mr. Ignacio with the complaint form. Vice Chair Robinson wanted to inform that the commission that due to his job obligations, he would be stepping off the commission at the end of March. Chair Bowles stated that election of officers for the term to be agendized for the next meeting. 13 ANNOUNCEMENTS The next meeting is to be held on Wednesday, February 9, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.,Department of Liquor Control Conference Room, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite 230, Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 Set agenda for March 9, meeting. ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned at 12:06 p.m. SUBMITTED BY: JENNIFER M. KUALII Secretary 14