4/20/2021 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 4-20-2021 • Discussed next was Ordinance 2021-26. An Ordinance amending Section 3 of Ordinance No. 2002-103, as later amended by Ordinance Nos. 2002-154, 2008- 155, 2013-98 and 2017-59, which collectively established fees and charges for emergency medical services rendered by the City of North Olmsted Fire Department, in order to increase fees and charges currently charged. Chief Schepp said the rate increase is for insurance purposes and nonresidents. The current fee schedule hasn't been adjusted since 2017. The billing agent recommended the fees be increased as current claims are paying $900. After some additional Q&A, the committee voted 3-0 to recommend to Council. • Discussed last was Resolution 2021-28. A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to advertise for bids for the award of a contract to provide for plumbing and related improvements at the North Olmsted Police Station, as detailed in the specifications on file with the Service Department; and further authorizing the Mayor, following approval of the Board of Control, to contract for the same with the lowest and best bidder. Chief Wagner said the police station was built in 1973 and the plumbing is inadequate based on today's standards. Currently there are six male jail cells and three female cells and they would be unavailable for approximately two to three weeks during the project, at which time all prisoners will be handled by the City of Westlake. The committee voted 3-0 to recommend to Council. Councilman Glassburn moved to amend Ordinance 2021-26 in the second paragraph of section one to read as follows: "All residents and nonresidents receiving emergency medical service and/or ambulance transportation starting on January 1, 2022 shall pay utilization charge therefore on a per person, per call basis determined as follows...". The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Williamson and passed 5-2. Roll Call: Yes: Glassburn, Williamson, Hemann, Kelly, Brossard, No: Limpert, Schumann Motion carried. Ordinance 2021-26 amended 5-2. Councilman Glassburn voted yes with comment. We're still in the middle of this pandemic and while we need to adjust our rates with the times, we do need to keep in mind that we are still in a crisis situation. Our insurance companies are paid their rates by our residents so this eventually does impact everyone down the line. Thank you. Councilwoman Hemann voted yes with comment. While I am in agreement with Councilman Glassbum's comment, I'd like to also add that while the law was brought up that our residents won't be paying the increase, but that other populations will be who are visiting as guests of our city should something unforeseen happen to them and they require an ambulance. Again that burden would be borne by insurance companies and then a non-resident and again it is still a pandemic and I think January first is an appropriate time for the increase. Thank you. Councilman Brossard voted yes with comment. I didn't want my comments during the Caucus discussion regarding this subject to be misconstrued. I do support the amendment, 3