Minutes 04/26/1988 - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 26, 1988 Emergency Ambulance Service As' Council is aware, last year authorization was-given to incr~ase~t~h~e level of service for emergency ambulance response. As a result, a third f~lly equipped and staffed~ ambula~nce was added twe~lve hours ~ach day, resulting in a bigher payment to the City's contractor as well as greater vehicle maintenance -and replacement costs. We now enjoy a substantially higher level of ambulance service, but the cost to' the taxpayers has risen proportionately. For instance, total costs in 1987-88 were estimated at $710,094 and revenues wereestimated~at $185,000, for a total deficit of $525,094. This was a significant increase over the previous ye'ar'~s deficit of about $390,000. As 'a ~esult, I am recommending the following increases in fees: Qurrent Proposed No Load $ 35.00 $ 50.00 Basic Life Support 50.-00 75.00 Advanced Life Support 100.00 150.00 Inter City Tra~nsport 150.00 200.00 It should be noted that even with the proposed user fee increase, it is still~neoessary to have a significant deficit supported by taxes. For instance, it is estimated that even with the increase, we will still have a, deficit of approximately $460,000~ ~ In October 1989, the contract with the current service provided will expire, and I intend to explore ways to further reduce the public subsidy for this important but expensive service. ~ _~ ~ Parks and Recreation City Park On Saturday, April 2, 1988, City Park was rededicated and opened to the public. The planning for this project started in 1984, with construction spanning ~16 months (December 3, 1986 to April 2~ 1988). The improvemen.ts cos~ $3~§~million. The "New" City Park has several new features along with the refurbis'hing or reconstruction-of virtually every facility. For example, the new multi-purpose .center (Park Centre) houses the .250 seat amphitheater, community meeting rooms, concession area and the golf pro shop and putting green. Other new features include the 1,600 foot coastline promenade and for the first time, paved parking areas. Renovated or~"reconstructed" facilities include a new roadway; four ~oa~ ramps (increase from two ramps),~sait boat ramp, children's play area, tennis court lighting, Friendship Garden, family.and group picnic shelters, extensive area lighting, 9,000 feet of split rail fencing, Dock Master and Entrance Guard Houses, 2 ~sce~nic pedestrian bridges, new water, and sewer facilities, aerators ~n ponds~ as ~elt as additional restrooms. For the first time, the 93 acre park truly represents a commonalty asset and is deserving of its name - CITY PARK. New positions in the aides and security guards safe use of this facility. form of park maintenance, recreation have been added to insure continuous