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Home My WebLink About2024-03-28 Fire Commission Minutes HAWAFI FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION MINUTES MARCH 28, 2024 HAWAFI COUNTY BUILDING, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 25 AUPUNI ST., SUITE 1401, HILO, HI CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Kosaki called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Present: Gerald Kosaki, Chair Carlene Wolf, Vice Chair Gregory Henkel, Commissioner Shon Magsalin, Commissioner Wesley Mattos, Commissioner Gene Nakashima, Commissioner A quorum was present. Absent: Brian Cushnie, Commissioner Corey Luke, Commissioner Also present: Kazuo Todd, Fire Chief Ian Chadwick, Assistant Chief Sinclair Salas-Ferguson, Deputy Corporation Counsel Alexy Katko, Executive Assistant Aide, Office of Management PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS (None) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Vice Chair Wolf motioned to approve the regular and executive session minutes of September 28, 2024. Commissioner Mattos seconded, no discussion, it carried unanimously, and the minutes were approved. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT Chief Todd highlighted items from the Fire Chief's Report. Detailed reports are on file and are posted online. Chief Todd highlighted the delivery of two new trucks from the Sayre Foundation, with two more expected soon. Training in Waikoloa is scheduled for next month, and a quarterly chief meeting took place. Additionally, monthly administrative meetings involving chiefs and captains are conducted via Zoom, with the use of Owl to enhance the video experience. In response to Chair Kosaki's inquiry about the State Fire Council meetings, Chief Todd explained that they occur quarterly, but there were a higher number of bills this year. The council comprises six seats, with one representative from each county. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes March 28, 2024 Page 2 Regarding fiscal matters, Chief Todd reported that the department is in a good financial position, with expenditures slightly above due to frontloaded purchases. He clarified that equipment expenses, including items like hoses, fall under operating capital. The discussion also touched on recent expenses for door repairs and potential future budget allocations for roof renovations. Updates on human resources included promotions and recruitment plans for various positions. Ongoing training initiatives and equipment procurement challenges, particularly regarding a repair project for a leaking gas tank on a boat were also discussed. Chief Todd provided updates on apparatus procurement, including details about the Volunteer Firefighter Grant and ongoing projects like the Kohala brush truck and the completion of the Kailua Kona yellow boat. Training programs, audits, and emergency response preparations were also addressed. Recess was called at 9:50 a.m., the meeting reconvened at 9:55 a.m. HFD now has a Fire Safety Specialist to ensure compliance with OSHA/HIOSH regulations and uphold general safety practices. Assistant Chief Chadwick and the Fire Safety Specialist addressed issues highlighted during a visit from HIOSH, notably regarding bloodborne pathogen training and respirator fit testing. Through collaboration with HIOSH, they mitigated the fine from $18,000 to $13,000. Chair Kosaki inquired about the position description for the Fire Safety Specialist, clarifying its distinction from a Safety Officer role, with future consideration for safety officer positions. Discussion ensued on drug testing protocols managed by the Department of Human Resources, emphasizing the importance of cancer screening for firefighters. Also, certifications, standby pay, and County vehicle usage. Concerns were raised regarding communication with the union regarding work schedules, Recess was called at 11:00 a.m., the meeting reconvened at 11:10 a.m. NOMINATION OF THE FIRE COMMISSION CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2024 Chair Kosaki initiated the process for nominations. Commissioner Henkel advised that self-nominations are allowed. However, no one expressed interest. It was noted that Commissioners Henkel and Nakashima's terms are ending, with two commissioners absent. Commissioner Magsalin nominated Chair Kosaki for the position of Chair, seconded by Commissioner Mattos. With 5 votes in favor, the motion passed. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes March 28, 2024 Page 3 Commissioner Mattos motioned to nominate Carlene Wolf as Vice Chair, seconded by Commissioner Henkel. With 6 votes in favor, the motion carried. WELCOMING AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW FIRE COMMISSION MEMBER, BRIAN CUSHNIE Chair Kosaki announced that this would be continued at the next meeting. due to Mr. Cushnie being absent. ANNUAL FIRE COMMISSION REPORT Chair Kosaki informed the commission that he had prepared the Fire Commission Annual Report for the past two years, which had been distributed for review. The commission needs to complete annual reports for the last three years. Corey Luke is responsible for completing the report for 2021, while Chair Kosaki drafted the reports for 2022 and 2023. Additionally, it was informally communicated that Charisse will be returning as their secretary. Once Chair Kosaki receives confirmation, he will forward the necessary information to her, who will then distribute it to the commissioners for their review. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Kosaki announced the commission's next monthly meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., at the West Hawai'i Civic Center, however, he will be off-island and unavailable and there won't be a quorum. Tuesday, April 30, 2024, was proposed. Vice Chair Wolf motioned to move the meeting scheduled for April 25, 2024, to April 30, 2024, under the stipulation that Chair Kosaki has the prerogative to move that date if there are conflicts. Commissioner Magsalin seconded, no further discussion and it carried unanimously. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 11:29 a.m. SUBMITTED BY: ALEXY KATKO, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT AIDE APPROVED BY: GERALD KOSAKI, CHAIR