Fire & Emergency Services RFP

As a board we have been steering clear of taking a position on the negotiations regarding fire services.

However we have recently learned of a proposal from a private sector company for fire services that only include Hazmat services as an option and  do not include as indicated in their report:

• Facilities Maintenance and Lease Cost
• Communication Radios and Services
• Breathing Air Compressor System and usage
• Transfer of Staff Vehicles and apparatus

This company has a checkered history in providing private services to government agencies and a quick google search turned up these articles:

• Wackenhut Info Wikipedia
• sourcewatch.org info on Wackenhut
• Wackenhut’s Free Market in Human Misery
• Miami Herald: Lawsuit Claims U.S. Govt’s Largest Security Contractor Overbilled Florida County up to $4.5 Million/Year
• The private security industry is large, fast-growing, and global. Unfortunately, it is also plagued by high turnover, poor training, and lax oversight–all of which put the public at risk.
• Giant Wackenhut Benefits From Small Business Act
• efforts to improve private security industry standards are challenged by wackenhut lawsuit
• Security Officers at Philadelphia Historic Sites Raise Concerns About Wackenhut at Community Hearing

Is our City council and staff seriously considering this company to provide services for our community?  Something is really wrong here.  Is this the kind of private company San Carlos wants for fire and emergency services?

I hope the city has an ace legal staff to go up against this giant corporation if there are any issues in the providing of services or any oversight in the contract that would force the city to renegotiate.

We urge the city to look at all other alternatives rather than engage in a contract with Wackenhut.

Additionally, here is a PDF report on the effects of contracting services in LA County.

SEIU Report on LA County contracting of public services

1. 

   gesc says:

   May 1, 2011 at 4:21 pm

   http://sancarlos.patch.com/articles/san-carlos-chooses-redwood-city-hybrid-option-for-fire-services
2. 

   gesc says:

   April 23, 2011 at 1:55 pm

   http://www.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?id=157328&title=Private%20fire,%20hybrid%20plan%20%20suggested
3. 

   Ben Fuller says:

   April 18, 2011 at 1:17 am

   We will be sending the City Council a letter formally opposing the consideration of Wackenhut.
4. 

   gesc says:

   April 15, 2011 at 8:18 pm

   Special City Council Meeting – Fire & EMS Presentations – Monday, April 18, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.
   City Council Meeting

   The next City Council meeting will be held on Monday, April 18, 2011 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 600 Elm Street. The Agenda for the meeting is now available on the City’s ePackets.net service. Key items to be covered include:

   Study Session: Presentation of Fire & Emergency Services Proposals to the City of San Carlos and Direction from the City Council (Item # 3a).

   Proposals presented by:

   Council Member Bob Grassilli
   City Staff (Standalone City Fire Department)
   City of Redwood City
   Wackenhut Services Inc.

   The agenda, staff reports and full agenda packet can be found on the City’s http://www.epackets.net/ web site or directly at http://www.epackets.net/meeting.aspx?cabinet=PUBLISHED_MEETINGS&docid=10758337