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9 <br /> Dr. Lindbeck said this would not be a new business, noting that the City Fire <br />Department has been supplementing CARS for a long time. He said that CARS has a <br />high turnover in its volunteers and he is not sure how they could sustain more highly <br />trained volunteers. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Lynch, Chief Werner said that the cost to <br />provide 24 hours service versus peak service is about the same. He said the proposal <br />calls for six ALS medics. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Dr. Brown, Mr. O’Connell said that two less <br />people are proposed since the original proposal and two ambulances are proposed. <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris asked if Council is being asked to approve billing for ambulance <br />services, or is it just being considered. <br /> <br /> Chief Werner said no decision is being asked from Council tonight about billing. <br />He said County staff is recommending billing to their Board. He said it will be <br />something we will eventually do as most localities do it. He said billing should be done <br />on a regional basis. <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris clarified that no decision is being made on billing tonight. <br /> <br /> Mr. Taliaferro asked if we currently have a tiered response system because there <br />is not adequate personnel. <br /> <br /> Dr. Lindbeck said this would help eliminate the tiered system. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hamilton said she appreciates the Committee’s work. She said there has <br />been a lot of hysteria about the proposal. She said she now has a much better <br />understanding of what is going on in the system. She said she feels a strong level of <br />confidence in the Committee’s recommendation. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said he appreciates the work of the Committee and it is clear we have a <br />need for more ALS personnel, but he is not convinced that having the Fire Department <br />take on a new role is the most efficient way, and is not sure it is the best solution for <br />taxpayers. <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris said he appreciates the Committee’s work. He said Dr. Lindbeck’s <br />letter swayed him. He said this will also serve as a launching pad to improve the whole <br />system. He said his support is also based on the model that it can be done so it is not in <br />competition with U. Va. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown thanked the Committee and said he thinks it is a good plan. He said he <br />has learned the importance of having medics on each vehicle. He said he is glad the <br />number of personnel needed went down. He said he intends to support the proposal. He <br />expressed concern that the President of CRS does not like the recommendation and feels <br />we have fences to mend. He said we cannot afford to lose volunteers. He said he also <br />wonders if we move to billing how that will affect CARS ability to raise money. He <br />suggested that the City do what it can to help CARS publicize their fundraising <br />campaign. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch noted that CARS has never asked the City for funding. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hamilton said giving CARS money would not solve the staffing issue. <br /> <br /> Mr. O’Connell asked that Council approve staff developing a budget based on six <br />positions and associated operating costs, and to move forward with acquiring vehicles. <br />He said staff needs to investigate whether to purchase or lease/purchase ambulances. <br /> <br /> Mr. Taliaferro said he would prefer leasing ambulances so that funds are available <br />for technology. <br /> <br /> <br />