12-06-84 Finance Comm Minutes4:00 P.M.
December 6, 1984
FINANCE/SAFETY COMMITTEES
Combined committees met in the Conference Room, present were Chairmen Ruiz and Schindler,
Committee member Palmer and Councilman Manning, Fire Chief Doty and Roger Hopkins, DIL.
Fina ce Director Bill Swanson
Ambulance Rate Increase Proposal
Chief Doty stated that the last ambulance was bought in 1983 out of accumulated 2 years
cash surplus, at a cost of $18,000 + $10,000 trade in. A new ambulance will be needed
in the 1985 budget year, anticipated cost of $30,000 with trade in of 1975 GMC.
Previous years budgets, revenues and write-offs were discussed. Since 1981, $38,454
was written off for ambulance billing, @ 7.3% a year for 4 years. 58% of runs are
under 1 hour, this accounts for most loss. The last increase was in 1979-80.
Chief Doty explained that on the current $80.00 charge, $62.60 is for labor, $25.24
administrative costs. He stated that we havent lost anything, nor have we gained any-
thing to replace equipment. This years budget is $118,297, anticipated revenue is
$118,000.
It was felt that budgeting for an ambulance replacement fund plus a 10% contingency
factor should be established; suggested amount for fund was $15,000. C. Palmer asked
that a check list be initiated showing what is being done on delinquent accounts.
After 4 attempts it should go to a collection agency. The Council's advice will be
sought on this.
C. Palmer moved to recommend to Council the following increases: the minimum charge
increased from $80 to $100 for basic fee, Mileage: lst 8 miles free the from $1.00
to $1.50 per running mile. The hourly rate from $50 to $70, but this is included in
base rate. Oxygen will .remain at $7.50 flat rate. Cervical or Philadelphia collar
$20.00 flat rate, this is a new item.
Seconded by Councilman Schindler. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Demolition of M&M Building
C. Schindler stated that DPW Hammer is getting the contract ironed out, everything is
now in escrow. The contract specifies use of a barricade and DPW requests $950-$1,000
so it can be built by the Parks Department to expedite the project rather than wait for
the owners, at their own expense, to have the barricade built. State .law requires that
the owners be billed back, so the money will be returned. Once barricaded, a full lane
and parking will be allowed.
F.D. Swanson stated that the money would have to be taken from the General Fund and a
Demolition Fund created.
Ronnie Pack wants to wait until after the holidays for heavy demolition, that would
make for the least amount of damage and safety problems. Discussion of our liability
if we put up the barricade. C. Ruiz stated that he doesnt want to be legally liable,
that if we are taking the owner's responsibility fromthemby putting up barricades,
he would rather wait and let them do it and assume responsibility. The City shoul_dnt
be put in a position to be liable.
C. Palmer stated that we still have the same responsibility that we had when the abate-
ments were started. We said that the building had to come down now; why should we
wait.. The building is still as dangerous as when Chief Doty, Building Official Petersen
and DPW Hammer said it was.
C.Schindler stated that the delay was a cooperative effort to keep down town viable
through the Christmas holiday.
Nothing further was decided and the meeting adjourned at 5:00 P. M.
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