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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-01-13 Fire Commission Regular Minutes REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JANUARY 13, 2017 PUNA CONFERENCE ROOM CALL TO ORDER Chair De Luz called the meeting to order at 9:02 a.m. ROLL CALL Present: David De Luz, Jr., Chair Robert Becker, Vice Chair Denise Laitinen, Member Kimo Lee, Member Scott Susman, Member Mapuana Waipa, Member Ralph Yawata, Member Absent: Marcella St. Ambrogio, Member Donna Payesko, Member A quorum was present. Also Present: Darren Rosario, Fire Chief Renwick Victorino, Deputy Fire Chief Melanio Lorenzo, Accountant Molly Stebbins, Corporation Counsel Josie Pelayo, Secretary APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Waipa motioned to approve the agenda. Commissioner Susman seconded, and it carried unanimously. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS (None) APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 9, 2016, regular session: Commissioner Susman motioned to approve the minutes. Commissioner Yawata seconded, and it carried unanimously. November 9, 2016, executive session: Commissioner Yawata motioned to approve the minutes. Commissioner Laitinen seconded, and it carried unanimously. Commissioner Lee arrived at 9:07 a.m. DISCUSSION ON WRITTEN REPORT Chief Rosario highlighted items from his written report. Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes January 13, 2017 Page 2 Budget and Finance: Accountant Melanio Lorenzo reported that as of December 31, 2016, they had 57.56% of their budget remaining. There were unanticipated expenditures in CDBG and AFG grants. Water safety officers now have a new Bargaining Unit 14, and they had a pay increase. Chair De Luz stated that the Chief has input but no authoritative power when it comes to contract negotiations. The Chief has to move funds when needed such as required maintenance, and it is taken out of the operating budget. A 5% budget reduction has been directed by the new administration. Chief Rosario stated that they will make a budget presentation to the Council. He will apprise the new Chair when this will be so the commission can give their support when they go before the Council. (Accountant Lorenzo exited at 9:45 a.m.) Alternative Funding and Grants 2016 CDBG: They had a preconstruction meeting for the Pahala Wildland Pumper Apparatus Project at the vendor plant. Estimated completion date is October 2017. 2017 CDBG: Application for a new Brush Truck Apparatus for Hawaiian Paradise Park was submitted. Human Resources Division: 17 Firefighter positions were approved in December. Emergency Operations Division: An arsonist has been active on Highway 190. An unmanned boat was found, and they searched for the missing boater for three days. This missing person was found alive and well by the police. There were no significant fireworks incidents. Program of Work: Chief Rosario distributed his status report and briefly highlighted items. He wants to secure apparatus replacement funding. His top priority for unfunded program of work is to fill more staffing positions, get more equipment, a separate EMS, and more training. The Central Fire Station facility renovation has been put on hold by Mayor Kim who wants a new station. However, no land is available. He wants legislative support for Kua Bay. Chief Rosario exited at 11:05 a.m. Deputy Chief Renwick Victorino gave a Power Point presentation hiring and promotion process. COMMITTEE REPORTS (None.) Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes January 13, 2017 Page 3 EXECUTIVE SESSION Commissioner Susman motioned to meet in executive session to annual evaluation, to consider matters affecting employee privacy, and may consult with Corporation Counsel duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities HRS 92-5 (a) (2) (4) (6) a County Charter Section 13-20 (b). Commissioner Yawata seconded and it carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 12:25 p.m. Regular session reconvened at 1:32 p.m. ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTER Review of Fire Chief Darren Ro seconded, and it carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS Selection of Chair of Fire Commission for 2017: Commissioner Laitinen nominated Robert Becker as Chair. Commissioner Susman seconded, and it carried unanimously. Selection of Vice Chair of Fire Commission for 2017: Commissioner Laitinen nominated Scott Susman as Vice Chair. Commissioner De Luz seconded, and it carried unanimously. New Chair Becker asked the commissioners to review the committees and duties to see if they are interested in being on any committee. ANNOUNCEMENTS The next meeting is scheduled for February 8, 2017, 9:00 a.m., i Civic Center, Bldg. G Conf. Rm., 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona. (Done.) Collection of files and documents. (Done.) ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 1:43 p.m. SUBMITTED BY: JOSIE PELAYO, SECRETARY APPROVED BY: DAVID DE LUZ, JR., CHAIR