pages: CityCouncil/2021-10-05.pdf, 18
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2021-10-05 | 18 | sworn; inquired whether other cities use non-sworn Fire Fighters. The Interim Fire Chief responded the Fire Department attempted to hire civilian Inspectors; stated the City was unable to get qualified civilians after four different outreach efforts; other departments use civilian Inspectors; other cities were also having trouble hiring civilians. In response to Councilmember Herrera Spencer's inquiry about businesses' ability to pay the increase, the City Manager stated businesses ability to pay was considered; the fee increase was delayed in the summer 2020; he is open to discussing another delay. Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether there is support from the business associations, to which the City Manager responded that he does not believe the Fire Department has done specific outreach to business community; businesses are facing stresses; deferring another year is an option. In response to Councilmember Herrera Spencer's inquiry about how the City handles victim's ambulance fees, the Fire Chief outlined costs for fire versus ambulance services; stated the ambulance service is atypical for Fire Departments; discussed the ambulance transport fee; stated the Department is mindful of a person's ability to pay; people can request a hardship; the hardship policy is being updated and will come to Council. The City Manager noted Alameda County sets the ambulance fee caps; the City keeps its fees consistent with the amount set by Alameda County. The Interim Fire Chief stated Fire Departments charge what the County allows, which does not capture the cost of providing the service. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she looks forward to having the hardship policy come back to Council. The Interim Fire Chief stated a large number of transport patients have Medicare; patients under Medicare are not charged the maximum amount allowed by the County. Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether Medicare patients have to pay anything out of pocket, to which the Interim Fire Chief responded they typically do not pay. *** (21-623) Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated a motion is be needed to consider new items after 11:00 p.m. Councilmember Daysog moved approval of hearing the remaining items up until midnight. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council October 5, 2021 17 | CityCouncil/2021-10-05.pdf |