05-06-1991 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes May 6, 1991 Page 3 e Mary Lou Schaefer questioned when she could expect to see an ALS Ambul ance stationed in Elk River. Mayor Tralle responded by stating that no time frame has been determined and further that a committ.ee will be reviewing t.his issue. Diane Carsness Di ane Carsness stated that she felt the proposal was not support.ing progress of the Fire and Ambulance in Elk River. She stated that the program presented the minimum of any sort of progress. '[t!!1_Sc.jlaef~r Tim Schaefer stated that there was no mention in the proposal as to whether the Ambulance staff or the number of rigs would be increased to cover the service area. Mr. Schaefer also indicated that if Mercy's Ambul ance is not available then the next area for an ALS Ambulance would be St. Francis or Buffalo and indicated that this was too long of a response time. Mr. Schaefer indicat.ed that there could be delayed f'esponse time with Health One due to weather conditions. Mr. Schaefer further indicated that the proposed committee did not consist of citizen involvement. Mr. Schaefer stated that in referring to response time, the El k Ri ver Ambulance response time is not the issue but ALS response time is the main concern. e Mayor Tralle I ndicated that these points would be considered in the future. He indicated that the Council is looking at this issue at a step by step approach to increase coverage and service for the community. .1 an _ Anderson Jan Anderson stated that the committee is a good idea. She questioned how often the committee would meet and also how the public would be informed of thf~ committee's decisions. She also questioned how the puhlic interest would be considered. Mayor Tralle stated that the goal of the City is to have the Att.orney draft an ordinance to establish an Ambulance Committee and that this Committee would become a permanent Committee of the City. Jan Anderson also indicated that she felt. ALS in the community is the only way to go as it is the hest care availahle. Hll-".'91 d_B.0....Y..9JJ1Y e Harold Novotny indicated that he felt it was the responsibility of the City, the Amhulance Service and the Fire Department to educate citizens as to the d i fft~rence in BLS and ALS service. Mr. Novotny also questi oned whether the patient would have to pay for both ambulances when hoth ambulances are dispatched at one time. Mr. Miller responded in the negative to this cost question. There hel ng no further comments from the pubU c, Mayor Tralle closed the public hearing.