pages: CityCouncil/2021-05-08.pdf, 12
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CityCouncil | 2021-05-08 | 12 | The Interim Fire Chief responded the Fire Department would recommend adding two Firefighters per shift, which would be a 24/7, 365 days squad; the Paramedics or EMTs would have special training and additional certifications; outlined equipment the Department currently has that could be used; stated the Department goes on mental health calls daily; of the over 5,000 EMS calls a year, 500 are 5150 transports; the Department would like the calls to go to alternate destinations, which the County has said it would authorize. The City Manager stated the Interim Fire Chief's comments summarize what would be used on an interim basis prior to implementing a long term approach. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the City Manager will also be considering the budget implications; review of what the City could get for the cost of a Community Paramedic should be considered; noted Berkeley sends out a Clinician with an EMT; there are options; she appreciates that the City Manager will look at what can be done in the short term; inquired whether Council is prepared to move forward with the recommendations accepting the additional clarifications about acting in the immediate term to move calls away from Police, bringing a report back and having the changes implemented before the end of the Fiscal Year; stated Councilmember Herrera Spencer asked about continuing the meeting; inquired whether the City Manager would return at the first June meeting. The City Manager stated that he does not have the specific date yet; it could be the first or second June meeting. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that her sense is the Council wants the matter to return sooner rather than later; inquired whether the City Manager could respond sooner if the meeting was continued or if more time is needed. Councilmember Knox White stated Councilmember Herrera Spencer seemed to be reacting to his comments asking the City Manager to implement things right now before coming back with a pilot program; if said direction is not moving forward, continuing the meeting might not be necessary. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated direction was already given on a lot of things the City Manager can continue working on; if the City Manager thinks he needs additional direction, it is appropriate for him to come back and check in with Council; discussed the purview of the City Manager and what can be done without additional Council direction; stated if the City Manager wants to return, she would like an update on the March 16th direction; she would like to continue to move along as Council and staff have been doing; she is not sure whether the City Manager could return sooner; if so, she wants to make the option available; discussed community concerns; stated if the City Manager would like to come back June 1st, the meeting does not need to be continued. Councilmember Knox White stated that he would be happy to propose a motion on Referral Item 5: create a mental health-oriented response model. Councilmember Knox White moved approval of asking the City Manager, within his discretion, to move as many responses as he can with existing resources and return no later than the end June, but as early as practicable, with a pilot program proposal and Special Meeting Alameda City Council 12 Amy 8, 2021 | CityCouncil/2021-05-08.pdf |