OROVILLE – The Oroville EMS has been struggling about what to do regarding a lack of trained personnel to operate the ambulance and has been considering going to a private company for service.
However, that decision can’t be made by the city alone as it shares services with the Rural EMS and both entities collect tax dollars through levies to fund ambulance services inside and outside of town. While Mayor Chuck Spieth has expressed an interest in finding out about alternatives to a mostly volunteer crew, no decision has been made on whether that is the way the city will be heading.
“We also found out that our local Rural EMS Commissioners can not make the decision on whether to change on their own,” said Spieth when asked about the situation this week.
“They are an appointed board by the County Commissioners and are not elected to their positions. The final decision regarding rural EMS remains with the County Commissioners.”
At the city council’s Tuesday, May 5 meeting, Chris Allen, who has tried unsuccessfully to be made a part of the Oroville Ambulance Crew, asked the council about the status of the ambulance service.
Mayor Spieth said the city was working on an interlocal agreement between the city and the County Commissioners. He added that the city has discussed requesting proposals for private service following the completion of such an agreement.
Janet Allen, who is a volunteer for the ambulance service also asked the city to look into the ambulance hall roof, which she says is leaking.
Prince’s Heritage Park
The council had a short discussion about potential uses of Princes Heritage Park. It was decided that a questionnaire would be included in the May water bills to try and gain public input. The questionnaire may be included on the city’s website as well. An online poll in the Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune has been running heavily in favor of a multi-use park without creating another soccer field. That choice has 76 percent of the votes, will the option of half soccer field and half multi-use has only 17 percent of the votes.
In other business, the council heard from Sonja Mylebust and Vicki Eberhart regarding a proposed Wine and Wool event to he held on Friday, May 29 at the Pastime Bar and Grill. The two are representatives of the North American Wool Cooperative and requested a letter of support to the state Liquor Board. The council approved the request and will support the event when asked by the Liquor Board.
The council also got a request from Suzanne and Julius Liptak requesting the city apply for permits to clear the channel area between the pond at Deep Bay and Lake Osoyoos. Mayor Spieth stated that Chris Branch, the director of Community Development would respond to the two. He also said the city will not be applying for the permits.
