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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014_1208 KFC Open Min approvedCOUNTY OF KAUAI Minutes of Meeting OPEN SESSION Board /Committee: I FIRE COMMISSION Meeting Date I December 8, 2014 Location Mo`ikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A/213 Start of Meeting: 2:00 p.m. End of Meeting: 3:14 p.m. Present Chair Jesse Fukushima; Vice Chair Eugene Jimenez; Members: Dan Brown, Bradley Maruyama Also: Fire Chief Robert Westerman; Boards & Commissions Office Staff: Support Clerk Cherisse Zaima, Administrator Paula Morikami Excused Heidy Huddy- Yamamoto; Savita Agarwal; 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 2:00 p.m. with 4 members present, constituting a quorum. Approval of ■ Re lgu ar Open Session Minutes of November 3, 2014 Mr. Brown moved to approve the open session Minutes minutes. Mr. Maruyama seconded the motion. Motion carried 4:0. Chiefs Monthly ■ Overview for the month of October 2014 and pertinent updates ■ Budget Report as of October 31, 2014 Report Chief Westerman provided an overview of the monthly report and budget report. Mr. Jimenez commented that he attended the recruit graduation held earlier that day, and was very impressed that six of the recruits were college graduates, one with a PhD. He feels it is very commendable that these young, educated individuals have made it their life's work to be firefighters. Kauai Fire Commission Open Session December 8, 2014 Prevention Bureau Page 2 In response to Chief Westerman's report, Mr. Fukushima explained one of the concerns with ADUs within ag and open zoned lands is that the new bill, Ordinance 2545, calls for a ten -year extension, and a $750 annual fee. The Ordinance will not be passing by December 15, therefore, there will be a lapse where no ADUs will be allowed for that period of time until the bill is passed. The bill is hoped to be passed during the fourth week of December. Ocean Safety Bureau Mr. Brown asked whether the Water Safety personnel joined the Fire personnel in the CPR training to which Chief Westerman replied no, they do it separately mostly because of the way it is scheduled. Mr. Brown commented he feels it would be advantageous because sometimes Water Safety and Fire personnel will be working together. At the request of Mr. Fukushima, Chief Westerman provided an update on the CAD system. Mr. Fukushima referenced a thank you letter the Department received for assistance they provided at Salt Pond to Long Term care residents in getting from their wheelchairs into the water. He stated in the 1980's during Mayor Kunimura's administration, some of his political cohort recommended having a ramp into Lydgate pond for the disabled. He commented that this is something that will affect everyone in the County, noting it a good, successful program; this is the first time he has heard of it being initiated, and something may come about down the road. Mr. Jimenez added that he recalls the County purchased some special mats to be used by ADA individuals specifically for Lydgate and Salt Pond, and suggested balloon type tires for wheelchairs as well. Kauai Fire Commission Open Session December 8, 2014 Pate 3 Chief Westerman explained they currently provide two Mobi- chairs at Salt Pond and one in Po`ipu, and they can ask the County ADA coordinator for access to those. The Mobi -mats are managed by the Dept. of Parks and Recreation, but are used for events and functions, and are not put out at the beaches. Mr. Fukushima commented some of the SAFER grants the Fire Department has pursued are coming to an end, and requested the Chief provide an overview of the anticipated expenses coming the Department's way. Chief Westerman updated the Commission on the status of the SAFER grant, and how they will be funding for the future. Mr. Jimenez asked why the budget for the Commission has decreased to which Chief Westerman stated the Fire Commission budgets is now under the Office of Boards and Commissions, and is no longer handled by the Fire Mr. Jimenez moved to receive the Chief's Department. monthly report and budget report. Mr. Brown seconded the motion. Motion carried 4:0. Communications KFC 2014 -21 Fire Commission Budget and Expense Report for 2014 -2015 Mr. Brown moved to receive the Budget and Expense Report. Mr. Maruyama seconded the motion. Motion carried 4:0. Business KFC 2014 -26 Selection of Chair and Vice Chair for 2015 Mr. Fukushima noted his term as Chair will be ending at the end of this year, and thanked the Commission and Fire Administration. He commented that this year has been challenging, but he has enjoyed his tenure as Chair. There was discussion on possible nominations, but it was noted there were only four members present at today's meeting. Mr. Brown asked whether all members will still be on the Commission come January to which Ms. Morikami replied yes. Kauai Fire Commission Open Session December 8, 2014 Pate 4 Mr. Brown moved to defer this item to the January 5 meeting. Mr. Jimenez seconded the KFC 2014 -27 Discussion nd decision making on the 2015 Fire Commission motion. Motion carried 4:0. meeting schedule Ms. Morikami addressed the Commission, explaining that the County is in a financial situation where they are looking at ways to cut costs. How the Office of Boards and Commissions is addressing that is by looking at all 17 Boards, Commissions, and Committees they manage, and the various meeting dates and schedules, and the different meeting requirements within each of their rules. She read 5 -6 of the Fire Commission Rules relating to meetings into the record: The regular meetings of the Commission shall be held no less than once a month at a time, date, and location as may be required by the Chair, or in the absence of the Chair, the Vice Chair of the Commission. The meeting must be held at a building that is accessible by the general public. Special meetings may be held at the call of the Chair or the Vice Chair. Four or more members of the Commission may consent to postponement of any meeting to any day within the following week. Ms. Morikami pointed out that there were one or two occasions this year that the Commission did not have quorum, but did not reschedule the meeting, which was in violation of the rules. To avoid that situation from occurring again, she asked the Commission to look at what is up for review, and look into being a little more flexible in their rules. She suggested the rules state meetings held on an as needed basis, no fewer than six times a year. This would mean that the Commission could still meet every month, but should they not have quorum for one or two meetings, they would not have to reschedule. She noted that so far one commission, and one committee have voted to change their rules for meetings to be held quarterly. They will likely meet every month, but it allows the flexibility to only meet quarterly if the wish. She reiterated her suggestion for the Fire Commission to change the meeting requirement to at least six times a year, Kauai Fire Commission Open Session December 8, 2014 Pate 5 noting if there is nothing on the agenda except the Fire Chief's report, they do not have to meet just to receive that. In an attempt to increase efficiency, and due to the fact that one of their positions have been cut, they are asking all Boards, Commission, and Committees to consider that proposal. Mr. Fukushima asked when the Commission would vote on those recommendations to which Ms. Morikami replied she would at least like to get a response from the commissioners today on whether they would be in agreement with the proposal because a public hearing would have to be subsequently held. Mr. Jimenez stated he is all for the idea of being fiscally responsible, and look at ways of cutting, but he questioned how much it really costs to conduct a meeting as opposed to other Commissions such as Planning. He asked if those larger Commissions will be cutting their schedules to which Ms. Morikami replied all Boards, Commissions, and Committees will be presented with the same suggestion. Mr. Jimenez stated the Commission's role is to hire and fire the Chief, and he does not want to get too far removed from the operations of the Department, but a minimum of six would be fine. Mr. Fukushima stated that would still allow them to meet once a month if necessary. He commented that on the surface it may not seem that the Fire Chief is doing a lot, but where the expenses come in is with the staff having to monitor meetings, and write up minutes. Requiring less meetings would lighten the load for the staff somewhat. On the other hand, it does not lessen their role as commissioners. Ms. Morikami stated even if the rules stated six times a year, should the office received something that the Commission needs to address, they could still call a meeting at the discretion of the Chair. Kauai Fire Commission Open Session December 8, 2014 Pate 6 Mr. Jimenez stated he is in favor of the motion, but pointed out that there Mr. Brown moved to approve recommendations are three other members not currently present, and would like to include to entertain the possibility of requiring a their input. He would agree to the motion as long as the other members are minimum of six meetings a year, with provisions informed by letter, or some other means, of the Commission's intentions. allowing additional meetings if necessary. Mr. Mr. Brown agreed, stating that was his intention when making the motion, Maruyama seconded the motion, and pointed out that it is his understanding that they have to vote on this in order to enable the Office of Boards and Commissions to give a notice of public hearing. Mr. Jimenez stated the commissioners present today can inform the staff of their desire to do so, but that they would like to have the rest of the commissioners on board. Mr. Maruyama withdrew his second, and Mr. Mr. Brown asked how this will affect the public hearing to which Ms. Brown withdrew his motion. Morikami replied should the Commission take action in January, the public hearing will be held in February, and after which they can make their final Mr. Jimenez moved to defer this item to the decision. January 5 meeting. Mr. Brown seconded the motion. Motion carried 4:0. Executive Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § §92 -4 and 92 -5 (a) (2) (4), 92 -9 (a) Mr. Brown moved to enter into executive session. Session (1 -4) (b), the purpose of this executive session is to receive and approve Mr. Maruyama seconded the motion. Motion Executive Session minutes, to consider the evaluation of an officer or carried 4:0. employee where consideration of matters affecting privacy will be involved; provided that if the individual concerned requests an open meeting, an open meeting shall be held, and to consult with the Commission's legal counsel on questions and issues pertaining to the Commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities as they may relate to this item, deliberate and take such action as appropriate. ES -025 Executive Session Minutes for November 3, 2014 Kauai Fire Commission Open Session December 8, 2014 Page 7 Submitted by: Cherisse Zaima, Support Clerk (x) Approved ES -026 Development, discussion and decision - making for the FY on January 5, 2015. KFC 2014 -17 2013 -2014 performance evaluation of the Fire Chief with amendments. a) Final Evaluation Tabulation Final Evaluation Return to Open Ratify Commission actions taken in Executive Session for items: The meeting reconvened in open session at 3:13 Session ES -025 p.m. ES -026 Mr. Jimenez moved to ratify Commission actions taken in Executive Session. Mr. Maruyama seconded the motion. Motion carried 4:0. Announcements The next Fire Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 5, 2014 — 2:00 p.m., Mo`ikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A /B. Adjournment Chair Fukushima adjourned the meeting at 3:14 p.m. Submitted by: Cherisse Zaima, Support Clerk (x) Approved as is on January 5, 2015. ( ) Approved with amendments. See minutes of Reviewed and Approved by: meeting. Jesse Fukushima, Chair