Laserfiche WebLink
Chair Shachner expressed doubt regarding the enforceability of Section 2 in Resolution 2023-49, <br />which states, "Council hereby commits to providing for the purchase of these vehicles in the <br />respective annual budgets." He pointed out that since the payments for these vehicles are <br />scheduled annually from 2023 to 2026, future councilmembers could potentially reject these <br />budget items in the years to come. In response, Law Director Vargo clarified that Resolution <br />2023-49 seeks the current Council's approval for purchasing these vehicles and stressed the <br />urgency of approving them promptly to ensure their acquisition in 2024 and 2026. Mayor George <br />brought up past instances where emergency purchases of safety vehicles were approved by <br />Council in advance, citing a precedent. However, Chair Shachner reiterated his belief that <br />Section 2 remains unenforceable, emphasizing the possibility of future Councils rejecting the <br />proposed budgets. <br />Chair Shachner inquired about the maintenance schedule for Lakewood's ambulances. The Fire <br />Department Team explained that they follow a maintenance schedule, which involves servicing <br />the ambulances every 3 years. Their aim is to keep each ambulance operational for <br />approximately 12 years. Their process involves initially assigning an ambulance to one fire <br />station for 6 years, after which it is rotated to another station. Following this rotation, the <br />ambulance is designated as a spare, ready for use in case newer ambulances are temporarily out <br />of service. <br />Councilmember Bullock sought clarification on the 2023 Capital Budget and specifically asked <br />about the proposed Fire Medical Squad for 2026 and the Rescue Boat for 2024. He asked <br />whether the only modifications requested from Resolution 2023-49 were regarding the timing <br />and increased costs of the safety vehicles compared to the estimates in the Capital Budget. He <br />also asked how these proposed changes would affect future budgets. Councilmember Bullock <br />asked if the inflationary price increases would result in the loss of any other planned purchases <br />and if the funding for these safety vehicles would still be drawn from Capital lease 301. In <br />response, Finance Director Rancatore affirmed that these items are indeed part of the 2023 <br />Capital Budget and have been carefully planned and integrated into the overall strategy. The <br />adjustments made account for changes in the pricing of these vehicles due to inflationary <br />pressures. Finance Director Rancatore further explained that prices in the Capital Budget are <br />subject to frequent alterations, and while these changes might affect procurements in 2024, <br />acquiring the ambulance and rescue boat remains a high-priority objective. He emphasized that <br />this process involves a series of meetings to optimize the utilization of available funds. <br />Councilmember Baker mentioned that large budget items, such as the requested safety vehicles <br />in Resolution 2023-49, require adequate time for review and discussion. He mentioned that <br />according to a communication from the Fire Department during the 10/16/2023 General Meeting <br />of Council, Council had time before the 11/06/2023 General Meeting of Council to review these <br />budget items. Councilmember Baker stated it is within the realm and responsibilities of Council <br />to take the time to consider serious capital investment plans. <br />Law Director Vargo presented a substitute version of Resolution 2023-49 with updated pricing <br />reflected. The substitute also includes authorization to order accessory equipment, specifically a <br />stretcher and the mechanical system for that stretcher. <br />2 <br /> <br />