ORD-2004-114 - Public Hearings for EMS & Rescue Franchise Agreements (& First Reading) (Deferred)

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~Q- 8. Public Hearings a. Public Hearings for EMS & Rescue Franchise Agreements (& First Reading) The Board conducted a public hearing on granting proposed ambulance franchise agreements by ordinance to the two active volunteer rescue squads in the County, and to consider approving these agreements on first reading. Rod Visser said that through 1999 the County was served by two rescue squads and they merged in early 2000. They came to the conclusion this year to split back into two entities. He recommending having the public hearing and deferring the approval until December 14'h because there are a few refinements needed to the ordinance. He pointed out page 8 and section 4, which is a list of all services subject to franchising. He also pointed out page 20a, section 16d. There was no public comment. Commissioner Brown asked for an elaboration on why there was a decision to split back into two entities. She asked about the internal disagreement. Rod Visser said that there were philosophical differences such as rules and practices. Rod Visser said that they would both be providing services throughout the County. South Orange will focus on special events, particularly at the University and Orange EMS and Rescue Squad will have some special event coverage such as high school football games, etc. Commissioner Brown asked if everyone in Orange County was getting the same service and Rod Visser said yes. Commissioner Gordon made reference to page 2 and specializations. Rod Visser said that they have a lot of mutual aid in terms of rescue and they will call in specialists if they need them from other areas and states. He said that the response time on rescue calls is not as short as an EMS call. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Brown to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS DECISION DEFERRED b. North Carolina Community Transportation Program (CTP) Administrative and Capital Grant Application for FY2005-2006 The Board conducted a public hearing on the North Carolina Community Transportation Program (CTP) grant application by Orange Public Transportation for FY 2005-2006, and considered approving the Community Transportation Program grant application for FY 2005-06 in the total amount of $223,086, and approving a Transportation Memorandum of Understanding authorizing the application and entering into agreement the North Carolina Department of Transportation for all necessary assurances, and authorizing the Chair to sign the memorandum. Department on Aging Director Jerry Passmore said that this is an annual request. This year, the only difference from last year is that they are applying for $45,000 for capital to meet the need of purchasing new schedule management software to be more responsive to the community. There was no public comment. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS