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Council reviews ambulance and off-road transport requests as EMS fund builds
Summary
Council discussed replacing a 2005 off-road transport 'mule' (bid ~ $30,000) and committing to an ambulance order; staff said the EMS enterprise fund holds over $600,000 and is trending up about $300,000 per year, and council directed staff to return contract language so the city can commit to purchase timing.
Peter introduced a pair of fire/EMS capital items and asked the chief and staff to explain operational needs. He told the council the ambulance-related enterprise fund "has a healthy balance of over $600,000 and it's trending, to a plus 300,000 each year," which staff said supports equipment replacement planning.
Staff described the off-road transport (referred to repeatedly as a 'mule') as a 2005 unit that does not idle reliably and cannot safely carry the gurney; a replacement bid for that vehicle was repeatedly reported around $30,000. Council and chiefs discussed reserve-apparatus strategies (placing older units into reserve status after acquiring new apparatus), the cost-effectiveness of remounting ambulance boxes (staff advised remounting is not cost‑effective), and staffing implications if the city keeps older units in frontline service.
Council asked whether ordering an ambulance now would require upfront funds. Staff said the city would likely show a contract when the city commits to an ambulance and that small-equipment deposits may be needed—similar to prior large apparatus procurements—but that major cash outlays and loose equipment (gurneys, small gear) are timed with delivery. There was a discrepancy in the transcript about full ambulance replacement cost (see audit note); staff repeatedly emphasized lead times (2–3 years for some apparatus) and the need to coordinate logistics, training and staffing.
Ending: Council directed staff to update the budget for the mule and to bring contract language and scheduling options for the ambulance commitment at the next meeting.
