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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 12-13-2011 - 8cORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: December 13, 2011 Action Agenda Item No. 8 - G SUBJECT: Emergency Services Workgroup DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/NJ No ATTACHMENT(S): Proposed Emergency Services Workgroup INFORMATION CONTACT: F. R. Montes de Oca, Emergency Services Director, 245-6140 Michael Talbert, Assistant County Manager, 245-2308 PURPOSE: To provide the Board with recommendations for the Emergency Services Workgroup. BACKGROUND: On November 17, 2011 the Board of County Commissioners met to discuss with staff several issues and recommendations to enhance the delivery of emergency services. Staff presented: 1) Review of the VIPER (Voice Interoperability Plan for Emergency Responders) Original Design and Implementation and Strategies to Improve Coverage and Capacity; 2) E911 Communications Center Improvement Plan; 3) Discussion with the Board of County Commissioners Regarding Plans to Improve the Emergency Medical Services Delivery System; 4) Review of Fire Department Issues Relating to Fire Protection Districts, Fire Insurance Districts and Fire Tax Districts as Related to Property Insurance Ratings; and 5) Summary of Financial Implications to Provide Emergency Services Coverage, Capacity and System Improvements. The Board directed staff to bring a plan back that established a workgroup to address issues related to the items presented for the purpose of seeking input. Staff has contacted and discussed workgroup makeup options with several senior fire and rescue members and senior law enforcement members. The workgroup is recommended to consist of members from the volunteer and municipal fire and rescue group, a municipal law enforcement senior officer, a representative from the Sheriff's Office, and members from the Emergency Services Department. The County Attorney's Office, Medical Director and County staff will be utilized as needed. The group will provide its recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners. The scope of services for the Workgroup could include but not be limited to the following: 1. Review VIPER system improvements and provide input. a 2. Review the preliminary findings of Solutions for Local Government, Inc. and provide input (Note: The Board of Commissioners will consider authorizing a contract with Solutions for Local Government in a subsequent agenda item later in this meeting.) 3. Provide the Board with alternative short-term and long-term solutions relating to Fire Protection Districts, Fire Insurance Districts and Fire Tax Districts. 4. Review the Fire Departments Strategic Plan once complete and provide input. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The approval of this Workgroup will have no financial impact on the County. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proposed Emergency Services Workgroup and give direction to staff as to the Workgroup's scope of services. 3 ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA Emergency Services Workgroup Assistant County Manager -Coordinator 1. Volunteer Fire Chief -Appointed by OC Fire Chief's Association 2. Volunteer Fire Chief -Appointed by OC Fire Chief's Association 3. South Orange Rescue Squad -Appointed by Rescue Squad 4. Municipal Fire Chief -Town of Chapel Hill Fire Chief or Designee 5. Municipal Police Chief -Town of Carrboro Police Chief or Designee 6. Municipal Police Chief -Town of Hillsborough Police Chief or Designee 7. Orange County Sheriff -Sheriff or Designee 8. Emergency Services Director Technical Staff as needed: • EMS, Communications • County Attorney • County Medical Director