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<br />and laws excludes the use of a more economical means of achieving an environment that is just <br />as safe as County services. <br />She said that when Rod Visser was Acting County Manager, he assured the speedway <br />that a review of the County fire code and his interpretation would be brought forward, but it <br />never came through. She said that Dannie Sides, Operation Manager for the North Carolina <br />State Emergency Management, informed them that the SOP meets the state guidelines for track <br />instant coverage as long as any needed medical transport is covered by 911. She said that Mr. <br />Sides has offered to meet with staff and the speedway and go over this. She said that many <br />tracks in North Carolina are not forced to have on-site county ambulances provide basic medical <br />service and they call 911 for support. <br />She said that the representatives of the speedway couldn't fathom the burden of being <br />charged time and a half for EMS and Sheriff services, especially when some of the people are <br />being hired from other counties. She said that they have implemented a track emergency plan; <br />they have secured correct equipment; and hired competent personnel, yet it is not enough for <br />the County. <br />She said that they trust that Orange County is truly interested in seeing Orange County <br />Speedway become financially solvent and a viable business partner to this community. They <br />have not asked for any economic incentives, as many businesses do. They would like to <br />partner with the County in a way that benefits everyone. She said that they have also <br />expressed an interest to County staff in providing space on the speedway property for an <br />outreach EMS base. <br />Finally, she said that the speedway would appreciate consideration for the tax dollars <br />already spent. They would also like the availability to negotiate with a third party or have their <br />own staff to provide these services that will not stretch the County staff. She asked for <br />reasonable charges far the services rendered by the County staff, should they not be able to <br />handle it on their awn. <br />Kent McKenzie made reference to the third party options regarding EMS, and said that <br />several options have been discussed about this. Under the North Carolina Office of EMS <br />guidelines, he has spoken with Mr. Sides several times about this situation and other event <br />coverage needs. The County is a responsible party for emergency medical services, and it <br />franchises other entities to participate in the County's EMS system. The concern is providing <br />appropriate medical care based on the risk of the venue and based on the population at the <br />venue. He said that there is not a facility in close proximity to the speedway, so resources are <br />being brought in to provide on-site medical care. He deferred to Fire Marshall Mike Tapp to <br />address fire services. <br />Orange County Fire Marshall Mike Tapp said that the North Carolina Fire Prevention <br />Code requires for certain public events to have adequate law enforcement protection, fire <br />protection, and EMS coverage. The only thing that has to be enforced in the code section is to <br />ensure that the services are acquired. There is nothing in the Fire Prevention Code that <br />stipulates what kind of coverage is to be provided, just that coverage be there. He said that he <br />met with Caldwell Fire Department recently, and the fire department is legally responsible for <br />the speedway, because it is within the legal service area of the Caldwell Fire Department. <br />Commissioner Nelson made reference to the franchise and said that he is assuming that <br />for someone to qualify for a franchise, there would be certain criteria, etc. Ken McKenzie said <br />that this is correct and that franchise applications wauld have to be heard by the Board and <br />there are some public hearing requirements. <br />Commissioner Nelson said that, if the franchise is an option, then he does not <br />understand the problem. <br />Kim Foushee said that they are in the business of racing and not in providing community <br />service on an ongoing basis. It is extremely cost prohibitive for them to do this. She said that <br />the EMS staff has been the mast cooperative all along. She said that she still does not have a <br />