TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Bernard Molloy, Fire Chief
PREPARED BY: Sue Ann Herring, Assistant Management Analyst - Fire
SUBJECT:
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EMS Physician Level Consultant - ZF Signature, Inc.
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RECOMMENDATION
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Approve a three-year Agreement with Dr. Zeke W. Foster dba ZF Signature, Inc. for the management of Murrieta Fire & Rescue’s citywide emergency medical services program;
Authorize the exemption from bidding requirements; and
Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement for a total not to exceed $42,142.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On June 6, 2023, the Board of Directors of the Murrieta Fire District adopted Resolution No. 23-4671, approving the District’s Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2023/24 and 2024/25 (Vote: 4-0-1).
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Provide a high level of innovative public safety.
BACKGROUND
Murrieta Fire and Rescue (MFR) is an Advanced Life Support (ALS) agency that manages the citywide emergency medical services program. The County of Riverside Health Services Agency requires MFR to retain physician-level consultation services to remain compliant as an ALS agency.
MFR completed an informal solicitation bidding process in December 2020, and three proposals were received. The solicitation review panel completed proposal evaluations and determined Dr. Zeke Foster was the most qualified and feasible EMD medical doctor. Dr. Foster is board-certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine with extensive specialized experience developing and managing emergency medical services programs. He has been providing these services to the city for several years and continues to provide double the annual consultant hours at a much lower yearly cost with a commitment to serve MFR beyond expectations. Staff recommends continuing to use the services provided by Dr. Foster under the original informal bidding process. Prior to the end of the term of the proposed agreement, staff will conduct a solicitation process in accordance with the City’s Procurement Policy.
Section 3.08.280 of the Municipal Code authorizes competitive bidding procedures, and requirements may be dispensed when the City Council finds that adherence to the procedures in this chapter would be inefficient, impractical, and unnecessary.
The agreement language is specific to the intent of physician-level EMS services and will extend Dr. Foster’s physician services for an additional three years, commencing on May 1, 2024, and terminating on April 30, 2027. The annual cost of these services is $13,500, with no more than a 4% increase in service fees each year for a total agreement amount of $42,142.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Fire Department has budgeted funds for the annual cost of these services in the Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2023/24 and 2024/25 in account number 1513520-60480. Budgets for subsequent Fiscal Years of the proposed agreement will be addressed during the normal biennial budget process.
ATTACHMENTS
1. ZF Signature, Inc. Agreement with Exhibit A - Scope of Services