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MINUTES OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE January 29, 2024 AUDITORIUM Present: Councilmembers Kepple, Baker, Marx, Bullock, Rader, Strebig. lso Present: Mayor George, Law Director Vargo, Planning Director Leininger, Fire Chief A Dunphy, Assistant Fire Chief Sambula, Neighborhood Paramedic Birth, Council staff. Call to Order: 6:05 p.m. Motion by President Kepple, seconded by Councilmember Bullock, to excuse the absence of Vice President Shachner. All in favor, motion passed. Vice President Shachner excused. RESOLUTION 2023-68 – A RESOLUTION to take effect immediately provided it receives the vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or otherwise to take effect at the earliest period allowed by law, authorizing the Mayor and/or Director of Finance or Director of Law to allocate and expend American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds towards the development of a Smart City Initiative. (referred to COW 12/4/23) President Kepple deferred discussion of Resolution 2023-68 to a later date. Communication from Fire Chief Dunphy regarding Neighborhood Paramedic Program (referred to COW 11/6/23) Assistant Chief Sambula began the presentation by clarifying that the goal of the Neighborhood Paramedic Program analysis is to understand its effectiveness and to see how it can be improved. He mentioned that Data Shine was consulted and hired, thanks to funding from the Healthy Lakewood Foundation, to gather data and conduct surveys aimed at improving the program. Assistant Chief Sambula then highlighted that the target population for the program was Lakewood residents aged 60 and above who had experienced a fall, leading to 54 visits across 46 households. He emphasized that the Neighborhood Paramedic Program has successfully implemented fall prevention guidelines from the CDC, which have been attributed to savings in healthcare costs. Regarding fall prevention, Assistant Chief Sambula shared that falls represent a significant public health concern in the U.S., with more than 38,000 fall-related deaths annually. He pointed out that in Lakewood, there are nearly 10,000 residents aged 60 and over, with 48% living alone and 43% being renters, placing them at a higher risk for falls. Assistant Chief Sambulapraised the Neighborhood Paramedic Program's effectiveness for the individuals served and its integration into the EMS workflow, as well as its community presence. He also identified areas for growth, stating a need to extend the program's reach to encompass all seniors, not just those who have experienced falls. He also noted that the program plans on enhancing its online presence for better accessibility and information dissemination. 1