HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmergency Services Committee Minutes 01.28.2002Emergency Services Committee
January 28, 2002
Members Present Dan Dart, Pat Kimmet, Police Sergeant Zuhoski,
Fire Chief Ruff, Ambulance Director Faught and Lauren Van Roekel
Ambulance. Jan reported that Care 1 is back in service after experiencing mechanical
difficulties. This process lasted 43 days. During that time, the ambulance service missed
5 transport and 2 emergency calls.
It has been determined that the ambulance box is too heavy for the chassis. This caused
the ambulance to rock back and forth in a dangerous fashion. Ford Motor Company flew
in a Field Engineer to diagnose the problem. The Field engineer determined and
suggested that Laurel Ford was addressing the problem correctly by installing Heavy
Duty Shock Absorbers, Anti-Sway Bar, Springs and Steering Box.
When the Ambulance was new, Ford Motor Company manufactured the chassis and
Wheel Coach installed the box, which as previously stated, is too heavy for the chassis.
Jan further indicated that that Laurel Ford is attempting to write offlabor costs on the
repair. However, as the ambulance is out of warranty, a bill for $787.00 arrived from
Wheel Coach for the Anti-Sway Bar. The Shock Absorbers arrived COD from Ford
Motor Company and we have not received a bill for the other items, beside the Anti-
Sway Bar mentioned above.
Mike said that we are fortunate not to have ambulance service personnel or any member
of the public hurt. Pat said that since it appears as if Laurel purchased an ambulance that
was a liability risk, we should challenge the bill from Wheel Coach. Dan asked Jan if she
would raise this question with Matt Erickson to determine if he thinks that we have an
opportunity to challenge a part or the entire bill. Lanren made a motion to not pay the
Wheel Coach bill until Matt had time to review the matter. Pat seconded the motion.
Motion carded 6-0.
Jan said that the matter of county residents paying the same rate as City of Laurel
residents for ambulance service has arisen again. Jan said that the City Attorney
determined that the rate change was legally sound and the County Commission
has determined that the city is within legal fights in raising rates for county residents.
Dan said that he remembered the matter and presented to the Emergency Services
Committee but past minutes needed to be checked before the matter was forwarded to the
City Council for review.
Fire Department. Terry mentioned that the process of hiring two new Firemen is
underway and that the positions will be filled in April, 2002.
Police Department. Mike said that Dustin Black and Erin Pope are hired and on-stalE.
Respectfully Submitted By: Dan Dart ./>c.~,~,.._.~ ~_~ ~7/L