SPECIAL JOINT COMMON COUNCIL AND ST. CROIX EMS COMMISSION MEETING

MINUTES OF MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2010

Meeting called to order by Mayor Dean Knudson in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 6:15 p.m.

Present: Mayor Dean Knudson and Alderpersons Randy Morrissette, Pam Brokaw, Lori Bernard, Lee Wyland, Scot O'Malley, and Alan Burchill; St. Croix E.M.S. Commission members Tim Foster, Ray Knapp, Deb Brisch-Cramer, and George Klein.

OTHERS PRESENT: Catherine Munkittrick, Devin Willi, Betty Caruso, Gordon Conard, Randy Hanson, Hans Lamkin, Joanne Kenney, and others.

discussion of st. croix e.m.s. organizational structure and bylaws: Mayor Knudson announced the agenda topics, including discussion of St. Croix E.M.S. organizational structure, bylaws, and financial reports. He complimented the excellent EMS services and provided background information regarding the origin of the service.

It was noted that on October 19, 1970 the Common Council adopted a resolution to enter into contracts with various surrounding municipalities in a cooperative venture for the establishment and maintenance of a municipal ambulance service. Discussion was held regarding the City Council and E.M.S. Commission’s responsibilities. The need for involvement from the Hudson Hospital was expressed; Brisch-Cramer stated the hospital was interested in being a good partner with the service, but was not interested in owning or operating the service.

Additional information was shared regarding the current contracts with the participating municipalities, yearly contract renewals, assessments, day to day operations, and operating deficits. Discussion about the option to withdraw was held; the ability to withdraw by October 1st could cause budgeting concerns for the remaining municipalities, and should be reviewed. It was noted that before the next contract periods expire, clarification of the bylaws and operations was needed.

discussion of st. croix e.m.s. financial reports: Finance Officer Betty Caruso presented financial information for the service, and stated that the Department has been operating at a deficit for the past few years. She explained the cash operating statement from 2005-2009, current cash balance, and cash reserves. The need for new vehicles was also noted. Ms. Caruso recommended transferring money to meet their cash flow needs and address the five-year Capital Improvement Plan and funding source.

Discussion was held regarding fees, write-offs, per capita contract amounts, billing company changes, collections, and the need for the Commission to meet soon.

consider convening into closed session pursuant to 19.85(1)(g), wis.stats. to confer with legal counsel regarding current litigation with lifeline systems, inc. d/b/a lifeQuest: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to convene into Closed Session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(g) to confer with legal counsel regarding current litigation with Lifeline Systems, Inc. d/b/a LifeQuest. Roll call vote taken, all ayes (10) MOTION CARRIED.

ADJOURNMENT: MOTION by Foster, second by O’Malley to adjourn the meeting. All ayes (10) MOTION CARRIED at 6:59 p.m.

Nancy J. Korson, City Clerk

 I hereby certify that the City Clerk has submitted the foregoing minutes to me, and I hereby by my signature approve said minutes and all acts of the Common Council as set forth therein.

Dean R. Knudson, Mayor