HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 08 Acceptance of Rehab and EMergency Shelter Transport Bus from Central Florida Disaster Medical Coalition
City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: December 17, 2024
Item #: 8
Contact Name: Charles Van Camp Department Director: Thomas Smothers
Contact Number: Ext. 2006 City Manager: Craig Shadrix
Subject: Acceptance of Rehab & Emergency Shelter Transport Bus from Central Florida
Disaster Medical Coalition. (Deputy Fire Chief Van Camp)
Background Summary: The Ocoee Fire Department is seeking approval for the acquisition of a Rehab &
Emergency Shelter Transport (REST) Bus from the Central Florida Disaster Medical Coalition (CFDMC), in
partnership with LYNX and Firstline, at no cost to the City of Ocoee, and authorize associated title transfer,
licensing, and operational commitments. The department would like to partner with the CFDMC to secure a
bus that can function as a mass casualty transportation, provide AC shelter during outside events, and provide
rehabilitation for incidents and training exercises. The REST Bus will be a vital resource for emergency
response and community support. The bus, donated by LYNX to the Coalition for allocation to a local agency,
will be converted into a specialized medical transportation vehicle with no cost to the City of Ocoee (for the
conversion kit or installation). Firstline will perform the installation, which is expected to take 1-2 days and
must be completed by December 31, 2024.
Once the vehicle is ready, the CFDMC will transfer the title to the City of Ocoee. The City will then arrange for
the title transfer, obtain a license plate (cost of approximately $150.00), and assign the bus to the Ocoee Fire
Department. The department will also have to perform preventive maintenance and replace the tires, which
could cost around $6,000.00. The City would also have to perform annual preventative maintenance and
would be responsible for any repairs that may occur.
Operational Commitment:
The department will ensure that the REST bus is available for deployment when requested by the Coalition for
one year. The bus will not be a permanently staffed apparatus. Staff will deliver the bus to the incident location
(within Central Florida) and then they will return to their assigned apparatus. This obligation ensures the bus is
available for its intended purpose while remaining a resource for the Ocoee community. After one year, the
department will have no further obligation to maintain the bus or transport it if needed.
Additional Uses:
In addition to mass casualty incidents, the REST Bus will serve multiple roles, including:
• Firefighter rehabilitation during extended incidents.
• A shelter for training exercises to provide relief from harsh environments.
• Support for community events (air-conditioned environment for participants), such as 5K runs or
festivals.
City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org
Issue:
Should the Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners approve the Fire Department to accept the REST bus
from the Central Florida Disaster Medical Coalition?
Recommendations:
City staff recommends the Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners approve the acceptance of the rehab
and emergency shelter transport bus; and further, authorize City staff to facilitate the title transfer and obtain
necessary registration and license plates, coordinate with LYNX and Firstline to complete the conversion kit
installation, and incorporate the vehicle into the Ocoee Fire Department’s operations.
Attachments:
None
Financial Impacts:
City staff will have to conduct basic PM (including oil change and replacing the tires), which is anticipated to
cost no more than $6,000. Title transfer and tag fees could cost around $150.00. The department has funds
available for these costs. The department would also be responsible for annual preventative maintenance and
repairs.
Type of Item: Regular