RICHARD ROLKE Thu Mar 16th, 2017 2:25pm Morning Star:
The City of Vernon is being blasted for investigating whether some jobs should be outsourced. A request for proposals is being launched to determine if contracting out fire hall dispatch services could reduce costs. ””We understand they are trying to be cost effective but we’re disappoionted that they’re moving forward with this process,” said Brent Bond, president of the Vernon Professional Firefighters Association, which represents the four dispatchers. “We will show the services currently provided are superior and more cost effective than in other communities.” Currently, the stand-alone dispatch service in Vernon costs $549,355 per year and anticipated savings through contracting out are about $250,000 per year. City officials defend the decision to consider an alternative model of delivery. “Our dispatchers are providing excellent support to our department and the community,” said David Lind, interim fire chief. “This decision to investigate contracted services in no way reflects on their skill or the work they do.” The department currently uses a single dispatch station normally operated by one employee.
“In large scale and large call volume events, both the dispatcher and dispatch centre can be overwhelmed. This could leave the organization and the community at risk as a result of system failures and delayed call processing or dispatching,” states the city in a release. “Larger centres typically have two or more staff assigned on a 24/7 basis. Dispatch facilities are secure and there are normally back-up provisions in the event of a system or facility failure. “ Contracting out dispatch services has occurred in many communities, including Cranbrook, where Lind previously worked. “No decision has been made at this point. A request for proposals process will provide us with the information needed to properly assess the potential reduction in costs and risk,” said Lind. While Bond admits that contracting out is a trend across the province, he doesn’t believe it’s been successful. “Some of these cities are not happy with the service and they’re not realizing the savings they expected,” he said.
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News Release City of Vernon.
Showing posts with label fire dispatch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fire dispatch. Show all posts
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Saturday, April 02, 2016
From horses and bells to state of the art; Vernon Fire Department has come a long way in 125 years
By (CHARLOTTE HELSTON /InfoTel Multimedia) April 01, 2016 - 9:00 PM
VERNON - Things have come a long way at the Vernon Fire Department since it got its start 125 years ago with a horse drawn fire engine. The department, which began in 1891, is actually older than the City of Vernon itself, which was incorporated the year after. It’s landmark birthday the fire department is celebrating with bells on — literally. Members of the fire hall, with help from the community, are restoring a large, 850 pound bell from the original fire hall, which stood roughly where the Marten Brewpub is now on Main Street. Vernon Fire Chief Keith Green says the bell, which has a diameter of 42 inches, was purchased in 1894 for $176. “The old pull boxes, in effect until the 70s, would send a signal to the fire hall and interrupt the circuit to the bell, and it would ring,” Green says, adding the old bell hasn’t rung in probably 50 years. The bell’s gudgeons, leg stands and clapper (the device that rings the bell) are all long gone, and those involved in what Green has dubbed ‘The Bell Restoration Project’ have worked diligently to recreate the missing pieces. The new parts will even be dipped in acid to create a weathered look to match the bell. The department plans to unveil the restored bell at an open house in May, which the whole community is going to be invited to. Reflecting on the fire hall’s 125 years of service to the community, Green says a lot has changed. Old photos from the Vernon Museum and Archives prove as much.“You can see the guys are in dress shoes, ties and suspenders,” Green says of the department’s first firefighters. Now, firefighters wear a full suit of armour complete with a breathing apparatus. Transportation has also changed dramatically. The first fire engine was a horse-drawn wagon, Green says. As rumour has it, the horses were kept in a field across from the station, and when they heard the bell ring, they would run over and assume their positions in front of the wagons. When the department got its first fire engine in 1913, the horses retired. “As the story goes they were sold to the milkman and he had to get rid of them because every time the bell rang they ran down to the fire station with the milk cart. They were so well trained he couldn’t stop them,” Green says. In 1934, the fire hall got a shiny new truck from Watkin Motors in Vernon. The antique was fully restored by members of the fire department in 2002 and is brought out for parades and special events. As the community grew, so did the fire department, Green says. From an original crew of just a handful of firemen, the department now staffs three chief officers, four captains, 24 firefighters, four dispatchers, one emergency coordinator, one captain of fire prevention, and a mechanic — plus 35 to 40 paid on call firefighters. While helping the public remains its mission, the fire department does more than just fight fires these days. It responds to numerous medical emergencies, traffic accidents, HAZMAT calls and rescues. A big focus is on prevention, with the department running smoke alarm and car seat programs, in addition to other safety initiatives and fundraisers. The 125 anniversary open house is set for Saturday, May 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Station 1, located at 3401 30 St. There will be burgers and hot dogs, as well as antique fire engines and equipment on display.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Dispatch still based out of region
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Mar 21, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Most North Okanagan communities will continue to receive emergency fire dispatch from operators sitting hundreds of kilometres away. The Regional District of North Okanagan board is renewing a five-year agreement with the Fraser Valley Regional District to provide fire dispatch to all communities with fire protection outside of Vernon. “They gave us a price that is totally acceptable and there haven’t been any problems with the service,” said Shirley Fowler, Armstrong director.“It’s prudent to let them carry on because they have done a good job.” Under the new contract, Fraser Valley will be paid $35,000 to start and that will climb to $38,500 by the end of the five years. Fraser Valley took on the first contract in 2010. The City of Vernon, which was passed over for the service four years ago, met with RDNO officials in 2013 in an attempt to win the bid for 2014. However, RDNO staff recommended staying with Fraser Valley. Opposition to renewing the contract came from Vernon’s four representatives and Kevin Acton, Lumby director. “I believe the city should have been considered,” said Acton, adding that dispatch operators at the Vernon fire hall are more familiar with locations in the region. “We would have done our due diligence giving a local authority the opportunity to bid on it.” Vernon officials have argued that all fire dispatch should be based in the North Okanagan. “Having separate fire dispatch services for our area, Vernon and the Okanagan Indian Band, dispatched out of our station and the rest of the region dispatched out of Fraser Valley certainly creates operational challenges on types of incidents where our departments overlap,” said Keith Green, Vernon fire chief, in a November interview. “Large-scale incidents where mutual aid is required presents difficulties when the responding departments don’t share communication systems. We felt we could have provided a very attractive bid from both a financial perspective and an operational efficiency perspective.” Fowler believes Vernon may ultimately have an opportunity to pursue the dispatch service. “When the contract comes up in five years, we can look at it then,” said Fowler of going through a full tender process.
Most North Okanagan communities will continue to receive emergency fire dispatch from operators sitting hundreds of kilometres away. The Regional District of North Okanagan board is renewing a five-year agreement with the Fraser Valley Regional District to provide fire dispatch to all communities with fire protection outside of Vernon. “They gave us a price that is totally acceptable and there haven’t been any problems with the service,” said Shirley Fowler, Armstrong director.“It’s prudent to let them carry on because they have done a good job.” Under the new contract, Fraser Valley will be paid $35,000 to start and that will climb to $38,500 by the end of the five years. Fraser Valley took on the first contract in 2010. The City of Vernon, which was passed over for the service four years ago, met with RDNO officials in 2013 in an attempt to win the bid for 2014. However, RDNO staff recommended staying with Fraser Valley. Opposition to renewing the contract came from Vernon’s four representatives and Kevin Acton, Lumby director. “I believe the city should have been considered,” said Acton, adding that dispatch operators at the Vernon fire hall are more familiar with locations in the region. “We would have done our due diligence giving a local authority the opportunity to bid on it.” Vernon officials have argued that all fire dispatch should be based in the North Okanagan. “Having separate fire dispatch services for our area, Vernon and the Okanagan Indian Band, dispatched out of our station and the rest of the region dispatched out of Fraser Valley certainly creates operational challenges on types of incidents where our departments overlap,” said Keith Green, Vernon fire chief, in a November interview. “Large-scale incidents where mutual aid is required presents difficulties when the responding departments don’t share communication systems. We felt we could have provided a very attractive bid from both a financial perspective and an operational efficiency perspective.” Fowler believes Vernon may ultimately have an opportunity to pursue the dispatch service. “When the contract comes up in five years, we can look at it then,” said Fowler of going through a full tender process.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
New Deal For Fire Dispatch
Written by Glen Morrison 107.5 KISSFM Thursday, 20 March 2014 15:04
Regional fire and emergency calls in the North Okanagan will continue to be dispatched out of Chilliwack. Regional District of North Okanagan directors have approved a five year extension of their contract with a Fraser Valley-based service. "It runs from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019, and that's with the Fraser Valley Regional District," says board vice chair Rick Fairbairn. Fairbairn says there was no opposition to the move, even though Vernon operates it's own stand alone system. "I thought there might have been some in light of the city of Vernon, but it was passed," he says. The contract will cost $35,000 next year, rising to $38,500 by 2019, representing a 2% increase over the term. The fee in 2014, the final year of the original agreement is $34,000.
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Don Quixote Note: The above posting was changed subsequently to : (see KISSFM Link)
Vernon's four representatives and Lumby director Kevin Acton were opposed to renewing the contract, prefering to use Vernon's dispatch service.
Regional fire and emergency calls in the North Okanagan will continue to be dispatched out of Chilliwack. Regional District of North Okanagan directors have approved a five year extension of their contract with a Fraser Valley-based service. "It runs from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019, and that's with the Fraser Valley Regional District," says board vice chair Rick Fairbairn. Fairbairn says there was no opposition to the move, even though Vernon operates it's own stand alone system. "I thought there might have been some in light of the city of Vernon, but it was passed," he says. The contract will cost $35,000 next year, rising to $38,500 by 2019, representing a 2% increase over the term. The fee in 2014, the final year of the original agreement is $34,000.
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Don Quixote Note: The above posting was changed subsequently to : (see KISSFM Link)
Vernon's four representatives and Lumby director Kevin Acton were opposed to renewing the contract, prefering to use Vernon's dispatch service.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Some Items of Interest at RDNO Meeting on Wednesday at 4 PM
REGIONAL DISTRICT OF NORTH OKANAGAN BOARD of DIRECTORS MEETING Wednesday, March 19, 2014 4:00 p.m. REGULAR AGENDA
2. Bylaw 2622 – Greater Vernon Water Utility Rates Imposition
− Bylaw 2622, 2014
RECOMMENDATION 7 Page 23
(Customized Stakeholder Vote – Includes Vernon, Coldstream, Electoral Areas “B”
and “C”)
That as recommended by the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, Greater Vernon
Water Utility Rates Imposition Bylaw No. 2622, 2014, as amended at the Greater
Vernon Advisory Committee Meeting of March 6, 2014, be given First, Second and
Third Readings.
RECOMMENDATION 8
(Customized Stakeholder Vote – Includes Vernon, Coldstream, Electoral Areas “B”
and “C” – 2/3 Majority)
That Greater Vernon Water Utility Rates Imposition Bylaw No. 2622, 2014 be
Adopted.
5. Bylaw 2625 – Regional District of North Okanagan 2014-2018 Financial Plan
– Staff report dated March 5, 2014
– Bylaw 2625, 2014
RECOMMENDATION 14 Page 52
(Weighted Corporate Vote – Simple Majority)
That Regional District of North Okanagan 2014-2018 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2625,
2014 be given First, Second and Third Readings.
RECOMMENDATION 15
(Weighted Corporate Vote – 2/3 Majority)
That Regional District of North Okanagan 2014-2018 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2625,
2014 be Adopted.
13. Referendum Process for Greater Vernon Water Master Water Plan Borrowing
Referendum
RECOMMENDATION 24
(Customized Stakeholder Vote – Includes Vernon, Coldstream, Electoral Areas “B”
and “C”)
That as recommended by the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, the Referendum
Process for Greater Vernon Water Master Water Plan Borrowing Referendum be
endorsed.
RECOMMENDATION 25
(Customized Stakeholder Vote – Includes Vernon, Coldstream, Electoral Areas “B”
and “C”)
That as recommended by the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, Director
Macnabb be appointed to act as Chair for all public meetings for the Greater Vernon
Water Master Water Plan Referendum Process.
24. Civic Arena Engineering Assessment
RECOMMENDATION 37
(Customized Stakeholder Vote – Includes Vernon, Coldstream, Electoral Areas “B”
and “C”)
That as recommended by the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, as per the
Greater Vernon Recreation Facilities and Programming Memorandum of
Understanding dated September 12, 2013 that the Regional District of North
Okanagan hold a referendum in conjunction with the local government elections in
November 2014 seeking borrowing approval to fund a replacement sheet of ice and
to decommission the Civic Arena as an ice facility and that all other agreed to terms
stated in the Greater Vernon Recreation Facilities and Programming Memorandum
of Understanding dated September 12, 2013 under sections “New Recreation
Facilities” and “Civic Arena” will apply.
25. Fire Dispatch (913)
− Staff report dated March 5, 2014
RECOMMENDATION 38 Page 217
(Weighted Corporate Vote – Simple Majority)
That the Regional District of North Okanagan be authorized to enter into a renewal of
the fire dispatch service agreement covering the 5 year term, January 1, 2015 to
December 31, 2019 with Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD).
2. Bylaw 2622 – Greater Vernon Water Utility Rates Imposition
− Bylaw 2622, 2014
RECOMMENDATION 7 Page 23
(Customized Stakeholder Vote – Includes Vernon, Coldstream, Electoral Areas “B”
and “C”)
That as recommended by the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, Greater Vernon
Water Utility Rates Imposition Bylaw No. 2622, 2014, as amended at the Greater
Vernon Advisory Committee Meeting of March 6, 2014, be given First, Second and
Third Readings.
RECOMMENDATION 8
(Customized Stakeholder Vote – Includes Vernon, Coldstream, Electoral Areas “B”
and “C” – 2/3 Majority)
That Greater Vernon Water Utility Rates Imposition Bylaw No. 2622, 2014 be
Adopted.
5. Bylaw 2625 – Regional District of North Okanagan 2014-2018 Financial Plan
– Staff report dated March 5, 2014
– Bylaw 2625, 2014
RECOMMENDATION 14 Page 52
(Weighted Corporate Vote – Simple Majority)
That Regional District of North Okanagan 2014-2018 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2625,
2014 be given First, Second and Third Readings.
RECOMMENDATION 15
(Weighted Corporate Vote – 2/3 Majority)
That Regional District of North Okanagan 2014-2018 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2625,
2014 be Adopted.
13. Referendum Process for Greater Vernon Water Master Water Plan Borrowing
Referendum
RECOMMENDATION 24
(Customized Stakeholder Vote – Includes Vernon, Coldstream, Electoral Areas “B”
and “C”)
That as recommended by the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, the Referendum
Process for Greater Vernon Water Master Water Plan Borrowing Referendum be
endorsed.
RECOMMENDATION 25
(Customized Stakeholder Vote – Includes Vernon, Coldstream, Electoral Areas “B”
and “C”)
That as recommended by the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, Director
Macnabb be appointed to act as Chair for all public meetings for the Greater Vernon
Water Master Water Plan Referendum Process.
24. Civic Arena Engineering Assessment
RECOMMENDATION 37
(Customized Stakeholder Vote – Includes Vernon, Coldstream, Electoral Areas “B”
and “C”)
That as recommended by the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, as per the
Greater Vernon Recreation Facilities and Programming Memorandum of
Understanding dated September 12, 2013 that the Regional District of North
Okanagan hold a referendum in conjunction with the local government elections in
November 2014 seeking borrowing approval to fund a replacement sheet of ice and
to decommission the Civic Arena as an ice facility and that all other agreed to terms
stated in the Greater Vernon Recreation Facilities and Programming Memorandum
of Understanding dated September 12, 2013 under sections “New Recreation
Facilities” and “Civic Arena” will apply.
25. Fire Dispatch (913)
− Staff report dated March 5, 2014
RECOMMENDATION 38 Page 217
(Weighted Corporate Vote – Simple Majority)
That the Regional District of North Okanagan be authorized to enter into a renewal of
the fire dispatch service agreement covering the 5 year term, January 1, 2015 to
December 31, 2019 with Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD).
Sunday, November 24, 2013
City not on dispatch radar
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 24, 2013 1:00 AM
The City of Vernon could be bypassed again when it comes to fire dispatch for neighbouring communities. The Regional District of North Okanagan will attempt to negotiate a renewal agreement with the Fraser Valley Regional District to provide dispatch for fire halls in Enderby, Armstrong, Spallumcheen, Lumby, Coldstream and the electoral areas. “We’ve had a good relationship with the Fraser Valley and we want an opportunity to renegotiate,” said Rick Fairbairn, RDNO vice-chairperson. Fairbairn says he is aware of no problems since Fraser Valley took on the contract in 2010. The agreement expires Dec. 31, 2014. The City of Vernon, which was passed over for the service three years ago, recently met with RDNO officials in an attempt to win the bid for 2014. “The presentation was well done and there were a lot of good points to add, such as emergency management and the fire training centre (which are operated by the city),” said Fairbairn. Fairbairn says Vernon could be considered if talks with Fraser Valley are not successful. Vernon Fire Department officials say they’re disappointed RDNO has not initiated a competitive bid process for dispatch. “Having separate fire dispatch services for our area, Vernon and the Okanagan Indian Band, dispatched out of our station and the rest of the region dispatched out of Fraser Valley certainly creates operational challenges on types of incidents where our departments overlap,” said Keith Green, Vernon fire chief. “Large-scale incidents where mutual aid is required presents difficulties when the responding departments don’t share communication systems. We felt we could have provided a very attractive bid from both a financial perspective and an operational efficiency perspective.” Prior to RDNO going to a request for proposals in 2010, Vernon made a proposal. “While Vernon did not formally respond to the RFP, RDNO evaluated its proposal against those received through the RFP process and estimated that RDNO would realize annual savings in excess of $80,000 per year by selecting Fraser Valley,” said Ron Baker, the regional district’s community protective services manager. Fraser Valley will be paid $34,000 in 2014. “Participants in RDNO’s fire dispatch function pay less now than they did
The City of Vernon could be bypassed again when it comes to fire dispatch for neighbouring communities. The Regional District of North Okanagan will attempt to negotiate a renewal agreement with the Fraser Valley Regional District to provide dispatch for fire halls in Enderby, Armstrong, Spallumcheen, Lumby, Coldstream and the electoral areas. “We’ve had a good relationship with the Fraser Valley and we want an opportunity to renegotiate,” said Rick Fairbairn, RDNO vice-chairperson. Fairbairn says he is aware of no problems since Fraser Valley took on the contract in 2010. The agreement expires Dec. 31, 2014. The City of Vernon, which was passed over for the service three years ago, recently met with RDNO officials in an attempt to win the bid for 2014. “The presentation was well done and there were a lot of good points to add, such as emergency management and the fire training centre (which are operated by the city),” said Fairbairn. Fairbairn says Vernon could be considered if talks with Fraser Valley are not successful. Vernon Fire Department officials say they’re disappointed RDNO has not initiated a competitive bid process for dispatch. “Having separate fire dispatch services for our area, Vernon and the Okanagan Indian Band, dispatched out of our station and the rest of the region dispatched out of Fraser Valley certainly creates operational challenges on types of incidents where our departments overlap,” said Keith Green, Vernon fire chief. “Large-scale incidents where mutual aid is required presents difficulties when the responding departments don’t share communication systems. We felt we could have provided a very attractive bid from both a financial perspective and an operational efficiency perspective.” Prior to RDNO going to a request for proposals in 2010, Vernon made a proposal. “While Vernon did not formally respond to the RFP, RDNO evaluated its proposal against those received through the RFP process and estimated that RDNO would realize annual savings in excess of $80,000 per year by selecting Fraser Valley,” said Ron Baker, the regional district’s community protective services manager. Fraser Valley will be paid $34,000 in 2014. “Participants in RDNO’s fire dispatch function pay less now than they did
Friday, October 18, 2013
Fire department improves service
By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 18, 2013 1:00 AM
A major step towards improved fire protection is in place for Okanagan Indian Reserve residents with 911, and efforts are continuing to enhance service. The Okanagan Indian Band recently gained access to Vernon’s 911 fire dispatch, a major improvement from a previously antiquated system. “Now that we’re officially 911, we want everyone to know that,” said Mike Doherty, OKIB Fire Department captain. The department has been working towards 911 dispatch for 13 years, and up until now, residents had to call a separate emergency number to report fires. Such fires on band land were handled by an answering service established by the fire department. Now the fire department is working towards becoming fully certified. “It’s one big step to get us certified,” said Doherty. “But once we are certified, insurance goes way down.” Gaining 911 dispatch was the first, and biggest, step towards getting a department certified.The second step is gaining a water tender, and a proposal has already been submitted. Thirdly, mutual aid agreements need to be in place with the Armstrong-Spallumcheen and BX-Swan Lake departments. With the help of the OKIB, Doherty says plans are rolling along nicely. The department is also looking at getting a satellite hall at the Head of the Lake by the medical centre.
A major step towards improved fire protection is in place for Okanagan Indian Reserve residents with 911, and efforts are continuing to enhance service. The Okanagan Indian Band recently gained access to Vernon’s 911 fire dispatch, a major improvement from a previously antiquated system. “Now that we’re officially 911, we want everyone to know that,” said Mike Doherty, OKIB Fire Department captain. The department has been working towards 911 dispatch for 13 years, and up until now, residents had to call a separate emergency number to report fires. Such fires on band land were handled by an answering service established by the fire department. Now the fire department is working towards becoming fully certified. “It’s one big step to get us certified,” said Doherty. “But once we are certified, insurance goes way down.” Gaining 911 dispatch was the first, and biggest, step towards getting a department certified.The second step is gaining a water tender, and a proposal has already been submitted. Thirdly, mutual aid agreements need to be in place with the Armstrong-Spallumcheen and BX-Swan Lake departments. With the help of the OKIB, Doherty says plans are rolling along nicely. The department is also looking at getting a satellite hall at the Head of the Lake by the medical centre.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Okanagan Indian Band to access 911 for fire emergencies
By Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 26, 2013 12:00 PM
A new arrangement should improve safety for residents of the Okanagan Indian Reserve. The City of Vernon will begin providing fire dispatch services to the Okanagan Indian Band. Once technical upgrades are completed in the fall, this will mean anyone on reserve land will be able to report fires through 911. “We at the Okanagan Indian Band are very pleased with this new agreement with the City of Vernon and Vernon Fire Rescue Services and the enhanced safety and protection that will come from it for our band members and community residents,” said Byron Louis, band chief. The fire department’s dispatch centre uses computer assisted dispatching software, radio communications and voice recording software. When the 911 calls are transferred, dispatchers process and initiate the response and provide ongoing dispatch support for the duration of the emergency. “Our fire dispatch centre was designed to provide modern service within the city and to clients in the area. This agreement reflects the city’s interest to support common regional communications during emergencies,” said Mary-Jo O’Keefe, a Vernon councillor. A signing ceremony will be held between the band and the city Sept. 3.
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Vernon Fire Rescue Services and Okanagan Indian Band Sign Fire Dispatch Agreement September 3, 2013
A new arrangement should improve safety for residents of the Okanagan Indian Reserve. The City of Vernon will begin providing fire dispatch services to the Okanagan Indian Band. Once technical upgrades are completed in the fall, this will mean anyone on reserve land will be able to report fires through 911. “We at the Okanagan Indian Band are very pleased with this new agreement with the City of Vernon and Vernon Fire Rescue Services and the enhanced safety and protection that will come from it for our band members and community residents,” said Byron Louis, band chief. The fire department’s dispatch centre uses computer assisted dispatching software, radio communications and voice recording software. When the 911 calls are transferred, dispatchers process and initiate the response and provide ongoing dispatch support for the duration of the emergency. “Our fire dispatch centre was designed to provide modern service within the city and to clients in the area. This agreement reflects the city’s interest to support common regional communications during emergencies,” said Mary-Jo O’Keefe, a Vernon councillor. A signing ceremony will be held between the band and the city Sept. 3.
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Vernon Fire Rescue Services and Okanagan Indian Band Sign Fire Dispatch Agreement September 3, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
Voters will get say on $1.6-million emergency dispatch upgrade
By Joe Fries - Penticton Western News Published: April 13, 2013 3:00 PM
Voters will get a chance to weigh in on the proposed $1.6-million upgrade of the regional 911 dispatch system. The agenda for Thursday’s meeting of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen includes a staff report that recommends directors initiate an alternate approval process to gain the public’s authorization to borrow the necessary funds. Unlike a referendum, the alternate approval process requires only those against the borrowing to register their opposition. If 10 per cent of eligible voters do so, a full referendum would be triggered. The staff report does not indicate who is considered an eligible voter within the RDOS. It does note, however, that borrowing $1,640,000 over 10 years is expected to result in an annual debt servicing cost of $210,000. That will cost property owners $2.54 per $200,000 of assessed value. An overhaul of the dispatch system was recommended in November 2012 by a consultant who told RDOS directors that luck alone has prevented a major public safety mishap due to the antiquate setup in place now. The upgraded system would group 16 regional fire halls into three zones. Fire departments within each zone would then share a radio link to dispatch in Kelowna. The Penticton Fire Department, which receives 70 per cent of the region’s calls, would maintain its separate connection to dispatch, and Summerland would lose its individual link. In March, adoption of the RDOS budget was stalled by debate on the upgrade, and directors for Summerland and Osoyoos eventually voted against it. Under the current cost-sharing arrangement, the City of Penticton would pay about 40 per cent of the upgrade cost, despite receiving the least benefit from system improvements.
Voters will get a chance to weigh in on the proposed $1.6-million upgrade of the regional 911 dispatch system. The agenda for Thursday’s meeting of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen includes a staff report that recommends directors initiate an alternate approval process to gain the public’s authorization to borrow the necessary funds. Unlike a referendum, the alternate approval process requires only those against the borrowing to register their opposition. If 10 per cent of eligible voters do so, a full referendum would be triggered. The staff report does not indicate who is considered an eligible voter within the RDOS. It does note, however, that borrowing $1,640,000 over 10 years is expected to result in an annual debt servicing cost of $210,000. That will cost property owners $2.54 per $200,000 of assessed value. An overhaul of the dispatch system was recommended in November 2012 by a consultant who told RDOS directors that luck alone has prevented a major public safety mishap due to the antiquate setup in place now. The upgraded system would group 16 regional fire halls into three zones. Fire departments within each zone would then share a radio link to dispatch in Kelowna. The Penticton Fire Department, which receives 70 per cent of the region’s calls, would maintain its separate connection to dispatch, and Summerland would lose its individual link. In March, adoption of the RDOS budget was stalled by debate on the upgrade, and directors for Summerland and Osoyoos eventually voted against it. Under the current cost-sharing arrangement, the City of Penticton would pay about 40 per cent of the upgrade cost, despite receiving the least benefit from system improvements.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
New Dispatch System State Of The Art - Computer decides which firehall and apparatus
Betty Selin 105.7 SUNFM 4/24/2012
The bugs have been worked out of the new computer assisted dispatch at Vernon Fire Rescue. Emergency Program Coordinator, Brent Watson says it's the most significant upgrade in the 100 year history of the department. Watson unveiled their new half-million-dollar communication system to politicians and the media Tuesday. He says it is built with future operations in mind, so they could handle regional dispatch or even contract out their services. Watson says they inherited antiquated equipment from the Regional District and have now skipped a generation with this upgrade. He says they looked at Vancouver and scaled it back for a city the size of Vernon. Mayor Rob Sawatzky agrees with Watson that you can't beat local knowledge - with some first hand experience from his time as a doctor and some very frustrating times when ambulances were dispatched by remote services, which he says was, "bad, bad, bad." He says you can't put a price on public safety and the 540-thousand dollars is money well spent. Phase two of the computer assisted dispatch is in this year's budget with screens going in three fire trucks for immediate communication.
The bugs have been worked out of the new computer assisted dispatch at Vernon Fire Rescue. Emergency Program Coordinator, Brent Watson says it's the most significant upgrade in the 100 year history of the department. Watson unveiled their new half-million-dollar communication system to politicians and the media Tuesday. He says it is built with future operations in mind, so they could handle regional dispatch or even contract out their services. Watson says they inherited antiquated equipment from the Regional District and have now skipped a generation with this upgrade. He says they looked at Vancouver and scaled it back for a city the size of Vernon. Mayor Rob Sawatzky agrees with Watson that you can't beat local knowledge - with some first hand experience from his time as a doctor and some very frustrating times when ambulances were dispatched by remote services, which he says was, "bad, bad, bad." He says you can't put a price on public safety and the 540-thousand dollars is money well spent. Phase two of the computer assisted dispatch is in this year's budget with screens going in three fire trucks for immediate communication.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Fire department presents reduced budget for 2012
JOHN MOORHOUSE Penticton Herald Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Despite recent radio communication problems, the loss of 911 fire dispatch service to Kelowna has reduced the Penticton fire department‘s bottom line for 2012. Fire Chief Wayne Williams outlined a proposed $4.2-million budget to members of city council Monday. That‘s down about $500,000 from 2011. The Penticton department includes 32 full-time firefighters, two fire inspectors, an operations assistant, plus the chief and deputy chief. The loss of five dispatchers, after the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen relocated the service to Kelowna in December, reduces the payroll by $462,000. However, Penticton must still contribute its share of the RDOS costs for the new Kelowna-based dispatch service. Problems with garbled Internet-linked radio transmissions from the dispatch centre in Kelowna recently spawned criticism from the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department. Williams said although Penticton has also experienced some difficulties, most of them have occurred during daytime hours on weekdays when Internet use is highest. Last week, the whole radio communication system went down for a few minutes. The Kelowna department now plans to switch to a different Internet line to correct the problem by the end of this month, Williams said. “They‘re changing to a different line that doesn‘t have as many users,” he said. “But even if they don‘t get it, the captain has a cell phone and there‘s a ‘rip-and-run‘ in the truck bays.” The printed sheet outlines the address and nearby cross streets of the site where a fire call originates. Williams said aside from the radio problems, he‘s generally pleased with how well the transition went. He noted the new system allows the fire department to receive medical first response calls quicker. Instead of waiting for a phone call from the 911 ambulance dispatch centre in Kamloops, the fire department is notified by computer link at the same time as the local B.C. Ambulance station. Meanwhile, Williams is requesting council approve a $60,000 core services review for the fire department this year. He noted the 2010 review of city operations conducted by the Helios Group consulting firm did not delve deeply into the fire department. “We‘d like to look and see how we‘re doing things now. How it compares to other departments throughout the province that are similar to us and see if there is a better way of doing things,” he said. The fire department was among several city departments to make budget presentations to council on Monday. Council‘s budget deliberations continue today, focusing on the Penticton Library, civic grants
Despite recent radio communication problems, the loss of 911 fire dispatch service to Kelowna has reduced the Penticton fire department‘s bottom line for 2012. Fire Chief Wayne Williams outlined a proposed $4.2-million budget to members of city council Monday. That‘s down about $500,000 from 2011. The Penticton department includes 32 full-time firefighters, two fire inspectors, an operations assistant, plus the chief and deputy chief. The loss of five dispatchers, after the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen relocated the service to Kelowna in December, reduces the payroll by $462,000. However, Penticton must still contribute its share of the RDOS costs for the new Kelowna-based dispatch service. Problems with garbled Internet-linked radio transmissions from the dispatch centre in Kelowna recently spawned criticism from the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department. Williams said although Penticton has also experienced some difficulties, most of them have occurred during daytime hours on weekdays when Internet use is highest. Last week, the whole radio communication system went down for a few minutes. The Kelowna department now plans to switch to a different Internet line to correct the problem by the end of this month, Williams said. “They‘re changing to a different line that doesn‘t have as many users,” he said. “But even if they don‘t get it, the captain has a cell phone and there‘s a ‘rip-and-run‘ in the truck bays.” The printed sheet outlines the address and nearby cross streets of the site where a fire call originates. Williams said aside from the radio problems, he‘s generally pleased with how well the transition went. He noted the new system allows the fire department to receive medical first response calls quicker. Instead of waiting for a phone call from the 911 ambulance dispatch centre in Kamloops, the fire department is notified by computer link at the same time as the local B.C. Ambulance station. Meanwhile, Williams is requesting council approve a $60,000 core services review for the fire department this year. He noted the 2010 review of city operations conducted by the Helios Group consulting firm did not delve deeply into the fire department. “We‘d like to look and see how we‘re doing things now. How it compares to other departments throughout the province that are similar to us and see if there is a better way of doing things,” he said. The fire department was among several city departments to make budget presentations to council on Monday. Council‘s budget deliberations continue today, focusing on the Penticton Library, civic grants
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Penticton fire dispatch move to Kelowna confirmed
By JOHN MOORHOUSE Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Kelowna city council Monday ratified a five-year agreement to provide fire dispatch services for the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen. That has the union representing the five affected dispatchers with the Penticton fire department now trying to help them find new jobs. Mike Richards, president of Penticton local 1399 of the International Association of Firefighters, said Monday the union is working with the city to develop an “adjustment plan” for the dispatchers. “Part of that process is to try to re-job them somewhere within the city, with what‘s (employment opportunities) available,” he said. It‘s also hoped some of the dispatchers might be hired by Kelowna before it takes over RDOS dispatch services in December. Kelowna deputy fire chief Jason Brolund said Monday the contract calls for Kelowna to hire two more dispatchers to handle the increased workload of about 4,700 additional emergency calls per year. He said Penticton dispatchers will be allowed to apply for the two new positions, expected to be filled by December. Brolund said the additional staff will allow the Kelowna fire department to have two dispatchers on duty per shift, 24 hours a day. Currently only one member serves overnight. The Kelowna dispatch centre also provides service for the entire Central Okanagan Regional District and currently has eight dispatchers. Brolund said the existing radio system will remain in place. There are also plans to use a new Radio Over Internet Protocol (ROIP) program to link Kelowna dispatch with Penticton with a telephone backup system. The cost of any technical upgrades has still to be determined, Brolund said. The RDOS contract with Kelowna calls for annual payments ranging from $200,900 in 2012 to $221,757 in 2016. Penticton had submitted the highest of four tenders for the dispatch contract with a bid of $2,865,000 over five years. However, Richards said Penticton taxpayers could still face additional costs for non-emergency services currently provided by local dispatchers. Some technical upgrades are also required in Penticton. Richards said the Penticton firefighters union still has concerns over the effectiveness of a dispatch service based in Kelowna. “This is a real life emergency service that they‘re consolidating,” he said. “The reality is somebody is going to get hurt or somebody is going to lose properties. Something is going to happen because of this whole changeover.” “The next concern is for the safety of the taxpayers and the safety of the firefighters who respond to their emergencies,” he said. Richards said the two additional dispatchers will not allow for coverage during holidays and when a dispatcher calls in sick. There will be times, therefore, when only one dispatcher is on duty. He added the ROIP system is not yet proven effective and fears the Kelowna dispatch centre may have to rely more on telephone links. Richards also questioned some media reports which incorrectly stated that Penticton dispatchers get paid $100,000 including benefits. He noted the top base salary for dispatchers with 10 years‘ experience is about $68,000. The Penticton situation differs from Vernon, where the city opted out of the North Okanagan Regional District service. Vernon fire Chief Keith Green said Monday the city now provides its own fire dispatch service, after NORD decided last year to sign a three-year contract for dispatch services based out of Chilliwack.
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South OK 911 fire calls moving to Kel
Kelowna city council Monday ratified a five-year agreement to provide fire dispatch services for the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen. That has the union representing the five affected dispatchers with the Penticton fire department now trying to help them find new jobs. Mike Richards, president of Penticton local 1399 of the International Association of Firefighters, said Monday the union is working with the city to develop an “adjustment plan” for the dispatchers. “Part of that process is to try to re-job them somewhere within the city, with what‘s (employment opportunities) available,” he said. It‘s also hoped some of the dispatchers might be hired by Kelowna before it takes over RDOS dispatch services in December. Kelowna deputy fire chief Jason Brolund said Monday the contract calls for Kelowna to hire two more dispatchers to handle the increased workload of about 4,700 additional emergency calls per year. He said Penticton dispatchers will be allowed to apply for the two new positions, expected to be filled by December. Brolund said the additional staff will allow the Kelowna fire department to have two dispatchers on duty per shift, 24 hours a day. Currently only one member serves overnight. The Kelowna dispatch centre also provides service for the entire Central Okanagan Regional District and currently has eight dispatchers. Brolund said the existing radio system will remain in place. There are also plans to use a new Radio Over Internet Protocol (ROIP) program to link Kelowna dispatch with Penticton with a telephone backup system. The cost of any technical upgrades has still to be determined, Brolund said. The RDOS contract with Kelowna calls for annual payments ranging from $200,900 in 2012 to $221,757 in 2016. Penticton had submitted the highest of four tenders for the dispatch contract with a bid of $2,865,000 over five years. However, Richards said Penticton taxpayers could still face additional costs for non-emergency services currently provided by local dispatchers. Some technical upgrades are also required in Penticton. Richards said the Penticton firefighters union still has concerns over the effectiveness of a dispatch service based in Kelowna. “This is a real life emergency service that they‘re consolidating,” he said. “The reality is somebody is going to get hurt or somebody is going to lose properties. Something is going to happen because of this whole changeover.” “The next concern is for the safety of the taxpayers and the safety of the firefighters who respond to their emergencies,” he said. Richards said the two additional dispatchers will not allow for coverage during holidays and when a dispatcher calls in sick. There will be times, therefore, when only one dispatcher is on duty. He added the ROIP system is not yet proven effective and fears the Kelowna dispatch centre may have to rely more on telephone links. Richards also questioned some media reports which incorrectly stated that Penticton dispatchers get paid $100,000 including benefits. He noted the top base salary for dispatchers with 10 years‘ experience is about $68,000. The Penticton situation differs from Vernon, where the city opted out of the North Okanagan Regional District service. Vernon fire Chief Keith Green said Monday the city now provides its own fire dispatch service, after NORD decided last year to sign a three-year contract for dispatch services based out of Chilliwack.
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South OK 911 fire calls moving to Kel
The Kelowna Fire Department is set to take over 911 fire dispatch services for the entire South Okanagan and Similkameen. Kelowna Council Monday authorized the city to enter into a five-year
contract agreement with the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen to
provide dispatch services. The RDOS awarded the contract to Kelowna back in June after the city came in with the lowest of four bids received. The Kelowna bid came in at just over $1M over the life of the five year contract. "This is a very good contract for all citizens that are served by our
dispatch centre, the City of Kelowna, the Regional District of Central
Okanagan and the Okanagan Similkameen," Kelowna Fire Chief, Jeff Carlisle told council. "There will be enhancements and a level of service provided to
everybody who dials 911 and requests fire. It is a very good move for
all the constituents involved with this." Councillor Robert Hobson says the agreement will provide significant benefits for the people of the Okanagan Similkameen. "The facts speak for themselves. I wanted to state publicly we are
confident with this budget that we can provide the services necessary
without any addition burden to the City of Kelowna." Dispatch service will be transferred to Kelowna beginning December 15. Carlisle says two new communication dispatchers will be hired. Under Kelowna's bid, the RDOS will save nearly $1.8 million over the life of the contract. City of Penticton dispatchers have provided regional dispatch service since 1990.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Fire Department dealing with ballooning number of medical aid responses
Since agreeing to assist
the B.C. Ambulance Service two and a half years ago, the Fort St.
John Fire Department has seen a much higher number of requests than
expected. In September 2009 a First Responder agreement was signed,
stating that the Fire Department would only be contacted as a last
resort for medical aid incidents and lift assists. That meant they would only be called if no other ambulances were available. In 2009, before the agreement, the Fire Department responded to 25
requests for assistance. In 2010 there were 99. At that time they would
provide basic life support to the injured, but would not provide
transportation.In the first seven months of 2011, that number has skyrocketed. Between
January and July this year, 340 requests for assistance were made. The Department says they are now spending most of their time responding
to calls that aren't fire related. Of the incidents so far in 2011,
only 52 per cent were related to a fire. Fire Chief Fred Burrows says these numbers indicated a significant decrease in B.C. Ambulance's ability to keep staffed ambulances in Fort St. John. He adds the Fire Department is currently working with the Ambulance
Service to make sure they are providing sufficient service. They plan to
develop areas of responsibility, which will later be presented to
council. The Department is also anticipating the future operation of a new phone
system which will classify medical response calls. They are just
waiting on finalization from the operating system providers. At Monday night's city council meeting, councillors voted to try and
get a meeting with the Minister of Health to discuss the issue.
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Fire Department
Operated
by the City, the Fort St. John Fire department provides 18,000
residents with fire suppression, rescue services, first responder
medical calls, building inspections and prevention and education
programs.
The Department's 19 full-time employees and 13 volunteer firefighters
provide these services to a 27 square mile area around Fort St. John and
five miles north, south and east of the City.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Keep fire dispatch local?
Castanet Poll: Results
Yes
679
No 164
Yes
679 No
164Total Votes: 843
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For the next five years, fire dispatch service for the South Okanagan will be handled out of Kelowna. In a controversial decision, the Regional District of South Okanagan voted Thursday to accept the bid put forward by the City of Kelowna. Kelowna's bid, at $1.075 million, was the lowest of four received when the RDOS put out a Request for Proposals for the dispatch service. Penticton Mayor Dan Ashton, the chair of the Regional Board, wasn't happy with the outcome of Thursday's vote. "City Council, which has four representatives, myself included, voted vehemently against moving this," says Ashton. "Pat Hampson and Mayor McLean, Pat being the Mayor of Oliver, and Mayor McLean of Princeton voted with City Council to hold the line, but unfortunately we were more expensive and what transpired was the Regional District Directors voted to move the facility to Kelowna. " The City of Surrey came in with the second highest bid followed by the Fraser Valley Regional District and the City of Penticton. Under Kelowna's bid, the Regional District will save nearly $1.8 million over the life of the contract. City of Penticton dispatchers have provided regional dispatch service since 1990. Five jobs will be lost because of the move.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Fire dispatch service will be moving to Kelowna
| By Penticton Herald staff Thursday, July 21, 2011 |
Thursday, July 21, 2011
South Okanagan fire dispatch services could be moving to Central Okanagan
Staff The Kelowna Daily Courier 2011-07-20
Regional fire dispatch services should be relocated to Kelowna, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has been told. RDOS directors are expected to award a new five-year contract Thursday for fire dispatch services, which have operated out of the downtown Penticton fire hall since 1990. The current contract expires at the end of this year. The City of Kelowna submitted the lowest of four bids received with a tender of $1,076,000 over the five years, compared to $2,865,000 for Penticton. Also submitting proposals were Surrey ($1,137,000) and the Fraser Valley Regional District ($1,288,000). RDOS administrator Bill Newell said the three new proponents, which operate their own fire dispatch centres, will require startup costs for the Penticton service. However, he noted they utilize state-of-the-art technology to help overcome their lack of local knowledge. "The three other proponents have identified that new technology, planned site visits and regular communication will provide for fast transition of area knowledge," Newell said in a report to the RDOS board. "The City of Penticton uses older technology that is provided by the regional district and would have to be replaced in 2012." The regional district has budgeted $555,000 for fire dispatch services in 2011. This would drop to $200,900 in 2012 if a contract is awarded to Kelowna. However, Penticton fire Chief Wayne Williams said Tuesday the RDOS shouldn‘t just consider the bottom line. "I still feel that our dispatchers can offer a better level of service, being that they are the local people," he said. "They live here, they work here, they know the area."
Regional fire dispatch services should be relocated to Kelowna, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has been told. RDOS directors are expected to award a new five-year contract Thursday for fire dispatch services, which have operated out of the downtown Penticton fire hall since 1990. The current contract expires at the end of this year. The City of Kelowna submitted the lowest of four bids received with a tender of $1,076,000 over the five years, compared to $2,865,000 for Penticton. Also submitting proposals were Surrey ($1,137,000) and the Fraser Valley Regional District ($1,288,000). RDOS administrator Bill Newell said the three new proponents, which operate their own fire dispatch centres, will require startup costs for the Penticton service. However, he noted they utilize state-of-the-art technology to help overcome their lack of local knowledge. "The three other proponents have identified that new technology, planned site visits and regular communication will provide for fast transition of area knowledge," Newell said in a report to the RDOS board. "The City of Penticton uses older technology that is provided by the regional district and would have to be replaced in 2012." The regional district has budgeted $555,000 for fire dispatch services in 2011. This would drop to $200,900 in 2012 if a contract is awarded to Kelowna. However, Penticton fire Chief Wayne Williams said Tuesday the RDOS shouldn‘t just consider the bottom line. "I still feel that our dispatchers can offer a better level of service, being that they are the local people," he said. "They live here, they work here, they know the area."
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Kelowna in line for fire dispatch operations
Kristi Patton - Penticton Western News Published: July 19, 2011
The next time you call 9-1-1 for a fire emergency in the South Okanagan you could be speaking with someone not even living in the area. The service is currently provided out of Penticton, but fire dispatch for the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen could be based out of Kelowna if the RDOS board decides to award a five-year agreement to the City of Kelowna at their meeting on Thursday. The RDOS administration has recommended the $1,075,999 contract be given to the City of Kelowna for fire dispatch service as soon as Dec. 31. “We are delighted to be recommended as the preferred service provider at this point. There is a couple more steps in the process to go before we get into a lot of the operational aspects of this — the first one being on Thursday with the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen,” said Kelowna fire chief Jeffrey Carlisle. “If they approve, that is when we start to execute a contract with the City of Kelowna. Subsequent to that would be a decision by the City of Kelowna council supporting us to execute a contract with RDOS.” The RDOS received four bids from Penticton, Kelowna, Surrey fire service and the Fraser Valley Regional District. The Kelowna bid was the lowest in the summary of annual costs provided for the five-year agreement, starting at $200,900 in 2012 and reaching a peak of $221,757 for service in 2016. Penticton’s bid would cost the RDOS the most at $523,000 for each of the five years, a $100,000 start-up cost and $150,000 of overtime. The other three bids indicated there would be no additional costs for overtime and minimal ($20,000 or under), in comparison, start-up fees. An evaluation committee was satisfied that all four proponents could fulfill the obligations of the contract but choosing Kelowna would have an estimated $1,789,000 savings over the five years.
The City of Penticton uses older technology that is provided by the regional district and would have to be replaced in 2012, which explains the higher costs. Kelowna, Surrey and Fraser Valley already use technology that the RDOS staff consider “state-of-the-art.” Since 1990 the RDOS fire dispatch has been provided through the City of Penticton, who has five local dispatchers employed. Penticton fire chief Wayne Williams previously told the Western News that he doesn’t know what the outcome will be regarding the dispatchers job security if an alternate bid is chosen by the RDOS. While some members of the public have shown concern about the quality of service and timeliness if a dispatch outside the area is chosen, the RDOS staff report states bids outside of Penticton all identified that new technology, planned site visits and regular communication will provide for fast transition of area knowledge. “If you look at an RCMP model, they have regional dispatch. For example, in Alberta they have two dispatch centres that dispatch for the whole province. So while local knowledge and local experience does play a factor, with today’s technology and the training that you can put in place really addresses that issue,” said Carlisle. The Kelowna fire dispatch has eight full-time dispatchers and work for nine fire departments in the Central Okanagan Regional District. “I think one of the great benefits is that we already share a border with the RDOS, so our local knowledge extends right down to the Summerland boundary as it is today,” said Jason Brolund, deputy chief of regional services in Kelowna. “It’s really simple for our people to make the short trip south to do area orientation and start to learn that area just outside of our borders anyways.”
The next time you call 9-1-1 for a fire emergency in the South Okanagan you could be speaking with someone not even living in the area. The service is currently provided out of Penticton, but fire dispatch for the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen could be based out of Kelowna if the RDOS board decides to award a five-year agreement to the City of Kelowna at their meeting on Thursday. The RDOS administration has recommended the $1,075,999 contract be given to the City of Kelowna for fire dispatch service as soon as Dec. 31. “We are delighted to be recommended as the preferred service provider at this point. There is a couple more steps in the process to go before we get into a lot of the operational aspects of this — the first one being on Thursday with the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen,” said Kelowna fire chief Jeffrey Carlisle. “If they approve, that is when we start to execute a contract with the City of Kelowna. Subsequent to that would be a decision by the City of Kelowna council supporting us to execute a contract with RDOS.” The RDOS received four bids from Penticton, Kelowna, Surrey fire service and the Fraser Valley Regional District. The Kelowna bid was the lowest in the summary of annual costs provided for the five-year agreement, starting at $200,900 in 2012 and reaching a peak of $221,757 for service in 2016. Penticton’s bid would cost the RDOS the most at $523,000 for each of the five years, a $100,000 start-up cost and $150,000 of overtime. The other three bids indicated there would be no additional costs for overtime and minimal ($20,000 or under), in comparison, start-up fees. An evaluation committee was satisfied that all four proponents could fulfill the obligations of the contract but choosing Kelowna would have an estimated $1,789,000 savings over the five years.
The City of Penticton uses older technology that is provided by the regional district and would have to be replaced in 2012, which explains the higher costs. Kelowna, Surrey and Fraser Valley already use technology that the RDOS staff consider “state-of-the-art.” Since 1990 the RDOS fire dispatch has been provided through the City of Penticton, who has five local dispatchers employed. Penticton fire chief Wayne Williams previously told the Western News that he doesn’t know what the outcome will be regarding the dispatchers job security if an alternate bid is chosen by the RDOS. While some members of the public have shown concern about the quality of service and timeliness if a dispatch outside the area is chosen, the RDOS staff report states bids outside of Penticton all identified that new technology, planned site visits and regular communication will provide for fast transition of area knowledge. “If you look at an RCMP model, they have regional dispatch. For example, in Alberta they have two dispatch centres that dispatch for the whole province. So while local knowledge and local experience does play a factor, with today’s technology and the training that you can put in place really addresses that issue,” said Carlisle. The Kelowna fire dispatch has eight full-time dispatchers and work for nine fire departments in the Central Okanagan Regional District. “I think one of the great benefits is that we already share a border with the RDOS, so our local knowledge extends right down to the Summerland boundary as it is today,” said Jason Brolund, deputy chief of regional services in Kelowna. “It’s really simple for our people to make the short trip south to do area orientation and start to learn that area just outside of our borders anyways.”
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Employment Opportunities City of Vernon
Closing Date: February 16, 2011 Job Posting - PDF
COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR Fire Rescue Services (Full-time – Permanent)
$22.79 per hour during probation
$26.29 per hour post probation TBA, shift work will be required.
Due to an upcoming retirement, an opportunity exists for a Communications Operator. The Communications Operator is responsible for the receipt of 911 emergency calls, fire dispatch, clerical duties, data entry, records retention and radio operation work of a varied nature.
Job Posting - PDF UNDERGROUND IRRIGATION OPERATOR/LABOURER (Full-time – Permanent)
Competition #: 5-COV-11
Closing Date: Internal Applicants – February 9, 2011 External Applicants – February 16, 2011
Rate of Pay: $28.12/hr – Irrigation Operator - April to October (approx.) $21.09/hr – Labourer - November to March (approx.)
(As per CUPE, Local 626, Vernon Civic Employees Collective Agreement)
Days/Hours: Please Note: Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Qualified applicants must apply for a criminal record check at the local RCMP front counter at the time of application.
COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR Fire Rescue Services (Full-time – Permanent)
$22.79 per hour during probation
$26.29 per hour post probation TBA, shift work will be required.
Due to an upcoming retirement, an opportunity exists for a Communications Operator. The Communications Operator is responsible for the receipt of 911 emergency calls, fire dispatch, clerical duties, data entry, records retention and radio operation work of a varied nature.
Job Posting - PDF UNDERGROUND IRRIGATION OPERATOR/LABOURER (Full-time – Permanent)
Competition #: 5-COV-11
Closing Date: Internal Applicants – February 9, 2011 External Applicants – February 16, 2011
Rate of Pay: $28.12/hr – Irrigation Operator - April to October (approx.) $21.09/hr – Labourer - November to March (approx.)
(As per CUPE, Local 626, Vernon Civic Employees Collective Agreement)
Days/Hours: Please Note: Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Qualified applicants must apply for a criminal record check at the local RCMP front counter at the time of application.
Monday, January 24, 2011
City Council Approves Funds For New Fire Dispatch System
The Volkswagen option has been chosen for Vernon's new fire dispatch service, rather than the Rolls Royce. But Emergency Program Coordinator Brent Watson says the fancier system, used by Vancouver, isn't needed in a community which only deals with 2800 calls a year. Watson pressed city council on Monday for a quick decision, pointing out that the some of the current equipment is obsolete and failing. Watson described a communications breakdown during a structure fire last Friday which, he said, could have been serious if people had been trapped in the residence. He said the system experienced further ``hiccups'' on Monday and that experts were trying to fix them. Councillor Jack Gilroy said he wasn't shocked by the problems, pointing out that the system was inherited from the North Okanagan Regional District. ``The maintainence hasn't been there. Our partnership wasn't that good with NORD. We asked for equipment updates and it was always put off,'' said Gilroy. Council has approved $210,000 to be spent on the new system this year. Watson expects it to be up and running before the end of the year.
Dispatch Needs New Equipment
Vernon is going to have to invest new money into its fire dispatch system now that it has gone it's own way from the North Okanagan Regional District. Emergency program manager Brent Watson says the current equipment has reached, and in some cases, exceeded its serviceable use. He says the status quo is not an option as the equipment is a public and life safety issue. He's recommending 209-thousand dollars be spent for an enhanced system, which would also include 62-thousand in ongoing costs.
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