pages: CityCouncil/2021-10-05.pdf, 17
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CityCouncil | 2021-10-05 | 17 | Fees for Fire Department Services and Permits. Not adopted. The Interim Fire Chief stated that he is available to answer questions. Expressed concern about the fees being applied to people receiving services through the alternative response team based out of the Fire Department; stated fees would be a barrier to service [dropped connection]: Beth Kenny, Alameda. Concurred with Speaker Kenny; stated fees and impacts of fees on the most vulnerable members of the community should be kept in mind as services are transitioned to the Fire Department; urged a racial equity lens be used: Jennifer Rakowski, Alameda. Continued comments after dropping connection]; urged Council to review how fees are collected, the portion passed onto individuals and income based considerations: Beth Kenny, Alameda. Stated that she is opposed to fees for individuals receiving services; she has seen victims of crime charged for an ambulance; the most vulnerable members of the community will be receiving services; the State just eliminated juvenile fees: Debra Mendoza, Alameda. Concurred with Speakers Rakowski and Mendoza; urged Council to keep in mind comments about the most vulnerable being charged in their most vulnerable moment: Melodye Montgomery, Alameda. Expressed support for previous comments; discussed paramedic versus fire services; stated that she hopes the City will not be charging for mental health services: Savanna Cheer, Alameda. Councilmember Herrera Spencer requested an explanation of the charges discussed by members of the public. The Interim Fire Chief stated the matter does not relate to the crisis mobile response unit; fees are not being recommended for said service; the fees are existing fees, which are being adjusted for Fire Prevention services inspections and ambulance transport. In response to Councilmember Herrera Spencer's inquiry, the Interim Fire Chief stated a fee study was completed January 2019; the study recommended the fees be increased over a four year period to raise cost recovery from 28% to 57%; the first increase was done; last year, staff did not recommended raising the fees; the City's fees were the lowest in the County. Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether inspections are done by sworn Fire Fighters, to which the Interim Fire Chief responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the Council previously discussed using non- Regular Meeting Alameda City Council October 5, 2021 16 | CityCouncil/2021-10-05.pdf |