Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmergency Services Committee Minutes 04.23.2018Emergency Services Committee Meeting 4.23.2018 Members Present: Bruce McGee, Police Chief Rick Musson, Fire Chief Brent Peters, Irv Wilke, Richard Klose, Bill Mountsier (arrived late), and Taryn Massa Others Present: Clerk/Treasurer to take minutes 1. Bruce McGee called the meeting to order at 17:31. Bruce introduced the new member of the Committee, Taryn Massa. Taryn stated that she is willing to volunteer her time and do what is needed to help. 2. Public Input: 3. Motion made by Richard to approve the minutes from the March 26, 2018 meeting. Irv seconded the motion, all in favor, motion passed 4-0. 4. Old Business: Bruce presented his mission statement to the Committee. The Committee had a brief discuss regarding the mission statement. The mission statement is to Listen Advocate and Improve the community. Irv stated that he liked the mission statement and Richard agreed. Bruce stated that it was a simple statement that demonstrated what the Committee was trying to do. Richard asked if the Committee needed to vote to adopt the mission statement. Bruce stated that the Committee would need to make a motion, second the motion and vote on the statement. Richard made a motion to approve the mission statement, Irv seconded the motion, motion passed 5-0. Richard made a motion to add the mission statement to the agenda each meeting, Irv seconded the motion, motion passed 5-0. Irv stated that at this time he doesn’t have anything to add to the volunteer program discussion. The Mayor was going to investigate the program and see if it can go any further. Currently, it is in the Mayor’s hands. Chief Musson stated that he doesn’t think the idea is dead but there needs to be a lot of research done prior to making any decisions. A big consideration is the cost of implementing this program. Where are the funds going to come from for the program? Irv stated that he mentioned dog calls and patrolling Riverside Park to the Mayor as options. Chief Musson stated that parking would keep volunteers busy and he was concerned having volunteers respond to dog calls because of liability. Bruce stated that when we know what this type of program costs we can talk about specifics. Chief Peters stated that the City also needs to make sure that this program wouldn’t cause any issues with union contracts. The Police Department and Public Works are union. Bruce stated that Chief Musson and Irv should continue to work on this topic together. The Neighborhood watch program is ran by the citizens and as such will no longer be a topic for this Committee. There is an outcry from the community to improve the ambulance department’s response. The Mayor sent out an email that was read aloud to the Committee. Richard stated that Chief Peters and the Ambulance Department need to answer some of the questions. Chief Peters stated that the ideas the Mayor presented in his email are some of the seven options currently being looked at by the Ambulance Department. A big question is how the City is going to generate the money needed to improve the Ambulance Department. A quote from AMR has been requested but at this time the cost is unknown. The Assistant Chief for the Ambulance Department has been replaced and morale has increased in the department. Talk of creating an EMS district has come up but people don’t want to pay for the services. EMT’s are hard to find and keep. They get experience and then go work full time jobs as EMT’s or they have to work full time jobs and don’t have the time to volunteer. The department is looking into changing billing companies to save costs and receive better service. The issue is still being worked on, but the Chief stated he was there to answer any questions he could. Taryn stated that she was glad to see that some things were changing. She also asked what happens when the City reaches 7500 people. Chief Peters stated that the City would have to get a partial paid Fire Department, and this is dictated by MCA. There are no requirements, however, to have an ambulance service. Medications are getting more and more expensive and Medicare and Medicaid only pay about 49% of what is billed. EMS is not in the business to make money. Bruce asked what the City was supposed to do then. Chief Peters stated that most companies take a loss. The new schedule of fees is being presented to the Council for approval soon and that should help revenues a little. Bruce asked what the community could do. Chief Peters stated that the decision was the Mayor’s and Chief was waiting for the Mayor’s direction. 5. New Business: The Committee had a brief discussion regarding the Sheriff’s Community Service Work Program. The who, what, when, where, how and why needed to be answered for this program. Since Judge Kerr was the individual pushing this program she should be the one to gather and present additional information on the subject. 6. Bruce stated that there would be no meeting in May and the next meeting would be on June 25th. Chairmen McGee adjourned the meeting at 18:46.