City Council Packet - 09/03/1986 JOINT TIGARD COUNCIL - TUALATT.N FIRE DISTRICT
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
,- September 3, 1986 - 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Mayor John Cook, Councilors Tom Brian (arrived at 8:05 p.m.),
Carolyn Radon and Jerry Edwards; City Staff: Bob Jean, City Administrator and
Police Chief David Lehr; Representatives for Tualatin Rural Fire Protection f
District (TRFPD): Chairman Joe Chamberlain (arrived at 7:15 p.m.), Fred
Rage, John Voorhees, and Dean Wells; District Staff: Fire Chief Floyd Pittard
and John Watt (attorney for TRFPD).
Also present in audience: Geraldine Ball, J. D. Fuiten, Mr. and Mrs. David
Funk, Dee Dee Barrington (The Oregonian) and Gail Madsen.
The meeting began with individuals introducing themselves.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Impact of Proposed Changes in Advanced Life Saving and Ambulance Service
Discussion took place on advanced life saving (ALS) and
ambulance services. A video tape on "Fire Services Role in
Pre-Hospital Care" was viewed. Chief Pittard commented that
"TRFPD provides the highest level of pre-hospital care
possible." Pittard was critical of the medical care given by
ambulance companies and stated that the Fire Department is in
business because they do it best. Discussion followed the
presentation.
The authority under which the proposed changes are being made
was discussed. The County's EMS rule making is about 12 to 18
months away. Meanwhile, the District retains lead authority in
our area.
Not yet determined is the public information and hearings
process. The Chief and Chairman indicated there would be no
decision by the Board until around the first of the year
(January 187).
ALS/Ambulance Study Committee (consisting of eight to nine
members including two or three of the five District Board
members) sought an unbiased view of what the Public wants.
The economic impact of changes in ALS are unclear; Chair
Chamberlain is uncertain about tax impact consequences.
Chief Pittard advised that the current fiscal year cost is
$550,000 without considering offsetting costs.
Discussed were the public and private sector roles as well as
emotional, political and financial issues.
i` The Committee recommended three alternatives and currently has
` no public hearing schedule planned.
Chamberlain said the current services are all right but he is
concerned with high ambulance costs. He questioned the shifting
from fees to tax.
John Voorhees commented that when the District heard the City of
Tigard was considering going into its own District, they
determined there wouldn't be enough money to proceed with the
ALS program.
Fred Hage spoke of the Bellevue system where taxes pay for ALS
and ambulance fees.
Councilor Eadon commented that whether "we're interested or not,
if there's to be any change, we're (the City) in it:"
Councilor Edwards suggested that the Committee's findings and
recommendations be presented to the community, then "as a City,
we can take a position." He also commented on the consequences
of choosing the wrong ALS/ambulance service during a fast growth
and development period which would affect the District's future.
Mayor Cook commented that if the District's assessed value is
$2.5 billion of which Tigard is *1 billion (over one third),
1 then the City of Tigard is concerned about any plan to shift
from a fee to a tax-supported system.
Chair Chamberlain stated that he thought the issue was still
premature and that public hearings should be held throughout the
District before a decision is reached.
Metzger Annexation
Mayor Cook reported on the neighborhood-initiated annexation
petition.
City Administrator Jean summarized the net revenue offer and
that the annexation will result in no change with regard to fire
services.
Effects of TAFPD-WCFD #1 Consolidation (total revenues - direct
casts " special capital projects fund
Chair Chamberlain summarized the Tualatin Fire District and the
Washington County Fire District consolidation talks. There is
concern about redundant costs and the long--term future of the
Districts.
Chief Pittard reported that there are discussions going on now
between Beaverton and the Washington County Fire Department on a
` Fire Services Contract.
( Discussion included "Super District," City Departments and
Contract Fire Services options.
Discussions of functional consolidation are now in process with
the Beaverton Fire Distriction, the Washington County Fire
District and the Tualatin Fire District (TRFPD). There is a
potential for the elisination of 54 of the 355 staff members,
wivised Chief Pittard. The projected tax rate is for below
$2.25/thousand within five years. Overstaffing in the
ALS/ambulance areas in both the public and private sectors is of
concern in all of Washington County. Target tax rate for
1987-88 is $2.50/thousand.
Growth and Development
Balanced growth through the I-5 Corridor is necessary to keep
taxes down.
Under consideration now is for the moving of the 911 switch to
TRFPD from the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Beaverton and
Washington County Fire District O1.
Discussion of intergovernmental service agreements and
City-District options followed.
NEXT MEETING DATE
A January meeting will be set up by City Administrator Jean and Chief
Pittard. Suggested agenda items are: City-district service agreements,
ALS/ambulance service, 911 number, Metzger annexation.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Recoigcretary, est,
Robert W. an, John E. Cook,
City Admin trator, City of Tigard Mayor, City of Tigard
cw:4138A
e
fes.,.
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that a special Council meeting, called by the Mayor
with the common consent of the Council, will be held on September 3, 1986 at
3:00 PM in the Tigard Civic Center Townhall Room, 13125 SW Hall Blvd. , Tigard,
Oregon. The meeting is called for the purpose of discussing joint concerns
with the Tualatin Rural fire Protection District.
City ofTigard
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