Board of Estimate & Contract:
RESOLVED, that an ordinance adopted by the City Council on December 16, 2024, and signed by the Mayor on December 17, 2024, authorizing the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Empress Emergency Medical Service (EMS) for Ambulance and Paramedicine Services - (Contract Term and Financial Terms are as follows:
1. Contract Term:
o Effective Date: January 1, 2025,
o Expiration Date: December 31, 2026,
2. Annual Stipend Rates:
o 2025: $1,015,948, disbursed in monthly installments of $84,662.33,
o 2026: $1,066,754, disbursed in monthly installments of $88,896.16,
3. Funding Sources:
o Budget Line: A4540.405 and A4540.203 ARP;
be, and the same is hereby approved.
City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH EMPRESS
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE (EMS) FOR
AMBULANCE AND PARAMEDICINE SERVICES
Whereas, by letter dated November 29, 2024, the Commissioner of the Fire Department has requested legislation authorizing the Mayor, on behalf of the City of Mount Vernon, to execute a contract with Empress Emergency Medical Service to provide EMS and paramedicine services under the terms outlined in this Ordinance; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon Fire Department has identified a critical need to maintain and enhance emergency medical services (EMS) for its residents; and
Whereas, Empress Emergency Medical Service (EMS) has submitted a proposal to deliver comprehensive ambulance and community paramedicine services, which includes the provision of four (4) ambulances operating 24/7 - one (1) Advanced Life Support (ALS) unit and three (3) Basic Life Support (BLS) units - along with a Community Paramedicine (CP) program operating for ten (10) hours per day, five (5) days per week; and; and
Whereas, the proposed agreement with Empress EMS includes the use of City-owned ambulances, thereby expanding EMS coverage and improving the quality of emergency medical response in Mount Vernon; and
Whereas, the contract term will run from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026, with annual stipend rates of $1,015,948 for 2025 and $1,066,754 for 2026, to be disbursed in monthly installments and funded through Budget Line A4540.405 and 4540.203ARP; and
Whereas, the City Council recognizes the importance of this agreement in ensuring timely, effective, and high-quality medical care for the residents of Mount Vernon; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Definitions.
1. Empress EMS: Empress Emergency Medical Service, a provider of ambulance and paramedicine services.
2. Advanced Life Support (ALS): High-level emergency medical care provided by paramedics, including advanced airway management, cardiac monitoring, and medication administration.
3. Basic Life Support (BLS): Emergency medical care focused on non-invasive life-saving procedures, typically provided by emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
4. Community Paramedicine (CP): A healthcare program that provides preventive care and non-emergency medical services within the community to reduce hospital visits and improve patient outcomes.
Section 2. Authorization to Execute Agreement. The City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor, on behalf of the City of Mount Vernon, to execute a contract with Empress Emergency Medical Service to provide EMS and paramedicine services under the terms outlined in this Ordinance.
Section 3. Scope of Services.
1. Ambulance Coverage:
o One (1) Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance.
o Three (3) Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances.
o Coverage shall be provided 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
2. Community Paramedicine Program (CP):
o Services should be provided for ten (10) hours per day, five (5) days per week.
3. Use of City-Owned Ambulances:
o Empress EMS will utilize ambulances owned by the City of Mount Vernon.
4. Service Enhancements:
o Increased EMS coverage throughout the city.
o Improved response times and medical outcomes.
Section 4. Contract Term and Financial Terms.
4. Contract Term:
o Effective Date: January 1, 2025.
o Expiration Date: December 31, 2026.
5. Annual Stipend Rates:
o 2025: $1,015,948, disbursed in monthly installments of $84,662.33.
o 2026: $1,066,754, disbursed in monthly installments of $88,896.16.
6. Funding Sources:
o Budget Line: A4540.405 and A4540.203 ARP.
Section 5. Enhanced Medical Response and Quality of Care. The agreement with Empress EMS will:
1. Enhance the quality of medical care and emergency response within the City of Mount Vernon.
2. Provide additional EMS resources to ensure the safety and well-being of the city’s residents.
Section 6. Implementation and Oversight. The Fire Department shall oversee the contract’s implementation and administration and ensure compliance with all the terms and conditions outlined in the agreement.
Section 7. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract.