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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-08-04COUNTY OF HAWAII FIRE COMMISSION FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT December 8, 2004 • Lei/gift for Joe Whitney (last meeting), Laura Ward, Stephen Bowles • Kohala by the Sea Presention. Framed certificate. • Presentation by F-1: Overview of the year. Budget • FY 2005/06: Presentation of Fiscal Year 2005/06 supplemental budget submittal, which was submitted to Finance Department on November 22, 2004. Meeting scheduled with Mayor on December 20, 2004, re: positions/reorganization. Will be meeting with Finance on January 13, 2005. Alternative Funding and Grants • USFA Grant: On December 3, 2004, 224 grants totaling $17.9 million awarded in the 24th round. Have not yet heard anything on our Fire Act grant submittal, re: mobile training prop for fire based scenario training ($430,000). As of this date, November 5, 2004, 4,616 grants have been awarded totaling $361 million. A total of about 8,000 grants will be awarded totaling $750 million. Capital Improvement Projects • Puna Public Safety Complex: No new updates. • Pahoa Fire Station: Draft Environmental Assessment process continuing through end of December, with design completion expected by April 2005. Researching funding sources for construction, which can begin in FY 2005-06. • Fire Administration: Met with Mayor; however, he requested several additional follow-ups prior to making his decision. • Kalaoa Fire Station: Contract being developed by Corporation Counsel. Construction will begin this fiscal year. May be experiencing problems with contract that might lead to delays. On Tuesday, November 30, 2004, spoke to Project Manager from Bolton and informed of a legal action that has been holding project up. • Naalehu Fire Station: Site has been identified on Highway 11, owned by County right on Pahala side of Kalaao Road. Need to begin interdepartmental contact to explore acquisition. Trying to be responsible with central location to benefit community. • Paauilo Volunteer Fire Station: On Highway 19, Hilo side of Paauilo Town. Awaiting Finance Department resolution of subdivision of property. Joint development with County (Public Works & P&R) • Central Fire Station: Trying to keep Central centrally located or close to downtown. Exploring site within Lanikila housing area-Wailoa road/Ululani, about 1.5 acres (state property). Meeting on December 10. Can go to Fire Admin site if not. Promotions and Hiring • Fire Radio Dispatcher III Promotions: Internal recruitment closed on October 22, 2004. Civil Service completed their screening of applications. Will need to schedule selection process. • Fire Radio Dispatch I Hiring: Examination held 11/15/04; received list of eligibles. Will be sending out background check applications soon. • FEO Promotions/Assessment Center: Continuing to establish a proper, fair and effective method of screening. • Fire Fighter Recruit Candidates: Phase I (background checks) nearing completion. Candidates have been screened for suitability in accordance with our established FF Recruit Suitability Guidelines. Phase II (COMPASS test and interview) will commence thereafter. Operations Division • Ocean View Fire Station: Per Donna Maiava, budget moved to AG’s office (moved off Gov’s desk) to get approval for funding. • Volcano Fire Station: January 1, 2005 opening date targeted. Work to ensure smooth transition by involved divisions. Corp Counsel reviewing MOA and MOUs that will be established for use of fire truck and facilities. • Transfer: AFC Clesson Murasaki transferred to A Battalion, B Platoon, effective December 1, 2004. • Officers’ Meetings: Held December 1, 6 & 7. Covered issues such as County policies (Violence in Workplace) and discipline. Provided officers with more training and guidance on enforcement. Prevention Division • UFC Adoption: Continuing to work with Corporation Counsel for adoption of 1997 UFC. Have yet to adopt, but neither has Maui. Trying to clean up code and languages. • Fireworks Permits: Have begun the process for the issuance of fireworks permits between December 26 to 31. Working more closely with retail establishments and media to ensure understanding by all. Training Division • 31st Recruit Class Update: One group at stations for orientation for two weeks. Opportunity for us to assist in further refining their skills and educating them as they progress through their training. The second group is presently undergoing driver training. • 30th Recruit Class Update: In clinical on EMT I. Running on different medics, assigned to ER, OB and Intensive Care; some assigned to various stations and running on medics. All recruits will be returning to the classroom on December 14. • 30th Recruit Graduation: Scheduled for Saturday, December 18, at 1100 at Nani Mau Gardens. Invitations sent to all Commissioners. • State Civil Defense Urban Search & Rescue Exercise: 8 of our personnel attended two day (December 3 & 4) exercise at Bellows Air Base on Oahu. Volunteer Training Division • Volunteer Fire Chief’s Meeting: Held Saturday, November 20, 2004, at the Volcano Volunteer fire station. F-1 made presentation to volunteers on applying for NFA Volunteer Incentive Program courses to encourage continued training and education of our volunteers as well as take advantage of the valuable opportunities provided by NFA. Meetings have been beneficial to F-1 and hopefully to volunteers. EMS Division • MICT Class: Due to unforeseen circumstances, one candidate returned to 24-hour shift duty, leaving six candidates attending classes. MICT Stipend signed by Mayor Kim— presently being reviewed by Union. Fire Auxiliary Services • Voluntary Resignation: Patrick Lau effective December 1, 2004. New Projects/Business • Hawaii Fire Chief’s Association Conference – November 11/14 at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua Hotel in Maui. We will host next year’s conference. Will be looking for help. Proposed change format: allow opportunity for our personnel to attend, meet vendors and products, and hear really good speakers in fire service. Supported by HFCA board members. Mike Smith-incident commander for Pentagon incident. Residential sprinkler initiative—water supplies in rural communities—mandatory residential sprinker program going. • 2005 Legislature: Submitted proposal to fund dedicated aeromedical crew for Chopper 2. • Public Speaking/Media Relations Classes: Working with Dr. Steven Miura of the UH to host classes for our personnel and the media, with a goal of ensuring quality public relations. Public Relations • Holidays: County will host holiday open house at County Building on Thursday, December 16, at about 5:00 p.m. • Waimea Christmas Parade: Held on the evening of December 4. Will be assisting with Fire Commission entry. • Photograph of Fire Commission: Would like to take photograph of Fire Commissioners following the meeting. • Holiday Wishes: Wish for a safe and happy holiday for all.