The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2017-11-15 Fire Commission Regular MinutesHAWAII FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 15, 2017 AUPUNI CENTER CONFERENCE ROOM 101 PAUAHI ST., HILO, HAWAII CALL TO ORDER Chair Becker called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. ROLL CALL Present: Robert Becker, Chair Scott Susman, Vice Chair David De Luz, Jr., Commissioner Denise Laitinen, Commissioner Donna Payesko, Commissioner Marcella St. Ambrogio, Commissioner Mapuana Waipa, Commissioner Ralph Yawata, Commissioner (A quorum was present.) Also present: Darren Rosario, Fire Chief John Bertsch, Volunteer Commander Jessica Yeh, 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 OF OCTOBER 18, 2017 • Regular session: Commissioner St. Ambrogio motioned to approve the agenda with a non -substantive change. Vice Chair Susman seconded, and it carried unanimously. Executive session: Commissioner St. Ambrogio motioned to approve the agenda. Commissioner Waipa seconded, and it carried unanimously. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT Chief Rosario highlighted items on his written report: Chief explained the special overtime report that was distributed. Historically, overtime has been cut every year. Whenever they have a long incident, they recall other assets. He could restrict the number of personnel on duty, but that would not be safe for the community. • Budget and Finance ➢ 2017/2018: On a month to month basis, they are on track. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes November 15, 2017 Page 2 ➢ 2018/2019: Their budget was submitted on November 1. They will have a budget hearing in January. They will go before the County Council on April 17 at 1:30 p.m. Public statements are taken at the beginning of the meeting at 9:00 a.m. They also take written testimony. Alternative Funding and Grants ➢ 2016 CDBG: An inspection team was sent to the plant for the final inspection of the Pahala Wildland Pumper Apparatus Project. ➢ 2015 AFG Grant: Delivery has been delayed for the Self -Contained Breathing Apparatus inventory. SCBA Units were distributed. ➢ 2016 AFG Vehicle Grant: Received notification that grant was not awarded. • Human Resources Division ➢ Internal Recruitment: Interviews are pending for the AC of Support Services. ➢ Open Recruitment: The Fire Recruit agility test will be conducted in January. ➢ Employee Development and Training: 30 employees attended training on "Conducting an Effective Job Interview." Emergency Operations Division ➢ Operations: October was a dry month, and they were very busy with fires and brush fires. They conducted a fire -based training exercise at Legacy Hilo Rehabilitation Center. EMS personnel attended a two-day training on "Coordinated and Collaborative Response to Terrorism and Mass Violence Crimes." They were present at the Ironman World Championships in Kona to provide assistance to the public. ➢ Special Operations: ✓ Hazmat personnel participated in an annual confined space training at Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut. ✓ Rescue: The R-7 Radon was completed, but additional repairs are needed. The hyperbaric treatment center is temporarily closed and is a concern. Support Services Division ➢ Training: Sixteen firefighter recruits are working on their medical training. ➢ Volunteer Training: Volunteer Commander John Bertsch reported that this Saturday's captains' meeting will be at Station 21. The Sayres will be there between 9:00-10:00 to talk about their foundation. The meeting will start at 10:00. They are working on an island -wide defensive driving course. The west side is gearing up for its traditional dry season. Chief Rosario has been very helpful with the cooperation between the career and volunteer personnel, and that's a direct reflection of the Chief. ➢ EMS Bureau: Four personnel attended the EMS World Expo in Nevada which was funded through the Shippers Warf Grant. ➢ Prevention Bureau: Arson K9 Kaimi completed his annual recertification. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes November 15, 2017 Page 3 ➢ Auxiliary Services: Work continues on the email conversion, Target Solutions, and SharePoint Intranet. Their chief mechanic will be retiring at the end of the year. Six new dispatchers were hired. • New Projects/Business: The blessing of the Haihai station will be on December 14. Other Departmental Activities: Chief Rosario explained the pay issue for the battalion chief position that was in today's newspaper. • 2017 Program of Work Update. No discussion. UNFINISHED BUSINESS • At its September 20, 2017, meeting, the Fire Commission approved proposed amendments to the Rules and Regulations of the Fire Commission. In order to maintain consistency with its enumerated duties and powers granted to the Fire Commission under the Hawaii County Code and Charter, several provisions have been amended and repealed. In order to accept public testimony on this change, a public hearing on the amendments was held immediately preceding this meeting. The commission may make a decision to adopt the amendments. Commissioner Payesko motioned to approve the revised rules and regulations. Commissioner Laitinen seconded, and it carried unanimously. • Review of the Commission's proposed 2018 calendar of events. Chair Becker explained that adding a verbal mid -year performance review of the Chief in June is mainly for the Chief's benefit. Commissioner St. Ambrogio pointed out that the monthly agenda always has 2017 Program of Work Update. That is when they should bring up any concerns. It was agreed to delete the June verbal mid -year performance • Discussion on the Commission's proposed additions to the Fire Chief's 2018 Program of Work. (No changes.) NEW BUSINESS • Review proposed Fire Chief's 2018 Performance Elements. Suggested changes should be sent to Ms. Pelayo by November 29. Review proposed Fire Chief's 2018 Position Description. Suggested changes should be sent to Ms. Pelayo by November 29. Review proposed Commission's 2018 Program of Work. Suggested changes should be sent to Ms. Pelayo by November 29. Commissioner Waipa exited the meeting at 12:35 p.m. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes November 15, 2017 Page 4 CHAIR'S REPORT ON COMMISSION ACTIVITIES • Chair Becker announced that they will vote for chair and vice chair for 2018 at the next meeting. • Update on Salary Commission Findings: Chair Becker updated the commission on his presentation to the Salary Commission. They want a process for automatic increases. EXECUTIVE SESSION (CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC) Vice Chair Susman motioned to meet in executive session to work on the Fire Chief's annual evaluation and may consult with Corporation Counsel on questions and issues pertaining to the commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities; pursuant to HRS §92-5 (a) (2), (4), (6) and the Hawaii County Charter Section 13-20 (b). Commissioner De Luz seconded, and it carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 12:45 p.m. Regular session reconvened at 1:42 p.m. ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS Work on Fire Chief Darren Rosario's Annual Evaluation: Vice Chair Susman motioned to accept the Chief's evaluation as amended. Commission Laitinen seconded, and it carried unanimously. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Becker announced that the next monthly meeting will be held on December 13, 2017, at 9:00 a.m. in the West Hawaii Civic Center, Building G Conference Room, 74 5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner De Luz motioned to adjourn. Vice Chair Susman seconded, and it carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m. SUBMITTED BY: JOSIE PELAYO, SECRETARY APPROVED BY: ROBERT BECKER, CHAIR