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John Roberts made reference to the due process and said that this is not a court of law <br /> and this is an administrative process. He said that he is comfortable with the due process of <br /> this ordinance. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said that he would like the answers from staff in writing and to <br /> the challenges in writing. He wants this to be memorialized in a written document that this <br /> does not refer to fire departments and the attorney would advise how the due process would <br /> take place. He would like to be clear before moving forward on this item. <br /> Frank Clifton said that they would need to advertise the extension of the franchises and <br /> start the process now. He said that there are two agencies in Orange County that provide <br /> these services and the County has had problems with one of the agencies. He said that the <br /> issues have evolved from other issues outside of the ordinance. <br /> Syd Alexander said that the reason South Orange went ahead and applied for the <br /> franchise is because of the timing. <br /> Commissioner Pelissier suggested approving this tonight and writing a letter to all fire <br /> districts and clarify what does not apply. <br /> Frank Clifton agreed and said that they could write a letter and have a meeting with all <br /> of the fire districts. He said that Orange County needs these services and there is significant <br /> public liability. <br /> Chair Foushee agreed with Commissioner Pelissier. <br /> Commissioner Nelson said that he would prefer to hold off on this item because of the <br /> concerns that were expressed. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs asked if there was someone to address having a period of <br /> comment and still get this done by the deadline. <br /> Annette Moore said that what they are doing is required by statute and they need a <br /> public hearing to do this. She said that the public hearing and the discussion would be on the <br /> same day. The group would not be able to listen to the comments and come back and change <br /> the application based upon what is said. <br /> John Roberts said that if the Board of County Commissioners votes to pass this <br /> ordinance with less than a unanimous vote, the process continues, but the Board has to revisit <br /> it at the next meeting. <br /> Commissioner Yuhasz said that the distinction between first responders and fire <br /> departments acting as first responders is real but not apparent. He said that the emphasis on <br /> that difference does make this a different ordinance. He said that it makes it easier to move <br /> forward, but he still wants to address the fire departments' concerns. <br /> Annette Moore said that this can be clarified and the Board can pass this ordinance <br /> and then bring back an amendment that excludes the fire departments. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner <br /> Pelissier to adopt the amendments to "An Ordinance Regulating Ambulance and Emergency <br /> Medical, First Responder and Rescue Services and Granting of Franchise and Contracts to the <br /> Operators in the County of Orange" effective and authorize the Chair to sign the EMS <br /> Franchise Ordinance as amended. The amendments to the EMS Franchise Ordinance will be <br /> effective upon signature by the Chair. <br /> Commissioner Nelson said that when this comes back, he would like to address <br /> questions raised about subordinates and the peer review committee. <br /> VOTE: Ayes, 6; No, 1 (Commissioner Nelson) <br />