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11/14/2007
HOLDEN EMS STUDY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 14, 2007
4:00 PM      HFD Training Room

Present: Alex Belisle, Eric Dunphy, Melissa Fasshauer, Peter Lacy, Joshua Poznanski, Michael Rosen, Joe Sullivan, Chief Chandler - Ex-Officio

Others Present: Fire Chief Ed Oberg (retired), Roger Starbard, Melissa McKeon - Holden Landmark reporter

The meeting was opened at 4:00 PM.

Discussion on Potential Revenues:

The committee agreed that the actual revenues that are being realized by the current contractor (AMR) will be difficult to assert.  Therefore, an evaluation that is based upon empirical data as to the number of calls, time of day and type will be necessary.  The committee agreed that this evaluation should comprise of the calendar years starting in 2005.

Chief Chandler briefly discussed an evaluation program that is offered by Comstar.  Based upon a preliminary input of data and certain assumptions made for types of calls and associated inusrance reimbursements, the Chief expressed the opinion that approximately $700,000 of annual revenues might be realized without considering the $209,000 that the Town currently pays from the tax levy to the current contractor.  If further study substantiates these preliminary revenue estimates, there may be as much as $900,000 to $1,000,000 of annual revenue from which to finance a municipal EMS model.

Any evaluation of revenue should make a best effort to assume a 7-8 month initial ramp up of cash flow and should also project a revenue stream for the next 5-10 years with conservative growth estimates.

Committee Timeline:

The committee agreed that a transition model would need to be developed along with associated operational and capital costs.  Chairman Lacy asked the committee to perform specific tasks of evaluation or investigation in order that all information can be gathered and reviewed by the committee as a whole

2.1 Staffing Models - Chief Chandler
2.2 Annual Operating and Capital Costs - Chief Chandler
2.3 Rolling Equipment and Medical Inventory - Rosen/Fasshauer
2.4 Legal/Licensing Requirements - Rosen/Dunphy
2.5 Third Party Billing - Chief Chandler

Level of EMS Service:

Chief Chandler's first thought would be to have a total of three ambulances that are a combination of new and used.   All agreed that a complete study of call types, volume and time of day would help determine the staff loading and types of staff required.

Chief Chandler envisioned two ambulances that are staffed by full time EMS personnel.  The third ambulance would be a back up and perhaps be staffed by full time or call fire responders.  The model may also include a combined fire/EMS service capability.  The overall public safety goal is to respond at or less than an average of five minutes for the first call and seven minutes for a subsequent call.

Committee Organization:

Motion by Eric Dunphy, seconded by Alex Belisle, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ELECT JOE SULLIVAN AS THE VICE-CHAIR OF THE HOLDEN EMS STUDY COMMITTEE.

This motion was made so that committee meetings could be run in the absence of the Chair.

EMS Facilities:

The committee agreed that any municipal EMS model must include integrated housing with the fire and police staff.  Motion by Rosen, seconded by Dunphy, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO STRONGLY RECOMMEND TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING COMMITTEE THAT EMS SERVICES BE INCLUDED UNDER THE SAME ROOF AS FIRE AND POLICE IN ANY PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING PROPOSAL.

Next Meeting:

The next scheduled meeting of the EMS Study Committee will be Wednesday, 11/28, at 4:00 PM in the HFD Training Room.

Adjournment:

Motion by Dunphy, seconded by Belisle, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN AT 6:20 PM.

Approved: Motion by Poznanski and seconded by Belisle UNANIMOUSLY VOTED AT THE MEETING OF 11/21 TO APPROVE THESE MEETING MINUTES WITH CHANGES.