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March 21st, 2024, this is going to be our special EMS Advisory Board meeting. Thanks John, if you would stand. 00:00:00
Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, 00:00:11
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 00:00:16
All right. So before we get started, we could everybody who's out in the crowd meeting some of us on the panel. If you wouldn't 00:00:24
mind just moving your phones to silent, please. Before we get started with today's agenda and we get into old business, I'm going 00:00:30
to open the floor to Doctor Knable. 00:00:36
Yeah, just a reminder, after our last meeting, I had a consultation with the Commissioners County Attorney, Rick Fox, and I 00:00:42
brought this up publicly at our joint Commissioner and Council meeting last week. 00:00:49
That. 00:00:55
The only way that we can actually legally. 00:00:58
The commissioners can can legally entertain 1/3 option would be if we were to reject the two RFPs that we have in hand. 00:01:02
So it it is not. 00:01:11
Out of the purview of this Advisory Board. 00:01:14
To discuss. 00:01:16
The fire based EMS option. 00:01:19
But we really can't formally opine on that as commissioners. 00:01:22
Unless we were to reject the two RFPs. 00:01:28
And that would only take place during a formal advertised meeting. So with that in mind, I. 00:01:31
Again, this body can discuss whatever it wishes. It's an advisory panel only. 00:01:38
So there's no binding. 00:01:43
Decision that would come out of this particular panel. 00:01:46
We lean on it heavily for advice, but. 00:01:50
Again, since it's not a formal. 00:01:54
Binding vote, that discussion can take place. 00:01:57
Hold on. 00:02:05
Some clarification so. 00:02:06
We are what? 00:02:09
June 1st was it. 00:02:11
2 1/2 months away. 00:02:14
So you're saying tonight then that? 00:02:15
That if. 00:02:21
There is a. 00:02:22
To not approve either one of them then. 00:02:26
Then that's that's that's it. We have to come back. Then it goes to the commissioners, is that right? 00:02:30
This panel doesn't have the authority to reject. 00:02:37
RFP's. 00:02:40
I understand, but but this is an advisory committee. 00:02:41
And as an advisory committee, they can make whatever opinion, advice that they wish to do. So can they binding. OK, I understand. 00:02:45
I understand that. So I guess what what I'm trying to understand is this is that. 00:02:52
That if the if its committee makes a recommendation to not. 00:03:00
Go with either one of these. 00:03:05
Then can they make another recommendation and that way they both go to the commissioners? 00:03:06
This panel can make whatever opinion it wants to make. 00:03:13
Thank you. 00:03:16
A couple quick things. 00:03:19
Jim Mayfield and Doctor Harris aren't physically here, but they will be on the teams. 00:03:21
For the meeting and Mr. Alexander. 00:03:28
Has caught in some traffic over in Louisville, so he'll be here as quick Lazy can. With that, let's go ahead and just dive into 00:03:30
old business and continue our discussion with the RFP's. 00:03:35
Of the bids that were submitted by Mayor Pro. 00:03:40
In New Chapel, does anyone have any further discussion? 00:03:43
I have a couple quick questions. 00:03:46
Steve, did you have something now? Go ahead. OK, one of the since we are. 00:03:49
You know, bound to those two. 00:03:55
Would it be accurate to say that New Chapel did not submit the financials and therefore did not qualify to it was not a qualified 00:03:59
proposal? 00:04:04
New Chapel explained to us that. 00:04:10
They could not. 00:04:12
Guarantee that the financials that they had on record were correct and that there was. 00:04:13
Being audited at this time so. 00:04:18
They they gave us that information, so. 00:04:22
Regardless, we got two bids here, so you all can. 00:04:26
Make what you think is the best recommendation. 00:04:29
I guess I'm still asking though is if the RFP is, we have to stand by the RFP's, which is what Alan talked about is that we have 00:04:32
to use those two and we have to follow the letter and the and the word of the RFP. 00:04:39
If they did not conform to the RFP and provide the information outlined by the RFP, can they be considered? 00:04:45
I think it's a question for legal. 00:04:53
Well, I'm not an attorney either. 00:04:55
I would proceed under the. 00:04:59
Again, I'm not an attorney. I didn't even stay at Holiday Inn Express last night. But if that's a disqualifier for you as an 00:05:01
individual. 00:05:05
Then that's a disqualifier for you as an individual. 00:05:10
OK. 00:05:13
I think the other thing that is looming is that the. 00:05:15
What's happening with New Albany Township? 00:05:20
Is a big question mark and we don't know. 00:05:23
If they are going to. 00:05:26
Move on and provide their own fire service through contractual agreements and therefore they may also be contracting, contracting 00:05:28
to have EMS provided by. 00:05:33
Ameripro for their area, so that changes the whole parameter of everything. 00:05:38
Let's see what else? I'm not sure if they would have the authority to do that just as the district. 00:05:44
To determine who, who, who the the EMS provider is out there. 00:05:50
Well, they're still covered underneath our county contracts. 00:05:56
Right. But New Chapel provides fire and EMS services, yeah, through an agreement. 00:06:01
How is that different? I'm not. 00:06:06
Well, there's there's a far contract and there's an EMS contract as well, and I think the EMS contract spells out. 00:06:08
The Med units for the county. 00:06:14
So they wanted to provide their own EMS. 00:06:21
Then that would be a load off of the county. 00:06:24
I think there's a lot of unknowns there, so. 00:06:28
All right. And then the RFP's that we're considering is the initial RFP's that were submitted or we you sent out a request for a 00:06:34
modified? 00:06:38
RFP, which I don't know if that falls within the the purview of what the initial RFP was. And that's what I think that legal has 00:06:43
told us, that we have to act on the initial response to RFPs, not the. 00:06:48
What was asked for it subsequent to that, No, we didn't ask for a modified RFP. We asked for clarification on what their RFP meant 00:06:54
because obviously there's some states out there that don't utilize advanced DMT or intermediates or such. And we just want to make 00:07:00
sure the language was pretty clear and we kind of gave them a little bit of what we were looking for, what we have decided as a 00:07:05
board. 00:07:11
In previous meetings, so. 00:07:18
OK, well just in the letter from Ameripro or the e-mail from Air Pro said Jason Sharp also requested some edits on unit 00:07:21
configuration and how it might change the subsidy. 00:07:26
And then we gave two more options. So are we. 00:07:31
These options actually on the board or are they not on to be considered? Can you clarify? 00:07:35
It's the e-mail that they responded to your request. 00:07:41
I'm asking to reformulate your question well. My question is are is are these options here that are? 00:07:45
Submitted by them as an edit to your response. 00:07:51
Is that on the board for considering? Is that for consideration or is it the initial response what we got in writing from both the 00:07:55
respondents? 00:07:59
I think they provided us several different options to consider. 00:08:03
So I think the cleanest way would be to consider the initial option. 00:08:08
Right, because because what you were saying early on is we are bound by. 00:08:14
You know the way the process works at the cleanest is you choose one of the contractors and then. 00:08:19
You can negotiate from there. 00:08:24
Hey, this is Doctor Harris. Can I get a question in? 00:08:31
Yeah, go ahead. 00:08:35
Sorry, sorry, I'm talking to you and Gloria Slow Phi here. So we we asked for additional information from both groups, did we not? 00:08:37
I mean, from. 00:08:43
From New Chapel and also from Ameripro, So. 00:08:50
Are you saying that the only thing we should consider was the original information without the clarification? 00:08:55
Or can the clarifications be added? 00:09:03
To decide whether or not you're going to respond to the RFP using the company as the agency, not the particular edition of the 00:09:07
RFP. 00:09:12
Yeah, I think that when we sent out the RFP's and we had two respondents and they both gave us. 00:09:18
Their outlines there were. 00:09:27
Some confusion in some of the language that was. 00:09:29
Given back to us and we wanted to make sure that it was clear on both sides so, so both entities were actually asked the very same 00:09:33
question. 00:09:36
11 clarified a little bit. The other one was satisfied with what they had submitted. 00:09:41
Does that answer your question? 00:09:50
Essentially I was getting a little bit of a different read there that we're allowing one group to sort of clarify and give 00:09:57
additional options and another group we asked For more information. It's like you know, we we're fine with what we've sent in. 00:10:03
That's it's two different things. I'm not sure that's a level playing field. 00:10:09
That, that was my concern there. Yeah, Thomas, as far as I know. 00:10:17
Tom, as far as this is out enable as far as I know and correct me if I'm wrong on this both. 00:10:21
Of those entities receive the exact same additional. 00:10:28
Lines of questions and had an opportunity to answer, so there was no. 00:10:33
One company that received information that the other one did not there was number ask for clarification from one that the other 00:10:38
did not receive. 00:10:41
And we were told, we were told by council that that was an appropriate line of action to follow. 00:10:47
Sure. But we're we're considering the responses in the overall. 00:10:56
Request for proposal and their response, right. So if they've allowed to give you know groups have given us additional data, we're 00:11:03
we're a level in the field and we're saying thanks for the additional data and we'll incorporate that in our decision. 00:11:09
I can only speak for myself, but I think that's fair. I think so, yeah, I think it's fair. 00:11:21
I know I have a question in reference to the since we're just talking about the RFP's at the moment until we can get into the the 00:11:33
Firebase discussion I'm sure. 00:11:36
In new chapels. 00:11:41
Proposal. A couple of things stood out. The first one is. 00:11:43
And they're talking about providing what analysts in our county, they said they would be primarily used for 911, primarily not 00:11:47
dedicated. So that's to me that's a red flag or at least an issue because we've done that for so many years. And I've seen in my 00:11:53
time even down in the city of New Albany that you know if we're paying for a contract, which is fine, you can argue Firebase 00:11:58
versus contract. 00:12:04
But if we don't have ambulances in our county, that's a problem. The second I want to just want to bring up just for air base. So 00:12:10
I'm sure that everybody's aware of, if they read it is, you know, the goal of cheese and achieving an EMT, a minimum level of care 00:12:15
on the 1st 18 months. 00:12:20
For I guess a three-year contract, I think out you. 00:12:55
It's negotiable, I guess, after the fact. So I'm not for three years if we went with a contract. Just my two cents not we'll get 00:12:59
into the rest of it. 00:13:03
As well here in a minute, but I'm just that that's too far down the road for me. I think a year would be satisfactory to look at 00:13:07
other entities like I know Jason's working hard to doing that. So appreciate that you know, if it goes that direction and the 00:13:13
commissioners so desire, it's their choice. But that's just a few things I want to say at least initially so. 00:13:19
Just to your point, a couple things is. 00:13:27
One, I think. I think both. 00:13:30
Respondents had plenty of information in there to kind of. 00:13:32
Make a good informed decision for someone you know. There's things in there I think that I think each one of us would see and have 00:13:36
some questions about and then you know also when we discussed the three-year option. 00:13:43
The main reason for the three-year option is is. 00:13:50
It may be very difficult to have somebody come in here for a matter of time and, you know, make. 00:13:54
The investment that we're asking to be made. 00:14:00
For such a short amount of time and we we've actually discussed this very openly in this board on several occasions. So I mean 00:14:03
there's nothing new with that, but that was that was the reason for the three years plus it gave us plenty of time. It gave us 00:14:09
quite the cushion to kind of explore what the future kind of looks like and get some good actionable data. 00:14:15
Is there any more discussion? 00:14:27
I guess the one I'm looking down the road. 00:14:33
I think. 00:14:37
Six of the seven council prepared a night. 00:14:39
I believe. 00:14:43
And we've had joint discussions, joint meetings. 00:14:44
And umm. 00:14:48
When you look at it for a three-year contract and to go to them. 00:14:50
Every year for one to $1.2 million. 00:14:55
To go to them for one year for that amount is a big *** but to go to them two additional years I think is a bigger ***. 00:15:01
And I think that you know. 00:15:08
We've been looking at this for. 00:15:11
Quite some time, you know, we had, we issued a RFP. 00:15:14
Back with the previous EMS Advisory Board. 00:15:19
We got 2 responses. 00:15:22
And. 00:15:25
You know, this is the second go around and I think it's a huge ask. 00:15:26
To go to the County Council and ask for an annual stipend for three years over $1,000,000. 00:15:32
And again, I'm not on the County Council, but when I when we had our meetings, that was to me, that was the. 00:15:39
Consensus that I was hearing from from. 00:15:46
From the council and another point too is as I've said before and you and I, Jason, we talked about this at at some point in time. 00:15:50
You look at that price and it just. 00:15:56
Like you said, it gets heavy and you have to look at it and say. 00:16:03
There's got to be a better way. 00:16:08
And you know and if you know I'm I'm. I'm. I'm not. I'm not. 00:16:10
Thanks for that but. 00:16:16
But a three-year contract? 00:16:18
Is I think it's too much to ask for the Council and I. 00:16:20
You know, their consensus is that it's a big ask on their part as well, so I think we need to look at some other options. 00:16:25
One comment I would make just dovetailing with that would be that whether. 00:16:32
We contract privately or whether we have fire based EMS. 00:16:36
The amount of funding is going to go up considerably. 00:16:41
Over where we have been in the last several years and there's going to have to be a dedicated. 00:16:45
Funding source for that. 00:16:49
Because it's not that needs not going to disappear after two years. It's not going to disappear for three years. 00:16:52
And whether we? 00:16:57
Can successfully bring a fire based EMS on board. 00:16:59
That's going to necessitate ongoing funding. 00:17:02
So that could do what that's going to. 00:17:06
Necessarily take what ongoing funding? Not really, because when you look at it. 00:17:12
You know, you look at it, we go go to the. 00:17:16
County Council for A. 00:17:22
You know one $1.1 million. 00:17:24
And you know, they just have to, they've got to staff up and maybe maybe get some equipment. But the ultimate source of that money 00:17:27
remains the taxpayer. 00:17:31
Whether it's someone living within the fire district where the levees go up, we just had a meeting last week where two of the 00:17:36
three fire departments came before us and asked for at least the ability to consider an increase in the Max levy. 00:17:43
So it all goes back to the taxpayer one way or the other. Just because it's not going to come through the council and the county 00:17:51
proper, it's still going to hit. 00:17:55
You know, the individual taxpayer. So it's the same money, it's the service is going to cost the same amount of money regardless 00:18:01
of. 00:18:05
Which fund it comes out of and we all need to peak. 00:18:09
Cognizant of that, I totally agree, but we're talking about a one year ask instead of a three-year ask for multiple ask and then 00:18:12
and then again if there is. 00:18:17
Traditional house is not going to be nearly what it would be for the for the original amount. 00:18:21
Yeah, Well, I'd like to point out too that. 00:18:27
There was, there was those RFP's that was sent out for Alan and. 00:18:31
Came out to the commissioners and they were, what, 750? 00:18:35
You were What was the price on? 00:18:40
For one last year, yeah, was a 750 even like 1.1 million? Something like that 1.2. 00:18:42
Yeah. I mean, so everybody knew that the price of EMS is going up. I mean, you know, I don't think there's any secret here. We've 00:18:51
talked about it in these board meetings. We've talked about it in our joint sessions that the price is going to be going up 00:18:56
substantially. I don't think that. 00:19:01
I was was the the original contract for New Chapel was signed in 2019 and it hasn't been, it's just auto renewed and we haven't 00:19:07
renewed the contract you know. 00:19:11
But it's auto renewed so. 00:19:16
You know this, this is just where we're at right now. Yeah, we've had a lot of discussions about the price and you know how heavy 00:19:20
it is and. 00:19:23
You know there there's probably is going to have to be some sort of revenue St. to take care of it, but. 00:19:27
You know it's. 00:20:36
The way it used to be is that you know when you had private annual service they would come in and provide service for you and no 00:20:38
cost if you have like for example a county owned hospital like what we used to have. 00:20:43
Yeah. 00:21:21
Any further discussion? 00:21:29
What brand did you have any? 00:21:31
Any questions about? 00:21:33
Old business. You want to bring up about the RFP's? No, I'm good. 00:21:35
OK. 00:21:39
Well, I'd be happy to consider any recommendations this board might have on our RFP's. 00:21:44
Maybe I'll do a little more discussion. OK. First off, I'll apologize for missing. 00:21:51
The last couple of meetings I think could you put my closer. So I think I'm out of sync looking at these looking to this is just 00:21:55
me talking again and I'm just representing my thoughts on that. I mean but the the Omeprazole presentation is. 00:22:02
Is is pre polished and pretty you know it's it's it's it's cookie cutter we get that but but that's you know that that's who they 00:22:09
are and I think they'll provide the service that they're stating they will for the price that they're you know asking. So I think 00:22:14
one of the questions I think for the community has asked is do you want to take this, do you want to use this opportunity to take 00:22:19
the community in a little different direction and are you willing to take a risk. 00:22:24
You know, functionality. 00:23:03
But if you want to take this as an opportunity to build something that might benefit the county may moderate, the costs may 00:23:04
improve on the ability of skilled. 00:23:09
Provider retention, etc, etc. All of that. You know, there's some intriguing benefits to taking that path, but but it's not it, it 00:23:15
this, it's not really a binary decision. I think right now that's like the philosophic, you know, decision. I've seen fire systems 00:23:21
function very well and I've seen fire systems function not very well. A lot of it is the leadership and mission. 00:23:28
And I think that's probably the most important. So and that's not necessarily reflecting the document, it's mute to that but but I 00:23:35
think that's you know that is part of our discussion with regards to fire. I'm not sure is anybody here could speak to that one of 00:23:42
the and this might be a a Steve question is your priority dispatch system for EMS. 00:23:48
Is there a CAD? 00:23:55
Priority dispatch system for EMS? Yes and And who is it? Who's is it? Will you Spillman? 00:23:58
OK, OK. Because because I think you need to have that, you know, one of the places I really would want to see the county maintain. 00:24:03
Maintain. I'll use the term ownership. That's probably not the right one. But to have A to have like the big eye what's going on 00:24:12
in the county and analyze data. I think the county should at a minimum like you know if not own that have a great. 00:24:18
A document that doesn't sound like it's on the agenda today. 00:25:04
Well, but, but you know that would be a significant issue. And then I guess my last one before I'll shut up is is the the 00:25:06
non-emergency stuff is like still essential. 00:25:12
The nursing home, abnormal labs that stuff I'm sure in our pro would be happy to accommodate that, you know whoever steps into 00:25:20
those shoes if we're deciding to cast a wider net. 00:25:24
I think that's part of the mission you know as well. 00:25:29
And so, and I didn't really see that addressed. 00:25:32
So anyway, thanks doc, my thoughts. 00:25:35
I do have a question then for Jason in terms of the agenda. 00:25:41
Would you prefer? So we haven't discussed fire based EMS yet and I think that's important that we do because we are an Advisory 00:25:46
Board to you all. I think it's only fair to look at all. 00:25:50
Options on the table in terms of where we're at, even though we're on a time schedule and a time crunch and a financial crunch and 00:25:55
everything else. Do you prefer to talk about that now or wait and maybe vote on an option to you guys? How would you prefer that? 00:26:01
I would like to see the board choose an option between these two and then we can move on to the fire based EMS discussion that 00:26:07
Highlander. 00:26:12
Was to discuss and I would still like to make sure we have plenty of time for public comment. 00:26:18
So is there a 6:00? 00:26:23
So we're on a not a time limit then, I guess. 00:26:27
Fair enough. 00:26:32
Well, I think we probably should talk about the the fire department plan before we. 00:26:35
Make any sort of a recommendation, though I think that needs to be out on the table. So Brandon wasn't here when you gave your 00:26:43
discussion out here. Yeah, our attorney. 00:26:49
Has been very clear that the commissioners cannot consider 1/3 option. 00:26:56
That did not come through on these RFP's unless we reject the others. 00:27:00
Outright, which is not going to happen tonight because we cannot do that in this meeting were to happen. 00:27:04
Even if there was a consensus, because it has not been advertised appropriately, that we're going to be having that discussion 00:27:10
tonight. 00:27:13
So, but I think we can, we can listen, but what we really can't, I'm going to be abstaining from any, we're not voting, but I 00:27:17
think Brandon was a syndicate talking about it first before we give you the recommendation we can do that as an Advisory Board. 00:27:22
You all initially don't want to respond. 00:27:27
I just think he's wanting some clarity on the RFP's that we have between those two. 00:27:34
And as as someone had said, you can give us more than one opinion tonight, it's OK to say, Gee, if we have to go between these 00:27:39
two, this is the one we want. But this is the other option that we're looking at as well. We'd like for it to be considered. 00:27:45
Is that doctor? 00:27:52
Sorry, sorry to interrupt guys, but but perhaps the comp. 00:27:56
Perhaps the compromise here is we table the two initial RFPs which I think is allowed under rules of order and then you are able 00:28:00
to then discuss the fire based option. I'd like to just sort of augment what Doctor O'Brien said. I mean that the whole reason 00:28:07
we're here which I've said before is you know we're we're dissatisfied with with new Chapel and with some of the things there. 00:28:14
We're also a mayor proposed a for profit service. We've had those, they've been fairly functional but. 00:28:21
There for profit. And then we have another option that would allow us to you know to take a step forward. And I agree if there is 00:28:29
some gamble there and there's some things have to fall into place for me, most particularly what's going on in New Albany 00:28:37
Township. But I think that option is exciting enough and developmental enough that what we need to look at is a real world 00:28:45
solution that involves us looking at all three options equally. I mean there there may be some you know. 00:28:53
Occurrence with New Chapel over a time that makes a more stable, viable option. It is certainly not now. 00:29:01
So if we could table the two RFP's then then we have not voted on them, we have not rejected, we have not approved them, but that 00:29:08
allows us to look at a third option outside of the RFP process. 00:29:14
Then once you make a decision on the three options and then at that time you can accept or reject either or both RFP's, it'll 00:29:21
have. This option allows us to to delve deep down into the fire and allows us to not reject the other two options. 00:29:28
You know, out of hand. 00:29:37
I think, I think. 00:29:39
Can I add something, Jason? Yes, Sir. Jim, go ahead. 00:29:42
This Jim Bayfield. 00:29:46
I don't know. I'm having a hard time understanding. I'd get everybody's wanting to talk about the Firebase DMS. 00:29:47
However, the information that was received from the Fire Vegas EMS. 00:29:54
Doesn't have any definitive figures. 00:29:59
It's to be worked out with the Council and the commissioners and everything, so how can we truly discuss that when we have? 00:30:03
Double granted information to move forward to know how intelligent of a decision that would be. 00:30:11
The only intelligent information I have to make an intelligent decision on numbers that affect the taxpayer as a good steward. 00:30:18
Is the 2 RFPs. 00:30:26
In the Highlander plan, on the very last page, it has the the numbers. 00:30:30
As far as figures going forward with. 00:30:37
So I have a couple thoughts on that as well. Just to kind of follow up with Doc Harris said is that I would hate to have another 00:30:42
missed opportunity for us to go through another meeting and not be any closer to having something solidified by the time this 00:30:48
contract that we have runs out. Number one and you know #2 is that. 00:30:55
You know, I have not seen the Highlander proposal just because of the rules. 00:31:01
That was kind of laid out. I don't. I just didn't feel it was right until we had taken some action on the other RFPs. 00:31:06
But. 00:31:15
We have had discussions about Firebase, EMS. These just did not appear. We've been talking about this since last year. You know 00:31:18
what it is, it's just people don't agree with the pathway. So you know, I've kind of line it out, but I would like to get an 00:31:23
answer on these two RPS that we currently have right now. Before we enter into that discussion, I like to add, I know that Jason 00:31:28
know you were here last week. 00:31:33
But we had this discussion how you made the comment that you want to see data and that was the reason why. 00:31:39
We tabled it so and and Highlander said that they could get it to us by Thursday and then we said we said no sooner. 00:31:45
And that's why they gave it to us by Tuesday. So they gave us the data and after that I had a conversation with our attorney. 00:31:53
Who said that? 00:31:59
We would not be allowed to look at that as an official proposal unless the other two were rejected. 00:32:01
When I think at the end of the day to attorney is involved here. 00:32:09
It is our County Attorney, Rick Fox. 00:32:13
And I think ultimately if I may just go ahead and speak on this and how I think laid it out in the in the meeting nicely enough to 00:32:17
where the commissioners ultimately have the say here we are just an Advisory Board whether we approve or just. 00:32:23
Reject these RFP's and talk about fire, be our base EMS and then make a motion to send it to them. With that they only have the 00:32:29
contract or the ultimate say to choose which direction they want to go from this board. It's a great board. I want to go ahead and 00:32:35
say on the record that Jason has done a great job. Regardless of which way this goes. Jason, you know all the all hats off to you 00:32:41
for the work they're doing and I. But I think we also as in the right word have the ability to look at all options and. 00:32:47
And so if that means rejecting RFP's that's potentially someone's call or our calls aboard, then have that discussion then go from 00:32:54
there. So don't, don't mix the two of the commissioners versus the Advisory Board. And we are advising work and discuss all these 00:32:59
options and and make recommendations to it and that's what we're tasked to do so. 00:33:04
And the Highlander plan? It's not a it's not a proposal to pick up business. 00:33:10
And make a profit from our the taxpayers in the county. 00:33:18
This plan is an operational plan. 00:33:22
That is coming from a. 00:33:25
Government run emergency services provider. 00:33:28
And this outline is just how they can. 00:33:33
Expand their scope to include. 00:33:37
Emergency services, So it's not we're not trying to make money with this plan. 00:33:41
And that's and. So I don't think it really needs to be considered as. 00:33:48
A bid towards the RFP? 00:33:53
There's not. 00:33:57
It's not part of that in my opinion either. And I would think there's Jim trying to. Jim, go ahead. 00:34:00
Body was. 00:34:09
All right. 00:34:12
Well, my position is that we reject both. 00:34:17
Of the RFP's and we. 00:34:20
With discussions with the incorporating or. 00:34:22
I'm not sure how we get to the fire department one, but that's where I think we need to be. 00:34:27
So I don't know. 00:34:31
How that happens but? 00:34:33
I guess everyone else can chime in so you don't have any recommendation on the 2 that's been submitted. 00:34:35
To reject them. 00:34:41
OK. 00:34:42
So I would assume, is that your motion for you? I don't know if we're are we motioning? Are we just stating the opinions? I think 00:34:48
you're just stating your opinion. That's my opinion. 00:34:52
That's my opinion. If it needs to be a motion, I'll make a motion. That's an opinion. 00:34:56
All right, well, this is Harris. My my opinion would be that it's the only possible way that we can move forward and continue a 00:35:02
fire option is to reject the two current RFP's. Then we shouldn't reject the two current RFP's and look at fire. I think this is 00:35:08
an option. This allows us to move forward. Those organizations theoretically are going to be in the community. It's not they're 00:35:14
going to leave and disappear overnight unless. 00:35:21
Something happens with New Chapel and so therefore they would be inclined to submit the same RFP in the future. So yeah, I I think 00:35:28
that this is the chance we reject both RFP's and and look into the fire option quickly. 00:35:35
I mean we set up, we didn't know contract doesn't auto extend until you know, June 1. But also we've been working with an audibly 00:35:44
new contract for three years now. So my spending, yeah, project both RFP's and let's move forward and take a look at the fire 00:35:49
option and then we can revisit their previous proposals if that doesn't work out. Yeah, to be clear there's no auto renewal on 00:35:55
this. 00:36:00
We've been working the same contract though. Since what, 2019, right? Correct. But it expires May 31st. 00:36:08
Right now. So there will be no and I still feel like there's a lot of. 00:36:18
Unknown questions and I'm going to. 00:36:23
To say that my opinion. 00:36:26
Is that we contract with. 00:36:28
That was Jim, right? 00:36:35
You know I would. 00:36:46
Go with what, Tom? 00:36:48
Said also and say reject both and. 00:36:50
Explore the Fire Morps. 00:36:54
Explore fire. 00:37:00
Jason, you don't think that it should maybe go to think a vote even on the Advisory Board instead of people's opinions, more just 00:37:03
a vote like so if the if emotions made. 00:37:07
To reject both RFP's, I would think that could be better in a motion. Then you'd have that and then if if Jim would want to make 00:37:14
them or vote against that, that you know that's his choice of course. So then you'd have it solidified in terms of the vote point 00:37:19
of order. I would just since we started down the road of just getting into individual opinions, go ahead and do that as part of a 00:37:25
discussion and then I would recommend putting it for an up and down vote on that. 00:37:30
But again, I want to clarify for everybody here that up and down vote is not. 00:37:36
Rejection of the RFP's. It's an opinion from the board to do so. I don't want the headline tomorrow to be. 00:37:40
Floyd County rejects RFP's. Well, we are Advisory Board that can make a recommendation to the commissioners in terms of rejecting 00:37:49
the RFP's choosing one or the other and that's our choices really basically says. 00:37:55
Advisory Board, you know as well as either we can't control the media, but the Advisory Board would send a recommendation. 00:38:03
You know, and if it's against rejecting both of these, I think that's the recommendation. 00:38:10
And you all can take that up I would think. 00:38:15
You know, at Gerald's next meeting of course, and how you proceed, Jason, ultimately that's your call. That's how you would do 00:38:17
that. No, we like I said, we've gone down the line of squad and do it if we can. 00:38:23
Formalize it with a vote afterwards. But I like to have everybody's I'll reject both then. 00:38:28
All right. 00:38:34
So I'll entertain a motion at this point, Dr. O'Brien. 00:38:38
Informally gave an opinion. 00:38:42
I think we're yeah I. 00:38:45
It sounds like a process issue. I see probably majority of this board would like to hear more about which FIRE has to say and if 00:38:48
the mechanism in order to hear their proposal is to make a rejection of the two that are in. I mean I get it. This is like a 00:38:54
process. I'm, I'm, I'm voting in terms of process. 00:39:00
On this or making a recommendation based on process because of the two if we decide to go private wash our hands of this. I think 00:39:07
Mayor Pro could probably do a decent job they have. So. So I just want to be on the record I would reject these two if it meant we 00:39:13
could have a meaningful discussion about what fire could do for do for the community. I think we have to have that discussion and 00:39:20
I guess to your point dog Brian, it's also if we're not. 00:39:27
Technically taking a motion, we still could discuss this in Advisory Board mode. It doesn't. I don't think we are going to reject 00:39:34
the RFP just like you said, we're not rejecting RFP, that's what I'll say. So therefore we shouldn't really make a motion to 00:39:40
reject it even our opinions, but have that discussion with Firebase, EMS and then at the end of that then we can make a motion. 00:39:46
To go with one of the contracts and then or Firebase EMS to you all, I think that's the way it should roll out. Then you've you've 00:39:52
vetted what we believe to be vetted as a board under the time restraints that we're on. 00:39:57
So the process would be the commissioners would have to reject these two, absolutely open the door to have a detailed discussion 00:40:03
about FIRE and what that looks like. And where I'm sitting, I'd like to hear more about what FIRE has to offer. 00:40:10
The problem is the time crunch. And what I don't know is I can't ask people who who are supporting this document, you know, what 00:40:17
is their, what is their ramp up speed, You know, what could they provide? Because I know Americans can tell you we can do this on 00:40:23
May 19th. You know we'll do it on May 17th. But I mean, I I get it, that's not a criticism of them. That's their capacity. 00:40:29
So I'd like to know more about this and if I have to. 00:40:36
If we have to like close that door or make that recommendation that you're recommending so we can hear more than I. 00:40:39
OK. We don't want to harm suppression just for EMS. You know, we need to make sure that both are sustainable, you know, and I 00:41:19
think once you get that action and you get that data, then the very next thing you need to do is you need to do a fiscal analysis. 00:41:24
See not only can we start it, but can we sustain it. 00:41:29
I mean, I'm sorry. I just think that's responsible, I mean. 00:41:34
In my opinion, you know, making these quick judgments like this is what got us in so much trouble over the years. 00:41:37
Already. So I'd like to kind of hit that pause button and do things the right way. If I may ask Jason on the GIS studies, I know 00:41:43
you've mentioned several times what so the way I understand Jasmine, I'm not a firefighter and I don't understand. So that's why 00:41:48
I'm asking. 00:41:52
If we bring this in house hiring more dispatchers because that's going to create more volume, you know, for our dispatchers, 00:42:35
there's a lot of data that we still need to see. 00:42:38
It's it's way too premature. 00:42:43
I have a quick question relative to GIS debt. Is is Ameripro and New Travel being held to that same standard? 00:42:45
What are you talking about? 00:42:52
Well, if you say that, the fire department must. 00:42:53
Conform to NFPA standards. Must conform to GIS studies. 00:42:56
Or is that the same thing, that the same standard that Mayor Pro and New Chapel are being held to? I don't think Ameripro and News 00:43:01
are is is a, is a. 00:43:05
Is a fire department. I don't think they know what's not services new Chapel, I'm not sure actually. I think their their playbook 00:43:10
may be NFPA 1720, which deals with the combination and volunteer departments. So I'm I'm not sure if what their standard is. 00:43:17
That's a little bit out of my wheelhouse, but I think that's more to the point of why we need a lot more actionable data. 00:43:24
And I think there's a lot of value in doing it the right way the first time. 00:43:32
Instead of doing it the way that. 00:43:37
Is being discussed. 00:43:40
I mean this. This was all laid out at people's feet. 00:43:45
You know, the last time we had this discussion, they decided not to do it. I don't know why, but they didn't. So. 00:43:48
Well, the reality is, is that for some reason the. 00:43:54
EMS group that was put together, the Advisory Council was disbanded. 00:43:59
And then the next group was brought on, which I was a part of and at my first meeting I have documented was in July. 00:44:02
And so to say that, you know we're we're rushing into this with the fire services, it's there's only been a handful of meetings 00:44:09
relative to the other proposals. 00:44:13
And again, I I think when we ask, when we say, well, we we can't. 00:44:19
We can't have the fire department provide this because they are not. 00:44:23
Meeting a certain standard, but we're not requiring the mayor, pro or new Chapel to meet that same standard. 00:44:27
It doesn't. It doesn't make sense. 00:44:32
I mean, I mean NFPA. NFPA is recommendation. It's a recommendation, I mean. 00:44:37
I know Jason's laughing about, I mean I'm sure we could go to to his place and find things that they don't meet NFPA standards 00:44:42
also so that NFPA standards are are the gold standard and it's very difficult to meet that. But I think one of the things that 00:44:49
that was discussed in the proposal there is that for example Highlander would be. 00:44:55
Adding staff so that they didn't you when they make the Mississippi runs to cover for the private services that they're not 00:45:03
pulling. 00:45:06
People off their engine companies, they're actually staffing ambulances and that's a whole different animal. But why the? 00:45:11
One of the first things we talked about, Mr. Ponte, was. 00:45:18
And one of the meetings that I have noted. 00:45:20
Is that we said it would take 3 ambulances. 00:45:23
For adequate coverage for Floyd Cap and then. 00:45:26
I think Jason said you know, he'd prefer a Chase cartoon. I argued for four ambulances. 00:45:29
This highlight your proposal. 00:45:34
How many ambulances is this Brandon? 00:45:37
I don't want to speak incorrectly, I thought it was 2. 00:45:40
Doing it in the side side. 00:45:43
We need to decide first if we're going to discuss Firebase, EMS or. Yeah, right, do that first. We need to iron that out real 00:45:44
quick before we get into that discussion, Jim. And hopefully that if you're OK with that, yeah, let's let's go ahead. So I'll 00:45:48
entertain a motion for. 00:45:53
The two. 00:45:58
Bids that we currently have. 00:46:00
Someone, someone will need to make that motion. Yeah, somebody need to make a motion. 00:46:03
Oh, the motion for my my, the motion of my opinion. 00:46:08
OK. All right. Well, I make a motion that. 00:46:12
We reject both Mayor Pearl and new Chapel bids. 00:46:15
I think again to formally worded it should be that again words you might but just to clarify the motion should be that this 00:46:18
board's opinion is that the two hour fee should be rejected. 00:46:23
OK, I'll make a motion. 00:46:30
That this board or this advisory committee makes a recommendation that we reject both. 00:46:33
Bids to the RFP. 00:46:42
Does that work OK? 00:46:44
And that would need a second. 00:46:47
I'll second. 00:46:49
OK. I got a motion by Chris and a second by Brandon. I think it's appropriate for the commissioners do not vote because this will 00:46:51
come before the commissioners, so. 00:46:55
All in favor signify by saying aye aye opposed. 00:46:59
OK. And then three abstentions, yeah. 00:47:05
I heard two eyes. 00:47:08
I think Jim said I twice. 00:47:11
So wait a minute. 00:47:14
Doctor Harris said I for the rejection of the two, what did Jim? 00:47:17
I think, Jim said. I when, I when. 00:47:22
Jason said all opposed. OK, OK, that's one. Make sure, Yeah. Did you catch that, the vote? OK. 00:47:24
So it's 123. 00:47:30
5 for Harris and one, is that correct? OK. 00:47:33
So moving on a new business. 00:47:37
Brandon. 00:47:41
False you should be 6. 00:47:42
You want to. You want to make. 00:47:46
Well, I think we're discussing fire first, so there should be a presentation. I imagine he's asking you if you want to present, 00:47:50
you want to make a presentation. 00:47:53
Our poll that we're asking. 00:47:57
No. 00:48:01
Captain under fire, What's an opportunity? I represent them. Also, I'm not sure if I need to present the proposal. 00:48:08
Because I wasn't actually before the prayer to do that today. 00:48:15
Just talk about the plan. I was just taking notes on the comments we had so far. And again, public speaking, it's not my Forte, so 00:48:18
please bear with me. A little nervous. So I was at 5426 Floyd House Professional Fire Union. I've been involved as planning a 00:48:23
little bit. I've been part of EMS here for a better part 15 years on the fireside, things on a transport agency has been 00:48:28
transporting since 2003. 00:48:34
We're never under contract by the commissioners. We did so in our Accord state certified transport. 00:48:39
Couple points is an attack on anyone or any person. It's just I took notes as I responded to things. Mr. Sharp brought the comment 00:48:46
investment in EMS companies or by companies. We talked about the companies have spent money. 00:48:51
To provide EMS in our county, our community. So they're going to spend money in our community to find a service that we're then 00:48:57
paying them for so they can make a profit. 00:49:01
Is that correct? Assuming that's that's true, there is no profit fire based DMS? 00:49:06
There are no stakeholders. 00:49:11
There are no executives. There's nobody with a nice vacation house or cool jet. 00:49:13
There's just us, the people that work for you. 00:49:18
The only thing you invested me is my health care, my insurance, my benefits. And you helped me retire at some point, hopefully 00:49:21
keep me, have some food on the table. So I define an investment. I think we need to do that. We talked about RFPs, the farmers on 00:49:27
RFP, We're playing, We work for the commissioners. 00:49:32
So the commissioners tell us to do something, we do it work for you. What are the functions of government? 00:49:38
Mr. Bush brought up. 00:49:44
Privatized police fire. EMS fire for the most part, is not privatized in this county. We do have ones privatized. 00:49:47
The Franklin Township and New Chapel Fire EMS. 00:49:54
Is a private company. 00:49:57
So they have, they're privatized, but the balance of the fire service in the Floyd County area is not privatized. I don't know if 00:49:59
any law enforcement is currently privatized unless I'm miss speaking so. 00:50:04
Why privatize the Mississippi? No, just a clarification. That was my point. Yeah, yeah, I just bring it up. Like there is no 00:50:10
privatized law enforcement. That would be really weird. 00:50:15
I've never seen it anywhere. I'm sure it exists. I could deputize you if you want. Please, no please, please no. I have enough 00:50:20
work as this. 00:50:24
We're not in a PhD. You guys covered that Talk about ISO. I'm not aware of any. Any department right here actually meets all ISO 00:50:29
requirements. I know we all look to that. And ISO is a beautiful thing. We try to get better, better with our ISO and FPA 00:50:34
guidelines to get the number of staff on scene as fast as possible. We talked about pulling resources and how much does it take 00:50:40
the dispatchers to do more work. 00:50:45
I don't see it as a big issue. We're currently calling 911. 00:50:51
To the dispatch center. Dispatch center sending resources. 00:50:55
And then the only interaction that I hear on the EMS side is the the dispatch Center for New Chapel assigns assets to the run. So 00:50:58
it's Squad 5 or Squad 16. 00:51:03
They may pull another asset from some other area, I guess Clark County or off of another run. They have some routes and assign 00:51:08
tasks, but generally the communications of the emergency are handled by the central system that Mister Bush runs. 00:51:13
I don't see that point anymore. Resources for us because we already exist right there and we don't have to call another unit from 00:51:20
another area to bring it into the area to provide service. We're already here. 00:51:24
And we don't do that like we don't do Chuck runs or. 00:51:29
Transfers, So you'll know where we'll be. We'll be here. 00:51:32
Also it comes to staffing, looking at fire based EMS stuff. We we're a fire department so we have phenomenal pensions. 00:51:36
We have great health insurance, great benefits. We have very comfortable firehouses. I think you've all been to our station at one 00:51:43
point or another. It's quite nice. 00:51:47
If you go upstairs, it's also quite nice. We take care of our assets. There's been some comments about taking care of apparatus, 00:51:50
our apparatus summer orders, some are newer, but they're all maintained at least the movement standard. 00:51:56
But they're in pretty good shape. 00:52:01
We continue to invest in our stuff all the time, but you train all the time. 00:52:04
The other thing is fusion of fire and EMS community. 00:52:07
We currently do EMS. 00:52:10
So fully no, we're not advanced, we're not paramedic. 00:52:12
Or I respond to every single call. 00:52:16
If you call us, we go, you call us again, we go. 00:52:18
Well, we don't have assets available because there's another run the county. Usually we break off with an asset from somewhere 00:52:21
else and send it because those those runs mattress that's our community, that's what we do bringing that under one house and one 00:52:27
fusions there pulling resources to the fire department, good Val argument that's a concern for me right now we are. 00:52:33
Every day when someone falls down with my community, I have a minimum of three firefighters at my station and three at the 00:52:39
Greenville station. 00:52:42
We take two of those firefighters, put them on an ambulance to make the first run. Once I've established patient contact, that is 00:52:46
my patient, Todd, turn the patient over to the same or higher level of care. 00:52:51
Or otherwise transfer them off to the hospital. So once I'm there, I'm tied up. I don't care if you stub your toe or you're having 00:52:56
a heart attack. I'm there. I can't go anywhere. I can't respond to a fire. In my fire department, we have daytime staff, which is 00:53:01
a balance. Majority of our runs happen in the daytime. Floyd County in my district. 00:53:06
So we have an additional run you'll hear on the radio often, if you're able to listen, that assistant chief deputy, chief, other 00:53:12
staff members will get on ambulances back, fill that ambulance because we're already on a previous run. 00:53:17
Also, we have automatic callbacks, so our members we came from volunteer Part time we saw the balance of part-time firefighters. 00:53:23
We've got one that lives right by or works right by one of our firehouses and lives by the other. 00:53:30
Oftentimes we have fire in the middle of daytime heat backfills A tanker, which is a critical resource for us, especially on a 00:53:34
rural area. He's also in the EMT. He's back filled ambulance, so we have an hour run, he's back filled. Ambulance to additional 00:53:38
staff to get ambulance to the scene. Help us out. 00:53:43
So we're already pulling resources for the fire service every single run we get on. 00:53:48
Why not just fuse that together? And the plan that Highlander had, I've read it doesn't involve pulling the firefighters off the 00:53:53
truck. 00:53:56
In fact, quite the opposite, hiring EMS staff to handle the EMS runs. 00:53:59
And then actually if you need to with the fire staffies, you have to have resources, you still have to respond the emergencies. It 00:54:03
would actually give us more fire suppression capabilities throughout the day if they fully staffed EMS. 00:54:08
Per proposal library. 00:54:13
We're already integrating this system. We don't have to add any sort of extra dispatchers unless they choose to. That'd be up to 00:54:16
the sheriff's responsibility. And then the other thing is the the problems that we have. 00:54:21
They complain about EMS. I've been want to do it. 00:54:27
But who do I answer to? I answer the commissioners. There's no contract. 00:54:30
There's no like this is what the contract says on page 72. You have to XY and see that that doesn't exist for us. They say what 00:54:35
they're going to do. You guys agree what we're going to do if something's not driving not working out. 00:54:40
Have a conversation. 00:54:46
We don't have a contract. There's no lawyer involved with that I. 00:54:48
Funding to be. 00:54:51
Provided on that, on that basis with that, that'd be contractual, but then you guys had to find the funding for the Debbie's 00:54:53
Council's concern. 00:54:56
But like we're yours, you already have us. We already exist. 00:55:00
See another point simply. 00:55:04
On this retention, so like right now I don't. 00:55:06
EMS entirely. I'm not all in the IEMS system, I'm a firefighter. 00:55:11
But I watch EMS staff go from service. 00:55:15
The service to service the service, I think we've all seen a lot of that. 00:55:18
I don't know why they've bounced between services to pay here, this and that there. I don't know what the retirement system is. I 00:55:22
think it's all privatized. We're fund 77. If you're a firefighter, fund 7720 years service. A lot of us know how it works. We can 00:55:27
we can pension out at 52 1/2 years old with. 00:55:32
20 years of service members who are not firefighters are not allowed in 77. It's law enforcement police only, but a EMS employee 00:55:38
can be on the hybrid 77. 00:55:42
Hwy. 77 in my department. 00:55:47
It's pretty pretty. 00:55:49
We match that contribution at the level of 77. 00:55:51
So if a member wants to work for us, they get the same benefits, all the same upsides. They have the same pay structure. I believe 00:55:54
I've seen the exact pay structure. 00:55:58
But they also have their retention capacity. They're going to get a quality retirement and a really, really good health insurance. 00:56:03
I currently get full family paid insurance right now. 00:56:07
Completely covered by the district. 00:56:12
That's really about all I have. But we're your firefighters, we work for you, so we don't really need a contract. We just need 00:56:15
somebody to tell us what to do and then fund it. 00:56:19
I do have a question. Yes, if you're done your presentation, I'm sorry, absolutely. Well, I just need notes in this response. 00:56:24
Yeah. And I don't know if it's you will answer or Brandon or whoever else you know, so obviously. 00:56:29
Is that even possible in 60 days and if you can talk on that, Well, I can't speak for the chief because I'm not. I'm not Chief 00:57:09
Clyde. I have worked with him quite a bit though I know he believes that this proposal, he can feel that that staff. 00:57:14
I believe you can feel that staff level needed to get that operational because there's a fire based EMS if a EMT called out last 00:57:20
minute, last second, I have a balance of staff coming off duty or is currently off duty to backfill EMS position. 00:57:26
For. 00:57:33
So if I need a backfill position under emergency, we can do it quite quickly because we currently do. 00:57:35
So how many ambulances we have currently honor is it for? I currently have 3IN service, 3IN service, yeah, I'm about to have four. 00:57:40
Our Miller unit coming shortly and I expect that the next, well for the next 30 days, so should go to service very quickly. I know 00:57:45
we have another one a quarter because there's any time for that and that's probably a year out also, right. And I see Georgetown's 00:57:49
Fire Chief here. So he probably doesn't. I don't know if he wants a speaker or not, but you all don't have any ambulances, 00:57:54
correct? 00:57:59
Thank you. 00:58:04
Yes, for the moment. 00:58:07
A couple quick questions for your responses. So you made a comment that Indiana is not an FDA state. 00:58:11
So you all won't be using an FPA data for personnel and funding. I'm not Privy to that. That's the chief's decision. I just know 00:58:21
the right. I'm just saying that because I've been in your shoes before. I've been the president of a local. So I'm just asking 00:58:26
this, you with the president local, you won't be citing, I'm not the president of concern, the vice president. 00:58:32
But I do support. I do support. I represent the union. Yeah, I just like to have a little clarification there. 00:58:38
No, I support FPA and FPA is a beautiful gold standard. I'm just not aware of any fire department locally that actually meets NFPA 00:58:45
apartments fully within suppression capacity. If there are, I'd be shocked. It'd be actually kind of cool. Well, I think I think 00:58:50
what makes it very interesting is that NFPA is a third party model. 00:58:55
New code entity that government agencies adopt yet there's no funding method to support. But yes, I can assure you. 00:59:01
You don't violate. If you do violate them, it's wrong. You get caught up. You will get drunk through the mud. 00:59:08
Standard Ocean, we'll come to you on the table when you have troubles. Speaking of the FPA issue though, there is ISO and we work 00:59:14
very hard to work on ISRO. It's just usually recreated and did upgrade again. And our ISO is based on the distances, firehouses to 00:59:21
protected structures that the insurance company pays for those are occupied by taxpayers. 00:59:27
Those are the ones we're going to other EMS runs. So I would say it's a very good standard also. 00:59:35
Be matching what we're doing? Sure. Y'all recently did a GIS study though, when you incorporated this new district, correct? 00:59:39
That is correct. We're we're waiting on the results of that. 00:59:47
The the the goal is to see. 00:59:50
From what they what they? 00:59:55
Of what future projects we could be looking towards, but it helps you, it helps guide you on where the correct placement is, how 00:59:59
many assets you that you need. That's probably protect your district, but also what I was asking before. 01:00:07
If we were to have EMS under. 01:00:15
The fire department. 01:00:17
When all the information comes. 01:00:19
It's going to be that much easier. 01:00:22
To relocate those assets. 01:00:24
Right now. 01:00:29
If we were to stick with private. 01:00:31
If we were to say you know. 01:00:33
A certain area is. 01:00:36
More active than others. 01:00:39
It's up to them. 01:00:41
So the private provider was incapable for finding that level of service. What just one last question real quick. So you talked 01:01:17
about your firefighters are now enrolled in the 77. 01:01:22
There are some exceptions and the EMS personnel would be. 01:01:28
Given, I guess a stipend. 01:01:33
Compensate for. 01:01:37
Yes, when we went union, there was some serious drawbacks with the concern that we had staff members who have been hired or no 01:01:38
longer perfect eligible, it could be at 77. So to fund them at a level that was not comparable financially to per 77 isn't really 01:01:45
fair, right reunion with the balance of the firefighters. So the funding that we put in the perf. 01:01:51
77, we augmented the payments to be like 5% match or something like that that's that's low, that's a turn up number. I don't have 01:01:58
those numbers for me right now, but we funded a higher level than a traditional 401K from. 01:02:04
Private provider would be like 5% or whatever they match. So the reason I'm I'm kind of getting to that is that for for police 01:02:10
officers and firefighters that are hired to be in the 77 fund you have to go through the perfect exam which is a battery of 01:02:16
physical tests psychological so on so forth that can take. 01:02:22
They're not. They're not perfect. I don't believe they're not, but I'm just asking, they don't is there a fit for duty or any 01:02:59
tests they do? 01:03:02
I'm not sure what we had spelled out in the RFP about background examinations and and drug screens and stuff like that, but we 01:03:06
didn't physicals I don't think. Is there any other questions before I leave? 01:03:12
Some logistics with my ignorance with regards to you're licensed in Indiana as an ambulance service. We are licensed as an EMS 01:03:19
provider. 01:03:23
For your licensure. 01:03:30
Say it again, Sir, is there a breakdown in Indiana for ALS versus BLS? Yes, yes, there is. And and so you guys would have to be an 01:03:31
ALS first responder. What you've already submitted the paperwork to the state and what's the timeline on that typically? 01:03:38
Couple of weeks. 01:03:46
And there was just one comment I just, I just I know you guys are going to be. 01:04:19
A first responder emergency, but there is a need in the community for the, you know, I'll just mention it because it's going to be 01:04:25
there. Somebody is going to mention it. The nursing home calls with abnormal lab values. 01:04:31
There's going to have to be a mechanism to address those runs. Mayor Pro would be happy to, given their structure. 01:04:39
Yeah, but that'll be absent a private system that's designed to deal with that. If you're the last man standing, you're going to 01:05:41
have to. 01:05:46
Absolutely here with it. Absolutely no doubt. We actually recognize that problem some time ago. It was discussed two days ago. 01:05:51
All right. That's an issue in the city in America. Probe, to my knowledge, isn't doing a lot of those runs, you know? 01:05:57
Guys, just in the interest of time, we've been here just a little bit over an hour now and I really do feel it's important to hear 01:06:04
from the public and it seems like we've already kind of got our motion here. Is there any more presentation that you all would 01:06:10
like to make? So as far as the presentation goes, Highlander is going to be. 01:06:17
Using this operational plan staff two ALS ambulances. 01:06:24
To do that, we're going to hire. 01:06:30
Umm 6 paramedics and six EMT's. 01:06:33
To to take care of that. That way it's not on the firefighters. 01:06:38
We are also going to include a peak truck that is BLS peak times. 01:06:44
During peak times 10 to 12 hours during the day, daytime hours. 01:06:50
Thank you. Can you stay up here? So if I may, I know Jason wants to get to the public. I have one question. That's OK, Brandon, if 01:06:58
you can just, I mean I'm looking at a proposed budget from Honda Fire District and it looks like the total cost that you know 01:07:06
having two ALS trucks and one BLS and then hire another 12 personnel. If I'm missing something, let me know. But the total cost 01:07:13
there, the estimated cost at least at the moment is 802,718, is that correct? 01:07:21
That's correct. OK. 01:07:29
And one more question. Sorry, one more question because we got to talk about it. You know, Kentucky plays at 7:00. As long as 01:07:33
we're done by then, I think we're good. 01:07:36
Joke. 01:07:40
So, so Newman Township was brought up in your All's proposal is is New Orleans Township included, are they not included? So our 01:07:43
plan is going to cover the geographic top of the hill, so Georgetown, Greenville. 01:07:50
Lafayette and the top side of Franklin. 01:07:58
As far as New Orleans Township goes, New Chapel EMS is there. 01:08:02
Fire service. 01:08:07
They already provide EMS services. 01:08:08
So they can they basically would handle their own and they would essentially be a fire based EMS on their own. So what about 01:08:11
Georgetown? Georgetown is included Georgetown, Lafayette, Greenville and Franklin. 01:08:18
What a new Chapel does not want to. 01:08:26
Provide service. 01:08:30
A contract with. 01:08:32
The Floyd County commissioners. 01:08:34
As a EMS service would. 01:08:38
Highlander be willing to cover that area. 01:08:42
I think sorry. Well, again, they, you know, they are already a. 01:08:44
Fire service that provides EMS and they would just manage their own, but they're not. They're not. 01:08:49
But if they go to just like what we are in Georgetown, they wouldn't be obligated to provide transport service. 01:08:54
They would only be obligated to provide fire service. 01:09:02
Am I correcting that or am I incorrect? 01:09:06
I believe it's correct and it's. 01:09:10
In looking at that Brandy, it says you have a peak truck, but the RFP's we considered all had a minimum of three. 01:09:13
Fully. 01:09:22
24 hour trucks. 01:09:24
Yeah, that's because that includes the new All band. 01:09:26
Well, that's because that includes New Albany Township area. 01:09:30
This is for. 01:09:34
Georgetown, Greenville, Lafayette and the top side of Franklin And I think could you Jim, could you, I'm just asking this 01:09:35
question. You know, currently I think the Honda Fire District has several MO use with other agencies in terms of fire. 01:09:41
In terms of that could not could the hinder fire district do an MOU with number Township if they don't provide the EMS service to 01:09:49
do Chapel depending on what direction that goes because that's being discussed there. 01:09:54
I'm sure they could. That's what I'm asking. These are just questions that I have. 01:10:03
And again, if they you know, if they decide that they don't want to take care of their own area's. 01:10:07
Again being a. 01:10:14
Fire based EMS. 01:10:17
We would talk with. 01:10:19
Be in discussion with the Commissioners as to how we can provide that as well. 01:10:20
All right, I think. 01:10:27
I think we're ready to move on to public comment. 01:10:30
First up is Tim Harbison. 01:10:35
We could, if we could just try and keep it the comments down to two minutes because. 01:10:38
We got quite a few people. 01:10:43
Kim Harbison I live at 3821 Edwardsville Galena Rd. 01:10:46
I'm kind of kind of new to this dance. 01:10:51
But I watched the video of the meeting, the joint meeting between the commissioners and the County Council. 01:10:54
And I totally understand what Commissioner Sharpe was saying, because he's a professional firefighter, right about the need for 01:11:02
data. But the question that popped into my head is why were those studies not begun seven months ago? 01:11:10
I understand what your Bagshot brought up about Highlander Fire District. 01:11:20
Didn't submit a bid. I wonder why no one talked to them seven months ago about spending that pit. 01:11:27
And I know this is probably not very diplomatic. 01:11:36
But I'm not going to be diplomatic seven months ago. 01:11:39
The news broke. 01:11:44
That Jamie Knowles and the New Chapel Fire Department were under investigation by the FBI. 01:11:45
If, if I were a member of the governing body. 01:11:53
And that was my. 01:11:57
Person that was supplying. 01:11:58
Services to my community and I knew that June 1st. 01:12:02
I was going to have to make a decision. 01:12:06
I believe I would have started the wheels in motion then. 01:12:09
So I. 01:12:14
These gentlemen for putting together their information. 01:12:15
This is only my opinion. 01:12:22
Nothing else, but you really only have one viable. 01:12:25
RFP and that's Ameripro because. 01:12:29
Do you really want to do business with New Chapel? 01:12:34
Thank you. 01:12:39
Next up is Cap. You already would you have anything else you want to go? Yeah, go ahead. Come on. 01:12:45
We have ambulances there. Your ambulances to the community's, ambulances to the communities, firefighters, EMT's, Those people 01:13:53
live and work here or proximate, live and work proximal. They live in our district's. 01:13:58
Those are yours. At the end of the one year term with Ameripro, you'll have a receipt. 01:14:05
And they'll still have their ambulances and their equipment. 01:14:10
You'll still have your firehouses, your staff, your ambulances, your equipment, your resources, your wealth of knowledge, your 01:14:13
train, your history. Maybe one day someones grandkid might work here whose dad or granddad was all of these drugs. 01:14:19
So you don't get that with mayor pro? 01:14:25
That's all I have. Thanks. Thank you. 01:14:27
Sean. 01:14:30
Sean Boscock out of County Within County business. I just got a couple things to make a decision. 01:14:33
Just to make a decision. 01:14:39
That's how we end up. 01:14:41
In the situations we've been in, whether it's. 01:14:42
City level, county level, Township level or Washington DC Our Founding fathers love stalemate. That's why they're separate but 01:14:46
equal branches. 01:14:50
So to make a decision. 01:14:55
Decision for one or two without the additional information. I applaud you all for allowing the additional information, Sheriff. 01:14:58
I like how the strategy you use to. 01:15:06
Be able to talk about it. 01:15:09
New Chapel is in the news again just yesterday. More of their funds recycled. Those funds. Where do they come from? The vast 01:15:11
majority. 01:15:14
Taxpayer dollars. 01:15:18
So just going forward, I. 01:15:20
Give the fire based you know please give the fire based option. 01:15:24
The attention that it needs. 01:15:29
It is the long term investment like Captain Ginn said. 01:15:33
At the end of the day, the county owns the equipment. The county owns the buses. 01:15:37
It's the counties. So this is the best segue that I can see. Thank you for your time. 01:15:43
Thanks, Shawn. 01:15:49
That's all we have that's signed up. I think we can probably fit in a couple more if anybody would like an opportunity founding. 01:15:52
Connie, Maine County Council, Franklin Township. 01:16:04
I'm just curious, who told you not to submit an RFP? 01:16:11
An RFP is for private businesses to make money from the county. We're not a private company. We're not making money. 01:16:15
We are looking to. 01:16:24
Provide additional services. 01:16:27
Through the fire service. 01:16:31
Have all you guys had conversations with all of the fire departments involved? 01:16:34
Georgetown. 01:16:40
In my case, Waynesville Volunteer Fire in regards to. 01:16:42
To this EMS fire based or is it just going to all be housed within Highland? 01:16:45
Because you've got stations, two stations in Georgetown. 01:16:53
You know, are we just? 01:16:58
Contract with Highlander Fire or are we going to open that opportunity up to Georgetown if they want to do it, Lanesville 01:17:01
Volunteer Fair if they want to do it, that's who services mean. 01:17:06
So do I need to talk to our people and talk to Lanesville and say, hey, you know, do I need to contract my EMS through Harrison 01:17:12
County? 01:17:15
That's, I mean, that's who Lanesville does. 01:17:21
Currently Connie. Connie, Currently who I'm sorry, I won't hit this on. 01:17:26
I just turned it off. 01:17:30
Currently. 01:17:33
New Chapel provides service to Georgetown. Is that correct? 01:17:35
Well, you know, that's a good question. 01:17:38
And where do they come from when they when they respond to Georgetown runs? They come from Paoli Pike, if they're there, right? 01:17:40
Well, I'll give you 2 examples one. 01:17:49
Yes, it was dispatched through Floyd County 911. 01:17:52
New Chapel was dispatched. 01:17:56
They were coming from. 01:17:58
Highlander Point area that the top of whatever feeling like is where they're coming from. 01:18:00
However, somehow. 01:18:07
Harrison County got you that call. 01:18:10
But there's no record of dispatch on that, so right now I have no idea who services in my area. 01:18:12
New Chapel showed up, but Harrison County was 30 seconds prior, so New Chapel turned around and left. 01:18:20
Which is fine, I don't have problems with that. But me as a resident, I want to know who's going to be showing up at my door. 01:18:26
Or make sure that you all are aware that there's going to be other contracts out there. 01:18:33
Do I need? 01:18:38
10 minutes most away from my house. 01:18:41
In Elizabeth So. 01:18:46
That's one question I. 01:18:48
Belfair County work work work like we talked about, fire based we talked about. 01:18:52
County EMS and we talked about a hybrid. Don't get me wrong, I think that this is the ultimate end goal and this is the best 01:18:58
process for the county to move forward. 01:19:03
But to get all that done in 60 days? 01:19:09
It's going to be a stretch because there's so many working pieces. 01:19:12
There's people that live out in the sticks. 01:19:16
There's just too many working pieces to get it pushed together and I would hate. 01:19:19
To be the example where us pushing it through fails. 01:19:22
When we could have done it? 01:19:27
And got everything in line before it rolls out the door. Just my opinion. 01:19:29
Mr. Moody, I believe you raised your hand, didn't you? 01:19:36
Good evening, Michael Moody been involved in managing a fire district for about 14 years and. 01:19:45
I really appreciate the efforts to try and prove you invest in this county. I think that's basic foundation we all need to be 01:19:51
focused on. But unfortunately I think that you're coming at this with missing piece. 01:19:57
How you gonna pay for it? 01:20:03
The fire districts are unique entity within the county that they have a taxi revenue stream that bypasses the normal county 01:20:05
collection of taxes. 01:20:09
The Council does not set the tax rate. 01:20:14
The fire fire Fire districts don't go to the council asking for money every year for their budget. 01:20:18
If you're going to add additional responsibility to the fire districts, that's outside of their normal revenue stream. 01:20:25
How are you going to fund it? 01:20:32
Are you then going to have the fire districts going to the council to ask for additional money every year? 01:20:34
One thing to consider, and I'm not advocating one way or the other, if you have a contract with an EMS service. 01:20:41
That's pretty well established and it's a part of the budgetary process. 01:20:46
If you're going to introduce a new complexity into the revenue stream for the fire districts. 01:20:50
By having them assume the EMS. 01:20:55
You just blew the revenue model up and that's an unknown entity. 01:20:57
And I really think that you need to kind of take that into the conversation. 01:21:01
If you're going to say this is the direction we're going. 01:21:05
If you don't have a good understanding how you're going to pay for it, you're not going to change the dynamic that we're dealing 01:21:07
with today. 01:21:10
And that was the only comment I wanted to make. Thank you. I'll entertain one more, Mr. Mr. Manson. 01:21:14
First of all, let me make it clear that I'm representing me as a taxpayer. 01:21:26
When they're off of a Luther. 01:21:31
I said where you guys said 20 years ago and I did it in Scott County. 01:21:34
We had the same problem you had. We had a provider at that time it's Clark County, US. We wanted them to up step. 01:21:38
They're providing. 01:21:45
They we asked what would it take. They gave us a number. 01:21:47
He said. We ain't going to do that. 01:21:51
So Commissioner Steve Myers at the time asked me to sit on a six person board. 01:21:52
Like you with Doctor Crosdale, a couple members from Scott County, US. 01:21:57
Me and I think there was a somebody from deputy Fire, Mr. Martin from deputy fire. 01:22:01
We looked at all avenues we couldn't do the fire based EMS because it's all volunteer out Scott County so we don't have a 24 hour 01:22:08
service fire services Scott County. 01:22:12
So we looked at the other and let me regret here, regret here. We are also given this by our council. 01:22:17
We're not going to be able to support you. 01:22:26
You figure out how you're going to pay for all this. 01:22:28
And we'll loan you the money. 01:22:31
But we want the money back. 01:22:33
How do you make the ambulance service cells sufficient? 01:22:35
So what we did was we looked at every Ave. that we can do it. The only thing we came up with to make ourselves self-sufficient. 01:22:38
What we did in the county transfers like what was mentioned here. 01:22:46
From hospital to the nursing home. From the nursing home to the hospital. From hospital to other hospitals. 01:22:50
Plus we were able to keep 2 ambulances on track and then we did a backup ambulance for what they're calling, I guess, in this 01:22:56
proposal. 01:22:59
8.5 ambulance or whatever, half hour. 01:23:02
The point of the matter is. 01:23:06
What worked for us may work for you. 01:23:07
The good thing about? 01:23:11
And I agree with with the Sheriff Bush, we and I've been at this since 1981. 01:23:13
That's why I'm retiring. Congratulations. Congratulations by chance. 01:23:19
Quite honestly, believe it or not, fire base EMS is not new. 01:23:25
Perry Township Fire Department. 01:23:30
Southern South side of Indianapolis in 1981 had an ambulance. Matter of fact, it was one of the first ALS ambulances in the area. 01:23:32
So this isn't new to me. 01:23:39
Wayne Township. 01:23:41
I wrote on midnight. 01:23:43
I wrote on Med 5 Louisville. 01:23:45
That's why I'm ready to go. 01:23:48
Wore out. 01:23:51
So I'm not. I'm no stranger to fire based EMS. 01:23:52
But let me get back to what I'm saying. The thing that works for us and it may work for you is the fact that. 01:23:55
Right now it's and at this present time, it's director Oleg. 01:24:03
He answers to you. 01:24:08
There's no going through a board, there's no going to achieve. 01:24:09
That director comes to you and says. 01:24:13
You have a problem. You go to the director. 01:24:16
The money goes to the council, they view the budget. 01:24:19
He has to ask for that and what was funny and I was here, I was viewing Thursday. 01:24:22
When when somebody said that Scott County is paving roads with the profits they make after EMS. 01:24:28
Ironically, Nikola was in my office. 01:24:35
That morning. 01:24:38
And I have AI have a heart for something. I donated my life. 01:24:39
To Sky County, EMS is one of my better achievements at being a part of and this will be one of your all's better achievements, 01:24:43
whatever you get, whatever you're doing with it. 01:24:47
I asked Nick, I said, how's everything going? How are you? How are you doing financially? Is everything what we started out 20 01:24:53
years ago? How's that holding? 01:24:56
His response is I'm barely breaking even. 01:25:01
OK, but he is able to maintain and what helped us also. And again, I'm not giving you an opinion, I'm just telling you how we did 01:25:05
it and that helps you. 01:25:09
In your decision or where you want to go? Thanks Chief. We're running kind of close on time. I hate to cut you off. No, no, that's 01:25:13
fine. If you have any final thoughts on that. My final thoughts is look at every option. 01:25:18
If you guys want to have direct control over EMS. 01:25:24
Put him on the same line with the fire districts. 01:25:27
And the Sheriff's Department. 01:25:30
Where we're all eat. 01:25:32
And that way you'd have somebody you answer directly to. 01:25:33
Answer directly to you. Thank you. Thank you. 01:25:37
Denise real quick. 01:25:41
I say real quick, make you short. 01:25:43
Yeah. 01:25:46
Denise Conkle County Council. I'll be very quick. We have a unique opportunity here, Not only. 01:25:48
With the direction of our fire and in the Mississippi, but also with the way that we can fund it. 01:25:57
We we haven't been sitting back not doing anything there. There's some very unique opportunities here. 01:26:08
To to do this service and to actually pay for it. 01:26:17
And on April 1st we will, we will be talking about those with the full Council. 01:26:24
I would invite everyone here to be at that. 01:26:31
Meeting. I think it will be very informative. 01:26:36
We do. 01:26:40
Understand that we need to come up with some upfront. 01:26:42
Money. 01:26:47
And then we have even looked a couple years out to make sure it's sustainable and we think we can sustain this. 01:26:48
So the money, leave it, leave it up to us. We, I think we can figure that part out. 01:27:00
Come April 1st. Thank you. Thanks, Denise. Thank you. 01:27:08
Pick up motion to adjourn? Let me ask. 01:27:13
OK, so we we made a motion. 01:27:17
And approved to to take to the commissioners. 01:27:19
To not to not do the to accept the RFP's. So you know, we we get it. We have a crunch line here what May 31st. 01:27:23
So what's the next step after those commissioners, Commissioners, we meet the what April the 2nd I think it is, which is what we 01:27:32
can have two weeks. So at that, at that meeting then then I guess what do we take a vote on whether or not we accept the 01:27:37
recommendation? 01:27:42
Is that is that is that right? 01:27:48
Right now, it's on the agenda to have a decision. 01:27:51
With regards to moving forward with one of the RFPs that we have or rejecting both of them. 01:27:54
OK. And if the. 01:28:00
You've been doing this a lot longer than I have. You know, if one of the RFP's is recommended, then those folks will have to 01:28:03
present to the council. 01:28:07
You know, it's kind of a chicken and the egg thing, but back and forth and sometimes those contracts get renegotiated during that 01:28:12
time. Well, what I would suggest is, because guys, let me tell you, time is of the essence here. 01:28:17
You know, what I would suggest is that we have Council Commissioners have a meeting. 01:28:23
You know, 1st of next week. 01:28:29
Because if we're going to have a meeting with the County Council, joint meeting on the 1st that way. 01:28:32
We have a direction for them to look at because we wait till April the 2nd. 01:28:39
For our meeting and then we wait another week for their meeting and then you know, it's like. 01:28:44
Tom's running out. 01:28:49
We all need, I think we need to have a special meeting next week with commissioners for us. We would like to e-mail that 01:28:50
suggestion to all the commissioners tomorrow along with our legal counsel. 01:28:55
Then we can see if we can set it and advertise it appropriately. 01:29:00
I don't have a problem looking at dates next week. 01:29:04
To do that. 01:29:07
So I do have a question, don't know why we would have and we can. 01:29:09
We look at our candidate right here. I mean, we're not. I want Rick to be there as well, OK. 01:29:12
I do have one quick question in terms of maybe 2. 01:29:18
In terms of so we gave a motion and a recommendation to about the RFP's. 01:29:22
Now we've discussed Firebase CMS but. 01:29:28
For arguments sake, what's that look like? Say if you didn't go with one of the RFP's and you're all meeting So how's do you need 01:29:32
an advice? 01:29:36
An advisory opinion from this board as well. Then after that or if you choose or is that take another meeting to John's point or 01:29:40
what's that kind of look like or let's talk about that for a quick second. And before we do that, let me just do this Mike to your 01:29:45
point. 01:29:49
You know we work together very first years ago and you all done a great job in George and to be fiscally responsible in terms of 01:29:55
Y'all's budget. So I wanted you to publicly hear that. And so we value that and your time working together. But to your point too 01:30:02
as well, you know we're facing to two RFPs and potentially a fire base in a situation with you know 960,000 for New Chapel, 1.5 01:30:09
million roughly to Ameriparo than roughly 802,000 for the fire bases. 01:30:17
I don't know if you knew that or not. I don't know if you saw that, so I just wanted to make that clarification. 01:30:24
But so anyway, so back to the point of you know if you know obviously we already made a motion to reject or to our Advisory Board 01:30:28
opinion to move forward out the RFP. So if you all decide to do to do the same or take our advice. 01:30:35
You know, do you need a motion from this advisor board we have to come back together or kind of what's that look like? No, I think 01:30:42
you all make your alls opinion on at least at this point, you know, I don't know if the commissioners and we're going to make a 01:30:46
decision. 01:30:49
Fair enough. All right. 01:30:53
Take a motion to adjourn. So moved. Oh, sorry. 01:30:55
No, there's not going to be any more motions made tonight except for adjournment. Anybody else would like to talk after the 01:31:00
meeting. I'm sure some people like to stick around and hang out. So moved, all right. 01:31:05
That motion. Have a second. Thanks everybody. 01:31:10
All right. Most of the second law approved, aye? 01:31:13
All right. Hey, folks, have a great night. 01:31:16
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March 21st, 2024, this is going to be our special EMS Advisory Board meeting. Thanks John, if you would stand. 00:00:00
Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, 00:00:11
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 00:00:16
All right. So before we get started, we could everybody who's out in the crowd meeting some of us on the panel. If you wouldn't 00:00:24
mind just moving your phones to silent, please. Before we get started with today's agenda and we get into old business, I'm going 00:00:30
to open the floor to Doctor Knable. 00:00:36
Yeah, just a reminder, after our last meeting, I had a consultation with the Commissioners County Attorney, Rick Fox, and I 00:00:42
brought this up publicly at our joint Commissioner and Council meeting last week. 00:00:49
That. 00:00:55
The only way that we can actually legally. 00:00:58
The commissioners can can legally entertain 1/3 option would be if we were to reject the two RFPs that we have in hand. 00:01:02
So it it is not. 00:01:11
Out of the purview of this Advisory Board. 00:01:14
To discuss. 00:01:16
The fire based EMS option. 00:01:19
But we really can't formally opine on that as commissioners. 00:01:22
Unless we were to reject the two RFPs. 00:01:28
And that would only take place during a formal advertised meeting. So with that in mind, I. 00:01:31
Again, this body can discuss whatever it wishes. It's an advisory panel only. 00:01:38
So there's no binding. 00:01:43
Decision that would come out of this particular panel. 00:01:46
We lean on it heavily for advice, but. 00:01:50
Again, since it's not a formal. 00:01:54
Binding vote, that discussion can take place. 00:01:57
Hold on. 00:02:05
Some clarification so. 00:02:06
We are what? 00:02:09
June 1st was it. 00:02:11
2 1/2 months away. 00:02:14
So you're saying tonight then that? 00:02:15
That if. 00:02:21
There is a. 00:02:22
To not approve either one of them then. 00:02:26
Then that's that's that's it. We have to come back. Then it goes to the commissioners, is that right? 00:02:30
This panel doesn't have the authority to reject. 00:02:37
RFP's. 00:02:40
I understand, but but this is an advisory committee. 00:02:41
And as an advisory committee, they can make whatever opinion, advice that they wish to do. So can they binding. OK, I understand. 00:02:45
I understand that. So I guess what what I'm trying to understand is this is that. 00:02:52
That if the if its committee makes a recommendation to not. 00:03:00
Go with either one of these. 00:03:05
Then can they make another recommendation and that way they both go to the commissioners? 00:03:06
This panel can make whatever opinion it wants to make. 00:03:13
Thank you. 00:03:16
A couple quick things. 00:03:19
Jim Mayfield and Doctor Harris aren't physically here, but they will be on the teams. 00:03:21
For the meeting and Mr. Alexander. 00:03:28
Has caught in some traffic over in Louisville, so he'll be here as quick Lazy can. With that, let's go ahead and just dive into 00:03:30
old business and continue our discussion with the RFP's. 00:03:35
Of the bids that were submitted by Mayor Pro. 00:03:40
In New Chapel, does anyone have any further discussion? 00:03:43
I have a couple quick questions. 00:03:46
Steve, did you have something now? Go ahead. OK, one of the since we are. 00:03:49
You know, bound to those two. 00:03:55
Would it be accurate to say that New Chapel did not submit the financials and therefore did not qualify to it was not a qualified 00:03:59
proposal? 00:04:04
New Chapel explained to us that. 00:04:10
They could not. 00:04:12
Guarantee that the financials that they had on record were correct and that there was. 00:04:13
Being audited at this time so. 00:04:18
They they gave us that information, so. 00:04:22
Regardless, we got two bids here, so you all can. 00:04:26
Make what you think is the best recommendation. 00:04:29
I guess I'm still asking though is if the RFP is, we have to stand by the RFP's, which is what Alan talked about is that we have 00:04:32
to use those two and we have to follow the letter and the and the word of the RFP. 00:04:39
If they did not conform to the RFP and provide the information outlined by the RFP, can they be considered? 00:04:45
I think it's a question for legal. 00:04:53
Well, I'm not an attorney either. 00:04:55
I would proceed under the. 00:04:59
Again, I'm not an attorney. I didn't even stay at Holiday Inn Express last night. But if that's a disqualifier for you as an 00:05:01
individual. 00:05:05
Then that's a disqualifier for you as an individual. 00:05:10
OK. 00:05:13
I think the other thing that is looming is that the. 00:05:15
What's happening with New Albany Township? 00:05:20
Is a big question mark and we don't know. 00:05:23
If they are going to. 00:05:26
Move on and provide their own fire service through contractual agreements and therefore they may also be contracting, contracting 00:05:28
to have EMS provided by. 00:05:33
Ameripro for their area, so that changes the whole parameter of everything. 00:05:38
Let's see what else? I'm not sure if they would have the authority to do that just as the district. 00:05:44
To determine who, who, who the the EMS provider is out there. 00:05:50
Well, they're still covered underneath our county contracts. 00:05:56
Right. But New Chapel provides fire and EMS services, yeah, through an agreement. 00:06:01
How is that different? I'm not. 00:06:06
Well, there's there's a far contract and there's an EMS contract as well, and I think the EMS contract spells out. 00:06:08
The Med units for the county. 00:06:14
So they wanted to provide their own EMS. 00:06:21
Then that would be a load off of the county. 00:06:24
I think there's a lot of unknowns there, so. 00:06:28
All right. And then the RFP's that we're considering is the initial RFP's that were submitted or we you sent out a request for a 00:06:34
modified? 00:06:38
RFP, which I don't know if that falls within the the purview of what the initial RFP was. And that's what I think that legal has 00:06:43
told us, that we have to act on the initial response to RFPs, not the. 00:06:48
What was asked for it subsequent to that, No, we didn't ask for a modified RFP. We asked for clarification on what their RFP meant 00:06:54
because obviously there's some states out there that don't utilize advanced DMT or intermediates or such. And we just want to make 00:07:00
sure the language was pretty clear and we kind of gave them a little bit of what we were looking for, what we have decided as a 00:07:05
board. 00:07:11
In previous meetings, so. 00:07:18
OK, well just in the letter from Ameripro or the e-mail from Air Pro said Jason Sharp also requested some edits on unit 00:07:21
configuration and how it might change the subsidy. 00:07:26
And then we gave two more options. So are we. 00:07:31
These options actually on the board or are they not on to be considered? Can you clarify? 00:07:35
It's the e-mail that they responded to your request. 00:07:41
I'm asking to reformulate your question well. My question is are is are these options here that are? 00:07:45
Submitted by them as an edit to your response. 00:07:51
Is that on the board for considering? Is that for consideration or is it the initial response what we got in writing from both the 00:07:55
respondents? 00:07:59
I think they provided us several different options to consider. 00:08:03
So I think the cleanest way would be to consider the initial option. 00:08:08
Right, because because what you were saying early on is we are bound by. 00:08:14
You know the way the process works at the cleanest is you choose one of the contractors and then. 00:08:19
You can negotiate from there. 00:08:24
Hey, this is Doctor Harris. Can I get a question in? 00:08:31
Yeah, go ahead. 00:08:35
Sorry, sorry, I'm talking to you and Gloria Slow Phi here. So we we asked for additional information from both groups, did we not? 00:08:37
I mean, from. 00:08:43
From New Chapel and also from Ameripro, So. 00:08:50
Are you saying that the only thing we should consider was the original information without the clarification? 00:08:55
Or can the clarifications be added? 00:09:03
To decide whether or not you're going to respond to the RFP using the company as the agency, not the particular edition of the 00:09:07
RFP. 00:09:12
Yeah, I think that when we sent out the RFP's and we had two respondents and they both gave us. 00:09:18
Their outlines there were. 00:09:27
Some confusion in some of the language that was. 00:09:29
Given back to us and we wanted to make sure that it was clear on both sides so, so both entities were actually asked the very same 00:09:33
question. 00:09:36
11 clarified a little bit. The other one was satisfied with what they had submitted. 00:09:41
Does that answer your question? 00:09:50
Essentially I was getting a little bit of a different read there that we're allowing one group to sort of clarify and give 00:09:57
additional options and another group we asked For more information. It's like you know, we we're fine with what we've sent in. 00:10:03
That's it's two different things. I'm not sure that's a level playing field. 00:10:09
That, that was my concern there. Yeah, Thomas, as far as I know. 00:10:17
Tom, as far as this is out enable as far as I know and correct me if I'm wrong on this both. 00:10:21
Of those entities receive the exact same additional. 00:10:28
Lines of questions and had an opportunity to answer, so there was no. 00:10:33
One company that received information that the other one did not there was number ask for clarification from one that the other 00:10:38
did not receive. 00:10:41
And we were told, we were told by council that that was an appropriate line of action to follow. 00:10:47
Sure. But we're we're considering the responses in the overall. 00:10:56
Request for proposal and their response, right. So if they've allowed to give you know groups have given us additional data, we're 00:11:03
we're a level in the field and we're saying thanks for the additional data and we'll incorporate that in our decision. 00:11:09
I can only speak for myself, but I think that's fair. I think so, yeah, I think it's fair. 00:11:21
I know I have a question in reference to the since we're just talking about the RFP's at the moment until we can get into the the 00:11:33
Firebase discussion I'm sure. 00:11:36
In new chapels. 00:11:41
Proposal. A couple of things stood out. The first one is. 00:11:43
And they're talking about providing what analysts in our county, they said they would be primarily used for 911, primarily not 00:11:47
dedicated. So that's to me that's a red flag or at least an issue because we've done that for so many years. And I've seen in my 00:11:53
time even down in the city of New Albany that you know if we're paying for a contract, which is fine, you can argue Firebase 00:11:58
versus contract. 00:12:04
But if we don't have ambulances in our county, that's a problem. The second I want to just want to bring up just for air base. So 00:12:10
I'm sure that everybody's aware of, if they read it is, you know, the goal of cheese and achieving an EMT, a minimum level of care 00:12:15
on the 1st 18 months. 00:12:20
For I guess a three-year contract, I think out you. 00:12:55
It's negotiable, I guess, after the fact. So I'm not for three years if we went with a contract. Just my two cents not we'll get 00:12:59
into the rest of it. 00:13:03
As well here in a minute, but I'm just that that's too far down the road for me. I think a year would be satisfactory to look at 00:13:07
other entities like I know Jason's working hard to doing that. So appreciate that you know, if it goes that direction and the 00:13:13
commissioners so desire, it's their choice. But that's just a few things I want to say at least initially so. 00:13:19
Just to your point, a couple things is. 00:13:27
One, I think. I think both. 00:13:30
Respondents had plenty of information in there to kind of. 00:13:32
Make a good informed decision for someone you know. There's things in there I think that I think each one of us would see and have 00:13:36
some questions about and then you know also when we discussed the three-year option. 00:13:43
The main reason for the three-year option is is. 00:13:50
It may be very difficult to have somebody come in here for a matter of time and, you know, make. 00:13:54
The investment that we're asking to be made. 00:14:00
For such a short amount of time and we we've actually discussed this very openly in this board on several occasions. So I mean 00:14:03
there's nothing new with that, but that was that was the reason for the three years plus it gave us plenty of time. It gave us 00:14:09
quite the cushion to kind of explore what the future kind of looks like and get some good actionable data. 00:14:15
Is there any more discussion? 00:14:27
I guess the one I'm looking down the road. 00:14:33
I think. 00:14:37
Six of the seven council prepared a night. 00:14:39
I believe. 00:14:43
And we've had joint discussions, joint meetings. 00:14:44
And umm. 00:14:48
When you look at it for a three-year contract and to go to them. 00:14:50
Every year for one to $1.2 million. 00:14:55
To go to them for one year for that amount is a big *** but to go to them two additional years I think is a bigger ***. 00:15:01
And I think that you know. 00:15:08
We've been looking at this for. 00:15:11
Quite some time, you know, we had, we issued a RFP. 00:15:14
Back with the previous EMS Advisory Board. 00:15:19
We got 2 responses. 00:15:22
And. 00:15:25
You know, this is the second go around and I think it's a huge ask. 00:15:26
To go to the County Council and ask for an annual stipend for three years over $1,000,000. 00:15:32
And again, I'm not on the County Council, but when I when we had our meetings, that was to me, that was the. 00:15:39
Consensus that I was hearing from from. 00:15:46
From the council and another point too is as I've said before and you and I, Jason, we talked about this at at some point in time. 00:15:50
You look at that price and it just. 00:15:56
Like you said, it gets heavy and you have to look at it and say. 00:16:03
There's got to be a better way. 00:16:08
And you know and if you know I'm I'm. I'm. I'm not. I'm not. 00:16:10
Thanks for that but. 00:16:16
But a three-year contract? 00:16:18
Is I think it's too much to ask for the Council and I. 00:16:20
You know, their consensus is that it's a big ask on their part as well, so I think we need to look at some other options. 00:16:25
One comment I would make just dovetailing with that would be that whether. 00:16:32
We contract privately or whether we have fire based EMS. 00:16:36
The amount of funding is going to go up considerably. 00:16:41
Over where we have been in the last several years and there's going to have to be a dedicated. 00:16:45
Funding source for that. 00:16:49
Because it's not that needs not going to disappear after two years. It's not going to disappear for three years. 00:16:52
And whether we? 00:16:57
Can successfully bring a fire based EMS on board. 00:16:59
That's going to necessitate ongoing funding. 00:17:02
So that could do what that's going to. 00:17:06
Necessarily take what ongoing funding? Not really, because when you look at it. 00:17:12
You know, you look at it, we go go to the. 00:17:16
County Council for A. 00:17:22
You know one $1.1 million. 00:17:24
And you know, they just have to, they've got to staff up and maybe maybe get some equipment. But the ultimate source of that money 00:17:27
remains the taxpayer. 00:17:31
Whether it's someone living within the fire district where the levees go up, we just had a meeting last week where two of the 00:17:36
three fire departments came before us and asked for at least the ability to consider an increase in the Max levy. 00:17:43
So it all goes back to the taxpayer one way or the other. Just because it's not going to come through the council and the county 00:17:51
proper, it's still going to hit. 00:17:55
You know, the individual taxpayer. So it's the same money, it's the service is going to cost the same amount of money regardless 00:18:01
of. 00:18:05
Which fund it comes out of and we all need to peak. 00:18:09
Cognizant of that, I totally agree, but we're talking about a one year ask instead of a three-year ask for multiple ask and then 00:18:12
and then again if there is. 00:18:17
Traditional house is not going to be nearly what it would be for the for the original amount. 00:18:21
Yeah, Well, I'd like to point out too that. 00:18:27
There was, there was those RFP's that was sent out for Alan and. 00:18:31
Came out to the commissioners and they were, what, 750? 00:18:35
You were What was the price on? 00:18:40
For one last year, yeah, was a 750 even like 1.1 million? Something like that 1.2. 00:18:42
Yeah. I mean, so everybody knew that the price of EMS is going up. I mean, you know, I don't think there's any secret here. We've 00:18:51
talked about it in these board meetings. We've talked about it in our joint sessions that the price is going to be going up 00:18:56
substantially. I don't think that. 00:19:01
I was was the the original contract for New Chapel was signed in 2019 and it hasn't been, it's just auto renewed and we haven't 00:19:07
renewed the contract you know. 00:19:11
But it's auto renewed so. 00:19:16
You know this, this is just where we're at right now. Yeah, we've had a lot of discussions about the price and you know how heavy 00:19:20
it is and. 00:19:23
You know there there's probably is going to have to be some sort of revenue St. to take care of it, but. 00:19:27
You know it's. 00:20:36
The way it used to be is that you know when you had private annual service they would come in and provide service for you and no 00:20:38
cost if you have like for example a county owned hospital like what we used to have. 00:20:43
Yeah. 00:21:21
Any further discussion? 00:21:29
What brand did you have any? 00:21:31
Any questions about? 00:21:33
Old business. You want to bring up about the RFP's? No, I'm good. 00:21:35
OK. 00:21:39
Well, I'd be happy to consider any recommendations this board might have on our RFP's. 00:21:44
Maybe I'll do a little more discussion. OK. First off, I'll apologize for missing. 00:21:51
The last couple of meetings I think could you put my closer. So I think I'm out of sync looking at these looking to this is just 00:21:55
me talking again and I'm just representing my thoughts on that. I mean but the the Omeprazole presentation is. 00:22:02
Is is pre polished and pretty you know it's it's it's it's cookie cutter we get that but but that's you know that that's who they 00:22:09
are and I think they'll provide the service that they're stating they will for the price that they're you know asking. So I think 00:22:14
one of the questions I think for the community has asked is do you want to take this, do you want to use this opportunity to take 00:22:19
the community in a little different direction and are you willing to take a risk. 00:22:24
You know, functionality. 00:23:03
But if you want to take this as an opportunity to build something that might benefit the county may moderate, the costs may 00:23:04
improve on the ability of skilled. 00:23:09
Provider retention, etc, etc. All of that. You know, there's some intriguing benefits to taking that path, but but it's not it, it 00:23:15
this, it's not really a binary decision. I think right now that's like the philosophic, you know, decision. I've seen fire systems 00:23:21
function very well and I've seen fire systems function not very well. A lot of it is the leadership and mission. 00:23:28
And I think that's probably the most important. So and that's not necessarily reflecting the document, it's mute to that but but I 00:23:35
think that's you know that is part of our discussion with regards to fire. I'm not sure is anybody here could speak to that one of 00:23:42
the and this might be a a Steve question is your priority dispatch system for EMS. 00:23:48
Is there a CAD? 00:23:55
Priority dispatch system for EMS? Yes and And who is it? Who's is it? Will you Spillman? 00:23:58
OK, OK. Because because I think you need to have that, you know, one of the places I really would want to see the county maintain. 00:24:03
Maintain. I'll use the term ownership. That's probably not the right one. But to have A to have like the big eye what's going on 00:24:12
in the county and analyze data. I think the county should at a minimum like you know if not own that have a great. 00:24:18
A document that doesn't sound like it's on the agenda today. 00:25:04
Well, but, but you know that would be a significant issue. And then I guess my last one before I'll shut up is is the the 00:25:06
non-emergency stuff is like still essential. 00:25:12
The nursing home, abnormal labs that stuff I'm sure in our pro would be happy to accommodate that, you know whoever steps into 00:25:20
those shoes if we're deciding to cast a wider net. 00:25:24
I think that's part of the mission you know as well. 00:25:29
And so, and I didn't really see that addressed. 00:25:32
So anyway, thanks doc, my thoughts. 00:25:35
I do have a question then for Jason in terms of the agenda. 00:25:41
Would you prefer? So we haven't discussed fire based EMS yet and I think that's important that we do because we are an Advisory 00:25:46
Board to you all. I think it's only fair to look at all. 00:25:50
Options on the table in terms of where we're at, even though we're on a time schedule and a time crunch and a financial crunch and 00:25:55
everything else. Do you prefer to talk about that now or wait and maybe vote on an option to you guys? How would you prefer that? 00:26:01
I would like to see the board choose an option between these two and then we can move on to the fire based EMS discussion that 00:26:07
Highlander. 00:26:12
Was to discuss and I would still like to make sure we have plenty of time for public comment. 00:26:18
So is there a 6:00? 00:26:23
So we're on a not a time limit then, I guess. 00:26:27
Fair enough. 00:26:32
Well, I think we probably should talk about the the fire department plan before we. 00:26:35
Make any sort of a recommendation, though I think that needs to be out on the table. So Brandon wasn't here when you gave your 00:26:43
discussion out here. Yeah, our attorney. 00:26:49
Has been very clear that the commissioners cannot consider 1/3 option. 00:26:56
That did not come through on these RFP's unless we reject the others. 00:27:00
Outright, which is not going to happen tonight because we cannot do that in this meeting were to happen. 00:27:04
Even if there was a consensus, because it has not been advertised appropriately, that we're going to be having that discussion 00:27:10
tonight. 00:27:13
So, but I think we can, we can listen, but what we really can't, I'm going to be abstaining from any, we're not voting, but I 00:27:17
think Brandon was a syndicate talking about it first before we give you the recommendation we can do that as an Advisory Board. 00:27:22
You all initially don't want to respond. 00:27:27
I just think he's wanting some clarity on the RFP's that we have between those two. 00:27:34
And as as someone had said, you can give us more than one opinion tonight, it's OK to say, Gee, if we have to go between these 00:27:39
two, this is the one we want. But this is the other option that we're looking at as well. We'd like for it to be considered. 00:27:45
Is that doctor? 00:27:52
Sorry, sorry to interrupt guys, but but perhaps the comp. 00:27:56
Perhaps the compromise here is we table the two initial RFPs which I think is allowed under rules of order and then you are able 00:28:00
to then discuss the fire based option. I'd like to just sort of augment what Doctor O'Brien said. I mean that the whole reason 00:28:07
we're here which I've said before is you know we're we're dissatisfied with with new Chapel and with some of the things there. 00:28:14
We're also a mayor proposed a for profit service. We've had those, they've been fairly functional but. 00:28:21
There for profit. And then we have another option that would allow us to you know to take a step forward. And I agree if there is 00:28:29
some gamble there and there's some things have to fall into place for me, most particularly what's going on in New Albany 00:28:37
Township. But I think that option is exciting enough and developmental enough that what we need to look at is a real world 00:28:45
solution that involves us looking at all three options equally. I mean there there may be some you know. 00:28:53
Occurrence with New Chapel over a time that makes a more stable, viable option. It is certainly not now. 00:29:01
So if we could table the two RFP's then then we have not voted on them, we have not rejected, we have not approved them, but that 00:29:08
allows us to look at a third option outside of the RFP process. 00:29:14
Then once you make a decision on the three options and then at that time you can accept or reject either or both RFP's, it'll 00:29:21
have. This option allows us to to delve deep down into the fire and allows us to not reject the other two options. 00:29:28
You know, out of hand. 00:29:37
I think, I think. 00:29:39
Can I add something, Jason? Yes, Sir. Jim, go ahead. 00:29:42
This Jim Bayfield. 00:29:46
I don't know. I'm having a hard time understanding. I'd get everybody's wanting to talk about the Firebase DMS. 00:29:47
However, the information that was received from the Fire Vegas EMS. 00:29:54
Doesn't have any definitive figures. 00:29:59
It's to be worked out with the Council and the commissioners and everything, so how can we truly discuss that when we have? 00:30:03
Double granted information to move forward to know how intelligent of a decision that would be. 00:30:11
The only intelligent information I have to make an intelligent decision on numbers that affect the taxpayer as a good steward. 00:30:18
Is the 2 RFPs. 00:30:26
In the Highlander plan, on the very last page, it has the the numbers. 00:30:30
As far as figures going forward with. 00:30:37
So I have a couple thoughts on that as well. Just to kind of follow up with Doc Harris said is that I would hate to have another 00:30:42
missed opportunity for us to go through another meeting and not be any closer to having something solidified by the time this 00:30:48
contract that we have runs out. Number one and you know #2 is that. 00:30:55
You know, I have not seen the Highlander proposal just because of the rules. 00:31:01
That was kind of laid out. I don't. I just didn't feel it was right until we had taken some action on the other RFPs. 00:31:06
But. 00:31:15
We have had discussions about Firebase, EMS. These just did not appear. We've been talking about this since last year. You know 00:31:18
what it is, it's just people don't agree with the pathway. So you know, I've kind of line it out, but I would like to get an 00:31:23
answer on these two RPS that we currently have right now. Before we enter into that discussion, I like to add, I know that Jason 00:31:28
know you were here last week. 00:31:33
But we had this discussion how you made the comment that you want to see data and that was the reason why. 00:31:39
We tabled it so and and Highlander said that they could get it to us by Thursday and then we said we said no sooner. 00:31:45
And that's why they gave it to us by Tuesday. So they gave us the data and after that I had a conversation with our attorney. 00:31:53
Who said that? 00:31:59
We would not be allowed to look at that as an official proposal unless the other two were rejected. 00:32:01
When I think at the end of the day to attorney is involved here. 00:32:09
It is our County Attorney, Rick Fox. 00:32:13
And I think ultimately if I may just go ahead and speak on this and how I think laid it out in the in the meeting nicely enough to 00:32:17
where the commissioners ultimately have the say here we are just an Advisory Board whether we approve or just. 00:32:23
Reject these RFP's and talk about fire, be our base EMS and then make a motion to send it to them. With that they only have the 00:32:29
contract or the ultimate say to choose which direction they want to go from this board. It's a great board. I want to go ahead and 00:32:35
say on the record that Jason has done a great job. Regardless of which way this goes. Jason, you know all the all hats off to you 00:32:41
for the work they're doing and I. But I think we also as in the right word have the ability to look at all options and. 00:32:47
And so if that means rejecting RFP's that's potentially someone's call or our calls aboard, then have that discussion then go from 00:32:54
there. So don't, don't mix the two of the commissioners versus the Advisory Board. And we are advising work and discuss all these 00:32:59
options and and make recommendations to it and that's what we're tasked to do so. 00:33:04
And the Highlander plan? It's not a it's not a proposal to pick up business. 00:33:10
And make a profit from our the taxpayers in the county. 00:33:18
This plan is an operational plan. 00:33:22
That is coming from a. 00:33:25
Government run emergency services provider. 00:33:28
And this outline is just how they can. 00:33:33
Expand their scope to include. 00:33:37
Emergency services, So it's not we're not trying to make money with this plan. 00:33:41
And that's and. So I don't think it really needs to be considered as. 00:33:48
A bid towards the RFP? 00:33:53
There's not. 00:33:57
It's not part of that in my opinion either. And I would think there's Jim trying to. Jim, go ahead. 00:34:00
Body was. 00:34:09
All right. 00:34:12
Well, my position is that we reject both. 00:34:17
Of the RFP's and we. 00:34:20
With discussions with the incorporating or. 00:34:22
I'm not sure how we get to the fire department one, but that's where I think we need to be. 00:34:27
So I don't know. 00:34:31
How that happens but? 00:34:33
I guess everyone else can chime in so you don't have any recommendation on the 2 that's been submitted. 00:34:35
To reject them. 00:34:41
OK. 00:34:42
So I would assume, is that your motion for you? I don't know if we're are we motioning? Are we just stating the opinions? I think 00:34:48
you're just stating your opinion. That's my opinion. 00:34:52
That's my opinion. If it needs to be a motion, I'll make a motion. That's an opinion. 00:34:56
All right, well, this is Harris. My my opinion would be that it's the only possible way that we can move forward and continue a 00:35:02
fire option is to reject the two current RFP's. Then we shouldn't reject the two current RFP's and look at fire. I think this is 00:35:08
an option. This allows us to move forward. Those organizations theoretically are going to be in the community. It's not they're 00:35:14
going to leave and disappear overnight unless. 00:35:21
Something happens with New Chapel and so therefore they would be inclined to submit the same RFP in the future. So yeah, I I think 00:35:28
that this is the chance we reject both RFP's and and look into the fire option quickly. 00:35:35
I mean we set up, we didn't know contract doesn't auto extend until you know, June 1. But also we've been working with an audibly 00:35:44
new contract for three years now. So my spending, yeah, project both RFP's and let's move forward and take a look at the fire 00:35:49
option and then we can revisit their previous proposals if that doesn't work out. Yeah, to be clear there's no auto renewal on 00:35:55
this. 00:36:00
We've been working the same contract though. Since what, 2019, right? Correct. But it expires May 31st. 00:36:08
Right now. So there will be no and I still feel like there's a lot of. 00:36:18
Unknown questions and I'm going to. 00:36:23
To say that my opinion. 00:36:26
Is that we contract with. 00:36:28
That was Jim, right? 00:36:35
You know I would. 00:36:46
Go with what, Tom? 00:36:48
Said also and say reject both and. 00:36:50
Explore the Fire Morps. 00:36:54
Explore fire. 00:37:00
Jason, you don't think that it should maybe go to think a vote even on the Advisory Board instead of people's opinions, more just 00:37:03
a vote like so if the if emotions made. 00:37:07
To reject both RFP's, I would think that could be better in a motion. Then you'd have that and then if if Jim would want to make 00:37:14
them or vote against that, that you know that's his choice of course. So then you'd have it solidified in terms of the vote point 00:37:19
of order. I would just since we started down the road of just getting into individual opinions, go ahead and do that as part of a 00:37:25
discussion and then I would recommend putting it for an up and down vote on that. 00:37:30
But again, I want to clarify for everybody here that up and down vote is not. 00:37:36
Rejection of the RFP's. It's an opinion from the board to do so. I don't want the headline tomorrow to be. 00:37:40
Floyd County rejects RFP's. Well, we are Advisory Board that can make a recommendation to the commissioners in terms of rejecting 00:37:49
the RFP's choosing one or the other and that's our choices really basically says. 00:37:55
Advisory Board, you know as well as either we can't control the media, but the Advisory Board would send a recommendation. 00:38:03
You know, and if it's against rejecting both of these, I think that's the recommendation. 00:38:10
And you all can take that up I would think. 00:38:15
You know, at Gerald's next meeting of course, and how you proceed, Jason, ultimately that's your call. That's how you would do 00:38:17
that. No, we like I said, we've gone down the line of squad and do it if we can. 00:38:23
Formalize it with a vote afterwards. But I like to have everybody's I'll reject both then. 00:38:28
All right. 00:38:34
So I'll entertain a motion at this point, Dr. O'Brien. 00:38:38
Informally gave an opinion. 00:38:42
I think we're yeah I. 00:38:45
It sounds like a process issue. I see probably majority of this board would like to hear more about which FIRE has to say and if 00:38:48
the mechanism in order to hear their proposal is to make a rejection of the two that are in. I mean I get it. This is like a 00:38:54
process. I'm, I'm, I'm voting in terms of process. 00:39:00
On this or making a recommendation based on process because of the two if we decide to go private wash our hands of this. I think 00:39:07
Mayor Pro could probably do a decent job they have. So. So I just want to be on the record I would reject these two if it meant we 00:39:13
could have a meaningful discussion about what fire could do for do for the community. I think we have to have that discussion and 00:39:20
I guess to your point dog Brian, it's also if we're not. 00:39:27
Technically taking a motion, we still could discuss this in Advisory Board mode. It doesn't. I don't think we are going to reject 00:39:34
the RFP just like you said, we're not rejecting RFP, that's what I'll say. So therefore we shouldn't really make a motion to 00:39:40
reject it even our opinions, but have that discussion with Firebase, EMS and then at the end of that then we can make a motion. 00:39:46
To go with one of the contracts and then or Firebase EMS to you all, I think that's the way it should roll out. Then you've you've 00:39:52
vetted what we believe to be vetted as a board under the time restraints that we're on. 00:39:57
So the process would be the commissioners would have to reject these two, absolutely open the door to have a detailed discussion 00:40:03
about FIRE and what that looks like. And where I'm sitting, I'd like to hear more about what FIRE has to offer. 00:40:10
The problem is the time crunch. And what I don't know is I can't ask people who who are supporting this document, you know, what 00:40:17
is their, what is their ramp up speed, You know, what could they provide? Because I know Americans can tell you we can do this on 00:40:23
May 19th. You know we'll do it on May 17th. But I mean, I I get it, that's not a criticism of them. That's their capacity. 00:40:29
So I'd like to know more about this and if I have to. 00:40:36
If we have to like close that door or make that recommendation that you're recommending so we can hear more than I. 00:40:39
OK. We don't want to harm suppression just for EMS. You know, we need to make sure that both are sustainable, you know, and I 00:41:19
think once you get that action and you get that data, then the very next thing you need to do is you need to do a fiscal analysis. 00:41:24
See not only can we start it, but can we sustain it. 00:41:29
I mean, I'm sorry. I just think that's responsible, I mean. 00:41:34
In my opinion, you know, making these quick judgments like this is what got us in so much trouble over the years. 00:41:37
Already. So I'd like to kind of hit that pause button and do things the right way. If I may ask Jason on the GIS studies, I know 00:41:43
you've mentioned several times what so the way I understand Jasmine, I'm not a firefighter and I don't understand. So that's why 00:41:48
I'm asking. 00:41:52
If we bring this in house hiring more dispatchers because that's going to create more volume, you know, for our dispatchers, 00:42:35
there's a lot of data that we still need to see. 00:42:38
It's it's way too premature. 00:42:43
I have a quick question relative to GIS debt. Is is Ameripro and New Travel being held to that same standard? 00:42:45
What are you talking about? 00:42:52
Well, if you say that, the fire department must. 00:42:53
Conform to NFPA standards. Must conform to GIS studies. 00:42:56
Or is that the same thing, that the same standard that Mayor Pro and New Chapel are being held to? I don't think Ameripro and News 00:43:01
are is is a, is a. 00:43:05
Is a fire department. I don't think they know what's not services new Chapel, I'm not sure actually. I think their their playbook 00:43:10
may be NFPA 1720, which deals with the combination and volunteer departments. So I'm I'm not sure if what their standard is. 00:43:17
That's a little bit out of my wheelhouse, but I think that's more to the point of why we need a lot more actionable data. 00:43:24
And I think there's a lot of value in doing it the right way the first time. 00:43:32
Instead of doing it the way that. 00:43:37
Is being discussed. 00:43:40
I mean this. This was all laid out at people's feet. 00:43:45
You know, the last time we had this discussion, they decided not to do it. I don't know why, but they didn't. So. 00:43:48
Well, the reality is, is that for some reason the. 00:43:54
EMS group that was put together, the Advisory Council was disbanded. 00:43:59
And then the next group was brought on, which I was a part of and at my first meeting I have documented was in July. 00:44:02
And so to say that, you know we're we're rushing into this with the fire services, it's there's only been a handful of meetings 00:44:09
relative to the other proposals. 00:44:13
And again, I I think when we ask, when we say, well, we we can't. 00:44:19
We can't have the fire department provide this because they are not. 00:44:23
Meeting a certain standard, but we're not requiring the mayor, pro or new Chapel to meet that same standard. 00:44:27
It doesn't. It doesn't make sense. 00:44:32
I mean, I mean NFPA. NFPA is recommendation. It's a recommendation, I mean. 00:44:37
I know Jason's laughing about, I mean I'm sure we could go to to his place and find things that they don't meet NFPA standards 00:44:42
also so that NFPA standards are are the gold standard and it's very difficult to meet that. But I think one of the things that 00:44:49
that was discussed in the proposal there is that for example Highlander would be. 00:44:55
Adding staff so that they didn't you when they make the Mississippi runs to cover for the private services that they're not 00:45:03
pulling. 00:45:06
People off their engine companies, they're actually staffing ambulances and that's a whole different animal. But why the? 00:45:11
One of the first things we talked about, Mr. Ponte, was. 00:45:18
And one of the meetings that I have noted. 00:45:20
Is that we said it would take 3 ambulances. 00:45:23
For adequate coverage for Floyd Cap and then. 00:45:26
I think Jason said you know, he'd prefer a Chase cartoon. I argued for four ambulances. 00:45:29
This highlight your proposal. 00:45:34
How many ambulances is this Brandon? 00:45:37
I don't want to speak incorrectly, I thought it was 2. 00:45:40
Doing it in the side side. 00:45:43
We need to decide first if we're going to discuss Firebase, EMS or. Yeah, right, do that first. We need to iron that out real 00:45:44
quick before we get into that discussion, Jim. And hopefully that if you're OK with that, yeah, let's let's go ahead. So I'll 00:45:48
entertain a motion for. 00:45:53
The two. 00:45:58
Bids that we currently have. 00:46:00
Someone, someone will need to make that motion. Yeah, somebody need to make a motion. 00:46:03
Oh, the motion for my my, the motion of my opinion. 00:46:08
OK. All right. Well, I make a motion that. 00:46:12
We reject both Mayor Pearl and new Chapel bids. 00:46:15
I think again to formally worded it should be that again words you might but just to clarify the motion should be that this 00:46:18
board's opinion is that the two hour fee should be rejected. 00:46:23
OK, I'll make a motion. 00:46:30
That this board or this advisory committee makes a recommendation that we reject both. 00:46:33
Bids to the RFP. 00:46:42
Does that work OK? 00:46:44
And that would need a second. 00:46:47
I'll second. 00:46:49
OK. I got a motion by Chris and a second by Brandon. I think it's appropriate for the commissioners do not vote because this will 00:46:51
come before the commissioners, so. 00:46:55
All in favor signify by saying aye aye opposed. 00:46:59
OK. And then three abstentions, yeah. 00:47:05
I heard two eyes. 00:47:08
I think Jim said I twice. 00: