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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-04-12 Fire Commission Regular Minutes REGULAR SESSION MINUTES APRIL 12, 2017 CALL TO ORDER Chair Becker called the meeting to order at 9:03 a.m. ROLL CALL Present: Robert Becker, Chair Scott Susman, Vice Chair David De Luz, Jr., Commissioner Denise Laitinen, Commissioner Donna Payesko, Commissioner Mapuana Waipa, Commissioner Marcella ST. Ambrogio, Commissioner Ralph Yawata, Commisioner A quorum was present. Also present: Darren Rosario, Fire Chief John Bertsch, Volunteer Commander Ronald Kim, Deputy Corporation Counsel Josie Pelayo, Secretary APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Waipa motioned to approve the agenda. Vice Chair Susman seconded, and it carried unanimously. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS (None.) APPROVAL OF MINUTES March 8, 2017, regular session: Vice Chair Susman motioned to approve the minutes with a correction that Commissioner St. Ambrogio was present. Commissioner Yawata seconded, and it carried unanimously. March 8, 2017, executive session: Commissioner De Luz motioned to approve the minutes with a correction that Commissioner St. Ambrogio was present. Vice Chair Susman seconded, and it carried unanimously. REPORT Chief Rosario introduced Vern Hara and Jesse Ebersole of the EMS Bureau. Ebersole Paramedicine. They focus on population with high EMS usage. Many are people who live on the fringe and oftentimes are seniors. Paramedics are able to see people behind closed doors. They look for the vulnerable, seniors, homeless, and people with multiple health problems who have no one to advocate for them. They make assessments of a , health and safety needs, give assistance, and make referrals to partnering agencies Minutes of April 12, 2017 Page 2 There is no funding for this service, although they received a couple grants. They made a presentation to the legislature, and the response was favorable. They want to go beyond the pilot phase and want the program to be sustainable. (Commissioners Laitinen and St. Ambrogio entered at 9:30 a.m.) Chief Rosario briefly highlighted items on his written report: Budget and Finance: FY 2016/2017: The written summary was distributed. FY 2017/2018: Chief Rosario reported that they were directed to cut their budget. They cut approximately $500,000, but the Mayor made additional cuts to their overtime budget. In his presentation to the County Council, he informed them that the cuts are contractual, and that taking money out of the contract would be a problem for the County. Overtime was reduced to $319,000 which equates to $700 for each category that has mandatory overtime. The Mayor makes revisions, and then it goes to the Council. The TAT and union contracts are still unknowns. Commissioner St. Ambrogio stated that the Chief made an excellent presentation to the Council. Chair Becker stated that he spoke with the Managing Director ink they understand contractual matters. They will need more dialog. Alternative Funding and Grants: There were no changes since the last meeting. Human Resources Division Internal Department Recruitment: Assessment Centers have been scheduled for Fire Captain, Fire Equipment Operator, and Fire/Hazmat Specialist. Open-Competitive Recruitment: Fire Fighter Recruit orientation was held on April 4. They anticipate vacancies at the end of the year and would like to have another recruit class next year. Emergency Operations Division Op Special Operations Hazmat: Local emergency planning meeting was held in March. Ocean Safety: HB14 to provide lifeguards at Kua Bay is pretty much dead. HB654 which is to continue providing immunity for lifeguards continues through the legislature. Support Services Division Training: Preparations being made for a recruit class in May. Volunteer Training: Volunteer Commander Bertsch reported that one of his missions is to do increased training with the captains. The volunteer website will They have had injuries such as falls and strains, but nothing serious. The volunteer program is very active. The next Minutes of April 12, 2017 Page 3 y 20 at 10:00 a.m. in Ainaloa with possible training at 9:00 a.m. Commander Bertsch further reported that he is the Safety Director for Ironman. When Ironman deploys into the community, they take responsibility for those who participate in the event volunteers, staff, and athletes. As a private organization, they cannot provide medical services for the public. So, Jesse Ebersole of the EMS Bureau started providing services for the public. Chief Rosario stated that the Fire Department does not provide services for Ironman. They provide services for the community. They put four ground teams out there so they can move around the crowd without transport. Ironman is a significant contributor to the Sayre Foundation. Commander Bertsch stated that they did an economic impact study about 10 years ago and found that Ironman brings in $33 million to the State and the Big Island, more than the Pro Bowl. His volunteer station received a new fire truck from Ironman via the Sayre Foundation. Ironman also gave the Fire Department funds to purchase chainsaws for all stations during Iselle. Last year, Ironman whenever they can. Commissioner De Luz suggested that they do more sit-downs with the Mayor, Bertsch, and Ebersole. He also suggested that they include paramedicine calls onto the incident report. EMS Bureau: Captain Chris Honda was the recipient of the 2017 Aloha hter of the year award. Prevention Bureau: They continue to be very busy with inspections, construction plan reviews, and fire investigations. Auxiliary services: The Fire Department website is slowly being built with the help of the IT Department. Their request for a Public Information Officer was denied. They continue to rent warehouse space. New Projects: The Haihai Station is expected to be completed in two months. DPW put the Central Fire Station Renovation Project on hold because of an issue with the consultant. HFD will be hosting two training conferences. Public Relations: No report. 2017 Program of Work Update: No report. Other Departmental Activities: The additional Puna Ambulance died at the legislature. The Community Paramedicine Program and Act 170 are still alive. Minutes of April 12, 2017 Page 4 COMMITTEE REPORTS Budget and Finance: No report. Office Management and Staffing: No report. Rules and Policies: No report. Public Relations: Commissioner St. Ambrogio felt that commissioners should be prese Training and Education: No Report. Rules and Regulations Review Committee: Commissioner Laitinen for committees for Budget and Finance, Office Management and Staffing, and Rules and Policies. Chair Becker stated that he concerns in their Program of Work. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Review draft on commission committees and internal governance recommendations: . They will continue working on this. Review commission rules update status: Commissioner De Luz reported that he and Commissioner Payesko worked on this. They distributed a draft of changes. He asked for input and will prepare a second draft. Chief Rosario was asked to give the commission notice of events of interest, such as awards ceremonies and budget hearings. Chief Rosario reminded commissioners to inform his office if and when they want to visit any of the stations. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Becker announced that the next meeting is scheduled for May 10, 2017, 9:00 a.m., ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 2:00 p.m. SUBMITTED BY: JOSIE PELAYO, SECRETARY APPROVED BY: ROBERT BECKER, CHAIR