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Council hears calls to stage EMS closer to hard-hit neighborhoods; administration cites facility repairs
Summary
Councilors urged faster placement of EMS staging in neighborhoods to improve response times. Administration said the proposed building has structural and roof issues and would require repairs, insurance and contract changes before being used; alternatives including nearby firehouses are being explored.
Several councilors pressed administration to stage EMS resources closer to neighborhoods that experience longer response times, saying quicker staging would reduce life-threatening delays.
“I think they should be put in there immediately,” Councilman McNeely said, urging rapid action so ambulances can respond faster to 5th District residents. He recounted recent calls where response delays mattered.
Administration and the chief administrative officer, Crandall Jones, said the suggested building has serious roof and flooring problems and that Labor & Industry and public-works assessments require specific repairs before occupancy. Jones said placing EMS in the building prematurely could expose the township to liability and that staff are working to scope repairs, costs and insurance implications.
Staff said they are also exploring alternative staging options, including conversations with neighboring firehouses and temporary staging solutions, and will report back to council. Members urged “all hands on deck” to find a faster interim option while repairs and contract discussions proceed.
