Minutes 01-21-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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presented a letter, which is incorporated by reference. He said that South Orange is applying for a renewal of the franchise agreement. Fred Stipe is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of South Orange Rescue Squad. He said that South Orange supports the ordinance as amended; and they are working with Orange County Emergency Services to apply for the new franchise agreement. South Orange is an all-volunteer program and it provides services at no cost to the County government. There is a very small stipend for providing dispatch in Carrboro. Peter Hallenbeck is the Assistant Chief at the Efland Volunteer Fire Department. He said that Efland Fire Department just became aware of this document less than a week ago. He asked the County Commissioners to delay action on this until they have had time to review the document, clarify things, and provide written comment. Tony Blake is Vice President of the Board of White Cross Fire Department. He said that White Cross is very concerned about this ordinance. One concern is the peer review group and the Emergency Services Chief being the sole liaison. He is also concerned that the board is being set up to set the boundaries of the districts because the fire districts are controlled by the State. If the ambulance and the first responder districts were changed to conflict with the existing fire districts, there would be confusion. In general, he agrees with Efland's concerns and he would like to have more time to review this. Jeremy Browner is the Attorney for Orange County Rescue Squad. He said that he came to the Board of County Commissioners on December 7, 2009 stating opposition to this ordinance and he would like to continue the opposition to this ordinance. He said that the Orange County Rescue Squad wishes to oppose the current composition of the advisory committee because it should be chaired by a Commissioner and not the Emergency Services Director. It should also have a representative from the Orange County Chief's Council and someone from EMS. In addition, he said that Orange County Rescue Squad would like more due process requirements, such as evidentiary hearings, cross-examination of adverse witnesses, and the right to inspect documents. Earl McKee is President of Caldwell Fire Department. He said that all interested parties should have been involved to give their review before it went into effect. He said that this document was only given to the two rescue squads. His main concern is that this ordinance is unclear about rescue services and first responders. He requested that the Board of County Commissioners delay action until all parties have reviewed this. Commissioner Pelissier asked if letters were sent to all franchisees and Annette Moore said that all of the franchises were notified in December. Commissioner Pelissier asked about the timetable. Annette Moore said that the franchises are set to expire at the end of March. She said that there has been a concern about whether fire departments are implicated by this ordinance and they are not. This is for people that are in business providing rescue services, first responder medical services, and emergency services. She said that this is not for fire departments. Commissioner Hemminger asked about the committee and if it has to be a part of this document. Staff Attorney Annette Moore said that there are two different committees. One is a peer review committee and this is by statute. The advisory committees are set up to review any action taken by the Director and it provides an opportunity to be heard if there is a grievance. Commissioner Hemminger made reference to page 12 and said to change that to written notice in 7.2.