HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-04-22 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1996
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Abramowitz called the Workshop to order on Monday, April
22,1996, at 9:30 A.M. in Conference Room #1 of Tamarac, City Hall, 7525 Northwest
88th Avenue, Tamarac, Florida.
PRESENT:
Mayor Norman Abramowitz
Vice Mayor Larry Mishkin
Commissioner Sharon Machek
Commissioner John E. McKaye
Commissioner Joseph Schreiber
ALSO PRESENT:
Robert S. Noe, Jr., City Manager
Mitchell S. Kraft, City Attorney
Dina M. McDermott, Assistant City Manager
Stanley Hawthorne, Finance Director
Phyllis Polikoff, Office Specialist
Tape 1
1. 1995 Audit T Madsen, Sapp, Mena, Rodriguez and Co.
Tom Evans of the Auding firm discussed the audit and thanked the Finance Department
for their assistance. He said Tamarac complied with all accounting standards and the
DMG study and job reviews in his recommendations were implemented. Discussion
followed on the catastrophic insurance reserve fund.
2. Emergency Medical Services
Mr. Noe referred to his April 19, 1996 letter (Attachment 1), negotiations with Broward
County, Tamarac's Fire Department, Medics Ambulance and Lifefleet, private Advance
Life Support, first responder and response time.
Tape 2
He discussed emergency calls, the need for more Firefighter/Paramedics, supervisors,
City Commission Workshop
April 22, 1996
Page 2
additional ambulances, subscription costs for services, proposed revenue and
recommended the City contract with Medics Ambulance.
Discussion followed on Medics' violations and audit, Tamarac's lawsuit and non -ad
valorem assessments. There were additional comments regarding a third ambulance
used as backup, contradicting statements made by Broward County's Attorney and
Administrator and new Firefighter/Paramedics would not be trained by October 1, 1996.
Tape 3
Mr. Noe said Lifefleet could not contract with Tamarac and discussion continued on
subscription costs and zoning integrity.
3. Announcement of Vacancies on Redistricting Committee
Mayor Abramowitz announced the vacancies and said there were 28 people in District
4. Comm. Machek said the deadline for appointments was April 26 and the
announcement would be made on Wednesday, April 24.
4. Private Property Rights - Margate City Commission
Mayor Abramowitz recommended reviewing Margate's Resolution 8037 (Attachment 2)
for discussion at the next Commission Workshop.
5, Referendum Issues - Charter
Mayor Abramowitz suggested reviewing the Ordinances for discussion at the next
Commission Workshop. Comm. Schreiber commented on Sections 2-272 and 2-274 of
the Code and City Attorney Kraft said he would review and advise.
6. Computer Training - Dates
Mr. Noe requested dates and times for computer training with Glenda Christian and
Comm. Machek suggested the sessions be held in Conference Room #1 immediately
following the next Workshop.
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City Commission Workshop
April 22, 1996
Page 3
With no further discussion, Mayor Abramowitz Adjourned the Workshop at 11:00 a.m.
Carol A. Evans, CIVIC
City Clerk
1
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Robert S. Noe, Jr.
City Manager
City of Tamarac
7525 N.W. 88th Avenue, Tamarac. Florida 33321-2401
Telephone: (954) 724-1230 • Facsimile (954) 724-2454
April 19, 1996
The Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
7525 N.W. 88th Avenue
Tamarac, Florida 33321-2401
Mr. Mayor and Members of the Commission:
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After Broward County announced that the provision of emergency medical
services (EMS) would be substantially changed, the City began a process to determine
how the City should proceed. We have examined joining the County Municipal Service
Benefit Unit (MSBU), having the City provide the entire EMS function, contracting with a
private provider the emergency transport element, and dividing advanced life support
(ALS) 1 st responder and ALS transport between the City Fire Department and a private
provider.
I believe that the most cost effective approach balances cost with quality and
level of service. This balance has been the most prominent factor in evaluating the
RFP responses received from potential providers and the negotiations that occurred
later. As best I can determine, the most cost effective approach at this time combines
City first responder and ALS transport units with units from the private sector. The
approach that I am recommending allows the City to offset some of the costs of
addressing existing Fire Department staffing needs, identified by the Fire Chief, with
emergency transport revenue. By adding the thirteen positions with the FY 96 Midyear
Budget Amendment, the Fire Department's staffing deficiencies have been addressed
and the capacity added to operate two ALS emergency transport units. The estimated
annualized cost of these changes is $890,000 which will be partially offset by $400,000
in revenue collected by a third party on behalf of the City. Thus, the City will be able to
respond to the majority of emergency medical calls in Tamarac. In my judgment, the
remaining number of emergency medical calls (approximately 1,200 out of 7,000) are
not sufficient to warrant an additional fire department unit at this time. Further, the
private sector is able to provide the equivalent of this unit at no cost to the City with no
discernable loss in quality or level of service.
For the past several months, we have negotiated with Medics Ambulance
Service and LifeFleet Atlantic Ambulance, after determining that the Broward County
proposal is the most expensive one being offered. Based on our discussions with the
two potential providers, LifeFleet and Medics, I believe both are capable of providing
Equal Opportunity Employer
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The Honorable Mayor and Members of the Commission
Page 2
April 19, 1996
the required supplemental emergency medical service to Tamarac. Both providers offer
supplemental service at no cost to the City. Both providers have similar units, staffed
with similarly trained and experienced personnel, have agreed to post $100,000 cash
performance bonds, appear to be financially sound, and have committed to operate
according to City requirements. The only quantifiable difference directly related to
quality is that LifeFleet is unable to commit to a six minute response time 90% of the
time (fractal measurement) for first responder calls.
The two companies have some differences that staff has been unable to quantify
to my satisfaction, but do deserve some mention. LifeFleet is the largest ambulance
company in Florida and a subsidiary of one of the largest ambulance companies in the
United States. By contrast, Medics is a locally owned operation that serves mainly
Broward County. Historically, LifeFleet has no prior dealings with the City, whereas
Medics has. In the past three years LifeFleet has not had any reported regulatory
violations whereas Medics has had reported incidents of sub -par performance in Palm
Beach County and OSHA violations related to exposure to blood borne pathogens
(please see attached memo from the Finance and Policy Officer). Medics is Broward
County's designated ambulance provider for the Tamarac area, which may provide
them with some geographical advantage.
One remaining difference of note is that Medics has offered to cover City
residents with a subscription service that will cover out-of-pocket ambulance transport
costs for those who subscribe to this program. The rates are still being negotiated but
currently range from $15 to $50 annually, depending on the number of people covered.
Medics estimates approximately $250,000 in revenue from this service, part of which is
proposed to be used to offset the debt service on two City owned ambulances. This
program has not been approved by the state insurance commission and if approved,
there is a chance the program may not be successful. At this date, due to the
uncertainty surrounding this program, I recommend the City not depend on any
financial contribution from this service. If it is partially successful, the first funds
received will support the expenses of the program.
As this letter goes to print, there is a fundamental disagreement about a very
important component. Some interpret actions by the Broward County Commission as
mandating "zone integrity." If true, the City must contract with Medics. Broward County
staff have held that the City is free to contract with any ambulance company, according
to the attached letter from Assistant County Attorney, Patrice Eichen. Attached is a
copy of a portion of the agreement between the ambulance companies and the County.
Reading this and Ms. Eichen's letter delineates the dispute. In addition, Mr. Cohen of
Medics, has told me that his interpretation is that the City must contract with him and
Mr. Eismann of LifeFleet has told me that he cannot contract with the City. A final
The Honorable Mayor and Members of the Commission
Page 3
April 19, 1996
determination has not been received from Broward County.
Therefore, in conclusion, if the choice is reduced to Medics and LifeFleet, the
important factors are these: 1) both will provide the service we want - ALS 1 st
responder to the 1,200 plus calls each year and ensuing ALS transport - at no cost to
the City, relying on what they collect through insurance payments; 2) LifeFleet has not
had the regulatory problems that Medics has had and LifeFleet is a larger company with
the corresponding greater resources; 3) The City had to sue Medics over a prior
agreement and collected a $60,000 settlement; 4) Medics is offering a subscription
service, which, if successful, will assist in paying for two City ambulances; if
unsuccessful, the City will be exactly where it would be if we contracted with LifeFleet -
the City purchasing the ambulances; 5) During my two plus years as Tamarac City
Manager, I have received less than five complaints about Medics, and, notwithstanding
problems they have had in Palm Beach County, no similar problems have been
reported to me. Therefore, it becomes a choice between 1) selecting a small, family
owned company that has had several documented violations in Palm Beach County
and with OSHA and who is attempting to sell a subscription program and thereby assist
the City in paying for two ambulances and 2) a larger, more substantial company with
only a few documented violations, without the subscription program and therefore, no
offer of assistance with paying for two ambulances. Based on all of this, my
recommendation is to select Medics.
The EMS process has been long, emotional, and shifting. The Director of
Finance, Stanley Hawthorne, and Finance and Policy Officer, Tim Hemstreet, have
provided valuable analytical and staff assistance throughout the process. Mr.
Hemstreet rode a shift with Medics, LifeFleet, and the City Fire Department, and is a
resident staff expert on EMS. We have been assisted substantially by Fire Chief Jim
Budzinski, particularly as the options were examined. They do not necessarily agree
with my recommendation, but they are a very effective team on this issue.
We all look forward to an in depth discussion of this issue with you.
Very truly yours,
Robert S. Noe, Jr.
attachments
C: City Attorney
Fire Chief
Director of Finance
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City of Tamarac
Emergency Medical Services Proposals -
Request for Proposals (RFP) Responses _ September 1995
Full Service
LifeFleet Medics Fire MSBU
Department
Cost to City $825,000 $359,000 $595,523 $1,200,000 to
$3,400,000
Transport
Only
LifeFleet Medics Fire MSBU
Department
Cost to City $0 ($90,000) $595,523 $1,200,000
• City's goal is a quality service at the lowest price
• Level of Service = Response Time (6 minutes/1st response and 10
minutes/transport)
• City estimated transport revenue at $600,000 for 3 units
• County MSBU is a separate taxing unit - no direct cost to City
• RFP responses considered different levels of service, making
comparisons difficult
Current Proposals (Negotiations) - Two City Units With Private Sector
Support
Public/Private Partnership
LifeFleet Medics Fire County
Department (Interlocal)
Cost to City I $0
$0 $490,000 $1,200,000*
0 LifeFleet proposal meets City requirements
• Medics proposal meets City requirements and offers subscription
program which should aid in debt service payments on ambulances
Both proposals consider non -dedicated units which would
supplement Fire Department capabilities
• City estimates $400,000 in transport revenue for 2 full-time units
• City may not join MSBU until FY 98, but can enter into an interlocal
agreement for County services for FY 97 if desired
"The actual County cost for this scenario may be lower, based on the City Fire Department providing the majority of transport
services.
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City of Tamarac
Emergency Transport Implementation - 2 Units
Estimated Revenues and Expenses
FY 1997
Revenues:
Emergency Transport $400,000 City projection based on 2 units with 3rd party collection
Appropriations:
Total Personal Services: $404,000 9 Firefighter/Paramedics
$302,000 4 Managerial Positions
Total Operating Expenses: $109,000 Expenses associated with emergency transport
Total Capital Outlay: $75,000 Five Year lease/purchase payment on three ambulance units
which spreads out potential cash payment of $327,000
Total Appropriations: $890,000
Net Cost ($490,000) " Expenses of $890,000 minus Revenues of $400,000
"This amount is proposed to be offset by an EMS assessment for FY 97.
1
Medics Subscription Program - Detail
All items are still subject to negotiation
Proposed Rates - $15 per person, $25 per couple, $35 per household
Medics Estimates $250,000 in annual revenues (Avg. Subscription = $25)
- of this amount the City would receive $70,000 in revenue and $50,000 for
ambulance debt service
Medics proposes the following breakdown of the $250,000 -
• First 1/3 to Medics - $83,333
- Administrative Costs
- Debt Service on Two City Ambulances
- Annual Audit of Subscription Program
• Second 2/3 to be Split Between City and Medics - $116,667
- Coverage for Nonemergency Transports to Medics - $50,000
- Coverage for Emergency Transports to Medics - $46,667
- Coverage for Emergency Transports to City - $70,000
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Leonard Golub
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March 25, 1996
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TO:
All Broward County City Clerks
FROM: Shirley J. Baughman, CMC, City Clerk
RE: Margate Resolution No. 8037 - Private Property Rights
The enclosed Resolution expressing opposition to proposed constitutional amendment
SJR 762, that would require government to pay for the fair market value loss of real property
resulting from a govemmental action or regulation, was approved by the Margate City
Commission on March 20, 1996.
Please forward a copy of our Resolution to your Commission or Council members. Their
consideration and support of the Resolution would be appreciated.
Shirley J. Baughm MC
City Clerk
5790 MARQATE DOULEVARA MARGATE, FLORIDA 33063 • TELEPHONE (305) 972-64541 FACSIMILE (305) 988.2982
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CITY OF MARGATE, FLORIDA
RESOLUTION NO. 8037
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MARGATE, FLORIDA,
EXPRESSING OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT, SJR 762, REGARDING
PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS.
WHEREAS, Senator Charles Williams has proposed
legislation, SJR 762, for an amendment to the Florida
Constitution, which would require government to pay for the loss
in fair market value to part or all of real property resulting
from a governmental action or regulation; and
WHEREAS, the proposed legislation, if adopted, could
impose a severe financial burden on local governments in the
State of Florida; and
WHEREAS, the proposed legislation, if adopted, could
restrict the ability of communities to regulate the use of lands
in the best interests of the public health, safety and welfare as
well as in the interests of environmental protection;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF MARGATE, FLORIDA:
SECTION 1: That the foregoing preamble is hereby
ratified and confirmed as true and correct by the City Commission
of the City of Margate, Florida.
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RESOLUTION NO. 8037
SECTION 2: That the City Commission of the City of
Margate, Florida hereby expresses its opposition to proposed SJR
762 and strongly urges the members of the Broward County
Legislative Delegation to vote against the adoption of such a
measure.
SECTION 3: That a copy of this Resolution shall be
forwarded to all members of the Broward County Legislative
Delegation, the Board of County Commissioners and all
municipalities in Broward County.
SECTION 4: That this Resolution shall become effective
immediately upon its passage.
PASSED, ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS__2MILday of MARCH 1996.
ATTEST:
CIT L ;YOR AR J. BROSS
RECORD OF VOTE
Donovan NO
Anton
Talerico AYE _
Bross AYE
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