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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/11/2003 (2)March 11, 2003 EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT The District Board of Commissioners of the Emergency Services District met at the County Commission Chambers, 1840 25111 Street, Vero Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, March 11, 2003. Present were Kenneth R. Macht, Chairman; Caroline D. Ginn, Vice Chairman; Fran B. Adams; Thomas S. Lowther, and Arthur R. Neuberger. Also present were James Chandler, County Administrator; William G. Collins, II, Deputy County Attorney; and Patricia Ridgely, Deputy Clerk. The Chairman called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. 14.A. REPORT OF MARCH 6, 2003 EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE Emergency Services Director John King reported on the ESDAC meeting held on March 6111, 2003 at which time the ESDAC members heard staff's informational report concerning a suggested change in the job description of Firefighters. The ESDAC also heard employees' representatives of the Paramedics and the Firefighters discuss the renewal of dual certifications. The recommendation of the ESDAC to the Board was to revisit the issue of allowing the Firefighters to retain their national paramedic certifications. MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Lowther, SECONDED by Commissioner Neuberger, to accept staff s recommendation to make the suggested change to Firefighters' job descriptions as set out in the March 11, 2003 1 E.S.D. memorandum for the meeting of February 18, 2003. Under discussion, Vice Chairman Ginn reported she had attended the ESDAC meeting and felt the members of ESDAC did not have a good handle on the whole situation. Since the last time this issue came to the Board, she had spoken with Rod Johnston and Steve Grawl, two excellent examples of cross -trained employees. She questioned what has been done in the past to renew National Registry certification or if this was the first time it has been necessary. Because this was done at the last minute, she had a concern it could be a strategy to get the Board to agree to dual -certification of firemedics. She also believed liability needed to be examined. Emergency Services Director John King explained the procedures required to re -certify and stated that this was the first time he was aware of anyone in the Fire Division seeking renewal of their National Registry certification. Commissioner Ginn thought this went against current policy because the Board had determined to keep firefighter and paramedic units separate. When she read the proposed language, she thought it would open the door for all 25 dual -certified firefighters to perform paramedic skills. She has not done enough study on this issue and was very uncomfortable with making this change. Director King responded to the concerns by recalling that in January the Commission directed staff to try to work something out with both groups without opening the contracts. What has been presented took hours of meetings with both groups as well as obtaining a legal opinion from a labor attorney; it was a very difficult task for everyone involved because of the different perspectives. He understood how difficult this situation has been and he felt sure that the Commission appreciated that staff has tried to respond to the Board's directive. In response to Vice Chairman Ginn's inquiry, County Administrator Chandler advised the firefighters' contract was signed in September and was March 11, 2003 E.S.D. retroactive for one year. He pointed out that this recommendation from staff does not reopen that contract or any other contract. Commissioner Neuberger noted that dual certification is not being sought at this time under either contract. He asked Director King to advise if his January recommendation had changed. Director King advised that the firefighters' contract ends September 30, 2004 and the paramedics' contract is over September 30, 2005. His previous recommendation has not changed and he could not change it without concurrence by both groups and obtaining another legal review. County Administrator Chandler read the portions of the 2 changes in job descriptions from staff s recommendation in January; he stressed this change would not reopen either contract. Vice Chairman Ginn repeatedly questioned the use of the word "all". Director King explained why the labor attorney wanted the wording as it was presented. Director King advised of a letter he had received from Mike Scott (representing Local 769 Teamsters) who was assisting with the process; in his letter he mentioned points that would trigger impact bargaining. If the supervisor's responsibilities were increased, that would cause impact bargaining under the Teamster's contract. In the County's medical protocols, the EMS Division is clearly identified as the lead agency for providing medical services in this community. Chairman Macht thought he had been singled out as the probable swing vote on this issue. He has learned a lot in discussions that have added to his information but they have also pointed out what he still needs to learn. In all discussions about both groups and the County, there has never been a significant mention of the public, the ones they are sworn to serve. The Board has not been hearing from the public. He was inclined to vote in favor until he learned there is a painless way to March 11, 2003 E.S.D. renew if it is not done on time. If a letter would be issued to the labor representatives of the paramedics that assured them approval of this change will not reopen the labor contract, he could support the changes. It should also clearly define that the paramedic is the authority to initiate or terminate treatment. No matter what, he plans to start riding in some fire trucks and ambulances to see what is happening in there. He was interested to know why we are contracting with Dr. Nicosia from Martin County and not locally. It was understood that language would have to be added for Chairman Macht to support the motion and the question was asked if Chairman Macht's suggestions could be added to the recommendation. Human Resources Director Jim Carnicella specified that anything other than staff s original recommendation might lead to impact bargaining; he understood that was to be avoided. Commissioner Lowther advised that some Paramedics have spoken to him about getting their firefighter certification renewed. Commissioner Adams was skeptical of the National Registry certification because she has not seen anything about the corporate structure of this nebulous group. She did not want to see any firefighters lose their State paramedic certification. Commissioner Lowther wondered what happens when they need State certification, and Director King advised that renewal of State certification requires a certain number of continuing education units (CEU's) and they must get active training every 2 years. The Chairman CALLED THE QUESTION which failed 2-3 (Chairman Macht, Commissioners Ginn and Adams opposed). Chairman Macht advised that he had been hearing of squabbles at the March 11, 2003 4 E.S.D. stations; that activity must stop. If the situation cannot be handled, the Board will have to talk about some disciplinary action. He stressed that serving the public is our primary mission. Chairman Macht then specified that Deputy County Attorney William G. Collins II is leading the County Attorney's office at present and will put something on the agenda for next week concerning this matter. There being no further business, on Motion duly made, seconded, and carried, the Board adjourned at 1:02 p.m. ATTEST: Jeffrey K. Barton, Clerk Kenneth R. Macht, Chairman Minutes Approved: March 11, 2003 5 E.S.D.