Emergency Services Advisory Committee
(Corrected)
Members present:
Stephen Cozart Tony Simmons
John
Joe Diamond Werner Panchenko
James Chalmers
Members absent:
Bryan Gibson
Staff present:
Sheryl Bracewell Deb Grinde
Agenda approved as submitted for this meeting.
Minutes for meeting held on
Commissioner Jacque Gorris, Midway Fire District Fire Commission, appeared on behalf of Fire Chief Stephen Demeter. The purpose of his appearance is to request that the county absorb a portion of the costs to purchase the LIFEPAK 12. The LIFEPAK 12 is a defibrillator/monitoring device manufactured by Medtronic that is new to the industry. The Midway Fire District recently purchased the device and is requesting assistance from the county to purchase what may be a huge benefit to the community.
Commissioner Gorris expounded on the purpose, the capabilities of the equipment and the benefits to the community. He stated that protocols will need to be put in place and that criteria for the system would need to be tested and approved prior to routine use of the device.
J. Diamond expressed concern with the idea of funding equipment that has not yet been approved for use by local cardiologists.
J. Chalmers advised that Rural Metro is concerned that any
delay may be detrimental or problematic for the patient. Rural Metro would also be concerned with
Discussion ensued regarding methods of data transmission, a diagnosis provided by the monitor and ownership of the equipment (Midway Fire District).
Chief Reble stated that it seems the arrangement is between one particular fire district and one large private organization.
T. Simmons questioned the necessity of using the system in relation to the length of time it would take to respond and transport to the hospitals. J. Chalmers advised that the last reports indicated that Rural Metro arrives approximately four (4) minutes after the fire department arrives on scene. In addition, Rural Metro has been communicating with Dr. Leker and the Cardiologist Group regarding the different types of medicines the ambulances would be required to carry.
Chief Reble reiterated that the ownership of the equipment would remain an issue to be dealt with if, in fact, the county made a contribution.
D. Vanderryt questioned the costs to operate the equipment, qualifications to operate the device and whether the device would be made available to other fire districts.
Commissioner Gorris reiterated the benefits of the device to all areas of the county and stressed the fact that we should be attempting to search for excellence.
Chief Reble stated again that only Midway’s personnel and Rural Metro employees are qualified to use the device. He also stressed that Midway is the most well-funded district in the county and our concern must be for the entire county.
Commissioner Gorris closed by stating that most of their
work is directed toward
D. Vanderryt made motion to deny the request for county funding at this time. Motion was carried with one (1) dissenting vote (S. Cozart).
Reports for the months of August were reviewed by this committee. Chief Reble expressed dismay with the ‘spike’ in the number of calls not responded to.
S. Bracewell advised that the fuel shortages intensified by hurricanes may have contributed to the increase number of calls in this category. She will review the numbers and advise further.
Inmate Work Crews
Chief Reble has not received a response from H. Walker to date.
Fire Hydrants
This committee reviewed a hand-out from Chief Reble that covered the guidelines and procedures for performing the necessary testing and maintenance of the hydrants throughout the county. This document should be used by the county to issue to the contractors who might bid on the proposal including the following items:
Chief Reble advised that the City of
This committee determined that it will be necessary to issue a Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U.) between the water purveyors and the county that should indicate how the costs will be managed.
S. Cozart made motion to approve procedure as discussed. Motion approved unanimously.
New Business
Budgets
An open discussion was held by this committee regarding the spending plans of fire departments supported by MSBU funding.
It was suggested by this committee that the BOCC review the audits for each of these fire districts. J. Diamond volunteered to bring a copy of the format that the Avalon VFD utilized. He also volunteered to audit a few to present as an example.
Chief Reble will draft a letter to the Board of County Commissioners regarding this matter.
D. Vanderryt questioned whether the State of
Audits
After reviewing several audits provided to this committee by the Clerk’s Office open discussion was held regarding the issues brought forth.
This committee determined that the fire districts must show what each check is written for, e.g. item and dollar amount.
It was also determined that noted ‘exceptions’ on the audits should remain an issue to be dealt with, whether by the BOCC or someone appointed to take care of this problem.
Suggestion made that a percentage of the budget be held back until such time that the proper documentation is provided for each exception. Additional suggestion made that a percentage of the budget be apportioned to pay a person who would be responsible for tracking accounts, budgets and audits for each district.
S. Cozart indicated that logistics may be a problem in reference to how and when each transaction is occurring. S. Cozart also stated it may be necessary for the Board of County Commissioners to amend the ordinances to reflect these measures.
This committee approved the submission of the letter to the Board of County Commissioners by Chief Reble to also indicate concerns and suggestions to address the discrepancies on subject fire district audits.
Richard Collins,
Meeting adjourned at
Next meeting is
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