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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014_0602 KFC Open Min APPROVEDCOUNTY OF KAUAI Minutes of Meeting OPEN SESSION Board /Committee: FIRE COMMISSION Meeting Date June 2, 2014 Location Mo`ikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A /213 Start of Meeting: 2:03 p.m. End of Meeting: 3:05 p.m. Present Chair Jesse Fukushima; Vice Chair Eugene Jimenez; Members: Dan Brown; Savita Agarwal; Bradley Maruyama (2:19 p.m.) Also: Fire Chief Robert Westerman; Boards & Commissions Office Staff: Support Clerk Cherisse Zaima; Administrative Aide Teresa Tamura Excused Heidy Huddy- Yamamoto; Jimmy Miranda Approval of Absent Mr. Brown moved to approve the open session Minutes SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Call To Order Chair Fukushima called the meeting to order at 2:03 p.m. with 4 members present, constituting a quorum. Approval of ■ Regular Open Session Minutes of May 5, 2014 Mr. Brown moved to approve the open session Minutes minutes as amended. Ms. Agarwal seconded the Chief Westerman made a point of clarification on Page 5 where it motion. references MDTs, the cost savings should reflect $9,000 each. Motion carried 4:0. Chiefs Monthly ■ Overview for the month of April 2014 and pertinent updates Report Chief Westerman provided an overview of the monthly report. (On file) Operations Bureau Mr. Fukushima asked what the main reason is that calls are cancelled in route to which Chief Westerman replied he ventures to guess that perhaps the medical unit, or police officers arrived at the scene before Fire, or Kauai Fire Commission Open Session June 2, 2014 Page 2 perhaps as the dispatcher continued to communicate with the person on the phone, they determined emergency service was not needed. Chief Westerman reported on the current water shortage occurring in Kalaheo, noting that as soon as KFD received word of the shortage, their tanker was moved to be available in that district. Response criteria has also been temporarily changed until water is restored in that area. Mr. Fukushima asked how much gallons of water a tanker holds to which Chief Westerman replied 1,800 gallons. To address the potable water issue, the County has bleached out some of their water tenders to utilize for potable water, and also have water bladders that can be put in place if need be; however, the Water Department doesn't feel that is necessary at this time. Training Bureau Chief Westerman reported that some swift water training had been done on Oahu, which replicated what was done in Colorado. Water Safety Officers also participated in the Oahu train - the - trainer swift water course. Mr. Jimenez asked how many personnel participated in the swift water training to which Chief Westerman replied six; these participants will now provide training to KFD personnel. Ms. Agarwal asked for clarification on "green" and "red" to which Chief Westerman replied there are three different battalions each designated by color codes: blue, red, and green. Prevention Bureau Mr. Fukushima asked how many personnel review building plans to which Chief Westerman replied they have one plans examiner. Mr. Fukushima suggested the Department consider increasing personnel, similar to what the Kauai Fire Commission Open Session June 2, 2014 Page 3 Planning Commission has done to accommodate anticipated future plan submittals which will result from Ordinance 2545 relating to ADUs. Ocean Safety Bureau Chief Westerman described some of the issues the Water Safety Officers have had with the homeless population at the beach. Mr. Fukushima asked if the situation described in the report took place near the restrooms to which Chief Westerman replied yes. Chief Westerman pointed out the numerous commendations received for the recent rescue of 121 people from Hanakapi ai, noting the Department has nominated the crews involved in the rescue for the Ben Franklin Award of Valor given by the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Referencing the commendation for assistance provided at the Mayor's Youth track meet held in April, Mr. Brown commented that type of PR is good for the Department considering many community members don't have a great understanding of the other aspects of a firefighter's job. When they attend these events, they are still working to provide first aid and emergency services as needed; it's not only going into a house fire, the mountains or the ocean to rescue someone. Chief Westerman noted one of the biggest issues they have is with the public's perception of the Fire Department, pointing out that fires are only about five percent of everything they respond to; a large percentage of what they do is medical response, hazmat, rescues, etc. Ms. Agarwal stated the firefighters have gone above and beyond their duties, and she requested some commendation letters be done to recognize and appreciate their services. Mr. Fukushima agreed, adding that they could bring forth the individuals as well as the helicopter pilot involved in the rescue so the Fire Commission may acknowledge and commend them. Commissioner Bradley Maruyama entered the meeting at 2:19 p.m. Kauai Fire Commission Open Session June 2, 2014 Page 4 Mr. Jimenez reminded the Commission that the commission members have been invited to the County Council's recognition of those involved in the recent Hanakapi ai rescue, which will take place at Council Chambers on Wednesday, June 4, 2014. He agrees that the Commission could do something, but noted it is already being done on a grand scale. Mr. Fukushima stated he understands it is being done by Council, but he feels the Commission is part of the Fire Department, though at the civilian level. Mr. Brown stated he did not think recognition could be given to any individual, but rather the crew as a whole to which Mr. Fukushima asked staff to look into the issue. Mr. Jimenez noted the helicopter crew should be recognized at well. Mr. Fukushima would like to do the presentation at the July meeting if at all possible. Ms. Agarwal stated the general public is not aware of what the firefighters actually do, and asked how they can get access to the commendation letters. Staff informed Ms. Agarwal that the contents of the entire Fire Commission packet, which include commendation letters, is posted to the Fire Commission page on the County of Kauai website. Ms. Agarwal commented she does not feel that is enough as not many people visit the site. Mr. Jimenez stated it would be too difficult to put it in the Garden Island if you are receiving an abundance of letters at once; however he does agree that more people should see it. Ms. Agarwal reiterated there is no way for the general public to know what the firefighters are doing, and questioned how they can better inform the public. Chief Westerman agreed and suggested the Commission provide ideas on ways to increase public relations when the Department begins walking through the new strategic plan. ■ Budget Report as of April 30, 2014 Chief Westerman provided an overview of the budget report. Staff will consult with the County Attorney's office on the appropriate format for the commendation. Staff later confirmed that there is no prohibition on recognizing individuals. Kauai Fire Commission Open Session June 2, 2014 Pate 5 In response to Mr. Fukushima, Chief Westerman provided a brief explanation of the overtime costs budgeted for recruit training. Mr. Jimenez moved to receive the Chief's monthly report and budget report. Mr. Brown seconded the motion. Motion carried 5:0. Business KFC 2014 -004 2014 Goals of the Kauai Fire Department (on going,_ uarterl Chief Westerman provided an update of the 2014 goals. (On file) Administration Goat #2 Update All KFD Position Descriptions Mr. Fukushima asked if this includes the Deputy Fire Chief's position description to which Chief Westerman replied yes. Goal #5 Payroll Policy Update Mr. Jimenez asked who is responsible for completing this objective to which Chief Westerman replied the Administrative Officer. He noted she is very overworked, and does not have sufficient staff to complete this goal. However, the implementation of a new position to the Ocean Safety Bureau will take some of the workload off of the current staff. Training Goal #4 Write Fire Department Training Plan Mr. Brown commented he feels this is a very good program that will help recruits set goals for their entire career. Mr. Fukushima requested to view the SOGs in its final form once complete. Kauai Fire Commission Open Session June 2, 2014 Prevention Pate 6 Goal #3 Increase Fire Inspector Skills to Include Pyrotechnics Mr. Fukushima asked who is currently inspecting pyrotechnics now to which Chief Westerman stated the Fire Department does, but with very little education on it. There is a pyrotechnics company on the West Coast that offers training courses on pyrotechnics, which Prevention officers will be attending. Mr. Fukushima stated a contractor's license is required to put on pyrotechnics shows, and asked if the Department has had any discussion with contractors of the expectations of the State in licensing. Chief Westerman stated the Department's task is to make sure they comply with the laws, and whether it appears safe. He pointed out the intent of this particular training is to explore the details of what could potentially go wrong, and trying to be prepared for the worst case scenario. Ocean Safety Goal #3 Re- allocation Plan Ms. Agarwal asked if this plan includes the grooming of the future Fire Chief. Chief Westerman replied no, this plan pertains only to the Ocean Safety Bureau. The grooming of the future Fire Chief falls under the succession plan in the Training goals. Chief Westerman stated the succession plan has motivated many to continue their education, and obtain the skills necessary to get promoted. Ms. Agarwal stated she is surprised that the County does not reimburse the firefighters for any courses they wish to take. Chief Westerman explained programs such as the National Fire Academy is almost entirely paid for by Kauai Fire Commission Open Session June 2, 2014 Pate 7 FEMA; 90 percent. The Department allows them time to attend those courses, and pays for meals. However, if they are taking college courses to finish up their own degree, there is no reimbursement plan for that. Mr. Jimenez commented that at the start of his tenure as a Fire Commissioner, he was focused on having measurable goals and objectives for the Fire Chief, and he is really pleased with the report the Chief has provided. This provides a gauge of how well the Department is doing in meeting their goals. Mr. Fukushima thank Mr. Jimenez for initiating the quarterly goals. Mr. Brown agreed with Mr. Jimenez, and stated he would really like to explore avenues of providing better PR for the Fire Department, he requested it be put on the agenda for discussion. Mr. Jimenez replied if the Commission wishes, they can include that as a major goal or effort for the upcoming strategic plan. Mr. Jimenez noted it has been discussed many times in the past, but it is difficult thing for the Commission to implement. However, having it be part of the Department's strategic plan will ensure it will be an on -going public relations program. Ms. Agarwal argued that if it is left up to a public relations department, they will say they do not have the budget for it. Mr. Jimenez stated they can start off small, and hopefully lead to greater things in the future. Mr. Fukushima requested, in addition to drafting a commendation for the rescue crew and helicopter pilot for the rescue at Hanakapi ai, that staff contact the Garden Island newspaper and the Mayor's PIO to be involved with the presentation at next month's meeting. Mr. Fukushima commented that aside from a natural disaster, this is the largest rescue operation that has ever taken place, and that should be well promoted. Kauai Fire Commission Open Session June 2, 2014 Page 8 Mr. Jimenez asked whether the recognition should be by way of certificates of appreciation as opposed to a resolution. Mr. Brown would like to ensure everyone who contributed to the rescue Staff will consult with the County Attorney and efforts are recognized, not just the individuals who physically went in to draft a commendation to be included on the July retrieve the victims. Mr. Fukushima agreed. 7, 2014 meeting agenda. Mr. Fukushima commented on the KFD training he observed at Ahukini Pier, and highly encouraged the commission members to attend any such Mr. Jimenez moved to receive the 2014 Goals. trainings if they have the opportunity to do so. Mr. Maruyama seconded the motion. Motion carried 5:0. KFC 2014 -010 2015 Budget Presentation for the Kauai Fire Department Staff noted this was included on the agenda for the Commission's receipt and review. This has already gone to Council for approval. Mr. Jimenez requested that the Chief provide the final approved budget at the next meeting to allow the opportunity for the Chief to go over any changes that were made to the budget. Mr. Fukushima pointed out that departments will begin preparing for the upcoming FY 15/16 budget beginning in September at which time the Mr. Jimenez moved to receive the 2015 budget Commission can make recommendations to the Chief. presentation. Ms. Agarwal seconded the motion. Motion carried 5:01 Announcements Next Meeting: Monday, July 7, 2014 — 2:00 p.m., Mo`ikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A /B Adjournment Chair Fukushima adjourned the meeting at 3:05 p.m. Kauai Fire Commission Open Session June 2, 2014 Submitted by: Cherisse Zaima, Support Clerk () Approved as is. O Approved with amendments. See minutes of Page 9 Reviewed and Approved by: meeting. Jesse Fukushima, Chair