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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmergency Services Committee Minutes 10.27.2014 MINUTES EMERGENCY SERVICES COMMITTEE OCTOBER 27, 2014 COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5:30 P.M. Members Present: Doug Poehls Clete Knaub Richard Dawes Tom Nelson Bruce McGee Pat Kimmet Others Present: Rick Musson Mayor Mark Mace Jan Faught Correspondence Mark Mace presented a letter to Chairman Doug Poehls, which he received from a city resident that asked the city not to put the siren back up. She was opposed to the noise. Safety Mill Levy-Fire Department Fire Chief Brent Peters handed out information that he and Pat Kimmet discussed regarding the needs of the fire department. He said their #1 need is for SCBA's (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus). The current SCBA's are no longer available and parts are becoming harder to find. There is becoming a regular repair issue with the masks, bottles and regulators. Each time there is a call, they see more needed repairs. The hydro bottles have a maximum lifespan of 12 years and the manufacturer is no longer in service. There was discussion about the danger the firefighters are in when their equipment is not up to date to prevent casualties. Brent talked about the replacement of the twenty year old apparatus, the need to add apparatus, and other equipment needs. Brent presented a list of other equipment needed, but pointed out there isn't space at the FAP to put more equipment. He can see a problem here with putting the cart before the horse. The current FAP was built to house the Fire, Ambulance, and Police in 1977 and they have outgrown it. His opinion is that the ambulance and fire may combine eventually. He does support a new fire department from a mill levy of its own. The dollar amount that is needed at the current time for the safety mill levy is $200,000.00. He suggested that the committee visit and take a look the fire department. Safety Mill Levy- Ambulance Jan had spoken to the committee last month regarding questions and department needs. At this time she is presenting the committee with a written summary of items that would benefit the department. She also added the necessity of a third ambulance attendant in the ambulance in case there is more than one patient to transport. The dollar amount that is needed at the current time for the safety mill levy is $155,000.00. Ambulance Service Increased Rates Jan spoke regarding the need to increase the fee schedule. She said Solestone, the city's billing service, has inquired as to the extremely low prices the city charges compared to other ambulance services. Jan advised the committee to look at raising the rates. Rates have been adjusted every two years to account for the cost of living and amount Medicare pays. Medicare's practice is to look at rates over the last five years and pay a percentage of that. Pat Kimmit asked if Jan had fee schedules from other services for comparison. She said no, that it is difficult to attain other service rates. She expressed that Laurel rates are below AMR's rates. She explained the current fee schedule charges city residents one rate and county residents a higher rate. She asked that this practice be discontinued. The charge was based on the patient's home address, not where the incident occurred. It causes a billing problem when the medical responder cannot always get the patient's address at the time of the call. She said everything is done electronically and has caused a lot of headaches. Jan said the service would still charge mileage. She suggested raising the base rate of the call to $850, removing the city - county pricing difference. The schedule of fees includes the defibrillator charge and added charges for IV supplies, nebulizer, etc. Motion was made by Tom Nelson and seconded by Richard Dawes to move the resolution change for ambulance price rates to the council for approval. Motion was passed unanimously. Proposed Resolution Changes- Volunteer Ambulance Stipend Jan stated the last resolution to modify compensation levels for the volunteer ambulance service was in 2011. She and her volunteers, who are getting officer position stipends, discussed that it would be easier to keep volunteer ambulance attendants if they received more compensation for call out pay. They have all agreed to cut back their position stipends to increase the call out pay for volunteers. Jan said the proposed budget for payroll would stay the same. Attached is a list of proposed changes for regular stipend, trainees, and transport stipend. A motion was made by Pat Kimmet and seconded by Richard Dawes, to move the proposed resolution changes for Laurel Volunteer Ambulance stipend to the council for approval. Motion was passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, c- 14 7 Neva Hall Secretary n \i'\r' 1... t 7 r 4 - 4- - - A.c...._ AA' f t .41 , - R._,,,, - e--- c e4z.1,, , Nt r . • — t l o 2--- . Lk CA v� •r --4` - /--4---L„, L ti r- ..,, -...� �,�,,� -�d � - ,^- �- �-- -�...� ,@ - � � 1. 1'`x �i- �-�.'. �.{- a- e•-- �.�.._.. ,,,,_,.._ � (. c; P .. My h"...„.1 4 - c....- -.--J y...."-- -rs-e-t2..,—;:) 0- - 1-1/ _1 ��.. ,.Q._4-1.,,__& J r j V -A-4-7-0--1... tts--,71.........„ 4.._ t ci ',„ - - = "'-"`- - •C y �` _mil t) L--(.. . - — ,,,,,,,, a- -ems- - , ,.... , _ te ,-:, .-t--'s o ....., ,,,,,_ _..,_,,,..„, ......._.. _ , ,,,,__...„ _ .„ f -----‘ ----k. L IV—t'fLe9 LAj-- U---2, _ - -, - et...2._ itcz.,...„, 4.....„...rr.„___„„„ tiu..._)e-....e„,_ yki,......-1,_ - LA......a LT . ..-- cam, - _ - , a II ° .,,,.. Y,,,,, , ; a•-- -.--e.....__ 0 -8^ - to /� -,`-„ '�-e. .L.h. � 0-- er ., , (.. ((© . .�..nn.Lu. - fie.... r S S i ,, C,� _,- --- (Sta-LA../\-4,-1? I )1/4t.t9 -, r , LAIIREL FIRE OEPAIITMENT 215 WEST 1ST STREET • LAUREL, MT • 59044 OFFICE 406.628.4911 • FAX 406,628.2185 SCBA's (Self Contained Breathing Appuratus) The currently used SCBA's are 18- 20 years old. They are no longer available and parts are becoming harder to find. Repairs are becoming a regular issue in the masks, bottles and regulators. Each call results in needed repairs. There are two cases that are documented of failure of regulators resulting in Firefighter deaths. Bottles require a hydro test every four years and have a maximum 12 year lifespan. We will hit maximum life in 2014- 2015. The manufacture is no longer in service. $210,000 `� FIREHALL The current Fire Station was built in 1977. It has housed Fire, Ambulance and Police since opening. There is no longer room to expand and grow and to house all needed apparatus and equipment. There are no accommodations for a staffed Department of both male and female. Now is the opportunity to build a new fire station that will accommodate both fire and ambulance for the next 75 -100 years as the primary station. The building should be built to house administration, apparatus, equipment, staffing, training, and an Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Building location should provide enough room for future expansion of quarters and storage. $4.4 million (2007 costs) Replacement APPARATUS Brush 1 (1987) — 27 year old $90,000- $120,000 �p " Brush 3 (1992) — 22 years old $90,000- $120,000 Brush 2 (1963 2 1/2 ton) - 51 years old Replace with a Heavy Wildland truck - $250,000 Support 1 (1978) 36 years old. Replace with a medium Rescue Unit- $350,000 Engine 4 (1992) 22 years old. Main Pumper 1500 gpm to replace Engine 1 (1998) to a lesser role and place Engine 4 in reserve status. During the 2010 ISO audit it was determined that we needed to be able to flow 3500 gpm. We are able to achieve this with the current 3 engines that we have. We lost points because we do not have a reserve pumper in our inventory. $200,000- $350,000 ADDED APPARATUS 1. Light Rescue Unit with 500 gal tank, pump and CAFF's - $150,000- $250,000 2. 95' Ariel Platform truck- $800,000 + During the Laurel Auto Parts fire we couldn't flow anymore water while extinguishing the fire. The city water system was at max capacity. It wasn't until we received help from the Billings Fire Department aerial apparatus and changed our tactics to an elevated attack that we were able to get the fire under control. With the growth of assisted living facilities and multi -level buildings it becomes more needed for rescuing trapped residents. •v, LAIIREL FIRE DEPARTMENT •� 215 WEST 1ST STREET • LAUREL, MT • 59044 !.` OFFICE 406.628.4911 • FAX 406.628.21 85 OTHER EQUIPMENT NEEDS 1. Rehab/ Incident Command tent- $8000 2. Fire Prevention/ Fire Marshal trailer- $7800 3. Hose trailer- $3100 5. Rescue trailer with forced heat and cooling. This will be used to carry and store rescue equipment as well as provide an area to dress in cold weather. $8000.00 7. Hazardous Confined Space rescue equipment. (2 hour rescue air bottles with hose and masks, 10 minute escape packs, Tripod with winch and a Sked- $12,000 9. There a several replacement equipment needs from all the emergency responses groups. There needs to be replacement programs on key equipment that protects or improves the quality of survival. For the Fire Department it includes apparatus, PPE (personal protective equipment), communications, support equipment. Just a small few is listed below. • Continue to replace worn and out of date PPE. Currently replacing 10 sets per year at $23,000 per year. • Updated/ replace/ additional radios- $30,000- $50,000.00 ❖ Replace saws- $8000 • Rescue equipment ••• Ladders • Hose 10. Modernize equipment to increase efficiency and survivability of responders and victims. 11. Training. As fire service changes and needs in the community change then training needs to change. Specialized trainings both in and out of state are needed to continue to better serve Laurel. 12. It is time to start planning on a staffed Fire Department. This will be paying Firefighters and EMT/ Paramedics for 27/ 7 schedules. This will also need to include paid Command and support staff (Chiefs, Fire Marshals, Training, Maintenance, Administration, etc.). Keep in mind that with one Fire Station there isn't the luxury of only three Firefighters on shift. There has to be enough to handle the worst case situation. ISO requires a 3 to 1 ratio if not staffed. Let's plan, equip and train for the situation that we hope that will never happen I I rather than make excuses and suffer the burden for our unprepared failures. � : =- LAUREL FIRE DEPARTMENT 215 WEST 1ST STREET • LAUREL, MT • 59044 t L l • OFFICE 406.628.491 1 • FAX 406.628.21 85 Sem n ra Apparatus Descriptions BRUSH TRUCKS Brush trucks or Wildland Engines serves several purposes with the Fire Department year around. Their main role is responding to wildland and grass fire. From March thru October they are run hard responding mostly off road. Wear and tear is increased during these months due to constant rugged use. During the entire year brush trucks respond to motor vehicle accidents to assist with manpower, traffic and access off the roadway. PUMPER/ ENGINES Engine companies respond to all threats of structures, hazardous environments, auto extrications, rescues and service calls. This is approximately 80% of the Fire Departments annual calls. Engines are subject to large call volumes and use. During extreme temperatures, Engines can be exposed to cold temperatures for several hours threating freeze ups of tanks, pumps and piping. RESCUE/ SUPPORT Trucks that carry additional equipment, rescue equipment and perform support and rehab duties while on a variety of calls. Its main role is to carry all needed rescue equipment and responders and to conduct extrication operations. This also takes the response load off of main line pumpers. ARIEL TRUCKS This includes Ladder trucks, Quints, Platforms, and Bucket Trucks. Used for elevated fire operations, accessibility and rescue of trapped victims. They are vital to fire operations AMBULANCE REQUEST TOTAL YEARLY • AMBULANCE ROTATION 1 EVERY 5YRS- $200,000 $40,000 • QUICK RESPONSE UNIT 1 EVERY 5 YEARS $40,000 $8,000 $240,000 $48,000 • HYDROLIC COT 1 EVERY 10 YEARS $30,000 $3,000 • LOAD SYSTEM $30,000 $3,000 OR • FERNO COT SYSTEM 1 EVERY 10 YEARS $35,000 $3,500 $6,000 OR $3,500 • MONITORS $35,000 $7,000 (LAST 10 YEARS, ALTERNATE NEW EVERY 5 YEARS) TOTAL $58,500- 61,000 12 HOUR SHIFT COVERAGE 3 FULL TIME - 2 12 HOUR SHIFTS PER DAY ($13 /HR) $341,000 YEAR W/O BENEFITS 2 FULL TIME -1 VOLUNTEER ($13 /HR) $227,760 YEAR W/O BENEFITS KEEP IN MIND, RIGHT NOW THE BUDGET IS $179,000 YEAR DIFFERENCE OF : 3 F.T. $182,000 u' 49 2 F.T. $48,760 ' 3/16 WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO INCORPORATE THE $210,000 REMAINING ON THE BUILDING LOAN FROM PUBLIC WORKS. PAGE 1 TOTALS $58,500-61,000 PUBLIC WORKS LOAN $70,000 FOR 3 YEARS 2 OR 3 FULL TIME $48,760- 162,000 -i-fteseessimeeet•v-*- City of Laurel Volunteer Ambulance 215 W 1 Stteet Laurel MT 59044 406-628-1611 Schedule of Fees and Charges proposed changes z_!!-- tc ttio nt 1-reee t !hprereq Base Rate $850.00 un,anae au to one cnarae - no more utrw uounw rates BLS Difibrillator charge $175.00 ALS Difibrillator charge $200.00 Drop the City/ County rates Arta to existing cnarges: Nebulizer $15.00 Decontamination of Ambulance $70.00 IV supplies :15 Glucometer $15.00 Narcan 45:su.uu Morphine $30.00 Laurel Volunteer Ambulance - Ambulance Service Fees Basic Life Support (BLS) City Base Rate (Emergency) $600.00 Base Rate (Non- Emergent) $575.00 Mileage with Patient (per Mile) $15.00 Basic Life Support (BLS) County Base Rate (Emergency) $650.00 Base Rate (Non- Emergent) $625.00 Mileage with Patient (per Mile) $16.00 ( Advanced Life Support (ALS) City ,.. \-) Base Rate (Emergency) $650.00 ,<` Base Rate (Non- Emergent) $625.00 < / I Advanced Life Support (ALS) County 7 Base Rate (Emergency) $675.00 `1 Base Rate (Non- Emergent) $650.00 Other Charges Treat Only - $75.00 BLS Disposable Supplies $100.00 ALS Disposable Supplies $150.00 BLS Defibrillator Supplies City $125.00 BLS Defibrillator Supplies County $175.00 ALS Defibrillator Supplies City $150.00 ALS Defibrillator Supplies County $175.0 EKG Supplies $50.00 - Wait Time $45.00 - Extra Attendant. $45.00 DOA Transport $150.00 Stand -By Rate (per Hour) $75.00 Medication Charges Albuterol Neb 5mg $15.00 ,,I Tab 25mg _ 515.00 e i ris ne Injector .. 5200.00 Gbicagon l mg $60.00 Oral Glucose 30g $15.00 NS Solution 500cc $30.00 Nitro Tab $15.00 Oxygen $80.00 Proposed Resolution changes for Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Stipend Orricer position stipends: Assistant Director — 5200. (200.00 per pay period) Office /Billing Assistant —1300 (50.00 per pay period) Vehicle Maintenance - 1300 Education/Training - 1300 9100 Regular stipend 44,50 per hour on call 78,700 *Trainees - $2.50 20,200 Transport stipend - $1S/13/8 26,000 TOTAL .L Lpuvv With addition of Director's salary - 179,000 Holiday pay: Extra stipend for hours 09,00 =45,000 of coverage for the following Holidays: New Years Day Memorial Day independence ivav Labor "Day Thanksgiving Day December 24 -170u — Midnight Christmas Day New Years Eve - 1700- Midnight Currently the stipend for Holiday pay is double call pay *Trainees - New crew members must be signed off by ail the Officers after completing specific requirements. They must also volunteer 100 hours before pay change, Currently Trainees do not rive a raise until 6 months. RESOLUTION NO. 11-106 A RESOLUTION TO MODIFY THE PREVIOUSLY APPROVED COMPENSATION LEVELS FOR THE VOUNTEER AMBULANCE SERVICE. WHEREAS, the City Council previously established and approved compensation levels for the Volunteer Ambulance Service through the adoption of Resolution No. R08 -117; and WHEREAS, the Ambulance Director recently reviewed the previous compensation levels and is requesting and recommending revisions to the compensation levels; and BE IT RESOLVED, that Resolution No. R08 -117 is modified to reset the compensation of the members of the Volunteer Ambulance Service as follows: Monthly Meetings: $7.50 — for attendance at the regular monthly meeting required for members of the Volunteer Ambulance Service. (Only one meeting will be compensated for each month.) On -Call Rates: All non-probationary volunteers shall be compensated at a rate of $3.50 per hour. Volunteers shall be probationary for six months at a rate of $2.50 per hour. Standby: $7.50 per hour — for each attendant working standby for a special event. The special event needs to pay the Ambulance Service in advance for working the event. Transport Call: $15.00 Non - Transport Call with Treatment: $10.00 Non - Transport no Treatment: $7.50 Call out stipends will be doubled during certain times of the years listed below: From 5 pm, December 24 to Midnight, December 25 From 5 pm, December 31 to Midnight, January 1 From Midnight to Midnight on the following holidays: Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Thanksgiving Day No member of the Volunteer Ambulance Service shall receive other compensation from the City except as provided by this resolution. BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, the Officers of the Volunteer Ambulance Service shall receive, in addition to the compensation above, the compensation as follows: RI 1 -106 Ambulance compensation levels Assistant Director: $4,000 per year Training Officer: $6,000 per year Billing: $3,600 per year Vehicle Maintenance: S3,600 per year No officer of the Volunteer Ambulance Service shall receive other compensation from the City except as provided for by this resolution. Introduced at a meeting of the City Council on October 4, 2011 by Council Member Mace PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Laurel this 4 day of October, 2011. APPROVED by the Mayor this 4 day of October, 2011. CITY LAUREL • r � x Kenneth E. Olson, Jr.,• or ATTEST: j-11 l _ Shirley Ewan, Clerk - Treasurer A lived o _ AAIVI Sam sinter, Lega • uncil Elk River Law Office, P.L.L.P. RI 1 -106 Ambulance compensation levels