12-13-2011 CC RPT 04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Public Hearing – Alpha Ambulance Franchise Application Page 2 2. If the applicant met all requirements of the governing RMC chapter. 3. If the granting of a franchise would threaten the economic viability of the existing franchisee(s). Fire Chief Steve Earley has the responsibility under the RMC for acting as the ambulance franchise administrator. His investigation included consulting with and obtaining the assessment of the application by the Health Officer or the Local EMS Agency. (RMC Section 5.66.050.) The administrator is required to prepare and issue a report to the Public Safety Committee, present a copy to the applicant, and request that a meeting of the Committee be called to consider the report and other testimony. (RMC Section 5.66.050.) Ultimately, the City Council holds a public hearing to determine whether the applicant has demonstrated that the public health, safety, welfare, convenience, and necessity require the availability of such ambulance service and that the applicant meets all municipal code requirements. In making its determination, the Council shall consider the following: whether the public is already being adequately served; the financial responsibility of the applicant; the number, kind and type of equipment proposed for use; the schedule of rates proposed to be charged; and such other factors as the Council considers relevant. At the hearing the applicant shall have the burden of proof to present facts necessary to support the Council's findings. A Notice of Hearing was mailed in a timely manner advising Alpha Ambulance of the scheduled hearing to review the application. (RMC Section 5.66.060.) At the conclusion of the Public Hearing, the City Council has the ability to grant or deny the franchise applications. Pursuant to RMC Sections 5.66.050 and 5.66.060, denial of a franchise application may be based on the following: Applicant failed to demonstrate that the public health, safety, welfare, convenience, and necessity require the availability of such ambulance service; or Granting of another franchise would impair the economic viability of the existing franchisee and would not be in the public interest and welfare. Current Ambulance Service American Medical Response (AMR) is currently the only non-exclusive franchise provider of BLS and CCT services within the City of Riverside. Franchise Applicant Alpha Ambulance, based in Los Angeles with a Riverside based operations division, has submitted an application for an Ambulance Franchise for Non-Emergency BLS and Critical Care Transports. A copy of the application is included as Attachment A to this report, including Alpha Ambulance’s supporting documentation requesting an ambulance franchise.