HomeMy WebLinkAbout12 - Correspondence-"12- 1,73.12_
Response to the Orange County Grand Jury —
"Emergency Medical Response in Orange County"
September 25, 2012
Page 8
Response: The recommendation will not be implemented, because it is not reasonable.
As the Grand Jury is aware, respondents are prescribed via the California Penal Code
to formally respond to the Grand Jury's findings /conclusions and recommendations with
specific text, even if the phrase and tone we might rather respond with is significantly
different than the Penal Code's strictures.
Therefore, please know that the City of Newport Beach appreciates the Grand Jury's
attention to the interesting and timely issue of change in fire departments — indeed, we
see the change too. We know that any government service must change with times, as
difficult as that can be. And while we might not choose the precise path and timeline
that the Grand Jury requested (study done by consultant services, all by July 31, 2013);
please know that we acknowledge that similar studies and analyses need to occur soon
if local governments and their fire departments are to continue to remain efficient and
effective.
Recommendation R2 - Suggested alternative models should include forming a unified
Emergency Response Department that includes fire and medical response, separating
the fire response from the medical response, privatizing the emergency medical
response, etc. (See F3)
Response: The recommendation has not been implemented, but may be considered in
the future. The City of Newport Beach's Resolution 2010 -04 (Enacting a Fiscal
Sustainability Plan) states, among other things, that the City will consider competitive
contracting of services and equipment when appropriate and where clear, cost - effective
alternatives exist. Consistent with this Resolution and the Grand Jury's report the City
will continue to consider competitive contracting within the NBFD and all City
departments. The City will continue to re- evaluate all alternative models to create
efficiencies for emergency medical service response while maintaining the highest level
of service to the community.
I welcome any views contrary or concerns that the Grand Jury might have about this
response. I can be reached at (949) 644 -3001 or dkiff ,newportbeachca.gov.
Sincerely,
Dave Kiff
City Manager
City of Newport Beach