03-14-16 Health and Public Safety

Home Browse Search

Councilmember Broden clarified that they just need to see that the data supports the fee raises to discern their reasonableness. Deputy City Attorney Aladean DeRose commented that the test of reasonableness is whether the costs of actually performing the services are there and that the fees do not exceed those costs, but also that the fees relate to the actual costs. Chairperson Voorde called for a voice vote on the motion to continue Bills No. 05 -16 and 06 -16, and it passed with unanimous support. Chairperson Voorde introduced Chief Steve Cox of the South Bend Fire Department. Steve Cox, with offices at 1222 S. Michigan St. was asked to give an overview presentation to the Council regarding the South Bend Fire Department. Most of the Fire Chiefs are located at the Central Fire Station at 1222 S. Michigan St. There are 10 additional fire stations in South Bend, for a total of 11 districts. Each of the fire houses are staffed with at least one engine company, each of which is typically staffed by at least three (3) firefighters. They respond to EMS, fire calls, etc. If an individual in the public calls 911, and their need is anything but law enforcement, they respond to that call and their job is to problem solve whatever situation that they're confronted with. They like to consider themselves an all- hazards emergency department, as opposed to just a fire department. Chief Cox explained that the fire department was organized in 1853, and it has evolved from just a fire department over time. About 70 -80% of the call volume deals with EMS related issues. Other issues deal with special operations such as hazardous materials response, technical rescue, water rescue, etc. EMS calls deal with car accidents, any kind of traumatic event, and illnesses. The EMS program was created in 1975, and the South Bend paramedics are second to none. The South Bend Fire Department was one of the first in the state to run a paramedic ambulance service. The Fort Wayne Fire Department is looking at South Bend's system, looking at modeling their EMS services off the model that we provide in South Bend and unincorporated parts of St. Joseph County. Only four (4) stations have ambulances stationed there. The districts that do not have ambulances assigned, receive first responses from the district's engine company. Since 1997, the department has had a contract with the county to provide EMS service to unincorporated areas of St. Joseph County. Additionally, the department has a contract with the University of Notre Dame to provide service on campus. Council President Scott interrupted to remind the committee that they are running over on time, and to ask Council Member Preston if the committee could take time from the Community Relations Committee Meeting to make up for the lost time. Councilmember Preston approved Council President Scott's request. 4