HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-06-08 Fire Commission Minutes
William P. Kenoi Toby Taniguchi
Mayor Chairman
Scott Stabo
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
June 8, 2011
West Hawai‘i Civic Center, Community Meeting Hale Conference Room,
Building G, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway,
Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Taniguchi at 10:03 a.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Chair Toby Taniguchi
Commissioner Scott Stabo
Commissioner Kimo Lee
Commissioner Luahiwa Namahoe
Commissioner Greg Henkel
ABSENT:
Commission Laurie Bass
Commissioner Kaloa Robinson
Commissioner Byron Moku
A quorum was present.
ALSO PRESENT:
Deputy Corporation Counsel Bill Brilhante
Jennifer Kualii, Fire Commission secretary
Darryl Oliveira, Fire Chief
Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Commissioners: Laurie Bass, Greg Henkel, Kimo Lee, Byron Moku,
Luahiwa Namahoe, Kaloa Robinson, Scott Stabo and Toby Taniguchi
STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Henkel moved to approve the Regular Session Minutes of
April 13, 2011. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Namahoe.
Chair Taniguchi noted several corrections on the minutes: page 3, 4th bullet item,
“manufacture” should be “manufacturer”; third line - “chassis will be painted and
then shipped to Marietta, GA”; second paragraph – Chair Taniguchi “stated”
should be “asked if” there was an approximate June delivery; fourth paragraph –
“cost extension” should be “no cost extension”; and page 5, last sentence – correct
website is “HVFCA.net”
Minutes approved as amended and carried unanimously by voice vote.
APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Commissioner Henkel moved to accept Communication No. 11-04. The motion
was seconded by Commissioner Stabo and unanimously carried by voice vote.
CHIEF’S REPORT
Budget
:
FY 2011/12 Budget
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Budget is presently with Mayor Kenoi after Council approved it on June 1 with
some amendments.
Alternative Funding and Grants
:
FEMA FY 2009 Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant: (254 turn out coats and 251
pants). Awaiting approval on grant amendment to use excess funds to
purchase a portable fire extinguisher training system and implement a smoke
detection installation program for seniors.
FY 2010 Assistance to Fire Fighters SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire &
Emergency Response). No new updates. Eligible to start drawing down the
funds this month. This project is to create a recruitment video for volunteers.
FY 2010 CDBG – Tanker/Tender – Pahala Fire. Delay in delivery of apparatus
as manufacturer still waiting for chassis to come from Peter Built.
FY 2011 CDBG – Fire Apparatus – Pahoa Fire. No new updates; still awaiting
HUD release of funds to determine amount of funding that will be awarded.
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FY 2011 DOT Highway Safety Grant: Project manager working on a training
schedule with the instructor, who will be providing extrication tools following the
training.
FY 2012 DOT Highway Safety Grant: No new updates. Submitted $12,802.74
to purchase pediatric spinal immobilization boards for medic units, which will
allow the department to better protect and treat the injured pediatric patient.
Capital Improvement Projects
:
Makalei Fire Station:
Project is moving forward on schedule. Excavation
of the site commenced on April 28, 2011. Blessing and dedication held on
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May 8 and Chief thanked the commissioners that attended. Target date of
August 2012 for completion.
Administration & Support Facility:
No new updates.
Central Fire Station:
No new updates; Property Management office and Fire
Department have been in contact with Public Housing Authority trying to
finalize a draft of a proposed lease agreement for the property.
Kawailani Fire Station:
No new updates.
Ka’u Public Safety Package:
No new updates.
Paauilo:
No new updates.
DPW ADA Compliance, HazMat Abatement:
AC Yawata reported:
Laupahoehoe – Windows, apparatus door and ADA inside the station has
been completed.
Honoka‘a – Completed.
N. Kohala – Completed.
Waimea - Two (2) interior doors need to be relocated. Missile impact doors
need to be installed. Photovoltaic system not started yet.
Central Station / Dispatch – working with DPW & architect on final draft
plans – no start date set yet.
Pohoiki Radio Re-Location:No new updates. Project moving; antennas
installed at new site and hope to be live soon.
Promotions and Hiring:
Open-Competitive Recruitments:
Water Safety Officer 1 (Temp): Temporary for summer months. Three new
hires began on June 1, 2011 for South Hilo.
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WSO I Temp: Temporary not to exceed six months. Targeted hire date
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July 1.
Internal Recruitments:
WSO II ½ time: Internal recruitment process initiated. Will fill with transfer.
Fire Radio Dispatcher III: Assessment Center conducted on May 26 & 27.
Selection pending. Targeted hire date is July 1, 2011.
Fire Emergency Medical Services Specialist III: Assessment center
scheduled on June 23 and 24, 2011 at various conference rooms at the
County Building for 11 candidates. Fire Commissioners welcomed to
participate in assessment center but will need to be present for entire process.
Fire Rescue Specialist/Fire Hazardous Materials Specialist/Fire Equipment
Operator/Fire Captain: Internal recruitment process initiated.
Fire Communications Supervisor: Internal recruitment process initiated.
Emergency Operations Bureau
Three Battalion Chiefs and four T/A to Battalion Chief qualified Fire
Captains participated in a one week Incident Command System S420
Course by the National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) team
out of Atlanta. The course provided the Regular Battalion Chiefs with
additional knowledge and training in assuming the roles of Planning
Officer, Logistics Officer, and Finance Officer in the Incident Command
System of management for Emergency Incidents. The course provided the
T/A qualified Fire Captains with extensive knowledge and training in the
role as the Incident Commander or Operations Officer for Emergency
Incidents.
Seventy-eight personnel who are qualified as Hazardous Material
Technicians participated in their annual refresher certification course put
on by Dr. Bowen.
In conjunction with the Support Services Division, the Volunteer Firefighter
“Ride Along Program” was implemented. HFD Volunteer Firefighters may
request to the Fire Chief interest in participating in the program which will
enable them to shadow the career Firefighter Companies. AC Yawata
developed guidelines for this program.
Implementation of the Aquatics Certification Competency program.
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Support Services Division
EMS Bureau:
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May 9 - 13, FMS Jesse Ebersole (ePCR Committee Chairperson)
attended the Zoll Summit conference to research ePCR software options
and potential pilot projects. FMS Ebersole provided a detailed report of the
conference to include potential grant funding opportunities. Valuable
networking and contacts were established and a pilot project proposal is
now motion.
Partnering with the Department of Health Injury Prevention Branch –
discussed the Fall Prevention pilot project for the elderly on the Big Island.
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MICT Interns successfully completed MICT 200 on May 13. Interns are
now on clinical and will do their first two internship rotations on O‘ahu. The
Department is still short on MICTs and working on enrollment for the next
MICT class in January.
Seven AEDs donated to the County for the West Hawai‘i Civic Center.
Thank you to Chair Taniguchi and his family for donating the equipment.
The Fire Department will be assisting with the training of staff at the WHCC
Complex.
Training Bureau:
Continues to manage the current Firefighter Recruit Class that is moving
as planned. Unfortunately, lost two recruits due to one recruit expressing
family concerns and the other individual felt the program was not what
expected.
Volunteer Training Section:
AC Yawata reported on behalf from Tom Brandt:
Attended last quarterly meeting. Turnout of about half the companies
attended. Volunteer Ride-Along program mentioned and concerns raised
regarding the expectations of the volunteer firefighters.
Next meeting scheduled for September.
Prevention Bureau:
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Participating in the planning process for 4 of July fireworks sales and will
be working with the media to do public education on fireworks. Encourage
the public to take advantage of public displays put on by various community
organizations.
Conducted another comprehensive “burn rate” test at station 1 using fuel
pads from two different aerial luminary devices.
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Auxiliary Services:
Communication:
BC Gahan continues to work with renovation and retrofit of Dispatch –
working to get better facilities as Dispatch center will not be moving in the
near future and wants to make the work environment better, safer and
ergonomically correct for the employees.
Employee/Public Relations
EMS Week: Held this past Memorial Day weekend. Thanked the
commissioners that showed support for the event. It was a record breaking
number of participants – over 800 participants.
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Chief Oliveira announced his intent to retire August 1 and will work with the
commission to ensure a proper transition.
Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante noted there was a letter submitted to the
commission from Chief Oliveira yesterday, unfortunately, it was not agendized due
to Sunshine Law requirements and will set it for discussion at the July meeting.
Recommended the commissioners review Fire Commission Rules 11 and 13 prior
to the meeting.
Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante also noted for the record that there has
been no pre-determination as to whether Zoll is the appropriate vendor for the unit;
the normal procurement process will take place.
Chair Taniguchi asked if the Ride-Along Program is open to the commissioners.
Chief Oliveira replied that in the past, they have supported and allowed the
commissioners to ride along and will continue to do that.
Chair Taniguchi stated that, assuming the waivers are in place, who would be the
point of contact for the commissioners for the Ride-Along program.
Chief Oliveira replied that it would be Laurie (Kaneta). Chief also noted that if the
commissioners do ride along, personal protective wear is recommended.
Chair Taniguchi thanked AC Yawata for attending the Volunteer meeting and
encouraged other commissioners to attend if available.
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion of transmittal letter to Mayor regarding Chief’s evaluation
Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante stated that at the March meeting, Chief
Oliveira waived his privilege as it related to his 2010 evaluation and wanted to
place another request on the record to reaffirm whether Chief Oliveira would be
waiving his privilege to have his evaluation discussed in a public forum as
opposed to having to move into Executive Session.
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Chief Oliveira replied in the affirmative.
Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante noted for the record that Chief Oliveira was
provided a copy of the draft transmittal of his evaluation to the Mayor for his
review.
Commissioner Henkel moved to discuss the draft transmittal of the Fire
Commission’s 2010 evaluation of Chief Oliveira. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Stabo and unanimously carried by voice vote.
Commissioner Namahoe suggested the last paragraph be bolded and underlined.
Commissioner Henkel agreed and stated that volumes could be written of how
much Chief Oliveira has contributed to the Fire Department over the years.
Chair Taniguchi asked Chief Oliveira if he has any concerns/comments relative to
the draft transmittal.
Chief Oliveira replied he appreciates the trust of the Commission and noted that
it’s a team effort.
Commissioner Namahoe moved to accept the amended version of the transmittal
and disseminate said transmittal to the Mayor. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Henkel and unanimously carried by voice vote.
Chief’s response to public testimony of March 9, 2011
Chief Oliveira requested this item be considered in Executive Session as the
circumstances surrounding the comments and events are still subject to
disciplinary actions.
Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante stated that since this is an unanticipated
request to move into Executive Session, a motion would have to be specific to the
item to be discussed and incorporated into the motion.
At 10:58 a.m. Commissioner Namahoe moved to enter into Executive Session to
hear Chief Oliveira’s response to the March 9, 2011 public testimony. The motion
was seconded by Commissioner Stabo and carried unanimously by voice vote.
At 11:12 a.m. Chair Taniguchi called the Regular Session back to order.
Chief Oliveira responded on the two specific questions raised:
1) Outdated nature of procedurals manual – the procedurals manual has not
been revised but the meat and core of the procedurals manual is still
applicable and valid as of today. Updates and revisions have been made
over the years as necessary, such as opening of a new company, change
in fire response districts or modified policies and procedures. Revisions to
the manual have been made, but the entire document has not been
completely overhauled. Currently undergoing an internal process with the
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management staff to have each section of the procedurals manual updated
and provide the staff with a current manual.
2) Establishment of a Safety Committee – BC Gerald Kosaki is a participant
on the County’s Risk Management Committee. The department would like
to organize an internal safety committee; it’s not something minimized or
downplayed but the department holds each and every employee
accountable for their personal safety. The officers at the stations are
tasked with ensuring the safety of all employees, reporting any safety
concerns and ensure all issues are addressed in a timely manner. With the
absence of a safety committee, Chief Oliveira feels the department has
supervisors in every work unit that can ensure the safety of the employees
and that safety concerns are addressed. By no means is the department
trying to down play the value of a safety committee, it’s just something the
department has not formally organized amongst other projects.
Chair Taniguchi requested Chief Oliveira to comment on Exhibit 3 provided during
the public testimony which was a Memorandum dated July 15, 2008 from Chief
Oliveira to Personnel on the subject of “Establishment of the Safety Committee.”
Chief Oliveira responded that the department solicits volunteers for committees.
In this particular case, the department had a number of people express interest
and the department needed someone to coordinate and facilitate the development
of that committee. BC Kosaki expressed interest and is now in the process of
formalizing a safety committee.
Chief Oliveira stated that given the nature of their job, everyone is a safety officer
for themselves as well as the community and the department. If there are any
safety concerns, it’s just a matter of bringing it forward and the department will
address it in a timely manner.
Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante stated for the record that the County of
Hawaii and the Fire Department ensures that the safety of employees is first and
foremost. The Fire Department has a representative on the County’s Safety
Committee and is proactive regarding its safety measures. Scott Knowles, the
County’s Risk Manager, sends out regular communications on specific items of
concerns regarding employee safety. Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante noted
for the record that at no time has there ever been or will there ever be a reduction
in concern for County employees as it relates to safety measures. Chief Oliveira
adequately responded to the concerns regarding the safety committee and Deputy
Corporation Counsel Brilhante wanted to make it clear on the record that safety of
the County’s employees are first and foremost.
Chief Oliveira stated that a HIOSC officer has come in and done a cursory
evaluation looking for safety concerns. They have been voluntarily invited to the
Fire Department as well as other departments to do their annual inspections.
Chair Taniguchi noted he would like to move the site visit of the Kona Fire
Prevention Bureau towards the end of the agenda. There were no objections.
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OLD BUSINESS
None.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Budget and Finance – No report.
Office Management and Staffing – No report.
Rules and Policies – No report.
Public Relations – No report.
Training and Education:
Commissioner Namahoe reported that by the end of summer, training dates
will be set for reviewing the rules and regulations regarding the roles of
commissioners.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next meeting is to be held on Wednesday, July 13, 2011, 10:00 a.m. at the
Hilo Department of Liquor Control Conference Room, 101 Aupuni Street, Hilo,
Hawai‘i
At 11:19 a.m. conducted site visit of the Kona Fire Prevention Bureau.
At 11:45 a.m. Chair Taniguchi called the Regular Session Meeting back to order.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Namahoe moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Henkel and carried unanimously by voice vote.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:50 a.m.
SUBMITTED BY:
JENNIFER M. KUALII
Secretary
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