03-25-1991 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes March 25, 1991 Page 4 ------------------------------ e Council member Kropuenske stated that the City must weigh all perspectives of having ALS including the price, need, timing and what the citizens of Elk River can afford. Dave Plude of the ambulance service restated the fact that an ALS unit is dispatched with each call for the Elk River Ambulance. Tim Schaeffer stated he is an Elk River resident. He stated that ALS is being used in several cities this size. He stated that with an ALS, patient care would begin at the scene. He also indicated that recovery time of a patient is shorter if ALS care is given immediately. He stated that the City has a moral and legal obligation to provide its citizens with ALS care. He suggested establishing a committee to study the feasibility of ALS in Elk River. Mark Allen stated he is the life support manager for Health One. He indicated that the response time and money seem to be the two issues regarding ALS. He stated that it costs a lot of money to upgrade to ALS. He indicated his support to the current Elk River Ambulance Service. Bob Ruprecht, an Elk River resident, indicated that Elk is getting less service than Zimmerman. He indicated that a lot of people do not realize that Elk River Ambulance Service transports to Health One. e Tom Tyler indicated that some valid issues have been raised which the Council will have to address some time in the future. He suggested forming a committee to review the issue. Councilmember Kropuenske concurred with Tom Tyler but felt the committee should consist of people with unbiased opinions. Diane Karne, resident of Elk River and a Metropolitan Suburban Police employee, indicated that it is best to improve the current program. Pat Klaers indicated that the Elk River Ambulance has done and continues to do a good job. He stated he is not opposed to a committee but felt the City should give the Ambulance Service a chance to provide the Council with a report as to what they are considering for the future. The Council consensus was to bring this matter back to the Council at the April 1, meeting to discuss the matter further. 6. Other Business e Mayor Tralle informed the Council that he has had a request from a developer to have the City purchase the MnDOT site on Highway 169. The purpose would be to relocate MnDOT and to use the site for a development. The Council reviewed past MnDOT discussions on this issue. The Council indicated its continued support to see the MnDOT operation relocated to a better Elk River site, but not at City financial expense.