Consent 1.F.
Regular City Council Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 11/26/2012
- TITLE
- Second Reading -- Ordinance Disbanding Emergency Services Board
- PRESENTED BY:
- Tina Volek
- Department:
- City Hall Administration
Presentation:
Information
PROBLEM/ISSUE STATEMENT
The City Council held a public hearing and approved on first reading an ordinance disbanding the Emergency Services (EMS) Board at its November 13, 2012, business session. The second reading and final approval of the ordinance is proposed.
The Council directed staff at its September 17, 2012, work session to place the ordinance on a future Council agenda. Earlier in 2012, the Council had approved an initiative to investigate converting the EMS Board to a Yellowstone County function. The EMS Board was created at a time when the parent organization of the ambulance company that provides primary services in the City declared bankruptcy, and City officials and residents wanted a body to step in if the ambulance service left the city. Since the stabilization of the private service, the EMS Board's objectives primarily have been to review existing City ordinances and policies, and make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council to provide the appropriate level of EMS. It has been increasingly difficult to recruit EMS Board members, and attendance at the EMS Board meetings has declined.
EMS concerns now center primarily around provision of service in unincorporated areas of Yellowstone County more than in the City. At a joint meeting the Yellowstone County held with rural and city fire departments, it was determined that several public and private groups already exist to address most of the issues of concern, and there is no need to create a County committee. Therefore, it is proposed that the Fire Chief continue to work with the Yellowstone County Emergency Services Director on issues of mutual interest, and the EMS Board be disbanded.
If approved on second reading by a simple majority, the ordinance will become effective in 30 days.
The Council directed staff at its September 17, 2012, work session to place the ordinance on a future Council agenda. Earlier in 2012, the Council had approved an initiative to investigate converting the EMS Board to a Yellowstone County function. The EMS Board was created at a time when the parent organization of the ambulance company that provides primary services in the City declared bankruptcy, and City officials and residents wanted a body to step in if the ambulance service left the city. Since the stabilization of the private service, the EMS Board's objectives primarily have been to review existing City ordinances and policies, and make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council to provide the appropriate level of EMS. It has been increasingly difficult to recruit EMS Board members, and attendance at the EMS Board meetings has declined.
EMS concerns now center primarily around provision of service in unincorporated areas of Yellowstone County more than in the City. At a joint meeting the Yellowstone County held with rural and city fire departments, it was determined that several public and private groups already exist to address most of the issues of concern, and there is no need to create a County committee. Therefore, it is proposed that the Fire Chief continue to work with the Yellowstone County Emergency Services Director on issues of mutual interest, and the EMS Board be disbanded.
If approved on second reading by a simple majority, the ordinance will become effective in 30 days.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYZED
The City Council may:
- Vote to approve the ordinance disbanding the Emergency Services Board;
- Vote to continue the Emergency Services Board; or
- Identify some other issues for the Emergency Services Board to undertake.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Aside from saving staff time in preparing for and attending meetings, there will be no financial impact.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Council approve the ordinance disbanding the EMS Board on second reading.