Ambulance dispute resolved

The City Council ended months of delay when it voted to enter into negotiations with Care Ambulance Service, Inc. for the city's emergency transportation services. According to a consultant's report, Care Ambulance Service offered a minimum of five dedicated ambulances located in Anaheim, a fail-safe agreement to ensure continued ambulance service should a breach of contract occur, an experienced management team and a strong internal review process. i "This was a competitive process ... (we found) the best service for Anaheim," Mayor Tom Daly said. The contract will be for three years with an option for another three years and is excepted to be worth between $8 million and $10 million. The city began its search for an ambulance provider March 2 when the council authorized city staff to issue a request for propsal. A five-member panel, made up of emergency personnel and members of the tourism industry, reviewed the bids and presented Fire Chief Jeff Bowman with the results. The panel chose Care Ambulance Service. Originally, the City Council was scheduled to vote on the panel's recommendation May 26. On June 9, the council directed staff to find an outside consultant to review the request for proposal process to investigate claims of unfair grading made by the four services not chosen.