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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING
THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2004
A Special Meeting of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Chairman Tallarita in the Enfield Room of the Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Thursday, June 17, 2004 at 6:08 p.m.
ROLL-CALL - Present were Councilmen Dodd, Edgar, Egan, Fiore, Kaupin, Peruta, Tait and Tallarita. Councilman Crowley, Mangini, and Reveruzzi were absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott Shanley; Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki; Town Attorney, Christopher Bromson; EMS Director, Gary Wiemokly; Chief of Police Ronald Marcotte: Deputy Chief of Police Carl Sferrazza
The following represented the fire districts:
Richard Stevens, Enfield Fire District; Everett Gamble, Hazardville Fire District; Philip Thomas, Hazardville Fire District; Stephen Bourque, North Thompsonville Fire District; Patrick Griffin, North Thompsonville Fire District; Bernie Frost, Shaker Pines Fire District; Margaret Guyette, Shaker Pines Fire District; Marge Perry, Thompsonville Fire District; Fire Chief Edward Richards. Also present and representing the EMS Commission was Attorney Carl Landolina
DISCUSSION WITH FIRE DEPARTMENTS' EMS COMMITTEE
Chairman Tallarita stated this is an opportunity to get together to hammer out some of the prevalent issues so they can move forward.
Mr. Stevens read the following mission statement for the EMS Commission:
"To deliver the best possible pre-hospital emergency medical care to those in need through a cooperative community base by providing all necessary resources, including highly trained and skilled personnel and up-to-date equipment; to be proactive in the prevention of injuries and illnesses in the community by developing and implementing appropriate wellness and safety programs and initiatives."
Mr. Stevens stated they've also set a number of goals they'd like to accomplish in the future. He noted he has a list of those goals and can provide a copy for anyone who wishes to see them.
Chairman Tallarita stated it's understood that not all of the questions being raised tonight can be answered immediately and that it will take time to answer some of these questions.
Attorney Bromson addressed the following questions to the Commission:
Structure
1. When will the Fire Service provide the Town Council with a detailed Plan of Organization?
Attorney Landolina stated they reviewed the general statutes of the State of Connecticut to determine what legal avenues they have to create some kind of entity that would oversee, manage, and operate these services to the residents of the Enfield. He noted the two main avenues they investigated were forming a separate taxing district for that purpose. There are general statutes which control how taxing districts are formed, and they decided not to go with that avenue. One of the reasons was that a special services taxing district, in order to be formed, would require a town-wide referendum, would probably require some kind of action on the part of the Town Council as the legislative body of the Town of Enfield and would require an affirmative majority vote by owners of property owning at least 50% of the assessed value of property in the Town of Enfield. He noted they thought that was a burden they probably couldn't get over.
Attorney Landolina explained there was another type of special taxing district that required a two-thirds majority vote at a town-wide referendum, and he noted they weren't sure they could get over that burden either. He stated given those obstacles, they decided to go with the interlocal agreement, which under another section of the general statutes provides that any municipalities or taxing districts, or fire districts can band together and enter into agreements to provide municipal type services, whether they be town-wide or between several municipalities. He noted they decided on the interlocal agreement.
He stated they have the first draft of an interlocal agreement, which has been provided to members of their commission and they will be discussing this at their regular meeting. He noted this draft needs to be reviewed by members of this commission and assuming there are changes to be made, the agreement must then be taken back to each of the five fire districts and they must hold public hearings. He noted either they will hold five separate public hearings in each of the districts, or they may hold one town-wide public hearing and then the agreement must be ratified by the legislative bodies in each of the five fire districts. Attorney Bromson questioned if that would be the commissions, not the electorate, and Attorney Landolina stated his understanding it would be the commissions.
Attorney Landolina stated they are anticipating this process will probably bring them into the end of July or early August.
Attorney Bromson questioned if it's correct under ยง7-339d that they must follow this procedure and appoint their various members. He noted the statute uses the term, "an Advisory Board". He questioned if they are using this term interchangeably. Attorney Landolina responded no and explained the agreement provides for an agency to be formed and that agency will be run by a Board of Directors which will be comprised of one representative from each of the five fire districts. Those representatives will also be commissioners within the district, therefore, that's a prerequisite to the membership in the agency. In addition to that, the agreement will provide for an advisory committee, basically made up of staff people and other stakeholders in the agreement, i.e., people from hospitals, etc.
Attorney Bromson questioned if they feel they would be in a position to offer a detailed plan of organization at this time, or do they feel they need to have their interlocal agreement in place. Attorney Landolina responded at least he believes they need to have a discussion with their commission about the contents of the interlocal agreement and whether the ten members of the commission buy into the details of the agreement. He noted they need to satisfy whatever concerns or questions their commissioners have.
Councilman Peruta questioned when the interlocal agreement process will be done, and Attorney Landolina stated they anticipated holding their public hearings sometime in mid to end of July and having meetings within each of the fire districts shortly thereafter. He anticipates the agreement will or will not be ratified by each of the districts sometime between mid-July and mid-August.
2. Why does the Board of Directors of the proposed Enfield Fire-EMS, Inc. include two Town Council members?
Attorney Bromson stated he spoke to labor counsel, and her interpretation was that no outside representation at all could be on that interlocal board. Attorney Landolina stated early in the process they discussed inviting two members of the Council to be members of this agency, but in following discussions they dropped that idea.
3. On what criteria did the Fire Districts determine that the proposed organizational structure is the most appropriate for the future, particularly with respect to the issues discussed by Dr. DiMeola?
Chief Richards stated he does not know what the issues were that were raised by Dr. DiMeola. It was thought perhaps these may have been issues raised by Dr. Bazile. Chief Richards stated that there was the issue of there being a clear line of authority from medical control to the street level provider. He stated his belief this organization provides that.
4. What is the purpose of a rotating Chairman of the Board of Directors?
Attorney Landolina stated there's nothing in the agreement that provides that the Chairman will rotate, and he is not sure where that came from. He explained in order to be a member of the Board of Directors, a person has to be a fire commissioner and they're subject to the same whims of the electorate as the Town Council.
Question #5 was skipped.
6. What is the anticipated role of the Advisory Committee referred to in answer #1 of Attorney Landolina's letter?
Attorney Landolina stated like most agencies, the agency itself will operate on a broad scale, and they need individual experts in each area to provide input in the process. He stated they want to be sure everyone who has a stake in this gets direct input to the agency, and they thought they could accomplish that by establishing an advisory committee. He noted at this time they anticipate the advisory committee would be comprised of representatives from the sponsoring hospital, AMR, the Maciolek Post, North Central Health District, Town Manager's Office, the Enfield Fire Chiefs' Association, the Police Department, two citizens, and Town Council.
7. What is the anticipated role of Johnson Memorial Hospital's Emergency Medical Director?
Attorney Landolina stated they anticipate someone from the hospital will be serving on this advisory board. Chief Richards stated he took this question to mean the Emergency Director's role is in medical control for the system, and he/she or someone from that staff would be part of the Advisory Committee.
Councilman Peruta requested clarification on "medical control". Mr. Wiemokly explained it's actually offering medical direction.
Chairman Tallarita referred to question #6 and questioned where the Advisory Committee fit. Attorney Landolina explained they would interact directly with the Board of Directors.
8. What type, if any, and when will a review of the Fire districts proposed structure be done by Johnson Memorial Hospital's Emergency Medical Director?
Attorney Landolina stated they anticipate having a discussion on the interlocal agreement at the commission level and once they have a sign off by the commission and before it's ratified by each of the districts, the documents will then go to Johnson Memorial and anyone else who has a stake in this, i.e., the Police Department, the Town Manager's Office, etc.
9. Will there be any safeguards and/or sanctions that will prevent or penalize any department that elects to withdraw from participation in the EMS program? Question 10 & 11 related to Question 9.
Attorney Landolina stated they have not discussed that, but it will be provided in the agreement if it's provided at all. Attorney Bromson stated at some point there will have to be a contract that stipulates time, performance evaluation, duration, auditing and review. He noted that might be something to be addressed by the Town and they'll have to have that dialog. He stated his belief it will be a concern if the time and effort and start-up money are put into this and someone pulls out, and the Town will need notice of that. Attorney Landolina pointed out the agreement will be with the agency, not with the separate fire districts. He added to the extent that they can address those concerns, they will try to do so. Attorney Bromson stated it should be known how they anticipate they can still go forward if someone drops out and how they take up the slack or address the situation. He noted labor counsel clearly indicated this has to be addressed.
Attorney Bromson stated the Connecticut General Statute says they can enter into the interlocal agreement for up to forty years. He questioned if there's an idea as to how long they plan to enter into this interlocal agreement, and Attorney Landolina indicated that is not known at this point. Mr. Stevens stated his belief it would probably be a minimum of five years.
12. What is the process for a district to commit to an EMS program, i.e., approval of district votes, approval of medical authorities, approval of state authorities?
Attorney Landolina stated obviously they can't take over the service until they have licenses to do so. He noted he doesn't know whether they will enter into their agreement with the Town first and then go to the state for a license, or whether they will get the license first and then come to the Town.
Attorney Bromson questioned what approvals are needed once it's taken over. Mr. Wiemokly stated they would need to be the licensed ambulance service first and they would need to go through the process once approvals are obtained by the Council. Attorney Bromson questioned what approvals have to be obtained. Mr. Wiemokly stated the EMS would apply to become the ambulance provider and that process would go up to Johnson Memorial Hospital to be approved or questioned and sent back for clarification by the hospital's EMS Coordinator. Then it goes to the hospital's EMS Medical Director and then it goes to the hospital's President, and all three of those individuals must sign off. He stated it would come back to the Enfield's EMS agency and from there it would go to the regional office (North Central Connecticut EMS Council, Inc.). At that point it's discussed by the Medical Advisory Committee, and if there's a question or concern itgoes back, and that question or concern is addressed and it's forwarded from the Medical Advisory Committee to their Executive Board and then to the State. He stated once that approval is in place, the Town can sign a contract.
Attorney Bromson stated since the first three steps appear to lie in Johnson Memorial Hospital's purview, it behooves the Enfield EMS, after they have the interlocal agreement, to be talking with Johnson Memorial since they are the ones ultimately approving or denying the plan.
Attorney Landolina stated they already have staff people who are familiar with the process of obtaining these licenses and are reviewing documents that are going to be necessary, therefore, they do have a leg up on that issue.
Councilman Peruta stated his impression this is a long process. He questioned how long this might take. Mr. Wiemokly indicated this process could take a year. He noted at times the billing process can be a hang-up.
Mr. Gamble questioned if they can apply to the state for this license if they don't have any ambulances. Mr. Wiemokly stated they could present the plan and you may apply to become an ambulance provider and with that they usually want to see six months worth of budget to know that you'll be solvent.
Chairman Tallarita questioned if the commission anticipated this type of timeline, and Mr. Stevens responded no. He stated his feeling Mr. Wiemokly is giving the worst case scenario. He pointed out the Town has a license right now. Mr. Wiemokly stated the Police Department has the license and the Police Department would have to choose to transfer that license. He went on to note two separate things are going on - one is to become an ambulance provider and the Police have been the ambulance provider for many years, therefore, it's not necessary to go through an approval process to become an ambulance provider. They obtained an R2 (Basic Life Support Certification) from the Maciolek Post. Attorney Bromson stated since it was done with such simplicity between the Legion and the Police, why can't it be done between the Police and the Enfield EMS. Mr. Wiemokly responded it can be, but there has to be an entity first. Attorney Bromson questioned if they do the entity, approve the interlocal and the Town agrees, will the state allow a simple transfer within a month. Mr. Wiemokly stated until the EMS is approved as an ambulance provider, there should be no issue getting licenses by the state. He noted the Enfield EMS doesn't have to have an R2 certification function. He recommended the Police keep the R2 and the Enfield EMS provides the service.
Chairman Tallarita suggested the commission use its resources to get the answer to the ultimate question as to how they get in a position to provide the service after their organization is formed.
13. How will a Fire-based EMS system be answerable to the taxpayers of the Town of Enfield?
Attorney Landolina stated members of the agency will be elected public officials because they will be commissioners in each of their districts. He noted they anticipate having residents of the Town of Enfield as members of this advisory board.
Councilman Peruta questioned how they will know they're doing a good job. Chief Richards stated there would be any number of quality control programs in place. Mr. Wiemokly stated it would be in the best interest of the agency to establish what is generally national standards and attempt to adhere to them.
Attorney Bromson stated there will be a contract between the agency and the Town and they can have evaluations every two years.
14. Are there any known municipalities in Connecticut which utilize the proposed interlocal structure for EMS services?
Attorney Landolina responded not that they are aware of. He added they haven't done a state-wide search.
Management
1. Why is the EMS Director, who is the Chief Operating Officer, not a member of the Board of Directors?
Attorney Landolina stated they want the members of the Board of Directors to be elected officials.
2. Why does the Chief Operating Officer report to the Chief Executive Officer?
Chief Richards stated this is the typical structure that would be encountered in an organization.
3. Why is there a level of management between the EMS Director and the Board of Directors?
Chief Richards stated the EMS Director is supposedly responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of the service. The Chief Executive Office is going to provide administrative oversight and support for this system, and he's directly accountable to the Board of Directors.
4. Who will oversee medical issues?
Attorney Landolina stated they anticipate the EMS Director, in conjunction with medical control at the sponsoring hospital will oversee those issues.
5. Will the CEO have the authority to overrule decisions by the Chief Operation Officer (EMS Director) regarding medical issues or procedures and will this reflect the program's primary goal of patient care?
Attorney Landolina responded yes, he will.
Councilman Egan questioned if a medical person is going to be overruled by a non-medical person. Chief Richards stated the non-medical person has the authority to overrule, but does he? Councilman Egan stated just the opportunity for that to happen is a concern.
6. Who will be the CEO and how will he be selected?
Attorney Landolina stated he anticipates the Board of Directors will set some type of criteria for the selection of a CEO, however, who that will be is not known at this point.
Chairman Tallarita questioned whether they anticipate the CEO coming from within the fire structure itself, and Attorney Landolina responded yes.
7. Why/How is the proposed structure the best possible for the provision of emergency medical services?
Attorney Landolina stated they believe it provides a clear chain of authority.
Funding & Costs
1. When will the Fire Service provide the Town Council with a detailed economic and financial plan?
Attorney Landolina stated they have someone working on a business plan right now. Mr. Stevens responded the organizational plan and financial plan are part of the business plan and it's anticipated that will be ready by the end of July.
Attorney Landolina questioned whether the Council believes it's important to those who are to sign off on the interlocal agreement to see the business plan/budgets before signing off. Chairman Tallarita stated his belief certain elements will be interested in seeing those things. Attorney Landolina questioned whether that is important to the Council, and Chairman Tallarita stated his belief the Council will have interest in that.
Councilman Kaupin stated his belief the Council will want to see everything on the table and noted they're not going to make a final decision until everything is before them. He prefers the commission provide everything the Council wants and present it as a package, and that is from the structure to the financing to the operation.
Attorney Landolina suggested the Council provide a detailed list of those items which they expect from the commission so that they can provide those items. Councilman Kaupin stated his belief it's the commission's responsibility to tell the Council how they will operate. He noted he doesn't want the information piecemeal.
Attorney Landolina stated they anticipated this would follow a certain process. He noted the first part of that process was how they would organize, and they are in the process of getting organized. He stated once they are organized, they would take the next step - start the process of getting their certificates, licenses, etc. and in the meantime start negotiating with the Town of Enfield to provide these services for the Town, and it's during that process that all this information would become available to the Council. He concluded stating if the Council feels they want that before they even look at the interlocal agreement, then that's what they'll do.
Councilman Fiore stated he's a little disappointed they are not in a bid-ready form. Mr. Stevens noted they do have a lot of information and are putting it together. He stated his belief the fire districts in Enfield have done an outstanding job in working with the other agencies in this community to provide EMS service.
Councilman Egan stated the business plan has been discussed for two years, and the Council is still waiting for the business plan.
Chairman Tallarita stated the Town Council would not agree to anything until they see a business plan. He noted everyone wants the best service possible for the community and everyone needs to work together.
Attorney Landolina stated the commission wants the Council to look at their interlocal agreement before it's ratified by the district. He added he understands the Council would like to see their business plan before they will comment on the content of the interlocal agreement. He questioned if there's anything else the Council anticipates asking of the commission before they will give their comments on the interlocal agreement. Attorney Bromson indicated that can be better determined after they review his list of questions.
MOTION #7252 by Councilman Peruta, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to take a brief recess.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7252 adopted 8-0-0, and the meeting stood recessed at 7:46 p.m.
Chairman Tallarita reconvened the meeting at 7:55 p.m.
2. What are the line item expenditures to support the estimated start-up costs of $600,000 to $700,000?
Chief Richards stated they don't have that. He noted the main impact is going to be in salaries and benefits and they don't know that because they haven't decided what the salary is going to be. He noted the $600,000 to $700,000 is an estimate for start-up costs. He went on to note there are a couple ways of looking at start-up costs, i.e., does that operate the business for a certain amount of time, or is it what it takes to start right now. He stated some monies would go toward facilities upgrade for those stations that don't have overnight capability and there may be some equipment and supplies as well. He added most of the supplies are in process right now, and most of the equipment is in place. He assumed they would work out some type of deal to transfer ambulances, or is it expected they would go out and buy their own. He noted since this is a cooperative effort, he would expect there would be some give and take.
Councilman Dodd questioned if this will be put together for the July/August timeline. Chief Richards responded yes.
Chairman Tallarita stated his impression start-up costs had to do with what it would cost to start the program up on day one. He noted he did not assume that they would be looking at the cost of personnel for a year being part of that start-up cost coming from the Town side. He pointed out the Council has already appropriated the monies and the contracts are already out for the purchase of two ambulances. Mr. Shanley clarified the Maciolek Post purchased one ambulance, and the Town is purchasing one ambulance. Chairman Tallarita stated he anticipated the purchase of the ambulance as part of the start-up cost - not the human resource aspect. He stated his belief those monies would come out of the recovery over a period of time. He noted he did not want to create a relationship whereby the Council would be appropriating monies to meet the whole need for a set period of time. He stated his belief the committee's business plan should include how they're going to appropriate the monies in order to fund the staff.
Chief Richards stated his belief there is a fundamental disagreement, and Chairman Tallarita disagreed stating his belief it was very clear from the beginning.
Councilman Fiore agreed with Chairman Tallarita. He stated his belief it's been very clear from the Council's statements that these types of start-up costs were not acceptable and that personnel was not to be included. He noted he can recollect numerous comments along that line. He pointed out the Town doesn't have $600,000 to $700,000 for start-up costs for EMS. He noted over a period of a few years, their collection fund might accumulate that amount of money.
Councilman Fiore questioned what might be the estimated balance in the collection fund in a year's time. Mr. Shanley noted they could check into that.
Councilman Kaupin stated this is a fundamental issue over anything else being discussed. He noted there's no reason to even proceed this evening if the commission is expecting that amount of money. He noted that was never on the table from day one in any discussion on EMS. He stated not only do they have to bridge an organizational business plan, but they also have to bridge a total misconception of what the role is that they wish to provide to the Town.
Chairman Tallarita questioned if the commission anticipated that the Town was going to pay the first year of expenses. Mr. Stevens stated they have not approved the interlocal agreement as yet between all the districts and there were some figures that were brought out. He noted in the business plan, the figures were an estimate and he's not familiar as to what that estimate includes.
5. How will each fire district's contribution to the EMS program be determined? E.g., population, mil rate, tax base, income, etc.?
Attorney Landolina stated they anticipate the cost will be shared on a per capita basis in that it will be spread evenly throughout the Town.
6. How does the proposed structure ensure strong cost containment consistent with the health industry in general, as compared with other options?
Attorney Landolina stated his personal opinion that's a very broad question that requires more thought than they're able to discuss tonight.
7. How will the use of a rotating CEO impact cost containment procedures?
Attorney Bromson stated the Town's labor counsel did want them to stress this because she felt it was important to know that in regard to how they are going to keep accountability and cost containment. Attorney Landolina stated he does not know where the concept of a rotating CEO came from.
8. What is the basis for the underlying assumption that the revenues from the EMS program will eventually exceed expenditures?
Attorney Landolina stated they have no such assumption and they don't believe that will ever be the case.
9. Is there a contingency plan for funding if one of the fire districts cannot contribute the prescribed amount?
Attorney Landolina explained his thoughts are that he did not want one district holding up the budget for the entire agency. He noted if two or more of the fire districts vote not to ratify the budget, then the budget fails. If one district votes "no" and refuses to contribute funding, then they anticipate the other four districts would have to make up the difference.
Mr. Stevens stated at this time part of the EMS plan in Enfield is being funded by a number of the fire districts and is already incorporated in their budgets. He noted there has been no resistance from any taxpayers or any of the commissioners. Ms. Perry noted budgets are not voted by line item, but the budget is voted upon as a whole.
Attorney Bromson stated his belief the Council is urging the commission to address a contingency plan either in their interlocal agreement or in their bylaws. He noted there should be a contingency plan if they don't have one.
10. For what services (excluding transport) will fees be charged?
Attorney Landolina noted he has been told there are other EMS charges which they can be reimbursed for, i.e., mileage, night response, paramedic intercept, etc. Chief Richards added there are other things they can charge for as the system evolves.
11. What is the basis for the belief that the recovery of direct billing fees will increase?
Chief Richards responded a historical increase in the number of transports, plus the proficiency in the collections.
12. What is the anticipated rate of the increase in the recovery of direct billing fees?
Chief Richards stated he doesn't have that.
Councilman Peruta questioned whether there will be any projection as to the effect on the mil rates for the district. Chief Richards responded yes.
Reimbursement to Town
1. Does the Fire Service propose to reimburse/remunerate the Town for costs of dispatchers?
Mr. Stevens responded no and noted they're funding some of that right now. He added there will be further discussion on this.
2. Does the Fire Service propose to reimburse/remunerate the Town for costs of "first responder" police officers (currently funded from the Police Department Budget)?
The answer was no.
3. If the Town provides funding for the start-up costs, is there a plan to reimburse the Town; and if so, what are the details of the plan?
Attorney Bromson suggested skipping this one.
Co-Pay Issues
1. Has an opinion letter been requested from the Office of the Inspector General?
Attorney Landolina responded no.
The answer to Question 2 was no.
3. If not, when will such a request be submitted?
Attorney Bromson stated it's not certain whether an OIG opinion is needed. He noted OIG #46 is applicable to fire districts doing this. He stated from previous discussions they say you can't rely on any advisory opinions, but rather it's fact driven. Attorney Landolina stated they do have an advisory opinion from OIG dated July, 2001. He noted they may need further clarification.
Operations
Questions 1 and 2 were skipped
3 and 4. What is the timeline for providing BLS and ALS?
Chairman Tallarita stated the intent of going into this conversation was that ultimately this would be a BLS and ALS system. He questioned if this is a phased approach or turn key approach. Attorney Landolina stated they anticipate that at some point in the future they'll be able to provide both BLS and ALS services. He noted initially they anticipate only BLS services. Chief Richards stated there's a planned approach to train people to the paramedic level.
Question #5 was bypassed.
Personnel
1. Who is providing professional advice on Human Resource issues to the Fire Districts?
Attorney Landolina stated his understanding each of the fire districts have labor counsel.
Question #2 was bypassed.
3. Who will have authority over EMS personnel?
Attorney Landolina stated his understanding each of the providers will work for the districts. It's anticipated part of the contribution would be the provision of personnel. He noted they don't anticipate that the agency will be an "employer".
Attorney Bromson questioned if each district will be the one to discipline their own employees if there's an issue. Attorney Landolina stated that is what's anticipated. Mr. Stevens stated each district has policies and procedures in place. He noted they may not be exactly the same. Attorney Landolina stated perhaps they could modify those policies and procedures for uniformity with respect to these services.
Chairman Tallarita stated he would like to see this as a priority and details as to how that will work.
Councilman Egan questioned how the EMS Director will fit into that since it would be his job to direct personnel if there was an issue. Chief Richards stated the bylaws of the agreement would spell that out.
Chairman Tallarita stated there has to be a clear line of authority.
Questions 5, 6 and 7 were bypassed.
8. Will volunteers be used to staff the EMS program?
Chief Richards stated they will try to fit volunteers into the picture.
9. If firefighters will be the EMS personnel and the districts are reimbursed for their salaries and benefits, has a manpower analysis been conducted to determine the Town-wide paid staffing for fire alone so that the real margin of cost is known and one district is not being reimbursed disproportionately?
Attorney Landolina responded no.
Mr. Stevens thanked everyone for their presence and input. He noted the fire districts have been working on this program for a number of years and will continue to work on it. He noted they want to be the party that handles the EMS, and they feel it's in the best interest of the community to do so.
One of the commissioners stated he would like to see a closer relationship between the current EMS Director, who is a paid Town employee, and the EMS Commission. He stated he would like to see the EMS Director try to attend all of their meetings so that he's abreast of what's going on. He acknowledged the EMS Director is the expert in the field and they value his opinion and his expertise.
Councilman Peruta questioned if it's clear what the Council is looking for. Attorney Landolina stated his understanding the following items should be brought back to the Council:
" The provision of the interlocal agreement
" The provision of a detailed business plan
" The provision of a detailed budget for start-up costs
" The provision of a revised timeline
Attorney Landolina stated these items will be provided simultaneously.
Chairman Tallarita stated they should also understand how this would be turned over.
Attorney Landolina stated the Commission's next meeting is scheduled for July 15th. He questioned if they could have this information before the Council for the Council's meeting on the third Monday in August. Chairman Tallarita suggested they make that their goal.
Councilman Peruta questioned if they can put together a communication plan between stakeholders so that information goes back and forth more smoothly. He noted another item the Council was interested in was a contingency plan, i.e., non-participation, budgeting, etc.
Chairman Tallarita requested the Town Council receive copies of the commission's minutes.
There was no Executive Session.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #7253 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Peruta to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7253 adopted 8-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
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