Agenda - 09-02-2010 - 4k - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: September 2, 2010 Action Agenda Item No. ~- SUBJECT: Second Reading: Emergency Services Franchise by Ordinance: North State Medical Transport, Inc. DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): • North State Franchise Ordinance INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank Montes de Oca, Emergency Services Director, 245-6100 Annette Moore, Staff Attorney, 245-2317 PURPOSE: To approve on Second Reading the granting of a franchise by ordinance to North State Medical Transport, Inc. (North State) the Franchise Agreement under which they will operate. BACKGROUND: On August 17, 2010, the Board held a Public Hearing to determine the need for ambulance services in accordance with NC Gen. Stat. § 153A-250(a). After taking comments from the public the Board found that it was necessary to franchise ambulance services to assure the provision of adequate and continuing services and to preserve, protect, and promote the public health, safety, and welfare. Once the Board determined that ambulance services are necessary, it may by ordinance franchise ambulance services. However, "no ordinance making a grant, renewal, extension, or amendment of any franchise may be finally adopted until it has been passed at two regular meetings of the Board of Commissioners. No such grant, renewal, extension, or amendment may be made except by ordinance."' The Board directed staff to enter into discussion with potential franchisee and to bring back a proposed Franchise Agreement. The Board approved on first reading the granting of a franchise by Ordinance to North State Medical Transport, Inc. on August 17, 2010. In order to appropriately manage the process as directed by Ordinance, the applicant must submit an "application for franchise" (section 6.3). The Emergency Services Department is then tasked with conducting an investigation of the information submitted by the applicant, and within 30 days of the receipt of the completed application and supportive documents. Following the 30-day investigative period Emergency Services shall schedule a hearing before the Board to report the Departments findings and submit a recommendation. 1 N.C. Gen. Stat. 153A-46.