PC 04/13/77 - Laserfiche WebLink

Deputy.City Attorney Le~~~.e stated that a study of e entire ambulance business in the Valley wus conducted and it was leai.~ed that they were all based out of homes. The Public Hearing was opened. Mr. Bob Lee, Operations Manager for Tri-Cities Ambulance, Inc., spoke for the application. He described the shift schedules, etc., which necessitated the members of the ambulance service residing at the base of operations. Also, he stressed the camaraderie essential between members of this type of an operation. Members of the service share the rental. Mr. Lee stated that Guyson Court was chosen because it is one of the furthest areas from fire response. He indicated that the crew does receive visitors sometimes, but that this should be no different from other residences in the area having friends drop by. He stated that the drivers when responding to a call do not speed up until they are well out of the neighborhood. Also they do not turn on the siren until they are out of the neighborhood. He stated that the average number of calls per day is four. Yesterday, there were seven calls. Commissioner Wood felt that seven calls in one day would change the charac- ter of a neighborhood and he could not approve of such a home occupation. Considerable discussion ensued regarding between Alameda County and the ambulance provided, the length of time the service number of times they have changed locati~ complaints to the neighborhood. Another the members of the ambulance teams. the contract arrangements made service, the amount of funding has been in the City and the ~n because of disturbance and factor, is cost of housing for Mr. Lee, upon suggestion, explained why a location in the Central Business District, with an answering service and living quarters attached, would not be practical for the crew. Mr. Tim Flaherty, 6217 Guyson Court, spoke in opposition to the home occup- ation, citing depreciation of property values. Mr. Tom Shures, 6232 Guyson Court, peace officer with Alameda County Sheriff's Department, expressed opposition. He directed his comments to what the residents of that street felt has been a reduction in safety for their children and pedestrians due to increased traffic hazards, since the ambulance service located on their street. The neighborhood spokesmen requested that they be notified of any further actions which may result from tonight's actions by the Commission. The public Hearing was closed. It was the consensus of feeling among the Commissioners that the City Council should aid the ambulance service in finding a more suitable location preferably in a public building. In so locating another location, the Commissioners expressed the hope that consideration of traffic safety to residents, particularly children, would be kept in mind. Commissioner Wood then entered Resolution 1508 denying the use but allowing the applicant 30-45 days to vacate the premises. Commissioner Shepherd felt that the entire community, in such a case, would need to be considered, as opposed to the welfare of the immediate neigh- borhood. He felt that denial of this permit may set a dangerous precedent -2-