The Kenai City Council passed a resolution that authorizes a professional service contract with Dr. Angus McRae Warren for medical direction and oversight of the Kenai Fire Department and the Kenai 911 Dispatch Center. Its current physician sponsor notified the city that he is leaving the state at the end of the year and will not be able to complete the current contract as Medical Director.
The Fire Department and Dispatch Center are required to have oversight by a physician who approves medical operations performed by its agencies. The outgoing Medical Director had recommended Dr. Angus McRae Warren to take over responsibilities.
Council member James Baisden:
“This week, I had a chance to meet with Chief Prior and it looks like he’s found a good replacement for this physician sponsor who’s done a wonderful job for the City of Kenai. This is an important position that they need filled. The fire department typically runs, I’d say, I might be a little bit off, about 85% of their calls are medical calls. This physician sponsor agreement is important, and I’ll support it.”
The City Manager waived the requirement for a competitive purchase requirement for the contract with a total amount of less than $35,000, as Dr. Warren provided a proposal that is of no monetary change from the current contract. Sufficient funds have been appropriated into the Fire and Dispatch budgets to cover costs associated with medical sponsorship.
Council member Henry Knackstedt:
“A couple of things, I want to thank Tony Prior, Chief, for bringing this forward and Dr. Angus has been an emergency room doctor for about 15 years that I’m aware of at the hospital. Very well liked and respected. Also, if you look in the dollars and cents of it, we’re making out really well and we’re getting a lot. That’s greatly appreciated all the way around. It’s a gift.”
2021-66
