DECEMBER 16, 2003 WORKSHOP MINCITY COUNCIL
MAYOR MEYERA E. OBERNDORF, At-Large
VICE MA YOR LOUIS R. JONES, Bayside - District 4
HA RR Y E. DIEZ, EL, Kempsville - District 2
MARGARET L. EURE, Centerville - District 1
REBA S. Mc'CLANAN, Rose Hall - District 3
R1CHAI09 A. MADDOX, Beach - l)istrict 6
dim REF. VE, Princess Anne - Distrwt 7
PETER W. SCHMID?; At-Large
RON A. VILI~4NUEVA, At-Large
ROSEMARY WILSON, At-Large
dAMES L. WOOD, Lynnhaven -District 5
.]AMES K. SPORE, (.'ity Manager
LESLIE L. LILLEY, City Altorney
RUTH ftODGES SMITH, MM(;, City (;lerk
CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH
"COMMUNITY FOR A LIFETIME"
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
CITY HALL BUILDING I
2401 COURTHOUSE DRIVE
VIRGINIA BEACH, PTRGINIA 23456-8005
PHONE: (757) 427-4303
FAX (757) 426,5669
E MAIL:Ctycnclc~vbgov. com
16 December 2003
I. CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFING
- Conference Room -
2:30 PM
Ao
OPNAV INSTRUCTION 11010.36B AICUZ PROGRAM
The Honorable George Allen, United States Senate
B.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM
James K. Spore, City Manager
MINUTES
VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL
Virginia Beach, Virginia
16 December 2003
Vice Mayor Louis R. Jones called to order the CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP re OPNAV
INSTR UCTION l l Ol O. 3 6B A1CUZ PROGRAM in the City Council Conference Room, City Hall Building,
on Tuesday, December 16', 2003, at .2.'30 P.M.
Council Members Present:
Harry E. Diezel, Vice Mayor Louis R. Jones, Reba S. McClanan,
Richard. A. Maddox, Jim Reeve, Peter W Schmidt, Rosemary Wilson
and dames L. Wood
United States Senator Present:
The Honorable George Allen
Council Members Absent.'
Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf
[Mayor undergoing surgery]
Margaret L. Eure
Ron A. Villanueva [Personal/Business Trip to Philippines]
-2-
C I T Y C 0 UN C I L WORKSHOP
OPN,4 V INS TR UCTION 11 O10. 36B AICUZ PR OGIL4M
2:30 P.M.
Councilman Schmidt refi'.renced the recent OPN,4V Instruction 11010.36B on the Air Installations
Compatible Use Zones (A1CUZ) program, relative residential development around Oceana Naval ,4ir Base.
Councilman Schmidt introduced The Honorable George Allen, United States Senate, and acknowledged his
support of Lake Gaston and the position of the City relative the citing of all ten (10) F/A 18 Super Hornet
Squadrons in k'irginia Beach. CiO; Council expressed appreciation for Senator Allen's attendance to assist
in understanding the City's position.
Robert Matthias, Assistant to the City Manager, advised the City received enabling authority from the
General Assembly for local land use control concerning an Airport Zoning Ordinance, to control
development around Oceana. On August 23, 1994, City Council adopted an "Airport Zoning Program"
consisting of the Airport Noise Attenuation and Safety Ordinance (AICUZ) and amendments to the City
Zoning Ordinance (CZO), Site Plan Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance. Noise zones were created
surrounding NAS Oceana and NALF Fentress. Regulations requiring Disclosure and Noise Attenuation
measures became effective on danua~3; 1, 1995. The Program included use of a "Land Use Compatibility
Table, "provided by the Navy, which indicates what uses are 'Compatible', 'Conditionally Compatible'
(need sound attenuation, for example), and are 'Not Compatible. ' These uses, in terms of those that are
conditional uses in the CZO, are listed in Section 221.1 of the CZO. During the 1995, Base Realignment
and Closure Commission (BRA C) process, the City became aware ora new AICUZ MAP, which placed two
(2) elementary schools in an Accident Potential Zone. At the BRAC Public Hearing in Norfolk, the Mayor
said two (2) schools could be moved more easily than losing Oceana. This becamepolicyjbr the City. These
two (2) schools were moved at an approximate cost qf $23-MILLION.
In November of 1997, the City adopted the Comprehensive Plan, which expressed to the community the
reasonable expectations that would govern development in the City. This Plan was developed after extensive
input form all segments of the community, including the Navy. City Council adopted amendments to the
AICUZ Ordinance, the City Zoning Ordinance and a new land use map in 1998. On May 18, 1998, the
Secretary of the Navy issued a Record of Decision and General Conformity Determination for Realignment
qf F/A-18 A ircrqft and Operational Functions from Naval A ir Stations (NA S) Cecil Field, Florida, to other
East Cost Installations. Alternative Realignment Scenario 2 called for nine (9) F/A-18fleet squadrons and
the Fleet Replacement Squadron to be realigned to NAS Oceana.
Mr. Matthias displayed the map that was developed as part of the Environmental hnpact Study (ELS), which
became known as the 1999 AICUZ map. The Navy developed this map based on model operations in Cecil
Field, Florida, and how they should be applied to Virginia Beach. When the squadrons arrived, the Navy
found the impacts had been overstated. In 2001, the Navy utilized what became the "2000 Base Map" in
the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the East Coast placement of the F/A-18 ElF Super Hornets
in the adverse condemnation lawsuit. In July 2002, the Navy issued the Drr~ EIS for East Coast placement
of the Super Hornet aircraft. A Base 2000 map was used for comparison for all alternatives. This Base Map
showed new and modified APZx and greatly reduced noise impacts from the Ci(v's official map. The Navy
was predicting the impacts would be considerably smaller than the existing AICUZ map. The Super Hornet
aircraft is 6 to 12 decibels louder than an F-14 aircraft, which it replaced. Mr. Matthias advised Senator
Allen, the City Council, as part of the Airport Zoning Ordinance, had required noise attenuation in these
higher noise zones, which were depicted in "green "and "yellow" on the displayed map. According to this
map, the residences were deemed to be compatible. The Navy had objected to the Bishop Sullivan Senior
Citizen Home on General Booth Boulevard. Senator Allan advised the ''yellow" and "green" on the map
depicts 65 to 75 decibels. This is an average reading of sound.
December 16, 2003
-3-
CITY CO U N C I L I&'ORKSHOP
OPNA V INSTRUCTION 11 O10.36B AICUZ PROGRAM
In December 2002, the Chief of Naval Operations promulgated new AICUZ program guidelines' in the
OPNAI/ Instruction 11010.36B. In 2002, the City embarked on a refinement of land use plans for the
Transition Area. A report, known as the Transition Area Technical Advisory Committee (TA TAC) report,
arrived with wide community involvement and review. When the City Count. il adopted this plan in February
2003, it reiterated the suitability of low-density residential land use patterns for this area. Councilman
Reeve advised Senator Allen basically 70% qf the developable land has been built upon i.e. Indian River
Plantation and Courthouse Estates are in existence. The Green Line was installed in 1979, not as a barrier
to growth, but basically to focus growth in the northern area at the location of infrastructure. The
developers had to bring sewer and water to the property, if they wished to develop. Indian River Road is now
called the "blue" line. The City will not allow developers, even at their own cost, to develop below this point
in att attempt to maintain this section of the City "rural "for decades to come.
Mr. Matthias advised City Council has probably the finest farmland preservation plan in the State with the
Agricultural Reserve Program. City Council has purchased the development rights to over 6, 000 units, the
majority of which, are south of the "blue" line. Senator Allen commended this program.
In dune 2003, the AICUZ office at NAS Oceana met with staff of the Planning Department to inform them
of the new Department of Defense Instruction (OPNA VINST 11010.36B, issued on December 19, 2002).
According to the representatives from the AICUZ Office, the new instruction applies to all the military
branches and is directed from the Pentagon, not from NAS Oceana itself. The City's existing AICUZ map
is no longer valid for comparison purposes. The new instruction includes changes to the Land Use
Compatiblity Table (Pages 16 to 20 in the distributed repotO, such that a number Of uses previously
'Compatible' or 'Conditionally Compatible' are no longer so. For example, residential uses, which
previously were 'Conditionally Compatible' in the 70 to 75 AICUZ and 'Compatible' in the 65 to 70 AICUZ
are not viewed as being 'Compatible '. Thus, residential use in the area of the City of Virginia Beach covered
by an AICUZ is now 'Not Compatible '. The representatives of NAS Oceana informed the staff they would
be applying the new Land U~e Compatibility Table to rezoning and conditional use permit applications
effective immediately, consistent with the DOD instruction. They noted that letters will be provided on
applications to which they are opposed. Relative the new htstructions, representatives of NAS Oceana held
a meeting with the Planning Commission on dune 27, 2003. ~ith the duly Planning Commission Public
Hearing, letters opposing applications (based on the new DOD Instruction) were received from NAS Oceana.
All such letters were and are now included with the staff report.
Senator Allen stipulated Virginia Beach loves the Navy and Oceana. The airplanes are the "sound of
freedom ". The elected leadership are all grateful and appreciative of Oceana.
The Navy is now in the midst of developing a new AICUZ map independent of the Environmental hnpact
Statement. One of the guidelines.Iht an AICUZ map is to look ten (10) years into the fitture. The Navy is
saying to preserve as much of the area as possible for the joint Strike Fighter or other jets which might come
to Oceana. Because of the new instruction, the Navy is very much interested in single occurrence noise
impacts rather lhan the average i~npacts frotn ajet flying over. The guidance also references zones of 55
to 64 decibels which need to start requiring noise attenuation for dew'lopment.
December 16, 2003
-4-
CITY CO U N C I L WORKSHOP
OPNA V INSTRUCTION 11 O10.36B AICUZ PROGRAM
The City does not even map 55 to 64 decibels, which would probably encompass the entire City. Mr.
Matthias advised Senator Allen if an e. nergy conserving house is built, 25 to 30 decibels of noise attenuation
will result. This is the standard. The average home in Virginia Beach in ten years has increased fi'om
$160, 000 to $240,000. However, with over 40% of the housing stock being less than $100, 000, the City has
an abundance of affordable housing. Redevelopment is an issue and encompasses much of the area
surrounding Oceana.
Mr. Matthias quoted Footnote 1 from the 2002 Instruction:
(a) "Although local conditions regarding the need for housing may require
residential use in these Zones, residential use is discouraged in DNL 65-69 and
strongly discouraged in DNL 70- 74. The absence of viable alternative development
options should be determined and an evaluation should be conducted locally prior
to local approvals indicating that a demonstrated community need for the
residential use would not be met (f development were prohibited in these Zones."
(b) "I'ghere the community determined that these uses must be allowed, measures
to achieve an outdoor- to-indoor Noise Level Reduction (NLR) of at least25 decibels
in DNL 65-69 and NLR of 30 decibels in DNL 70 - 74 should be incorporated into
building codes and be in individual approvals;for transient housing a Noise Level
Reduction of at least 35 decibels should be incorporated in DNL 75-79."
Mr. Matthias advised relative impacts of the new Instruction, there are $3-~-.BILLION worth of new
residential in the 65-75 decibel area with 92, 000 people living in an area which the Navy says they either
"strongly discourage" or "discourage "j(br residential develop~nent being co~npatible with Oceana.
The Department of Defense's Office q/Economic Adjustment (OEA) has aprogram available for Joint Land
Use Studies (JLUS) between jurisdictions that have a large military presence and OEA .for purposes' of
addressing encroachment, other land uses, and creating better relationships. Because of the recent OPNA V
Instruction 11010.36B on the Air Installations Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) program. City Council has
created a Task Force on Land Use in ,4ir Installations Compatible Use Zones (,4ICUZ) to work with the
Navy on land use issues'. A JL US could be utilized as a way to identify and subsequently address issues
created through the new OPNA V instruction. The JL US could also provide a process and plan to guide the
continued positive co-existence of NAS Oceana and the City. The Of/ice of Economic Adjustment (OEA)
will pay seventy-five percent (75%) of the cost to conduct the JLUS. The City will be responsible for the
remaining percentage. A Resolution committing the City to participate with the United States Office of
Economic ,4djustment in a Joint Land Use Study re zoning issues' in the ,4ICUZ will be scheduled for the
City Council Session of January 6, 2004. An example of a Joint Land Use Study was enclosed in the
information package distributed. A Joint Land Use Study will provide City Council the opportunity to
address the previously stated Footnote 1 from the 2002 Instruction.
On December 9. 2003, City Council ADOPTED the Resolution establishing the Task Force on Land Use
in air installations compatible use zones (,41CUZ) and providing for its membership, duties and related
matters. This Joint Land Use Task Force is composed of Senator Kenneth W. Stolle- Chair; Rear ,4dmiral
Fred Metz; The Honorable Owen B. Pickett, Ronald C Ripley, Michael J. Barrett, Mayor Meyera
Oberndorf, Council Member Jim Reeve and Council Member Richard ,4. Maddox - Liaisons. The Task
Force will have an initial meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2003, 9.'00 A.M. at the Pavilion.
Dece~nber 16, 2003
-5-
CITY CO UNCIL WORKSHOP
OPNA V INS TR UCTION 11 O10. 3 6B AICUZ PR OGR,4 M
Mr. Matthias referenced the Work Plan on OPNA V lnstruction 11010.36B on the Aircraft Installations
Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) Program. Chronology of the City of Virginia Beach Efforts to Reduce
Encroachment.
WORK PLAN
Action Date Status
Meet with Captain Keeley on instruction 11/3/03 Accomplished
Meet with Admiral Turcotte on instruction 11/3/03 Accomplished
Meet with Admiral Fallon on instruction 11/17/03 Accomplished
City Council brief by Captain Keeley on instruction and 11/18/03 Accomplished
AICUZ program.
Meeting request sent to Alan Zusman, author of 12/2/03 * Accomplished
instruction *
Copy of the Zusman letter sent to Congressional 12/2/03 * Accomplished
Delegation discussion
City officials meet with representatives from the Office of 12/2/03 Accomplished
Economic Adjustment to discuss and request that a Joint
Land Use Study (JL US) be pursued
Discussion with Norfolk and Chesapeake on a Joint Land 12/3/03 Continuing
Use Study (JL US)
City Council establishes a Task Force to pursue issue 12/9/03 Pending
Meet with Congressional Delegation to discuss instruction First 2 weeks of Pending
and JL US January 2004
City Council adoption of a resolution supporting JLUS 1/06/04 Pending
City to map out work program, consulting needs, etc for 1/30/04 Pending
JL US
City to complete electronic application for JLUS 2/13/04 Pending
Approval of City's application for JL US 2/20/04 Pending
Procurement of consultant for JLUS to be advertised as TBA - 45 days for Pending
soon as grant award is received advertising
Notice to proceed to hire consultant on JL US TBA Pending
JL US to be completed (based on scope and Pending
participation from
Norjblk / Chesapeake)
The meeting with Alan Zusman has been scheduled in Virginia Beach for December 19 2003.
Decetnber 16, 2003
-6-
C I T Y C 0 UN C I L WORKSHOP
OPNA V INSTRUCTION 11 O10.36B AICUZ PROGRAM
Mr. Matthias referenced the Task Force will try to come to an understanding with the Navy relative
addressing the several applications, which City Council deferred re "compatibility of land use" with
Ocean's AICUZ new regulations. Mt'. Matthias noted the location of the F. Donald Reid development on
b~dian River Road. Mr. Reid wishes to build forty-five (45) homes on 47.35 acres of developable land,
(under 1 unit per developable acre). The open space will be located in the high noise area. The Navy has
objected also as the site is directly aligned to Runway 5, one of the busiest runways'. Several keyflightpilots
utilize this tract to navigate to and from Oceana and Fentress. Mr. Matthias advised Senator Allen this
application has been DEFERRED for sixty (60) days until the City Council Session of February 10, 2004.
There is an excellent safety record around Oceana.
Councilman Reeve referenced residents who live in close proxi~nity to the proposed application have advised
him they do not believe they are subjected to the type of noise being portrayed as existing in this location.
Mr. Matthias referenced the City Council's approval of the NEAR POST, L.L.C. Conditional Change of
Zoning on November 25, 2003. The Navy had objected as the property was located in an acident potential
zone and a high noise zone, being 2.5 miles from the end of Runway 23. 7'he application entailed a major
redevelopment of the property inw2lving a rundown existing hotel of approximately 220 units. This
application involved 90 condominium units, which was in effect a down zoning. The Navy advised there was
a d!fference between full time residency and part time residency at a motel. The City is' itt the process qf
trying to redevelop much of the property.
The City Attorney advised relative Planning items (Changes of Zoning~Conditional Use Permits'), State
legislation does not allow a moratorium, but items can be de. ferred for a reasonable period of time.
Mr. Matthias advised Senator Allen the Navy cannot veto City Council's approval of items. The Navy has
said these are local land use decisions. The new OPNA V Instruction was developed without any comment
from the City. If City Council adopts' the resolution supporting the Joint Land Use Study on January 6, 2004,
then an electronic application could be completed by the first week of February and the grant award could
take place in mid-February. Depending on the scope of the work, the hiring of a consultant will take
approximatelyJ~brty-five (45) days after the grant award. The City has the basic tools available for the
Land Use Study; however, developing the scope of services will probably entail as much time as the actual
development of the Land Use Study. Captain Tom Keeley, Commanding Officer - Naval Air Station Oceana,
has been contacted relative the zonings affected by the OPNA V htstruction. The City Manager advised
Admiral S.A. Turcotte, U.S. Navy, Commander - Navy Region Mid-Atlantic., and Captain Keeley have been
present during the City Council Sessions relative the zonings'.
Senator Allen advised being involved in the BRAC process in 1994 and allocating the majority of his time
as Governor to Oceana. The entire Virginia Beach legislative delegation was concerned. Senator Allen
appreciated the dilemma and was aware of the sentiment of the Virginia Beach City Council. The City
desires to be good hosts being grate fid for the Navy and making Oceana conductive for operations and their
families. Senator Allen has spoken with The Honorable John W. Warner, United States Senate, and the
Legislators wish to work with the Cl'ty and the Navy. This Land Use Study and the Joint Land Use Task
Force is needed and probably should have commenced a year ago, but the City was not aware of the OPNA V
Instruction. Senator Allan requested he be informed relative the Study aa' it progresses. At this point, Senator
Allen does not believe he should intervene. The purpose of these efforts is to find a "common ground"for
understanding. Senator Allen stands ready to assist when needed.
December 16, 2003
-7-
CITY' M,4N,4GER'S BRIEFING
EMER GENC Y RESPONSE S YS TEM
3:40 P.M.
The City Manager advised the Virginia Beach Emergency Response System report distributed to City
Council is an analysis of the current system and evaluation of alternative options. The review was conducted
by the Management Services staff. The City Manager acknowledged their assistanc, e and expressed
appreciation for the outstanding service provided in this in-depth analysis to:
Catheryn Whitesell, Director of Management of Services
Emergency Response System Departments
Fagan Stackhouse, Director - Human Resources
Regina Hilliard, Stqffing and Compensation Service Manager - Human Resources,
Meredith Kellam Ching - Budget Analyst
Casey Baker - Budget Analyst
An Evaluation Review Panel was formed to work with Management Services and assist in identifying options
and discuss the pros and c. ons:
Evaluation Review Panel
dames K. Spore
City Manager
Clarence Warnstaff
Interim Chief Operating Officer (at time of evaluation)
Catheryn Whitesell, Director of Management of Services
Bill Laws
President of Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Council
Chief Bruce Edwards
Deputy Chief William Kiley
Deputy Chief Edward Brazle
Emergency Medical Services
Chief Gregory Cade
Deputy Chief David Land
Deputy Chief Melven Mathias
Fire Department
Lyle Sumek sera,ed as Facilitator for the Panel.
Virginia Beach is unique in the provision of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The City is the only city
in the two hundred (200) most populous cities to rely primarily on Volunteers to provide patient transport.
EMS is a system that involves the practice of medicine that is delegated by physicians to non-physician
providers in the pre-hospital setting. Virginia Beach, the City's Operational Medical Director, Dr. Stewart
Martin, oversees the Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) personnel from each
Volunteer Rescue Squad, the Department of Emergency Medical Service and the Fire Department. He is
appointed by the City Manager.
December 16, 2003
-8-
CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFING
EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM
The information contained in this report has been obtained primarily from the following sources:
Download of information from the Computer Aided Dispatch System
(CADS) Data
Personal interviews
Magazine and journal articles
Internet research
The City Manager advised the Process for Review:
Discuss information contained in the report and presentation
Review and consider findings and conclusions
Make a decision (January 2004)
Catheryn Whitesell, Director of Management Services, reviewed the E~nergency Response Team Briefing
to City Council on October 14, 2003.
ERS is the coordinated response to medical emergencies using all appropriate
personnel and resources in a timely manner.
99% of all patients are satisfied with services and 97% are satisfied with response
times.
Response Time goals
Is' Help on scene ~ 6 minutes
ALS on scene ~ 9 minutes
Transport unit on scene ~ 12 minutes
Major Findings in Report
There is no national consensus on response standards - each city should develop
their own
Virginia Beach's call volume is slightly less than other cities similar in size.
This City, like. most cities, uses the Fire Department as first responder
Of the 16,186 calls reviewed, two-thirds were initially dispatched as "Priority 1"
calls.
In analyzing the response times for each of the components in the Emergency Response System, the
Evaluation Review Panel began reviewing all the calla' for an average dispatch time.
Major Findings - Response Times Time in Minutes
Average time from call receipt to dispatch 1: I 1
Average time from dispatch to en route ]: ] 5
Average time from en route to on-scene (ls' responder) 4:55
Average time from en route to on-scene (all responders) 7.'38
Average times for Engines and Ladders 7.'02
Average times fOr Ambulances, Zone Cars and Squad Trucks 8.'42
December 16, 2003
-9-
CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFING
EMER GENC Y RESPONSE S YS TEM
The ERS has established a target of having eight (8) ambulances staffedper day. As the graph indicates, this
target is only achieved 53% of the time. On average, over the six month period, 7.2 ambulances were
available during the day and 8.44 during the evening. However, within one day, the number of ambulances
on the street would vary from a high of eleven (11) to a low of four (4). The number of ambulances tend to
be lowest about 4.'00 A.bl. to 6.'00 A.M. each da),. Available ambulances tend to be higher during the
weekends and lower during the week..As the number of calls increased, the number of ambulances available
increased as well.
The chart indicating Advanced Life Support (ALS) staffing, depicted five (5) or more ALS units available
only 52% of the time. Five (5) units was selected by Management Services to illustrate unit availability. ALS
units tend to be more available during the week and less available during the weekends (reverse of
ambulances). The number of ALS units increase as the call volume increases. Both the number of available
ambulances and advanced life support units should not be solely based on call volume. G-eography and the
location of hospitals factor significantly into response times and the number of units must compensate for
long travel times, more units geographically distributed. The use of zone cars to provide Advanced Life
Support care does help overcome geography and these units are more mobile and easier to dynamically
deploy.
Report Conclusions
Staffing levels' through the volunteer system are often inconsistent
Staffing problems appear to be most problematic with ALS availability
Determining necessary staffing levels appear to be geography driven versus call-
volume driven
Volunteer system supplemented with Fire staff are unable to meet response goals
Objectives in Developing Options
Provide quality of patient care
Continuously provide comprehensive ALS coverage for the City
Reduce response timesJbr all intervals of the ERS System - 6,'9,'12
Increase the number of transport units consistently available
Reduce the first responder wait time for transport unit arrival
Enhance the current Volunteer system
Enhance communication and interaction among all ERS components
Simplify roles and responsibilities
Resolve data issues to enhance system management
December 16, 2003
-lO-
CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFING
EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM
Options to Address Concerns MILLIONS
Automatic Vehicle Locator System $1.10
Enhancements to Computer Aided Dispatch Reporting $0.10
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for Police $0. 76
EMS Volunteer Incentiw'~s $0.60
Response Time Improve~nents :
Option 1: Hire full-time personnel in EMS - 48 new Paramedics on 12 Zone Cars $3.03
Option 2: Hire full-time personnel in Fire - 72 new Firefighter Paramedics on 12 $4.53
Zone Cars
Option 3: Reorganize within Fire to reclassify 54 existing staff to Firefighter $0. 74
Paramedic staffing 9 dedicated engines and continue use of Volunteer Zone Cars
Option 4: Consolidate EMS and Fire into a single department
4a: Eliminate one of the two directors' and their executive assistants ($0.18)
4b: Hire a new director and create a division of Fire and a division of EMS $0.21
Option 5: Hybrid of paid EMS staff and reclassi.~ existing Fire staJf to $2.4 7
Firefighter Paramedics
Recommendation
Automatic Vehicle Locators
Reporting improvements for CADs
Automated External Defibrillators for Police
EMS Volunteer Incentives
Option 5: Hybrid of paid EMS staff and use often (1 O) dedicated Fire
stations with one. (1) Firefighter Paramedic per shift
Reconstitute the Emergency Response Executive Committee with new
membership (Volunteer President~Chief of EMS and Fire~Chief Operating
Officer/Police Chief/Director of Communications and Information Technology
Director of Public Utilities/Director of Management Services)
Analyze the CADs data every six months to monitor improvements and
adjust as necessary
TOTAL COST: $ 5.03-MILLION
PROS CONS
Improves capacity to deliver quality patient care
Provides consistent ALS coverage both through Zone
Cars and engines
Keeps Fire as first responder
Maintains and enhances Volunteer service
Provides for paid supervision
Resolves the voluntary nature of Paramedic skill
provision by Firefighters and provides for
reassignment as needed
Minimizes Zone Car requirement for Firefighters
Continuum of care for patients is ensured
Some Fire/EMS conflicts may exists
Paramedic only positions in EMS may cause a
migration from Fire and Volunteers
Burnout tends to be more of an issue in EMS only
agencies
May be perceived as a beginning step to elimination of
the Volunteers
Requires dual certification fbr firefighting and
Paramedic skills
Requires call backs and reassignment of Firefighter-
Paramedics to ensure that coverage is at the ten (1 O)
stations
Dece~nber 16, 2003
ll-
CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFING
EMER GENC Y RESPONSE S YS TEM
Implementation Proposal
Authorize:
Hiring of 28 full-time Paramedics and part-time
positions to cover leave
Establishment of a career track for Firefighter
Paramedic
Hiring of l Fire Battalion Chief(40 hour)for
liaison with ERS
Designation of 10 ALS Stations and assign one
Firefighter Paramedic per shift
Additional overtime funds for Firefighter
Paramedic callback
Purchase of' AEDs for Police
Automatic Vehicle Locator System
Reporting enhancements for Cotnputer Aided
Dispatch
Vehicle for Battalion Chief
Uniform and Equipment for new positions
Total Current Year Cost:
$2.40-MILLION
Total On-going Annualized Cost.' $ 3. O1-MILLION
How to fund:
Use $760,0000 in Fund Balance fi, r AED
purchase and CADs reporting
Use $170,000 in EMS Two-.For-Life Funding
for equipment
Use $ 74, 500 in Fire Programs Funding for
Battalion Vehicle
Lease purchase Agreement for Automatic Vehicle
Locator System
Increase the Real Estate Tax Rate 1 cent effective
duly 1, 2004, to provide on-going funding for
staffing increases, overtime and volunteer
enhancements
For current fiscal year, would need to
implement a hiring freeze for the remainder of
the year to generate $1-MILLION in funding as
well as use the funds remaining in the Reserve
for Contingencies and the Muhammad Trial
The one cent (10 real estate tax would generate approximately $2.9-MILLION.
Gwen Cowart, Director- Communications and Information Technology, advised relative emergency medical
dispatch, there is a specific protocol for every telephone call. The communications officer receives a call,
although the system "pops up" an address, the officer goes to the "all callers card" which verifies the
address of the caller. The reason for the call, patient's age, sex and whether breathing or not. If the answer
is "no" to breathing, the call is dispatched immediately without any further dialogue. This dispatch can be
triggered at different points during the telephone call. Once the nature of the call has been ascertained, a
nature code is assigned. Examples of a Priority One call would be cardiac breathing difficulty or
unconscious. A Priority Two call example would be abdominal pain, minor illness or bleeding controlled
by pressure. Once the relative information is received, the call is shipped from the' call taker to the
dispatched unit. More and more information may be provided to the caller, even though the unit has been
dispatched. If Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) ia' necessary, instructions can be given until the
emergency vehicle arrives. The Communications Officer will utilize the Computer Assisted Dispatch (CAD)
system to determine the units available for response. At this stage of the call, the Automatic Vehicle Locator
(AVL) system would be of assistance. The system would determine location, the units to be dispatched for
the particular emergency', zone assignments and location. The Automatic Vehicle Locator systetn would
notify the dispatcher which unit to send. The move into the new Emergency Communications building is
slated for Fall 2005, the CAD system will be upgraded.
December 16, 2003
- 12-
CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFING
EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM
Chief Gregory Cade, Fire Department, advised the Emergency Response System will a&tress the majority
of concerns expressed by Fire personnel:
Maintains Fire as a first responder
Provides for a Battalion Chief w serve as liaison on medical issues
Allows for career paths for Firefighters who want to practice ALS skills
Maintains continuum of patient care off engines rather than Zone
Cars
Reduces down time fire units while waiting for transport units
Chief Bruce Edwards, Emergency Medical Services, advised the Volunteer Rescue is a great system. From
an Emergency Medical Services perspective, the Emergency Response System:
Maintains the Volunteer service
Increases the amount of staff available for ambulances
Improves Automatic Life Support (ALS) coverage and utilizes' Zone Cars to
address geography concerns
Enhances communication between the EMS and Fire for medical calls
Chief A.M. dacocks, Police, referenced the Police Perspective:
Enhances the officer's ability to assist with medical calls
Recognizes the role already played by Police in the system
Vice Mayor clones recognized Chief dacocks for his election as President of the Local Hampton Roads
Police Chiefs 'Association.
William G. Laws, President - Council of Virginia Beach Rescue Squads, Inc., advised the Volunteer
Perspective:
Maintains Volunteer system
Will require changes in how the City does business, particularly how
ambulances are ,staffed
Provides incentives to overcome barriers to volunteering
All ten (10) squads will need to continue to work together to ensure adequate
staffing and coverage
Dr. Stewart Martin, Medical Director - Emergency Medical Services, advised the Medical Director's
Perspective:
Maintains continuum of care
Limits the number of advanced life support providers, thereby ensuring
that everyone has a chance to maintain skills
Does not "force "people to become Paramedics
Provides a Battalion Chief in the Fire Department who is the liaison to
the medical control system
December 16, 2003
-13-
CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFING
EMER GENC Y RESPONSE S YS TEM
Mrs. g'hitesell advised these changes will improve the achievement of the Emergency Response System
(ERS) response time goals, particular Advanced Life Support response and initial response. The changes
will maintain and enhance, quality of Patient care and increase the number of transport units available.
Responses to City Council's concerns shall be provided.
Dece~nber 16, 2003
Item I-C.
-14-
AD JO URNMENT
Vice Mayor Louis Jones DECLARED the City Council Workshop ADJOURNED at 5:25 P.M.
Beverly O. Hooks, CMC
Chief Deputy City Clerk
Louis R. Jones
Vice Mayor
City Clerk
Meyera E. Oberndorf
Mayor
City of Virginia Beach
Virginia
December 16, 2003