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Minutes for the City Council meeting on June 17, 1996
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PUBLIC HEARING - 6:00 P.M. - A public hearing was held for the purpose of discussing an Ordinance to amend Ordinance No. 1365, setting standards and qualifications for Ambulance Services within the City of Jonesboro. Councilman Gene Vance reported on a Joint Committee held by the 911 and Transportation Committees. Some concerns discussed were: 1) Required number of ambulances. 2) Should Emergency and Non-Emergency Vehicles meet the same standards. 3) Should all Ambulances be required to have rescue equipment, 4) Standards for Ambulances based on the age of the vehicle or based on the mileage. Councilman Rega, Chairman of the 911 Committee, covered portions of the proposed Ordinance, stating the areas of concern were with Section 2-A, requiring four paramedic level ambulances between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; Section 2-N, requiring extrication equipment; and Section 2-O, requiring emergency vehicles which are less than six (6) years old.
Mr. Mark Keller, of Keller’s Medical Services, explained when he began his business, the only requirement to be placed on the 911 dispatch list was the staff must be trained paramedics. Mr. Keller contended even though this requirement was met, Keller’s Medical Services was not being dispatched by 911 operators. Mr. Keller expressed some frustration with the fact that each time he meets a requirement, then the requirements are increased. Mr. Keller agreed there should be requirements, but requested Keller Medical Services be grand fathered-in and given a period of time to meet those requirements. Councilman Kelton explained there was no intent to target any one ambulance service, but rather concern for the future interests of Jonesboro Citizens.
Councilman Young questioned the origin of the ordinance, and was told it was written by Mooney Law Firm at the request of Councilman Vance. Councilman Young reported on ambulance regulat...
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