EMERGENCY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES COMMITTEE

The Emergency and Protective Services Committee met on Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 9:55 a.m., in the Council Chamber, Regional Administrative Headquarters, 10 Peel Centre Dr., Brampton.

Chaired by Vice-Chair Councillor M. Morrison

A quorum of voting members was not present, and in accordance with section III-4(f.) of the Region of Peel Procedural By-law 54-1999, as amended, the Emergency and Protective Services Committee received information from staff.

Councillor Morrison noted that Councillor Palleschi would be joining the Committee shortly, upon the arrival of Councillor Palleschi quorum would be achieved and at that time the Committee would formally approve the agenda and receive the presentations and reports.

1. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Items 3, 4a, 4b and 4c were discussed by the Committee.

3. DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

a) Peter Dundas, Director of Ambulance and Emergency Programs, Presenting an Update on Peel Regional Ambulance Services Transition

Peter Dundas, Director, Ambulance and Emergency Programs provided an update on the Peel Regional Ambulance Service transition. He detailed the acquisition of the business, the transition of staff, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care certification process, contributions from numerous Regional departments and the current status of the program.

Councillor Morrison congratulated Peter Dundas, Ambulance program staff and the Transition Team for the successful completion of a lengthy and complex process.

4. PEEL REGIONAL AMBULANCE SERVICES

a) Ambulance Fleet Maintenance

Peter Dundas, Director of Ambulance and Emergency Programs, provided a brief summary of the recommendations and the content of the report.

Councillor Mullin questioned if bringing the ambulance maintenance service in house was the appropriate solution and sought assurance that there was no other maintenance service provider in the marketplace that could maintain the ambulance fleet at a rate competitive with the proposal from Public Works. She requested details regarding staffing requirements in Public Works and the number of maintenance hours anticipated. Peter Dundas explained that the cost of the service provided by Public Works would be charged back to the Ambulance program through a service agreement. Kent Gillespie, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Regional Solicitor added that three full time equivalents (FTE's) in Public Works would be required to provide an estimated 5,200 hours of service for the maintenance of the ambulance fleet on an annual basis, which would be covered within the existing ambulance budget. Kent Gillespie explained that the contract would be closely monitored to ensure the anticipated savings are realized. Dan Labrecque, Treasurer and Commissioner of Finance, stated that the subject report identifies the direction staff have proposed and extends the current procurement contract until April 2005 to facilitate the transition period for Public Works staff. He added that a more detailed report would be brought forward to Council by Public Works early in 2005. The anticipated savings for the Ambulance program are the result of Public Works utilizing existing facilities, support mechanisms and infrastructure with the only variable being labour costs. Dan Labrecque further clarified that as part of the managed competition process, if providing the service in house does not produce savings then the contract for service will go back to the market.

Councillor Morrison noted that additional funds were being requested and inquired if any savings were realized through the Public Works pilot that would offset the required funds. Peter Dundas responded that the pilot was very small and as such only minimal savings were realized.

b) 2005 Fleet Planning

Peter Dundas reviewed the report recommendations and highlighted the 2005 ambulance fleet requirements.

c) 2005 Ambulance Equipment Planning

Peter Dundas briefly addressed the report recommendation and the need to extend the current medical equipment and supplies contract.

Councillor Palleschi arrived at 9:55 a.m.

A quorum of voting members was achieved.

The Emergency and Protective Services Committee formalized the receipt of the presentation and reports previously received for information.

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION EPSC-10-2004:

That the agenda for December 16, 2004 Emergency and Protective Services Committee meeting be approved.

3. DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

a) Peter Dundas, Director of Ambulance and Emergency Programs, Presenting an Update on Peel Regional Ambulance Services Transition

Received

4. PEEL REGIONAL AMBULANCE SERVICES

a) Ambulance Fleet Maintenance

RECOMMENDATION EPSC-11-2004:

That the existing contract under Purchase Order 12601 with the external Ambulance Fleet Maintenance service provider, Rowland Auto Electric be extended to April 30, 2005;

And further, that the existing purchase authorization under Purchase Order 12601 with Rowland Auto Electric be increased by $190,000 for additional 2004 service and $275,000 for 2005 service for the period ending April 30, 2005 for a revised total commitment of $1,200,000 for both 2004 and 2005 purchases;

And further, that effective May 1, 2005, Public Works Operations and Maintenance Fleet Services begin delivery of Ambulance Fleet Maintenance services under a cost recovery arrangement with Ambulance and Emergency Programs as described in the report of the Commissioners of Corporate Services and Public Works dated December 10, 2004, titled "Ambulance Fleet Maintenance".

b) 2005 Fleet Planning

RECOMMENDATION EPSC-12-2004:

That the purchases for 2005 Ambulance fleet needs be approved including ten ambulances from Paul Demers and Fils Inc. and related patient transportation and medical equipment and two emergency supervisory vehicles for a total approximate value of $1,235,000 including applicable taxes;

And further, that the necessary funds for this purchase be provided from the Capital Projects 05-7803 and 05-7804.

c) 2005 Ambulance Equipment Planning

RECOMMENDATION EPSC-13-2004:

That the current purchase order with Allied Medical the contract provider of medical equipment and supplies be extended to March 31, 2005 in the amount of $200,000.

5. EMERGENCY PROGRAMS

a) Emergency Management Program By-Law

RECOMMENDATION EPSC-14-2004:

That By-law 83-1999, as amended by By-Law 47-2001, enacting the Regional Municipality of Peel Emergency Measures Plan and Program be amended in accordance with the draft by-law attached as Appendix I to the report of the Commissioner of Corporate Services and Regional Solicitor, dated December 2, 2004, titled "Emergency Management Program By-Law";

And further, that the appropriate by-law be presented to Regional Council.

Peter Dundas introduced James Kilgour, Emergency Management Coordinator for the Region of Peel. James Kilgour presented an overview and update on the status of the Regional Emergency Management program. He highlighted amendments to the Regional Emergency Management By-law 83-1999 that are necessitated by the new Emergency Management Act.

Councillor Morrison requested that staff take the necessary steps to provide this presentation to the whole of Regional Council early in 2005. Peter Dundas acknowledged the request and indicated that staff would ensure the presentation is provided to Council, as requested.

6. IN CAMERA MATTERS

Committee moved In Camera at 10:50 a.m.

a) Labour relations or employee negotiations

Committee moved out of In Camera at 11:10 a.m.

7. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE MEETINGS

The Committee requested that staff schedule a Workshop for Thursday, January 13, 2005 at 9:30 a.m. in the 5th floor Council Chamber, 10 Peel Centre Dr., to review options for providing additional ambulance service as requested during the 2005 budget process. All Councillors are requested to attend.

Subsequent to the workshop, the next scheduled meeting of the Emergency and Protective Services Committee will be as follows:

Thursday, February 3, 2005 - 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Regional Council Chamber
5th Floor Regional Administrative Headquarters
10 Peel Centre Dr.,
Brampton, Ontario

8. OTHER BUSINESS

9. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 11:15 a.m.