Hobart Fire Civil Service Commission

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE HOBART CIVIL FIRE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HOBART HELD FEBRUARY 9, 2016 Call to Order: Mr. Pouch called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m., followed by the pledge of allegiance. Roll Call: The following members were present: Mr. Smith, Mr Drobac & Mr. Pouch. Also present were Fire Chief Kerr and members of Firefighters Local 1641. Approval of the Agenda: Mr. Drobac made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Mr. Smith. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Minutes: Mr. Drobac made a motion to accept the minutes from the Commission's meeting of January 12, 2016 as presented, seconded by Mr. Smith. All aye, motion carried. (3-0) Correspondence: There was no correspondence. New Business: Local 1641 President St. Myers requested on behalf of his members to have the Commission review the rule on weapons to be allowed on department property if stored in a vehicle and to allow for Police Officers whether sworn or a reserve officer to carry them on said property. He also requested the Commission to do testing for the position of EMS Director and Fire Prevention Director to maintain a qualification list. Mr. Pouch will make the arrangements for the testing. Lt. Papka addressed the Commission with comments on training and explained why he feels that the Fire Dept. needs a training officer and systematic training for all personnel. Lt. Papka also requested for a waiver on the requirements for the upcoming promotional testing for those who are not qualified with the new requirements. Also, mentioned was that we have officers who do not have qualifications that are now required. Lt. Papka also spoke of the differences in the three turns in regards to training and the need for a full time training officer. The Commissioners showed support on this issue. President St. Myers then requested a waiver for the upcoming test with the stipulation that the requirements are attained within a given period. He stated that this has been done in the past for other positions. Lt. Papka brought up that the Department should have a clear career path for its employees to prepare them for success and they should be trained for different positions and be physically evaluated to be sure they are capable to fill their positions. Chief Kerr ask if he as a Chief can make requirements for an officer on probation to complete before the probation is completed. Commissioner Pouch said that the Chief can make requirements. He must compensate them if off duty training is required. Chief Kerr asked what would need to be done to add a training officer. Mr. Pouch said depends on if it is set up through his office or through the commission. If set up through the Commission it would be a position which is modeled after a rank, the way the EMS Director and Fire Prevention positions are. If it is set up under the Commission it would be a permanent position. Chief Kerr advised that a Fire Officer 2 class is set up later this month at the police sub station Lt. Papka ask if the Director of Fire Prevention could have a different title as other cities such as Division Chief ? Mr. Pouch said it would be confused with rank. It could be changed to director of inspections etc. Chief Kerr advised that Fire Prevention Director Magner would like to change his title to Fire Marshall. A discussion was held and it would have to be looked into to see what the duties of a Fire Marshall are. Mr. Smith said it could be confused with the State Fire Marshall office. Pvt. Reid commented that a Fire Marshall implies they have a law enforcement connection. A short discussion was held. Old Business: The Commission position appointments for 2016 were made. Mr. Smith nominated Mr. Pouch for Chairman seconded by Mr. Drobac. All Aye motion carried (3-0) Mr. Pouch nominated Mr. Drobac as co-chair seconded by Mr. Smith all aye motion carried (3-0) Promotion test is March 26, 2016 at 9 am at the PCC. Adjournment: Mr. Smith made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr Drobac. All aye, motion carried. (3-0). The meeting was adjourned at 6:36 p.m. _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________