HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-04-2002 - 8h ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 4, 2002
Action Age$
Item No.
SUBJECT: Extension of EMS Transportation Contract with Orange EMS & Rescue Squad
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Management PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
proposed Contract Nick Waste. eat 3030
5/22/02 Squad Letter
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 9684501
Durham 688.7331
Mebane 336327-2031
PURPOSE: To consider approving an extension of an existing contract with Orange EMS &
Rescue Squad, Inc. to provide the ambulance transportation component of the County's
Emergency Medical Services program until September 30, 2002.
BACKGROUND: The County first entered into a contract with South Orange Rescue Squad in
September 1996 to provide EMS transportation. South Orange and Orange County Rescue
Squads merged to form the present Orange EMS and Rescue Squad in 1991 The contract has
been renewed each year since and the current contract expires on June 30, 2002.
The Squad provides personnel to drive fine County ambulances used in the transportation
component of EMS. This arrangement has been a part of the system design of Emergency
Medical Services and allows the Squad to remain active while preventing or delaying the
operational need to add County staff to carry out the task. The squad has been dealing with a
declining number of volunteers, leading to the hiring of full and part-time staff and concomitant
increases in expenditures. The budget request from the Squad has increased over the past two
years. For FY 2002 413,the Squad proposed an increase in the stipend they receive from the
County for the services they provide from about$555,000 to $775,000 annually.
The proposed EMS budget for FY 2002-03 provides funding to continue the EMS transportation
contract with the squad for three months, at a monthly stipend Increase of$12,000 over the
2001-02 contract. Squad leadership has indicated that the Squad Is willing to continue the
existing service arrangement under the terms cited.
2
Over the summer, staff will examine options and develop recommendations to the BOCC for the
provision of EMS transportation beyond October 1, 2002. Alternatives to consider could
include, among others:
• continued contracting with the Squad;
• contracting with another private non-profit or for-profit entity;
• provision of the service by County staff only;
some combination of these other approaches. -
An appropriation of roughly$517,000 has been Included in the 2002-03 Manager's
Recommended Budget to address the cost of providing ambulance transportation after October
1, under whatever service delivery approach the Board may choose next fall.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Some existing staff time is involved in working with the Squad to
administer the ambulance transportation component of the EMS System. The terms of the
contract call for the County to reimburse the Squad In the amount of$58,269.17 per month for
the three months of the agreement. This amount is included In the Manager's Recommended
Budget for 2002-2003.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Boat approve the contract
extension with the Rescue Squad through September 30, 2002, and authorize the Chair to sign
it, subject to final raview by staff and the County Attorney.
3
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF ORANGE
AGREEMENT BETWEEN
ORANGE EMS AND RESCUE SQUAD, INC.
AND
ORANGE COUNTY,NORTH CAROLINA
THIS AGREEMENT,made and entered arm the 4th day oflune.2002 by and between Coul
EMS and Rescue Squad,Inc.,bereiaeftw ref d W as`THE SQUAD"and Orange County,North
Camfim,hensinalter referred to as"I HE COUNTY',for and on behalf of its Office of Emergency
MmugemmtSmices.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS,THE COUNTY pursuant to the authority contained m N.O6.S.I53A-250(b),wishes to
have aprivale fins oLt organization provide the traysporztron component and special events scngces
as part of its emergency martial system using mosomtel other then County Su ffand to compensate
said agency f those services;and
WHEREAS,THE SQUAD dashes to provide this service to THE COUNTY.
NOW,THEREFORE,in consideranan offlue premises and of fin,Allowing mumal promises,
eovmmes and conditions,THE C0frN1fY and THE SQUAD agree as follows:
I. SQUARRESMNSWELITIEs
A. To name a single point of contact Nat bas me third ant authority to conduct
bumorsn on beini fof 111E SQUAD. The name ofthis indivsdusl shall be provided to
THE COUNTY Upon the signing ofthis agreement. THE SQUAD shall provide THE
COUNTY with ranee of any change in the contact person 5 working days prior to the
effective date ofthe charge
B. To provide stnfRng ofmvbulaaccil 24 hours per day,7 days per week at staffing
levels established by agreement of the parties provided,however,that in no event shall
THE SQUAD pWmil the staffing of ambulances used to provide services union this
agreement by individuals certified below the level of Emergency Medical Technician;
and to provide stalling of ambulances for special events.
C. To ensure Just all pe[aormel are rained,certified and current In all minumlag
education requirements pursuant to standards set by THE COUNTY,and other
ticrosivg/certiEwtion boards asmaybeapproprian Evidenceofecrti5cationrequlred
a�
by NCGS 131E-159shallbspovidedhoMECOUNT'Y. THESQUADshallensure
that these records are kept curter[.
D. To purchase items used by THE SQUAD for the provision of emergency
mMicat services in accordance wifo Range County,purchasing policies and procedures,
and to maintain records of these purchases for periodic review by TIM COUNTY,
E. To maintain legal personnel documentation,including an appropriate record of
times worked for paid and volumser pvsem od.and to make these pemomcl records
available m THE COUNTY as needed with appmpnate prior notice.
F. To ensure that at all times when on duty,THE SQUAD's personnel are aW@ed in
a uniform approved by THE COUNTY.
G. To perform daily checkouts of each wit,all supplies and equipment at the
bcgiming ofcach shift,and report any deficiencies to THE COUNTY in a manner
approved by THE COUNTY. THE SQUAD shall rot allow the supplies and equipment
on each unit to fall below the standards established by the North Carolina Modest Care
Commission.
H. To properly maintain the vehicles provided by THE COUNTY in good working
order and notify Emergency blmege mart of any ueedei maintenance or repairs.THE
SQUAD shall keep and maintain records of the operation and maintenance of the
vehiclesinaccordancewitb N.C.G.S. 131E-156. Copies ofNese records shall be
furnished to THE COUNTY. Further,it shall be the resporwibility of THE SQUAD to
notify Emergency Management when he obtain or renew both the ambulance permit
requirM by N.C.G.S. 131E-156 and the safety inspection required by N.C.GS.40.183.
1. THE SQUAD shall provide and maintain evidence of a current Ambulance
Ao dens License,issuedpursuaatto N.C.G.S. 131 13-155.1,m THECOUNTY.
S. To submit a regular monthly accounting report including income,salary,
maintenance,supplies,fuel,and other associated operational items to THE COUNTY;
and as submit special event coverage report forma at the conclusion of such event.
K THE SQUAD undemlands and agrees that the financial officer or designee of
THE COUNTY shall have the right he wapect,upon reasmable notice,all books and
records of THE SQUAD,and will be given lull and complete across.
L. To emure that THE SQUAD'S personnel conduct themselves in a professional
ounces at all times and consistent with the amduct c;gwcLdmma of the Orange County
Pcrsomel Ordinance and specifically comply with the policies of the Squad on fi to with
the County which address harassment,discrimination,personal conduct,drug free work
place and employment of relatives.
M. The SQUAD will compensate its paid employees at Orate not lower thus the
Living Wage as cemblished in the Change County Personnel Ordinance.
II. CAUNT'Y]RESPONSIBILITIES
A. To provide ambulance vehicles o'sufficient number to support me stabling
levels required of THE SQUAD. However,any ambulances provided by'FEE
COUNTY are and shell remain the property of THE COUNTY and area lemsination of
this agreement are to be mmmed to THE COUNTY in good working condition,
reasonable wear and tear excepted.
B. To approve a smpdard uniform fm SQUAD personnel providing services
pamnanl to this Agreement.
C. To provide necessary supplies,equipment,fucl,and othermedical essentials for
the shielding of stalled units to the level speified by THE COUNTY,and to provide a
method ofre-cracking units after math use.
D. To provide for the preventive maintenance and repair of she ambulance vehicles
used by THE SQUAD to provide smites pursuant to this Agreement This Inclue all
vehicles used m provide smites under this Agreement owned by THE COUNTY.
E. To retain full authority and meponamility far the care and treatment of all
patients Mat use the FMS system;and to epsure that appropriate medical supervision is
provided to THE SQUAD.
F. THE COONTY'Smedical diremn will pmvide medical care direction and
medical wutrol to THE SQUAD.
G. THE COUNTY'S medical director will review and approve training and
coatinuiag education that will assure the maintenance of all the SQUAD's EMS
personnel cmifications.
H. To provide required health and safety programs including protectionism,
medical evaluatma,training,and post exposure management forme personnel of THE
SQUAD providing services Concept m this Agreement
1. To pmvide operational management of THE SQUAD's personnel doing all
activities related to the provision of emergency medical services under this contract.
J. Tof'sV to THE SQUAD a numhly argent of$58.269.17 hi provide the
transportation component of emergency medical services under this agreement. This
cash stipend will be will be paid hi THE SQUAD for the three months of this agreement
and paid by the Ur day of each month.
K To famish to THE SQUAD mimhursement of the approved costs for special
event coverage within two weeks of receipt by THE COUNTY from THE SQUAD of
appropriate special esma coverage report forms.
IR. INSURANCE
THE SQUAD will be responsible For the negligence of its personnel and agents. Furthen THE
COUNTY shell dome the amount and levels of insurance which THE SQUAD shall maintain
b ..
for the activities Performed pursuant to this Agreement as well as the buildings and equipment
used m provide services under Nis Agreement It shell be at THE COUNTY'S option to either
provide the covvage through a policy pumbtsed by THE COUNTY or to reimburse THE
SQUAD for ivauraoca policies purchased by N®. Any policies of insurance purchased
directly by THE SQUAD shell be thmugh m maumrce company acceptable m THE COUNTY.
V. TERM
This agreement shall mn fiom July 1,2002 tlnoug September 30,2002 and shall be renewable
therceflcr upon written agreements executed by both patties.
V. TEIZMINXfI0N
The Agreement or its renewal may be terminated at any time without penalty by either party
provided that written notice of such termination is furnished to De other party at least 60 days
priormtermingum mthemmlofsuchtatrdnaGonmvpaMentducslrallbepmre tdto Nc
date of termination.
VI. MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING
THE SQUAD end THE COLT understand and agree that nothing m this ageement shall be
construed to create m seclusive amaugemeat between the parties,and THE COUNTY u free b
provide services by other means.
W. ENTIRE UslRFRSTANDING
The Agaement contains the mote undctsaudmg of the parties end Abell not be altered,
ammdd Or modified,except by m agreement in writing executed by the authorized
ectmtw atative of both parties;.
VHL SITUS
The laws of North Carolina scull govern the validity sod interpretation Of the provisions,terms
and conditions of this agreement
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have hereasto signed this Agraanerd in their official
capacities of the day and year listed below.
FOR AND ON BBHALF OF
ORANGE EMS AND RESCUE SQUAD,INC.
DATE
MATHEW DEAN
CHAIR OF TBE HOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR AND ONBEHAI,F OF:
ORANGE COUNTY,NORTH CAROLINA
DAIE:
BARRYJACOBS
CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF COh ISSIONEM
ATTEST:
BEVERLY A.BLYTEE
CLERK TO THE BOARD
Orange EMS and Rescue Squad Inc. e
261 Soub Ch mShed
I-➢13�rough,NC=8
919!732-7440
May 22,NO2
room Link,Sr,County Manager -
CouatyofOrmge
Pod Office%x 8181
Hillsborough,NC 27298
Door W,Link:
Meuse lm Oda ldkr sefve as formal notice of the intent of theBomd ofD oCt m ofOmnge
EMS and Rescue Squad,Inc.to aocopt dM pmpo d tens of Um contract extension diseusa
recent wrtuipondertoas,[a vdc aUtree monlfi extmaionttvou8h 30 SW�ber2002,wltha
$12,000 mmthly addit m to the omrmt shpmd,
Fuller,onbehalt'ofthe Board ofDumm ofOo a EMS cord Rescue Squad,Inc.,Idme
eztevd ourhope andwisfi to continue the Squad'e relationship withyou in saving the citlx rs
ofOrmgo County.
Sincerely,
Matthew Dom
Chinn Bomd of Directors of Omnge EMS and Rc Mq,TM
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