Oxford Township Trustees

Minutes

September 8, 2009

ITEM

Call to Order 129-09

Discussion of Emergency Services Proposal 130-09

Consideration of Emergency Services Proposal 131-09

Other Items 132-09

Adjournment 133-09

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oxford Township Trustees

Minutes

September 14, 2009

At 7:00 p.m., Mr. Salmon called the meeting to order at the Oxford Township Building.

Present: Mr. Frimerman, Mr. McDonough, Mr. Salmon

Absent: None

Mr. Salmon opened the floor for discussions on the proposal from the City of Oxford.

Mr. Frimerman stated the proposed agreement requests that Oxford Township fund 9% of the City of Oxford Fire & EMS operating budget. Mr. Frimerman asked what percentage would be appropriate for Oxford Township. Mr. Salmon stated the previous year billing represented approximately 2% of the total runs by the City of Oxford.

Mr. McDonough asked what was driving the additional costs. Mr. Salmon stated some of the factors deal with part-time versus full-time employees. Mr. Frimerman stated the new Fire Chief is full time and other staffing positions have been added causing a substantial increase in the budget.

Mr. McDonough expressed concern over the City of Oxford Fire Department dispatching a fire truck, two cruisers and a life squad to a church in the City for a lady that passed out. Mr. McDonough felt the number of response vehicles was excessive.

Mr. McDonough asked how much Miami University planned to contribute. Mr. Salmon stated Miami University has offered assistance if the City chooses to add an additional station on the west side of the railroad tracks.

Mr. Salmon stated the invoice for EMS services from December 21, 2007 to December 4, 2008 totaled $4,667.82. Mr. Salmon stated the 45 Oxford Township runs represented approximately 2% of the total runs.

Mr. Rowan stated that 2% of the proposed 2009 budget of $607,084 would represent $12,141.68 for Oxford Township or a 38.44% increase over 2008.

Mr. Salmon stated there are other issues in the contract as it relates to the City of Oxford utilizing Oxford Township equipment to service Milford Township.

Mr. Salmon suggested an alternative proposal for 2009 until such time both parties can discuss a longer term solution.

Mr. Salmon stated there are discrepancies within the various reports as to the number of runs by jurisdiction. Mr. Frimerman stated it would be nice to be operating from the same set of numbers. Mr. Frimerman stated there are too many discrepancies for the Township to provide an appropriate response. Mr. Frimerman stated we need to sit down with the City Manager to resolve the differences. Mr. Salmon stated that while we don’t have accurate data, we need to have an alternative proposal until such time the details can be worked out.

Mr. Frimerman and Mr. Salmon stated we want to be fair but we need to determine the accuracy in the numbers. Mr. Salmon stated additional due diligence is needed but recognizes a need to resolve the issue for the current year.

Mr. McDonough stated the City wants the executed agreement by the first of the year. Mr. Frimerman stated they have requested the agreement be finalized for budget purposes even though the amount of the Township contribution would have a minimal impact on the budget.

Mr. Salmon stated additional budget details are needed so that the Township has a better picture of what is included in the Budget. Mr. Salmon stated maintenance & repair expenses of equipment and sirens shouldn’t be included in the budget for each jurisdiction is responsible for their own maintenance & repair costs.

Mr. Rowan suggested a formalized letter be sent to the City requesting additional data. The following types of data should be requested:

Detailed breakdown of proposed 2009 operating budget for EMS & Fire Services

What percentage of EMS & Fire Service runs applied to Oxford Township for 2008. Provide supporting documentation for both the Township and other jurisdictions. Provide reconciliation for any differences over 2008 billing (See attachment).

Impact of future annexations on levy collections

Structure of the committee could be a problem. What is the membership by jurisdiction and what is their responsibility/authority.

How much money is collected from the Township Residents as soft billing for EMS.

What is the minimum number of paid staff that is required per run and what is the minimum number of supervision and other staff required per run.

Upon receipt of requested data, a meeting will be scheduled with City staff to discuss options to be considered by the governing jurisdictions.

Mr. Frimerman stated while we want to be responsible for our fair share, we are not in a position to consider an agreement with the data we currently have. Mr. Salmon asked Mr. Rowan to send the letter to the City Manager on behalf of the Trustees.

No action taken.

None

At 8:20 p.m., Mr. McDonough moved, Mr. Salmon seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting.

Aye: Mr. McDonough, Mr. Frimerman, Mr. Salmon

Nay: None

Mr. Salmon declared the motion carried 3-0

Respectfully submitted,

James M. Rowan, Fiscal Officer

Trustee Trustee

Trustee Fiscal Officer