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HomeMy WebLinkAbout121008HAWAII FIRE COMMISSION FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT December 10, 2008 Dream Come True: Presentation by FEO Eric Kunitomo Aloha to Commissioners: Thanks to Commissioners Okabe and Kudlo. Budget: • FY 2009/10 Budget: Submitted our FY 2009/10 budget to Finance; will meet with them on January 12, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. • Received directive from the Managing Director for a hiring freeze on all positions County wide, with exception to Fire Fighters, Police Officers and Civil Defense positions. Alternative Funding and Grants: • FEMA FY 2004 Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant: (Burn Trailer) • FEMA FY 2007 Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant: (Video Teleconferencing Equipment) Bids in process of being awarded for equipment. • FEMA FY 2008 Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant: (health/wellness program, total budget is $531,203) • State Department of Transportation Safe Highways Grant: Still awaiting word from Federal on grant submittal. (DOT/OSHA approved traffic safety vests for all fire fighters and volunteer fire fighters. Total grant application $20,113.70). Capital Improvement Projects: Makalei Fire Station: • November 2008: Corporation Counsel is working with attorneys representing GKK Makalei on wording for the dedication deed. Resolution to accept donation of property from GKK Makalei passed first reading of the County Council Finance Committee on 11/20/08. Review of final plans nearly completed by DPW. Pahoa Fire Station: • November 2008: Retrofit of exterior walls is continuing as well as finish work on the interior. Apparatus floor doors are being installed. The exhaust system design has been approved and is being fabricated. The window situation is still up in the air as far as finding a supplier for the large missile impact resistant windows. The off site road improvement project is moving along well. Makai acceleration/deceleration lane has been paved as well as the driveway entrance into the property is completed. Fire Administration & Support Facility: • November 2008: Design development is continuing. No new updates have been received. Central Fire Station: • November 2008: Still awaiting word from HUD regarding the disposition of the property. A final inspection of the demolition/landscape of the property identified for the fire department has been scheduled for 12/9/08. Captain Cook: • November 2008: Construction has begun on the Captain Cook Fire Station improvements. This includes the hose tower retrofit, ADA compliance, Hazmat abatement, earthquake repairs, and general building maintenance. Contractor is working closely with personnel to expedite the construction and to minimize the duration of the personnel’s relocation. Personnel relocated to the Hale Na Opio Dorm on 12/1/08. Promotions and Hiring: Open-Competitive Recruitment • Ocean Safety: Interviews conducted on December 5 for WSO Temp (South Hilo), WSO ½ time (South Kohala) and WSO ¾ time (South Hilo). Target start date is December 16. Internal Recruitment • Fire Equipment Operator: Assessment Center exercises conducted on December 6 & 7, 2008. Selection process pending. Emergency Operations Division • Brush Fires – Mana Road. • Forest/timber management meeting. Desire of director to be more proactive and community minded with eucalyptus—management of forest. • Meeting with Corp of Engineers, re: removal of ordnance —Waikoloa area. Ocean Safety • Report by Captain Chris Stelfox. Support Services Division EMS Bureau: • MICT class is progressing on schedule. Auxiliary Services • Request to agendize visit to warehouse/dispatch following January meeting. • 11/12/08: Made arrangements with Hilo Mechanical and Pahala Fire Station Captains to go over spec and installation locations for new air conditioner. Air Conditioners needed to provide more comfortable breathing environment in station. Training Bureau: Recruit Training: 38th Class: • The 38th fire fighter recruit class completed their 2nd month of training and is continuing with their Fire Essentials curriculum. The class also participated in an auto extrication drill at Ken’s Towing and a blackout drill at the Central Fire Station. They also took a tour of Hilo town to view the various types of construction and buildings. 37th Class: • The 37th fire fighter recruit class is scheduled to complete the EMT portion of their training on December 12, 2008. They will hold their graduation on December 19, 2008 at the Nani Mau Gardens. Miscellaneous Training • Captain Kosaki attended a radiological/nuclear class in November and is now qualified to train our departmental personnel and certify them to the awareness level. He will be working with the hazmat team to assist them with creating protocols for radiological incidents and other hazmat incidents in general. Volunteer Section • Report by Mac Goddard. • Thanks to Commissioner Bowles for attending last Volunteer Chief’s meeting. Prevention • Gearing up for fireworks permits and sales. New Projects/Business Employee/Public Relations • Lehua Jaycees Christmas Parade: Participated in the Lehua Jaycees Christmas parade and won first place in the small float category. • Station Decorating Contest: Thus far, Central, Keaau and Honokaa Fire Stations have signed up. Judging will be on December 20/21 weekend. Will send out e- mail to all Commissioners to assist in judging.