1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Havens called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Edward Havens
Deputy Mayor John P. Pelkey
Councillor William Aman
Councillor Thomas Delnicki
Councillor Deborah Fine
Councillor Judith Paquin
Councillor Elizabeth Pendleton
Councillor Matthew Streeter
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan
Town Attorney Barry D. Guliano
3. Public Participation - None
4. Communications - None
5. Town Manager's Report - None
6. Items for Discussion
A. South Windsor Ambulance Corps
Larry Gorman, President and Chief of Services of the South Windsor Ambulance Corps, began his presentation by stating that he would be providing an update as to "where we've been, where we are, and where we want to be." The Ambulance Corps began in 1981 with 18 dedicated people and has been a volunteer service since that time until just recently. Membership grew to about 37 members in the 1990's, but recently there has been a decline in membership, primarily due to the fact that it is difficult to get volunteers (especially when individuals can get paid for the same service elsewhere).
6. A. (Continued)
The Ambulance Corps was one of the first services east of the River to go to an advanced unit with the use of a defibrilator; they were one of the first services to use the epipen auto-injector. They currently have five people who are trained at the advanced levels of both paramedic and intermediate.
Two new vehicles were leased a few years ago, and this started the process of placing two new vehicles on the road every five years.
In order to survive, the Corps realized that they would need to keep current with new technology. In 1997 and 1998 they looked at new ways to generate funds, as the use of fundraisers was no longer effective. Several outside organizations were contacted, including the "Certified Ambulance Group," whose function is revenue recovery. This involves the billing of insurance companies, as transportation to the hospital is generally covered by an individual's personal health plan. The process involves the completion of forms, which are then submitted to the billing agency. This program has been working well for the Corps.
Because of the never-ending battle of staffing, the Corps decided to examine the possibility of converting to a paid service. They worked closely with an attorney, who worked with the Executive Board in completing the necessary forms and requirements in the creation of new bylaws, new policies, and a 12-member Board of Directors. Each of the members was given the option of being paid or remaining a volunteer. If the choice were to remain a volunteer, he/she would be bound by the same rules and regulations of the organization, but would not receive a paycheck. If the choice was to become a paid individual, he/she could not return to the same service and do the function of a volunteer.
The new Board of Directors was provided with the new bylaws and policies for their review. Revisions were made and the manual is now being updated. On September 5, 2004, the Corps began paying its employees for the first time, and those wishing to remain as volunteers have done so.
6. A. (Continued)
The Corps' progress will be closely monitored through the first quarter of 2005. It is expected that by August 1, 2005, the South Windsor Ambulance Corps will be a 24-hour, 7-day per week service. They are looking at going to more advanced levels in the future and have the capabilities of going to an intermediate level and a paramedic level. However, this will require staffing, and they will, therefore, be recruiting members.
When asked if the Town would be giving up any service, Mr. Gorman said that they would continue to call in Manchester for advanced life support if needed, just as they do now.
The service is now called the "South Windsor Ambulance Corps," removing the word "Volunteer," even though they can still have volunteer members. There are currently four or five volunteers, with the remaining members at the paid level. Individuals who do not wish to go into another tax bracket, for one reason or another, may wish to continue to serve as volunteers. Mr. Gorman explained that if an active paid member decided that he/she no longer wanted to receive a paycheck, a legal process would need to be followed. If a paid member was approached and asked to do something on a volunteer basis, that individual would have to decline.
When asked whether an individual without insurance would still be transported by ambulance, Mr. Gorman responded affirmatively. According to federal law, if the individual has no insurance, the billing agency has to send out at least three bills to that individual. If he/she writes a letter stating that there is no insurance and he/she cannot afford to pay the bill, there is an option that it can be written off. Since the billing agency started working with the Corps, there have been two or three such situations. Mr. Gorman said it is not their intent to "go after people."
The Corps still has a "non-profit" status. They can continue to run fundraisers and will do so since the funds from their annual fundraisers are earmarked entirely for two new vehicles every five years.
6. A. (Continued)
Mr. Galligan was asked if there might be additional grants available which the Town was not privy to previously, and he said he would have to check on this and get back to the Council.
When asked about Town liability, etc., with the Corps having a paid status, being housed in a public building, and being non-profit, Mr. Galligan said he would have to research this, but having gone to a billing system, they have taken over the CEMED charge of $13,000. He said there are $22,000 in expenses which they have taken over from the Town, plus the two ambulances. Attorney Guliano said that the liability would still be covered by insurance to the same degree.
Vernon and several other Towns have made conversions from volunteer services to paid.
Regarding the difference in the Corps and a private ambulance service. Mr. Gorman explained that if the Town had contracted with an outside firm and paid them, the Town would be billed from $500,000 and $750,000 per year. He said he didn't see any operational differences.
Mr. Gorman explained that, as far as which service is called, 911 calls come in to the Police Dispatch and Dispatchers have been trained to distinguish various types of calls. ASM would get called if it seems like it is an advanced life support situation. The Corps makes a detailed assessment when they arrive. If it is a serious problem, such as respiratory arrest, cardiac distress, diabetes, or shock, then it is automatic that they would get dispatched and ASM would be right behind. If ASM is not needed, then they would be cancelled en route. If both ambulances are dispatched and both perform a service to the individual, then both insurances would be billed and pay willingly because they are two different level services.
The Corps' response time is 20% above the national average, slightly over 6.4 minutes.
Mayor Havens indicated to the Town Manager that at some point a "fine line" would have to be drawn between the South Windsor Ambulance Corps and the Town of South Windsor regarding the responsibilities, insurance, rentals, etc. Mr. Galligan said that what is currently on the Town's books is the use of the building and liability insurance.
6. A. (Continued)
Mr. Gorman stated that the fee structure is dictated by the State; they have no control over it. The Corps responds to between 600 and 700 calls per year. There was a study completed last year which indicated that the Town of South Windsor has approximately 2,200 medical calls per year. Most of the revenue would come from the doubling of the actual calls themselves. If there are 700 this year, then it is conceivable that there would be between 1,400 and 1,800 calls themselves at the basic level.
Mr. Galligan was asked about the Ambulance Corps paying for their lodging at the Police Station and he responded that there was an estimate of about $40,000 of various payments and that about $22,000 has been collected. He said a new structure would need to be developed and he would provide that information to the Council on October 4.
Councillor Fine asked that the Town Manager check to see if the Manchester Ambulance Service is a 501.
7. Executive Session - None
8. Adjournment
The Work Session was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Merlyn P. Guild
Assistant to the Clerk of the Council
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