HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-26-12 Personnel & Finance Committee Health & Public Safety PERSONNEL & FINANCE COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 26,2012
HEALTH & PUBLIC SAFETY
4:16 P.M.
P &F Committee Members Present: Karen White, Gavin Ferlic, David Varner,
Henry Davis,
Citizen Members: Tamara McNally
HPS Committee Members Present: Dr. Fred Ferlic, Henry Davis, Karen White,
Tim Scott
Citizen Members Present: Kyle Chamberlin
Other Council Members Present: Derek Dieter, Valerie Schey, Oliver Davis
Others Present: John Murphy, Chief Cox, SBFD,
Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Mark Neal,
Scott Ford
Agenda: Bill No. 62-12 Ambulance/Medical Fees
Update—Taxicabs
The issue before the joint committee hearing of the Personnel &Finance and Health&
Public Safety Committees was embodied in Bill No. 62-12 H &PS Dr. Fred Ferlic
chaired the bill's review presented by South Bend Fire Chief Steve Cox. The Chief
explained that Medicare adjusts the allowable reimbursement for medical and ambulance
fees on an annual basis. Because the fees charged users of their services have not been
adjusted since 2008 the City was in effect leaving money"on the table." In other words,
not taking the allowable reimbursement. These fees are accounted for in the City Fund
#288 which was set up in the 1980's as a dedicated fund for fire dept. capital expenses.
Revenues deposited annually in the fund average about $2.5 million. In that expenses
historically are less than revenues, another part of the bill would allow up to a million
dollars be drawn of by the City for other purposes. Chief Cox assured Councilmembers
that the$1.5 million would comfortably cover anticipated capital costs. Valerie Schey
asked a couple of clarification questions. Henry Davis cautioned against short changing
the fire department Citizen Member Tamara McNally asked if a bill could include an
automatic escalator clause to coincide with Medicare allowances. Council Attorney
Kathy Cekanski-Farrand allowed that she was working on that provision which is
possible would come before Council in another bill.
Ultimately Gavin Ferlic motioned the bill go to full Council favorably including the
move to $1,000,000 as a maximum amount available to be drawn down by the City.
David Varner seconded and all concurred.
The second item on the agenda an update on taxicab regulations effective 2013 was in the
interest of time to be heard under City Reports at the evening meeting. Ann-Carol Nash
provided a handout detailing the changes (attached) and agreed to the evening
presentation.
Under miscellaneous Valerie Schey suggested the $110,000.00 sequestered by the
Council from administration budget proposals be used for additional residential
demolitions. It was taken under advisement.
There being no other business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson Dr.
Fred Ferlic adjourned the meeting at 4:42 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
AKZ
Dr. Fred Ferlic, Chairperson
Health&Public Safety Committee
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