SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve Pinellas County EMS ALS First Responder Agreement Amendment No. 1 between Pinellas County and City of Clearwater, which will include a budget increase of 3.2%, reimbursement of Rescue 48, implementation and installation of a Traffic Preemption System in Pinellas County and municipal traffic control systems, require Clearwater Fire and Rescue employees to pass a background check to access the new 911 CAD System, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
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SUMMARY:
The Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMS Authority) is a special district created for the purpose of providing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) throughout Pinellas County, pursuant to Chapter 80-585, Laws of Florida, and Chapter 54, Article III, Pinellas County Code, as amended.
On September 15, 2022, City Council approved renewal of the Emergency Medical Services ALS First Responder Agreement for two years, commencing October 1, 2022 and ending at midnight September 30, 2024. Through this agreement, Clearwater Fire & Rescue will provide advanced life support services to the residents of the City of Clearwater and to individuals within the unincorporated area of Pinellas County that is located within the Clearwater Fire Control District. This contract provides for reimbursement of engine and rescue units, EMS Coordination positions, and projected capital. Fiscal Year (FY) 22-23 Annual Compensation is $7,374,492.
Section 701(h) of the agreement provides the City of Clearwater to negotiate and submit a proposed budget increase if it exceeds 3% of the prior fiscal year’s budget. A budget request of $7,607,891 for FY23-24 was submitted and approved by the EMS Authority, resulting in an increase of 3.2% or $233,399.
Pinellas County specifically agrees to reimburse the City of Clearwater up to $300,000 for Rescue 48.
Pinellas County will provide and maintain a countywide Traffic Preemption System (TPS) in the County and municipal traffic control systems. Pinellas County will provide TPS equipment for frontline ALS First Responder Units. They will also provide TPS equipment for reserve ALS First Responder Units through a phased implementation. Pinellas County is responsible for maintaining equipment and replacing it at the end of a reasonable useful life.
Pinellas County is implementing a new 911CAD System. Clearwater Fire & Rescue employees requiring access to this system must pass a criminal background screening by Florida Department of Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Information Services and comply with initial and ongoing training requirements.
Upon approval of this amendment, all terms of the initial agreement will remain in full force, and the effective date of this amendment will be October 1, 2023.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
NA
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
NA