Item 2A - Approval of Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Regarding the recommendation for privatization of ARFF services, Ms. Simmons predicted that such privatization would reduce dramatically the level of fire and emergency service at the airport and the low- paid contract employees would have minimal training and be unable to fight structure fires, vehicle fires, wild land, and grass fires. She asserted the contract employees would also have little or no training to provide emergency services. She stated that Eugene firefighters were highly-skilled professionals with training in hazardous materials, weapons, mass destruction, confined spaces, and technical rescue. Bob Bussel, 3054 Grand Cayman Drive, spoke as the director of Labor, Education, and Research Center at the University of Oregon and as a citizen concerned about the security of the community. He said it was clear the private contractors who were profit-oriented had incentive to keep expenses down and one method of doing so was by providing less extensive training. He asked if, in the wake of the tragic events of September 11,2001, the City wanted workers at the airport who were less qualified to handle emergency situations. He noted that after September 11,2001, the federal government determined that baggage screeners should be government rather than private employees for just this reason. Private contractors also save money by paying less in wages and benefits. Mr. Bussel asked if the City wanted to risk having workers receive experience with the private contractor and subsequently leave in search of employment that paid better wages and offered better benefits. He asked if the community really wanted to take family-wage jobs and downgrade them as private contractors invariably do. He questioned whether this was the signal the City wanted to send as a matter of public policy and an expression of what the community valued. He felt that the City was prepared to displace committed, highly skilled employees and replace them with lower paid, less-qualified people. He asked the council to let the firefighters continue to perform the needed public service. Robert Ackerman, 186 Harvey Drive, State Representative of District 13, spoke on the airport privatiza- tion issue. He said public safety had always been a major reason for municipal organization and the citizens have never compromised on this. The post-September 11 environment required that the City maintain the highest level of public diligence and he asserted the privatization of ARFF services at the airport would seriously compromise this. He called it ironic that, in the event of a real emergency, the private fire contractor would have to call the Eugene Fire and EMS as a back-up. Ultimately, he said, this would subsidize the private contractor, and he wondered how this was factored into the bid. Mr. Ackerman predicted this action would also set a precedent of other public safety functions. He felt that opposition to privatization of police services warranted opposition to the privatization of airport fire services. He thought it "amazing" that the community paid so little attention to the cost of public buildings and commented that "we easily digest" other large expenses, such as $120 million for a new basketball stadium, $350 million for Sacred Heart Hospital, and $75 million for the new courthouse. Mr. Ackerman asserted the cost of airport fire services should be viewed in the context of these enormous costs. Bruce Miller, PO Box 50968, Eugene, conveyed his agreement with the former speaker. Mr. Miller said he attended some graduation ceremonies at the University of Oregon. He announced he was running for a seat on the school board for School District 4J. Gary Gillespie, 790 East 23rd Avenue, opposed contracting out fire and rescue services at the airport. He MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 14, 2004 Page 3 Regular Meeting