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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmergency Services Committee Minutes 01.22.2001Emergency Services Committee 1-22-01 Committee Members: William Standniger Lanren Van Roekel Bill Bremma Pat Kimmet Dan Dart Ken Olson Charlie Pratt Police Chief Rick Musson Fire Chief Jim Stevens Ambulance Director Jan Faught Othees: Wes Hartford Ken Olsnn called the m~ting to order and intreduc~d Wes Hartford. Wes Hartford stated that he was here to talk about the dog problem that he has been having in his neighborhood. He stated that in the four years that he has lived in the Alder Ridge Subdivision, (fids subdivision used to he called the Billings Subdivision) ~e problem is only getting worse~ He said that dogs ha~k for four to five hours at a time round the clock. There is also a problem with dogs r~mning loose in the area. He has received liltle satisfaction with the problem by calling the police de, pertinent- He said that since his name was put on the agenda for fids meeting, the police activity in his nei~:~borhood has picked up a bit. He called the police tonight between 5:30 and 6:00 to report a dog barking for one half boor sWaight and the dog was still barking when he left his home to attend fids meeting. In the summertime, he cannot open his windows because of the dogs. He would like to get something done about fids. Mr. Hartford stated that even in the city limits, he sees dogs ~mr, ing loose and feels that the problem will not get slsaightened out fflefi alone. Chief Rick Musson stated that this issue has become a problem. He has heard complaints that nothing is being done to deal with the dog problems, but he would like to assure that action is being laken on the dog problems. Rick stated tl~ he would have appreciated it ffMr. Hartford had come to him first with his complalms. Chief Mnssen further stated that the dog issue will not get better since everyone owns a dog and it is only a natural thing for a dog to bark. Wes I-Imfford stated that be takes care of his dogs when they bark and would gladly pay a fine ffhis dogs were cansing problems. Ken Olson said that he would like to encourage Mr. Hartford to go to Chief Mnsson when there are problems of not g~ting satisfaction with thc Police Departmem. ffhe is not satisfied with the solution, hc could then sit down with Chief Musson, one-to-one about the issues. Ken further stated that the animal control officer is utilized throughout the City and works 20 hours per week. The on-duty officers intenzenc when the animal control officer is not on duty. Wes Hartford sta~ed that even when the Police drive through his m'ea, dogs nm at large and are not dealt with by the officers. Lanren VanRoekel asked Mr. Hartford if he had ever attempted to call his neighbors in order to deal with the proble~n. Mr. Hartford stated that he flied to do this ~,nd it did not work. He suggested that the committee drive through the area after a fresh snow so they could see all of the tracks for themselves. He said that lifts has been an ongoing major problem and has phoned the police many times ami received very litlle response. Chief Mnsson stated that he had phoned 21 times in the last three years, all of which aa officer was sent out to the neighborhood. He also stated that they are aying to find a solution to the problem. Ken Olson slated that this is a difficult issue and explained to Mr. Hartford that the Chief was notified of the problem and has made it a priority. He asked him to allow some time to pass in order for a solution to be found, ff a solution is not found to Mr. Hartford's liking in a month or so, he may want to revisit the committoe about the issoe. Ken further explained that the police resources are for the whole community's use. He said that he is not downplaying his calls, but there is only so much money that can be spem on each issue. He asked Mr. Hartford to have some patience. Mr. Hardord said that he would wait about a month for the results. Ken Olson suggested that he use this oppermMty to meet with Chief Musson since the Chief can make a direct impact on the situation. Mr. Hartford thanked the committee for giving him time to speak and leaT Polioe: Chiof Rick Masson stated Lhat he would like to speak fu~har on the dog situation. He said that the department could write tickets for hatting dogs and put these on a door hanger. The tickets would state, "Your dog is ... contact us ..." This would be a warning card. After thaL the dqmmnent could start writing tickets for fines. Rick asked even if this were done, would it help to stop dogs from barldng? He said that this is where it becomes a vet~ difficult situation since it is the nam of a dog to bark. He further stated that he liked what Laurea said about getting the neighbors together to deal with the issue. Pat Kiunnet asked ffRick had checked with other commumties to see how they handle this situation. Rick stated that they go from call to call about dogs. The Laurel Police Depamnent fortunately goes on dog calls where other depattmunts do not. The B'dlings Police do not go out on very many dog calls. Rick stated that on every one of Mr. Hartford's calls about the dogs, someone in the depamnem went out on each of these calls. When Mr. Hartford was qneslianed about which dog was barking, he could not identify the dog. Rick asked how to eofome the law if the dog cannot be identified. Ken Olson stated that Park City had a dog problem about six months ago. Since they do not have a City or Township, the County was called in. There was a problem with a pack of dogs and it was addressed through the County Commission. Action was taken on the problem. He further stated that other towus have had dog problems and have done something to get these problems taken care of. Pat Kimmet suggested that these solutions should be found out and given to Mr. Hartford. Rick asked what the comminee would suggest be done with the dogs to make them not bark. Charlie Pratt suggested that collam he used. William Standinger suggested that there is atready an ordinance ~ how many dogs and cats are allowed in the city limits. He stated that only solution may be to not allow dogs inside the city limits. Rick stated that there are throe types of issues that deal with dogs. These are: barking dogs, dogs at large, and dogs being a nuisance. The police can issue warnings or tickets. Ken Olson stated that a complaint could be filed on a dog. After the third nuisance call, the animal can be seized and put to death. Rick Musson stated that this would not work for barking dogs since this can only be done for dogs that are a nuisance. He further stated that fines ~e being made and the tickem are being paid. Ken asked ff the owner would t~ harder to find a solution to the barking ff he or she was issued numerous fines. He also asked flit would help to have these people paraded in front of a judge. Rick Musson stated that the majority of the people are not going to be able to stop their dogs from barking even ff they were issued more fines and had to appear before a judge. He stated that there are two things that can be done in this situation. These are: 1)Continne to write tickets. 2)Eneoumge neighbors to bold block moetmgs when there are dog problems. Ken would like the police to go the extra mile by documenting ever3nhing with tickets. Rick stated that they are aLready doing that. Ken suggested that they koep doing that then. Pat Kimmet stated that he doesn't ever soo in the paper where people are being fined for harking dogs. Rick stated that tickets being written and fines being paid are two different things. The judge can dismiss tickets and decide not to enforce a fine. Pat said that it is hard to believe that a jedge would dismiss multiple tickets being wtittea to tbe same person. William Standlnger asked if the tickets were being properly filled out since the judge will not process any tickets that are not filled out properly. Ken sta~d that this issue would be a&lressed through a different committee at another time. I anr~ll suggested that tho ~ step m the barking dog problem should be dealt with through a neighborhood meeting, then ffthis does not work, the person could file a complaint through the police department. A newspaper article could be drawn up in order to educate the public about the rules and options available. The whole problem should not be put on the police. The public, at some point, needs to take some responsibility in the problem. Ken Olson stated that he would encourage Mr. Hartford to go through the Chief's channels next trine he has a problem. Dan Dart stated that Mr. Hartford may start backing off since this committee and the police ~ giving the problem attention. Rick Musson stated that whenever an officer makes contact with Mr. Hartford, he has been vow rude. Dan said that Mr. Hartford needs to identify which dog is the problem. Rick Musson st~ated that if a dog is framing loose, lids brings them back to thc problem of a place to pnt thc dog once it is caught. At thc last meeting, action was taken by the committee m order to request using the Search and Rescue building for a kennel. This was passed onto the Public Works Department. They then passed the issue hack to the Emergency Services Committee. William stated that a kennel couldo't ha put in the park since it would cause problems with the campers in the summertime. It was also stated at ilmt meeting that the building has a wooden floor. A kennel ~ only be operated with having a cement floor. Ken slated that in their eagerness to try to utilize available resources, they might have not looked at all of the sides of the issue. He asked if the committee would like to continue to support using the building for a kenneL Pat asked how much money comes out of the budget for this purpose. It was stated that in the past budget propesals it was estimated that a keunal wonld cost about $12,000.00. Whan the idea of using the City shop area for a kennel, William stated that he would doubt tha~ it would be allowed to have a kennel in this area since there is little cooperation between the different groups. Chief Mussun stated that if the kennel were put in Riverside Park, the big issue would be the noise. He stated that the kennel would be located a long distance from the camping are~ He has never heard a complaint about the shooting range in the mea to date. Rick also stated that the garage part of the building does have a concrete floor. The power to the house has been shut offand the caretaker told him that it would cost about $5,000.00 to get the power restored and set up to the garage. The building is now being used for storage of found bikes and firearm backstops for Waining pm-poses. It was asked ffthe state shop becomes available, would the City get this building to use and flit could be used for dual purposes like vehicle impouncL Rick Masson stated that when thinklug about using this for an outdoor keamel, it would ha wise to know that there are two motels located in the area also. He has never been to an indoor kennel and does not know ffharking would be an issue unless the building was also soundproofed. Ken Olson asked if it would be cost effective to contract out a place for the dogs to stay like the Pet Palace or one of the veterinarY buildings. Chief Musson sntted that Connie had checked into having the dogs boarded at Laurel East Veterlaavj (Dr. Woomer). He asked where the dogs would slay until the one of the places was open for business in the morning. Ken stated that the Police Deparanent could have a key and could put thc dog in a designated kennel. Laaren stated that this might cause a liability issue with other dog owners who are paying to have their dogs boarded. Rick slated that if the dogs had to be euthanaded, this would not work well with the veterinarlan~ since they would have a problem with the killing of dogs. Ken said that the dogs could be taken to Billings whenever this has to be done. Rick stated that since the owner has to pay the fee for the dogs' boarding, the main cost would be with the ones that had to ha put down. Pat asked for the costs for the last couple of years in order to get a better idea of what has been spont wben enmparing fids to the costs that will be SlXmt to have the dogs boarded. Ken stated that he would like to see some direction in this matter. A lot of good points were brought forward. The main isso¢ is the boarding of the dogs with having the euthanaaia done in Billings. Ambrdunea: Amb,,lance Director Jan Fought asked if anything was done with the proposed rote changes since she was not able to attend the last meeting. Ken Olson stated that the only thing that was done with fids was that the rate changes were brought up at the last meeting and nothing else was done with fids. Ken asked Jan ff she talked to Matt, the new city attorney, about these proposals since the last time the rates were changed there was either a resolution or an ordinance that had to be in effect m order to change the rotes. Jan said that she would speak with Matt about this in order to see what steps have to be taken. Ken asked the committee if anyone had any comments about the proposed rote changes. Pat Kimmet asked how the new rates compare to the rotes charged by AMP~ lan stated that thc only change proposed is for the county since the city residents already are paying a tax. She further stated that AMR's haso rate is $475.00 with an additional $75.00 for a paramedic fee and $7.50 per mile. AMR charges twice as much as Laurel for equipment costs and also charges for other fixings like supplies, which arc not charged extra for by Laurel. Laurel uses thc base rate that was set down by Medicare even though AIVlR charges more. She said flint even with the extra rote, Laurel's mtcs arc way below AMR' s rotes. AMR charges the patient for things that were provided by the Laurel Ambulance. Charlie Pratt asked what the average amount of calls per mouth that AMR has to go on. Jan slated that only about 1/3 of thc calls received require AMP,_ Charlic asked Jan to provide the committee with some figures about thc number of calls received, type of calls received, and thc numhar of times AMP, was asked to help. He also asked ff AMR could be told to hack off some. Jan slated that AIVlR would not release a patient unless they want to. There have been many times when AMR was on board and did not do anything even though the paliont was still clmrged for their skills as well as for equlpmoni that is a requffcmcot or equipment tbat is not recognized by the state. They cbarge $65.00 for the use of a pulse oxymeter while Laurel does nut charge anything because the state does not recognize this equipment. She further stated that AMR bills a fee of $45.00 for a backboard while this is covered under the base rate costs since backboards have to he on board. Ken asked ffthe patients have recourse when they are being overcharged. Jan said that most of the time bath the patient and the insurance company do not have a clue about this. ha other cases, some patients have gone through the court process and have lost the cases. Charlle Pratt asked ff there was a charge for D.O.A.'s. Jan said that they charge a DOA base rote only ff they bave to neat a person or ff they are on the scene for over 20 minutes waiting for the coroner, ff they only transport the patient, then no fee is charged. Ken asked if there were may other comments about the proposed rote changes. Bill Brennan made a motion to recommend that the council adopt these new rates. Dan Dart seconded this motion. All present voted th favor of the motion. Jan Faught reported that she received a standard district map from the County Commission. Changes were made an this map ill order to outlllte the ambnlance disllicts from each of the areas. Worden, Broad-dew, Laurel and Molt Ambulance Services will meet with the ComCenter representatives in order to go over which anlbulanee to dispatch first to a ecl'lain area. Jan said that Matt had given thc o.k. for thc ride along program and the mutual aid agreements. She will get thc mutual aid agreements formalized. Jan reported that E.IVLT. classes would be held on Febmmy 26, 2001. She has received a lot of interest in the classes from the entire area since these classes offer the q~ralificatianS needed for paid firemen. She is hoping to get more interest from the locals. Jan said that the ambulance service has lost one attendant and one reserve. An attenclant from Broadview who went off reserve but will be able to use the ride along program. They now have a total of ten attendants and five reserves. Jan said that nothing bas been done on the snow and ice build-up problem and would like to see a solution to this problem. Ken stated that at this time last year, the issue was taken before the council. The issue of liability was brought up at that time. He does not know what the resolve is to this problem. There are a lut of good idms, but they are still raying to find a way to address the problem either by adding more manpower or by moving the problem. Pat Kimmet asked if there were any cost figures for each of these two solutions. Ken said that he would get the information. Jim Stevens said that building and maintenance would do a cost presemation about this issue. Charlie Pratt suggested using hquid spray that is used by the highway department on a temporary basis or until a solution be found to the problem. He stated that this spray is a little clkty but it works and stays. He has no idea of what it is called but is stye that the maintenance department could get that information from the highway deparmumt Chief Mnsson stated that since Lany McCaan was contacted about the problem, the shops have been doing a much better job of cleaning the area after a snowfall. Before, they were the last ones to have the area shoveled, but now are the fa-st. Since there are anly eight hours in a workday, this is not a solution and the long-term needs more work. Bill Brelman asked Fire Chief Stevens ff there were any plans to have some thy hydrants installed on Aiqsort Road. Chief Stevens stated that Yellowstone County was awamkxl a $300,000.00 FEMA Program grant. Asapartoftheproject,anothergrantwasappliedforandbasn'theenreceivedtodate. Inthisgram application, four hydrants were asked for in our area. Jim slated that the sites for the hydrants would he identified in a letter and said that he would identify one of those sites as the Laurel Airport Road area. It costs about $17,000.00 to install a 10,000-gallon hydrant. He further stated that Todd Linder is in charge of this program. Chief Stevens reported that they ate now two members short of a full staff, ha mid February, the depamnent will be losing another. They are lonldng at baying to fill three positions on the department. Eight applications have been rccoived and they will be selecting from these. The dcpartmeat will fill the positions that they can with these. Jim reporaxl that the Montana Volunteer Firefigh~r's Convention will be held in Laurel on June 14, 15, 16, 2001 and will be sponsored by the Laurel Volunteer Fire Dcpamnent. They have presented a tentative agenda to the Association Board. This agenda includes: Thursday - RegisWation, training classes, and a meal in the evening;, Friday- Training and a gathering with a meal in the evening; Saturday - Speakers: Lany McCann in the morning and Chief Riley of Lockwood in the aflemann. Lany McCann has twenty- seven years experience as a flrefightcr. The state speaker will talk about the wildfires in MoOr, ha at the banquet. The majority of the convcmion will be held at the Laurel schools for no charge. Jim further slated that they hope to have 400 people attend this convention. This convention will be a good tool to promote the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department as well as the City of Laurel. The next Emergency Services Committee meeting will be held on Monday, February 26z at 7:00 p.m. at City Council ChamberS. Respectfully submitted, Klm Wombolt