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If you will, please join me for the Pledge of Allegiance. 00:00:01
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, 00:00:06
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 00:00:12
All right, if you have a cell phone, please. If you'll turn that to silent. If you have any need for it, you can utilize the 00:00:20
hallway please. 00:00:24
We'll have public comment after our meeting tonight and we'll also have it before any formal vote on these topics at the 00:00:30
commissioners meeting, which begins at 6:00. 00:00:36
So I just want to begin with a couple of updates. 00:00:43
There will be an additional amendment to the. 00:00:48
Ordinance that was amended at the last commissioners meeting to allow for EMS services within Highlander Fire Protection District. 00:00:53
That's going to allow for mutual aid. 00:00:58
For them to leave their district in times of duress has already arranged. 00:01:03
So that is on tonight's agenda. It's my understanding that the legacy foundation. 00:01:09
Check for $500,000. It was received by the auditor today. It will also be establishing a. 00:01:20
Specific fund for that, an EMS fund at tonight's commissioners meeting as well and then that will be deposited or transferred over 00:01:27
to that, correct. OK. 00:01:31
So I. 00:01:36
With that as a backdrop. 00:01:38
We do have two contracts that I sent out over the weekend and then earlier today, one with America, one with Highlander Fire 00:01:42
Protection District is my belief that a majority of the commissioners are going to be endorsing that formally at our meeting at 00:01:48
6:00 tonight in those contracts largely follow the. 00:01:54
Guidelines and bullet points that were in option seven that we discussed at some length at the last meeting. 00:02:02
I'm going to ask the Council tonight. 00:02:11
After discussion or some sort of public commitment of intent to appropriate funds for those contracts before our anticipated 00:02:13
acceptance of those in our 6:00 meeting tonight. 00:02:19
With regards to the EMS Advisory Board. 00:02:25
And the EMS task force I look to. 00:02:29
Give you more thorough updates at. 00:02:34
Probably the next commissioners meeting or our next joint meeting, the EMS Advisory Board is probably going to take on the primary 00:02:37
task of. 00:02:41
For lack of a better word, quality assurance data analysis as data comes in from these contracts and performance comes in, would 00:02:45
meet the expectation for them to report back to the commissioners release quarterly with regards to data that's been received as 00:02:52
well as recommendations for how to improve performance or at least assure that we have standard care and how we exceed that going 00:02:59
forward. And then the EMS task force. 00:03:05
And look for that to be named early June as well. And again, the primary intent of that is to look for what we're going to be 00:03:13
doing going forward with EMS and Floyd County. So these contracts are not. 00:03:19
Just going to be signed and then move on to the next step and wait till they're getting ready to expire before we have these 00:03:27
conversations by meeting us again. So it'll be an ongoing discussion. 00:03:31
So that's all I had for my prepared comments for this evening. So. 00:03:37
The floor is open. 00:03:44
You said ongoing discussion regarding EMS. 00:03:52
However, on the Highlander contract the looks like basically the only termination is we will still have to pay them for years 2425 00:03:58
and 26. 00:04:04
I don't see any. 00:04:11
Anything in there that we can break the contract based on performance or any other nature? 00:04:14
Now these contracts will be enforced through 2026. 00:04:21
Discussion with regards to where EMS will be heading in the county with regards to whether it will be. 00:04:24
Countrywide, whether it will be an independent freestanding system. 00:04:30
Funding of it's obviously going to be going on through 25 and 26 with regards to how what's this going to be paid for? 00:04:35
And then? 00:04:42
I think again it's my anticipation that within. 00:04:43
One to two meetings in that task force. By the fall, we'll know whether or not there's a willingness. 00:04:48
And a will for the department student to work together to form a county wide EMS or if it's going to be. 00:04:53
Fire District Centric, for lack of a better word. So it's going to be if the fire districts themselves are going to be leading the 00:05:01
way on these individually then. 00:05:05
As I've said before publicly, if we do some sort of EMS lift tax I think. 00:05:11
Should have a sunset on it 20/27/2020 8:00 and if we're not going to come together as a county and do this, then I think the 00:05:15
district should be prepared to move towards funding this out of their levees. 00:05:21
And there's a provision in the state legislature at this point that's that's looking towards. 00:05:28
Codifying that I know some people throughout Indiana do that now. 00:05:35
It's not really. Isn't that that quasi? 00:05:41
Gray area. Is it legitimized or not? But it's being done and so. 00:05:45
I'm not saying we would do it if it's. 00:05:51
In the Gray area. I'm just saying I look forward to being settled one way or the other in the near future. 00:05:53
And we have asked Baker Tilly to provide us some analysis on the options. 00:06:00
That are available. So that'll be part of the discussion, ongoing discussion as well. 00:06:06
I think where Connie was going with this, if you don't mind me. 00:06:11
Stepping in, and it was because this was something that stood out to me as well. So Ameripro has in section 7.5 termination of 00:06:16
agreement. So if they're just doing an absolutely horrible job, we can give them 30 days to. 00:06:23
Get back in line and if they don't or if their license lapse then. 00:06:32
We can terminate the contract. 00:06:39
But. 00:06:41
In Highlander I don't see. 00:06:42
Near as much detail. 00:06:45
As in the other one it says in Section 1. 00:06:47
That it will begin June 1st, 2024. 00:06:51
And the funding will continue until December 31st, 2026. 00:06:55
Then a reconciliation report will be provided to the commissioners. 00:07:00
And it says again in in Section 7. 00:07:04
If the. 00:07:09
Commissioners, terminate. 00:07:10
That Floyd County should be responsible for paying Highlander Fire Protection District the full amount. 00:07:16
Contemplated to be paid to high on their districts in 2425 and 26 first section one of this agreement. 00:07:22
So. 00:07:28
I don't see a whole lot of safeguard there if for some reason. 00:07:31
Highlander can't perform or. 00:07:36
You know, ALS certification lapses or? 00:07:40
Something else should happen that we would just. 00:07:46
Continue to pay them. 00:07:49
Through the end of this contract with with no recourse, yeah. 00:07:51
This is the contract that we were able to negotiate. 00:07:57
I think that. 00:08:01
I have a little bit more faith and trust in the Highway Energy District because they are local people who live here amongst us who 00:08:02
are serving the people. 00:08:06
The Premier Pro had no issue with that clause being in their contract. 00:08:11
This is not a derogatory statement towards America because over this. 00:08:15
Negotiation. 00:08:19
Time I've gotten to have a great deal of faith and confidence in as well. 00:08:22
With any negotiation, there's a lot of things that can be put in, a lot of things that can be put out, and this was the, I think, 00:08:27
6 iteration of this particular contract with Highlander. 00:08:32
And so I'm comfortable with it as written. It does require a small leap of faith in order to do that, but I personally want to do 00:08:37
it. 00:08:42
That's not really a small leap of faith, though, Al. 00:08:52
I mean that's technically could be 1,000,006. 00:08:57
That we would owe them per this contract. 00:09:02
If they do a bad job. 00:09:07
So again. 00:09:20
This is where we are. 00:09:21
I'm I'm I'm happy with the contract as it is. I'm willing to sign it as is. 00:09:26
I think it's important to note that the fire districts, all of them are extension of county government. 00:09:32
And there's an open line of communication between. 00:09:38
Them and the county government, County Council, county commissioners. The board is the board, membership is appointed by the 00:09:43
commissioners. The budgets are approved by the council before they get sent to the state. There is a lot more checks and balances 00:09:49
there than with proper provider. So I think that there's some sort of. 00:09:55
Major issue with the fire department and their service they're providing. They will be probably the ones to bring it to our 00:10:03
attention before we can even bring it to theirs because they're going to be on top of things and. 00:10:09
The level of commitment is is different. 00:10:16
With fire based local versus a private provider. 00:10:20
It stated another way within that I mean ultimately the commissioners make up the Highlander Fire Protection District board 00:10:24
directors as well. We don't have that luxury with regards to. 00:10:29
We name them. We don't make it up ourselves, but we name those individuals. We don't have that. 00:10:34
Capability with Ameripro. 00:10:39
All right. 00:10:50
I had to write down notes because this. 00:10:54
This has been. 00:10:59
And you can try to take the emotions and. 00:11:02
Feelings and the anxiety and all of that. Out of this, however, you've got 80 some thousand people that. 00:11:05
The nine of us are responsible for right now. 00:11:13
If they call EMS, they want somebody to respond and they want to know that it's going to be a good job, so. 00:11:16
Well, I appreciate the opportunity to participate in this process. 00:11:26
I kind of am disappointed in the process. 00:11:32
To question the authority of the Commissioners should be expected. 00:11:37
However, to defy the authority is slightly disrespectful. 00:11:41
I'm not confident that this is the. 00:11:47
Most efficient or the most responsible option for our county? 00:11:50
New Albany did away with Firebase DMS years ago. 00:11:55
Because it didn't work, New Albany Township was surprised and upset that New Chapel was running a split model similar to that for 00:11:59
their district at a meeting just last week. 00:12:04
I also have issues with. 00:12:12
Paying a taxing entity. 00:12:14
Money to do something that they've already been doing for years, non funded. 00:12:16
We don't pay any other mutual aid agreement. 00:12:23
Nor do. 00:12:26
Departments get paid for a mutual aid. 00:12:28
And let's not forget that there's a Township in our county that doesn't even have a fire district. 00:12:31
Currently, we're served Franklin Township is served by a different county altogether. 00:12:38
That means 2 dispatchers have to go out. 00:12:44
One for Floyd County and one for Harrison County. 00:12:47
Information is taken by one county. Information gets taken by the 2nd county. 00:12:51
Sometimes Harrison County will dispatch. 00:12:56
Harrison County Hospital. 00:12:59
Are we gonna still do that or are we gonna get a mirror pro dispatched? 00:13:01
Tom gets lost in that process. 00:13:07
Those are my major concerns and also I know last week I asked about GPS. That was one of the RFP issues. I see in the Highlander 00:13:12
report that their monthly reports will be transports and locations. Is that going to be via GPS report or are we not going to 00:13:21
require GPS on any of the vehicles? Now Ameripro has GPS available on all the vehicles 24/7 that can be seen by the dispatchers. 00:13:29
As Highlander is assigned to their territory. 00:13:39
Alone. 00:13:42
I just didn't think it was a necessity for. 00:13:45
That to have a GPS locator. I don't think they're going to be parking at home. She can't hear you, Adam. I'm not saying that 00:13:48
they're going to be parking at somewhere else. You know, I think the only reason that. 00:13:53
A Highlander unit would be out of their district would be if they're providing mutual aid, so exactly so, which leaves their 00:13:59
territory or their district uncovered if they've only got 124 ambulance, 24 hour ambulance and one ambulance 10 hours a day. 00:14:08
For five days, not all seven. So you know, I just have a lot of concerns. I just have a lot. 00:14:19
Transport of the deceased was put into the contract at your request. 00:14:28
I think you saw that down there. 00:14:34
I'm just nervous. 00:14:38
Regarding, it's a time of transition and I think everybody is a little bit. 00:14:40
Rightfully on guard with regards to how it's going to go forward, so. 00:14:45
I think they need transition like that. There's a lot of unknowns, you know, are we ready for this? Are we ready for that? 00:14:52
When we were presented with a few different pathways to get the EMS service, you know some of those pathways included. 00:15:00
Risks that would have perhaps included no service come June 1st. 00:15:10
And as you said, we have 80,000 people. 00:15:14
Counting on us and I know that we're going to have service on June 1st this year, actually probably more service than we've had. 00:15:17
For the last several months when it comes to just the number of units out there. 00:15:25
So I feel like. 00:15:29
Concessions have been made, some of them that. 00:15:32
I was more than welcome to do something that I wasn't more than welcome to do, but that's that's a negotiation and. 00:15:37
I really think that these contracts set up. 00:15:43
The county for success in EMS not only for the next seven months and two years, but also beyond that. 00:15:47
And again, just. 00:15:55
Just to clarify, when I talked about ongoing. 00:15:57
Discussion and wasn't necessarily so much with these contracts, but what's what's EMS and Floyd County going to look like? 00:16:00
Beyond 2026. 00:16:06
In the past, our predecessors have kind of signed a contract and then forgotten about it until the next time around, and I don't 00:16:08
want us to do that. I don't get any sense that anybody on this board wants to do that. 00:16:14
So. 00:16:21
I understand the concerns and it's my hope that. 00:16:24
With the resources that we've provided to both of these service providers that they're going to. 00:16:29
Do us proud. I mean that so. 00:16:34
More to come on that, perhaps. 00:16:38
But I appreciate your communication. I always have and I appreciate it throughout this entire process. 00:16:41
And I understand sometimes it gets a little bit emotional. 00:16:46
Or a lot sometimes, yeah. 00:16:51
I got a little statement of. 00:16:56
A friend told me a thought not written is a thought forgotten, so I want to, so I wrote it down. I'll just start. As I've stated 00:16:58
numerous times. I've opposed this process of selecting EMS from the beginning. The EMS committee put together a proposal of three 00:17:05
ALS embassies and a quick response vehicle. Then the commissioners put out RFPs. When the RFPs came back, there was only two 00:17:12
respondents. New Chapel at $960,000 per year. 00:17:20
Ameripro 1.5 three $1,535,340 per year for a difference of $575,340 per year. 00:17:28
Normally the commissioners would accept the low bid. However, we know the issues, so Maricaro was chosen. 00:17:39
Then, three or four weeks later, Highlander Fire submitted a proposal that would only cover Lafayette and Greenville townships, 00:17:45
and then the process was taken hostage by members. 00:17:50
By members to only fund a contract that was included that included Highlander Fire. 00:17:56
So here we are splitting EMS coverage for the county into parts. 00:18:01
I will state that there are those that have wanted this for at least a decade. I say bravo. It has been accomplished, but at what 00:18:06
cost to the taxpayers? That New Chapel is out of Floyd County, America. Ameripro is considerably higher than it was, considerably 00:18:13
higher in New Chapel, and now this hybrid EMS is higher as well. I can't recall when one taxing unit for the county government has 00:18:20
given another taxing unit Highlander Fire. 00:18:27
Which will be between which will be $1.536 million from January 23rd to January 27th. 00:18:36
So therefore, in closing, I understand clearly what my role is on this body. 00:18:44
That is to fund what the Commissioners contracts call for. 00:18:49
And not compel the executive branch to bend to my wishes as some have done, and therefore I will reluctantly vote in the 00:18:52
affirmative to uphold and fund the Commissioners contracts at this time. 00:18:58
Thank you. Thank you. 00:19:08
All right. Any other comments? 00:19:14
You look for a motion from us of. 00:19:20
The council to affirm what you guys are going to do at 6:00, Is that what you're wanting? I would. I would appreciate that show of 00:19:23
support. 00:19:27
As you know within the contracts it's it's listed that. 00:19:32
Neither contract becomes active until both are appropriated, so I think both service providers would appreciate. 00:19:36
Knowing that those votes are going to be there at the appropriation meeting. 00:19:45
So that they can continue to muster their. 00:19:49
Personnel. 00:19:52
And prepare for June 1. 00:19:54
I know this is a meeting that we could take a vote in. It was advertised that way. Is that correct? 00:19:58
Although this is not an appropriations meeting I believe the the emotion and I'll I'll make will cover. I believe out what you're 00:20:04
looking for from the Council if it if it gets the votes so you guys can move forward with it with the signatures at the 6:00 00:20:11
meeting make a motion that we affirm. 00:20:18
The appropriation which is going to be a little bit north of $809,000 for the rest of the remainder of this year. 00:20:26
I To give the Commissioners the, approved the. 00:20:35
Cooperation they're looking for from the council to fund the contract that they're going to sign. 00:20:41
This evening. 00:20:45
I'll second we have a motion and a second for an affirmation. 00:20:46
I would ask though, you said for the contracts around, so I would specify. 00:20:52
The two providers just amend that to include Highlander Fire Protection District and Ameriprom. 00:20:56
Duly noted, I. 00:21:05
Just so the public knows this is a. 00:21:08
Non binding vote at this time it's. 00:21:12
Probably a bad choice of words. It's a non binding show of. 00:21:16
Support. 00:21:20
For these two contracts. So let's do this with the show of hands. 00:21:21
All in favor, Raise your hand. 00:21:28
All opposed. 00:21:31
That carries. 00:21:33
Thank you. Thank you. 00:21:35
If. 00:21:38
Don't mind, would like to bring up a topic about. 00:21:39
An emergency appropriations meeting. Um. 00:21:44
I don't know April if you're ready to talk about this, but. 00:21:49
I sent a IC code that came to my attention, IC36-2-5-12. Danny, I sent that to you. Steve responded. Did he not respond to 00:21:53
everybody? I don't know if he responded to everybody, but I know he responded to I think the two of us or something that says that 00:22:01
that this can be done based on his legal interpretation that we just can. The council can deem this particular situation and 00:22:08
emergency given the circumstances of the clock running out and if this being a. 00:22:16
Essential service. So I wanted to put forth the option to the council for discussion on moving that timeline up from our original 00:22:24
meeting that we had on schedule for the 29th, Wednesday, the 29th of which is next week, to possibly either this Thursday evening 00:22:31
or Friday morning. I don't know what people's schedules look like. Thursday evening is a little bit better for me, but if we post 00:22:38
48 hours. 00:22:44
I think we can get this done. Purposes for doing so it would be to give the. 00:22:53
Community some reassurance that appropriations have been made in this. 00:22:59
This discussion that's been ongoing for several weeks is coming to a bit of a close and that we will have EMS coverage for the 00:23:05
whole county, the duration of the contract, as well as it gives more time, more runway for Maripro and for Highlander to be able 00:23:14
to staff up. Because I think 2 days the contract not being valid until appropriations are made is 2 days before the deadline. So I 00:23:22
think that's just a little bit rough and I think the more time we can give them, the better off we are. 00:23:31
So I want to throw it out there that I think it might be advantageous of us to move the timeline up on the appropriation. 00:23:40
Mr. Stringle. 00:23:46
May I ask that while you all consider this, and you may be considered Friday afternoon, since myself and my chief deputy the only 00:23:48
two people who do. 00:23:52
Realized the meeting are out of town until Friday morning at conference. 00:23:56
The possibility. 00:24:01
Until Friday afternoon. What time in the afternoon because. 00:24:04
That won't work for me. It's a holiday weekend. 00:24:10
I'm aware of that, but I also. 00:24:15
Adding state required conference for training that is required. 00:24:18
To gain hours at. 00:24:25
This week. 00:24:27
And there is no legislation that allows me to remove it. 00:24:33
It only allows the majority of the body. 00:24:36
Councilman, President and two. 00:24:40
Council members who have. 00:24:41
Given that, it may not be logistically possible, but wanted to throw it out there for discussion. 00:24:49
We can move the timeline to Tuesday. 00:24:54
Which gives an additional day outside of Wednesday. 00:24:57
I think we're. 00:25:06
Sort of splitting hairs. I'm not sure a day or two is going to make a difference. I think the I think the idea is valid and I 00:25:07
think it's good to put this to rest as soon as we can as you said for, but I think tonight's vote should largely put put the 00:25:12
matter to rest. 00:25:17
I think it's most important that all 7 council members can be there and if you've already had the date set for Wednesday and 00:25:23
everybody's planning on being there, then, then I think that. 00:25:29
Like I said, it's just those things. 00:25:40
That meeting is Wednesday at 3:00. 00:25:43
And then the backup is. 00:25:48
Thursday, the backup can be whatever day the appropriations have been advertised, so it doesn't really matter at that point. 00:25:50
OK. 00:25:57
All right, so. 00:26:03
That appropriations meeting scheduled for Wednesday, What's the date on that 3020 Ninth? 00:26:06
3:00 PM And I would just like to say to the Council. 00:26:12
We've we figured out how to pay for this for the rest of the year, but we need ideas early and often on the next two years. 00:26:17
I do. I do not have one yet. I will. I will contact him tomorrow. But we need. 00:26:25
We need to understand from her what our options are. 00:26:34
Well, we we have an idea of what. 00:26:37
Most of the options are and that we need to be tackling that. 00:26:40
Again, so we don't come up on a deadline. 00:26:45
So. 00:26:49
Ideas for next month's agenda would be appreciated. 00:26:51
Or any of the comments from Commissioners or Council. I would like to take public comment, if anyone. 00:26:58
Has any comment tonight? 00:27:03
You knew I'd have a comment. I was. I was not going to leave until I heard something from you. 00:27:09
Yeah, 6408 Grant Drive going off Louisiana. 00:27:16
I've attended most of these. The last two I haven't because I was in an accident and couldn't be here. But I did listen online. I 00:27:19
have to agree with Mr. Bagshaw 100% for every word he had to say. 00:27:26
I feel like this whole proceeding has been held hostage and everything by several of your council to get to the very tail end, to 00:27:34
push it through real fast. So now the dragon, they've been dragging their feet. They've been saying, well, I've got to listen to 00:27:42
this one. I've got to listen to that one. I haven't had time to digest this. Now all of a sudden Mr. Striegel's in a hurry to get 00:27:49
the money. So to me, it just. 00:27:56
It's been a joke. 00:28:05
And I I really feel like you should go back to the drawing table. 00:28:07
With good intentions and that you all. 00:28:12
John, Denise and Brad should sit down and actually negotiate instead of saying it's going to be my way or the highway. It's time 00:28:16
to grow up. Do what you need to do for your county, not for yourself. Serving situation, whether it's money in the back somewhere, 00:28:24
whether it's friendship in the back or how it is, but it looks like you're you're self-serving for yourself by saying that 00:28:31
somehow. 00:28:39
The three of us that got singled out has somehow getting some sort of money in the back. Hold on a second. Hold on. I, I, I, I 00:28:47
completely disagree with whatever you just said. I normally don't engage and let people talk like this. I do. I I think public 00:28:52
needs to be heard, but I'm not going to sit here and take some sort of allegation that I'm taking money somehow from this 00:28:57
contract. 00:29:02
All right. That's my integrity that you I I completely agree that was completely out of order that was there was no. 00:29:09
Excuse me for stating it that way but there are three new three that have been. I haven't had time to look at it. I haven't had 00:29:19
time to digest it. Who have delayed everything Place this is this is out of completely not even factual. It's not. It's not even. 00:29:29
I'm entitled to Marty and she's made them. 00:29:41
Any other, yes. 00:29:45
Dear man, George John, I'm sorry. Glad it's getting over with. 00:29:52
Target coming out at me. 00:29:55
I have a question. I've talked to this environment from New Albany and now they had their fire base DMS. 00:29:58
And the reason it failed? The farmer wasn't happy. 00:30:05
And the question I'm asking the Highlander are they going to have separate EMS people? Are they going to be the farming too? 00:30:08
Nobody's answered that that was the problem at New Holland. 00:30:17
They were made a farming come in. 00:30:20
And you're running 24 hour shift. Well, Joe, you're going to be a mess tonight. We miss this whole lot. Harder work. 00:30:23
And firework is what I've been told. 00:30:29
And that's why they rebelled. And that's why they lost their. 00:30:33
EMS power protection and. 00:30:37
Somebody might know more me, but I would like to know how they're going to man it this next year or the finish this year. Are they 00:30:39
going to matter with fire people or they're going to have EMS people? 00:30:44
Per the contract. 00:30:50
It's going to be fire people because they've got in their contract that they can haul to. 00:30:52
Gears. 00:30:58
So. 00:31:00
This is public comment so. 00:31:02
That question has never been answered yet. It has been answered. Dale, can we talk about it offline because we we are funding this 00:31:06
so that they can hire the people that they need to man the ambulances. So I would love to talk with you offline about that. 00:31:14
I won't hear you. That's the reason New Albanese failed. I understand. And that is not what's going to happen. 00:31:24
OK. And another question, you're going to have to fund it? 00:31:33
Whether it be with a levy? 00:31:36
You know the fire department levy or do I key? 00:31:38
I would like to know those numbers too. We don't have those numbers. Which would be better for the taxpayer? Yes, we're trying to 00:31:42
get a consultant to help us figure out which one. 00:31:47
Keep coming to the meetings there's there's going to be a lot of discussion about that. 00:31:54
Any further comment that might be a good final comment to have? 00:32:03
Any other public comment tonight? 00:32:10
Motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn. 00:32:14
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If you will, please join me for the Pledge of Allegiance. 00:00:01
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, 00:00:06
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 00:00:12
All right, if you have a cell phone, please. If you'll turn that to silent. If you have any need for it, you can utilize the 00:00:20
hallway please. 00:00:24
We'll have public comment after our meeting tonight and we'll also have it before any formal vote on these topics at the 00:00:30
commissioners meeting, which begins at 6:00. 00:00:36
So I just want to begin with a couple of updates. 00:00:43
There will be an additional amendment to the. 00:00:48
Ordinance that was amended at the last commissioners meeting to allow for EMS services within Highlander Fire Protection District. 00:00:53
That's going to allow for mutual aid. 00:00:58
For them to leave their district in times of duress has already arranged. 00:01:03
So that is on tonight's agenda. It's my understanding that the legacy foundation. 00:01:09
Check for $500,000. It was received by the auditor today. It will also be establishing a. 00:01:20
Specific fund for that, an EMS fund at tonight's commissioners meeting as well and then that will be deposited or transferred over 00:01:27
to that, correct. OK. 00:01:31
So I. 00:01:36
With that as a backdrop. 00:01:38
We do have two contracts that I sent out over the weekend and then earlier today, one with America, one with Highlander Fire 00:01:42
Protection District is my belief that a majority of the commissioners are going to be endorsing that formally at our meeting at 00:01:48
6:00 tonight in those contracts largely follow the. 00:01:54
Guidelines and bullet points that were in option seven that we discussed at some length at the last meeting. 00:02:02
I'm going to ask the Council tonight. 00:02:11
After discussion or some sort of public commitment of intent to appropriate funds for those contracts before our anticipated 00:02:13
acceptance of those in our 6:00 meeting tonight. 00:02:19
With regards to the EMS Advisory Board. 00:02:25
And the EMS task force I look to. 00:02:29
Give you more thorough updates at. 00:02:34
Probably the next commissioners meeting or our next joint meeting, the EMS Advisory Board is probably going to take on the primary 00:02:37
task of. 00:02:41
For lack of a better word, quality assurance data analysis as data comes in from these contracts and performance comes in, would 00:02:45
meet the expectation for them to report back to the commissioners release quarterly with regards to data that's been received as 00:02:52
well as recommendations for how to improve performance or at least assure that we have standard care and how we exceed that going 00:02:59
forward. And then the EMS task force. 00:03:05
And look for that to be named early June as well. And again, the primary intent of that is to look for what we're going to be 00:03:13
doing going forward with EMS and Floyd County. So these contracts are not. 00:03:19
Just going to be signed and then move on to the next step and wait till they're getting ready to expire before we have these 00:03:27
conversations by meeting us again. So it'll be an ongoing discussion. 00:03:31
So that's all I had for my prepared comments for this evening. So. 00:03:37
The floor is open. 00:03:44
You said ongoing discussion regarding EMS. 00:03:52
However, on the Highlander contract the looks like basically the only termination is we will still have to pay them for years 2425 00:03:58
and 26. 00:04:04
I don't see any. 00:04:11
Anything in there that we can break the contract based on performance or any other nature? 00:04:14
Now these contracts will be enforced through 2026. 00:04:21
Discussion with regards to where EMS will be heading in the county with regards to whether it will be. 00:04:24
Countrywide, whether it will be an independent freestanding system. 00:04:30
Funding of it's obviously going to be going on through 25 and 26 with regards to how what's this going to be paid for? 00:04:35
And then? 00:04:42
I think again it's my anticipation that within. 00:04:43
One to two meetings in that task force. By the fall, we'll know whether or not there's a willingness. 00:04:48
And a will for the department student to work together to form a county wide EMS or if it's going to be. 00:04:53
Fire District Centric, for lack of a better word. So it's going to be if the fire districts themselves are going to be leading the 00:05:01
way on these individually then. 00:05:05
As I've said before publicly, if we do some sort of EMS lift tax I think. 00:05:11
Should have a sunset on it 20/27/2020 8:00 and if we're not going to come together as a county and do this, then I think the 00:05:15
district should be prepared to move towards funding this out of their levees. 00:05:21
And there's a provision in the state legislature at this point that's that's looking towards. 00:05:28
Codifying that I know some people throughout Indiana do that now. 00:05:35
It's not really. Isn't that that quasi? 00:05:41
Gray area. Is it legitimized or not? But it's being done and so. 00:05:45
I'm not saying we would do it if it's. 00:05:51
In the Gray area. I'm just saying I look forward to being settled one way or the other in the near future. 00:05:53
And we have asked Baker Tilly to provide us some analysis on the options. 00:06:00
That are available. So that'll be part of the discussion, ongoing discussion as well. 00:06:06
I think where Connie was going with this, if you don't mind me. 00:06:11
Stepping in, and it was because this was something that stood out to me as well. So Ameripro has in section 7.5 termination of 00:06:16
agreement. So if they're just doing an absolutely horrible job, we can give them 30 days to. 00:06:23
Get back in line and if they don't or if their license lapse then. 00:06:32
We can terminate the contract. 00:06:39
But. 00:06:41
In Highlander I don't see. 00:06:42
Near as much detail. 00:06:45
As in the other one it says in Section 1. 00:06:47
That it will begin June 1st, 2024. 00:06:51
And the funding will continue until December 31st, 2026. 00:06:55
Then a reconciliation report will be provided to the commissioners. 00:07:00
And it says again in in Section 7. 00:07:04
If the. 00:07:09
Commissioners, terminate. 00:07:10
That Floyd County should be responsible for paying Highlander Fire Protection District the full amount. 00:07:16
Contemplated to be paid to high on their districts in 2425 and 26 first section one of this agreement. 00:07:22
So. 00:07:28
I don't see a whole lot of safeguard there if for some reason. 00:07:31
Highlander can't perform or. 00:07:36
You know, ALS certification lapses or? 00:07:40
Something else should happen that we would just. 00:07:46
Continue to pay them. 00:07:49
Through the end of this contract with with no recourse, yeah. 00:07:51
This is the contract that we were able to negotiate. 00:07:57
I think that. 00:08:01
I have a little bit more faith and trust in the Highway Energy District because they are local people who live here amongst us who 00:08:02
are serving the people. 00:08:06
The Premier Pro had no issue with that clause being in their contract. 00:08:11
This is not a derogatory statement towards America because over this. 00:08:15
Negotiation. 00:08:19
Time I've gotten to have a great deal of faith and confidence in as well. 00:08:22
With any negotiation, there's a lot of things that can be put in, a lot of things that can be put out, and this was the, I think, 00:08:27
6 iteration of this particular contract with Highlander. 00:08:32
And so I'm comfortable with it as written. It does require a small leap of faith in order to do that, but I personally want to do 00:08:37
it. 00:08:42
That's not really a small leap of faith, though, Al. 00:08:52
I mean that's technically could be 1,000,006. 00:08:57
That we would owe them per this contract. 00:09:02
If they do a bad job. 00:09:07
So again. 00:09:20
This is where we are. 00:09:21
I'm I'm I'm happy with the contract as it is. I'm willing to sign it as is. 00:09:26
I think it's important to note that the fire districts, all of them are extension of county government. 00:09:32
And there's an open line of communication between. 00:09:38
Them and the county government, County Council, county commissioners. The board is the board, membership is appointed by the 00:09:43
commissioners. The budgets are approved by the council before they get sent to the state. There is a lot more checks and balances 00:09:49
there than with proper provider. So I think that there's some sort of. 00:09:55
Major issue with the fire department and their service they're providing. They will be probably the ones to bring it to our 00:10:03
attention before we can even bring it to theirs because they're going to be on top of things and. 00:10:09
The level of commitment is is different. 00:10:16
With fire based local versus a private provider. 00:10:20
It stated another way within that I mean ultimately the commissioners make up the Highlander Fire Protection District board 00:10:24
directors as well. We don't have that luxury with regards to. 00:10:29
We name them. We don't make it up ourselves, but we name those individuals. We don't have that. 00:10:34
Capability with Ameripro. 00:10:39
All right. 00:10:50
I had to write down notes because this. 00:10:54
This has been. 00:10:59
And you can try to take the emotions and. 00:11:02
Feelings and the anxiety and all of that. Out of this, however, you've got 80 some thousand people that. 00:11:05
The nine of us are responsible for right now. 00:11:13
If they call EMS, they want somebody to respond and they want to know that it's going to be a good job, so. 00:11:16
Well, I appreciate the opportunity to participate in this process. 00:11:26
I kind of am disappointed in the process. 00:11:32
To question the authority of the Commissioners should be expected. 00:11:37
However, to defy the authority is slightly disrespectful. 00:11:41
I'm not confident that this is the. 00:11:47
Most efficient or the most responsible option for our county? 00:11:50
New Albany did away with Firebase DMS years ago. 00:11:55
Because it didn't work, New Albany Township was surprised and upset that New Chapel was running a split model similar to that for 00:11:59
their district at a meeting just last week. 00:12:04
I also have issues with. 00:12:12
Paying a taxing entity. 00:12:14
Money to do something that they've already been doing for years, non funded. 00:12:16
We don't pay any other mutual aid agreement. 00:12:23
Nor do. 00:12:26
Departments get paid for a mutual aid. 00:12:28
And let's not forget that there's a Township in our county that doesn't even have a fire district. 00:12:31
Currently, we're served Franklin Township is served by a different county altogether. 00:12:38
That means 2 dispatchers have to go out. 00:12:44
One for Floyd County and one for Harrison County. 00:12:47
Information is taken by one county. Information gets taken by the 2nd county. 00:12:51
Sometimes Harrison County will dispatch. 00:12:56
Harrison County Hospital. 00:12:59
Are we gonna still do that or are we gonna get a mirror pro dispatched? 00:13:01
Tom gets lost in that process. 00:13:07
Those are my major concerns and also I know last week I asked about GPS. That was one of the RFP issues. I see in the Highlander 00:13:12
report that their monthly reports will be transports and locations. Is that going to be via GPS report or are we not going to 00:13:21
require GPS on any of the vehicles? Now Ameripro has GPS available on all the vehicles 24/7 that can be seen by the dispatchers. 00:13:29
As Highlander is assigned to their territory. 00:13:39
Alone. 00:13:42
I just didn't think it was a necessity for. 00:13:45
That to have a GPS locator. I don't think they're going to be parking at home. She can't hear you, Adam. I'm not saying that 00:13:48
they're going to be parking at somewhere else. You know, I think the only reason that. 00:13:53
A Highlander unit would be out of their district would be if they're providing mutual aid, so exactly so, which leaves their 00:13:59
territory or their district uncovered if they've only got 124 ambulance, 24 hour ambulance and one ambulance 10 hours a day. 00:14:08
For five days, not all seven. So you know, I just have a lot of concerns. I just have a lot. 00:14:19
Transport of the deceased was put into the contract at your request. 00:14:28
I think you saw that down there. 00:14:34
I'm just nervous. 00:14:38
Regarding, it's a time of transition and I think everybody is a little bit. 00:14:40
Rightfully on guard with regards to how it's going to go forward, so. 00:14:45
I think they need transition like that. There's a lot of unknowns, you know, are we ready for this? Are we ready for that? 00:14:52
When we were presented with a few different pathways to get the EMS service, you know some of those pathways included. 00:15:00
Risks that would have perhaps included no service come June 1st. 00:15:10
And as you said, we have 80,000 people. 00:15:14
Counting on us and I know that we're going to have service on June 1st this year, actually probably more service than we've had. 00:15:17
For the last several months when it comes to just the number of units out there. 00:15:25
So I feel like. 00:15:29
Concessions have been made, some of them that. 00:15:32
I was more than welcome to do something that I wasn't more than welcome to do, but that's that's a negotiation and. 00:15:37
I really think that these contracts set up. 00:15:43
The county for success in EMS not only for the next seven months and two years, but also beyond that. 00:15:47
And again, just. 00:15:55
Just to clarify, when I talked about ongoing. 00:15:57
Discussion and wasn't necessarily so much with these contracts, but what's what's EMS and Floyd County going to look like? 00:16:00
Beyond 2026. 00:16:06
In the past, our predecessors have kind of signed a contract and then forgotten about it until the next time around, and I don't 00:16:08
want us to do that. I don't get any sense that anybody on this board wants to do that. 00:16:14
So. 00:16:21
I understand the concerns and it's my hope that. 00:16:24
With the resources that we've provided to both of these service providers that they're going to. 00:16:29
Do us proud. I mean that so. 00:16:34
More to come on that, perhaps. 00:16:38
But I appreciate your communication. I always have and I appreciate it throughout this entire process. 00:16:41
And I understand sometimes it gets a little bit emotional. 00:16:46
Or a lot sometimes, yeah. 00:16:51
I got a little statement of. 00:16:56
A friend told me a thought not written is a thought forgotten, so I want to, so I wrote it down. I'll just start. As I've stated 00:16:58
numerous times. I've opposed this process of selecting EMS from the beginning. The EMS committee put together a proposal of three 00:17:05
ALS embassies and a quick response vehicle. Then the commissioners put out RFPs. When the RFPs came back, there was only two 00:17:12
respondents. New Chapel at $960,000 per year. 00:17:20
Ameripro 1.5 three $1,535,340 per year for a difference of $575,340 per year. 00:17:28
Normally the commissioners would accept the low bid. However, we know the issues, so Maricaro was chosen. 00:17:39
Then, three or four weeks later, Highlander Fire submitted a proposal that would only cover Lafayette and Greenville townships, 00:17:45
and then the process was taken hostage by members. 00:17:50
By members to only fund a contract that was included that included Highlander Fire. 00:17:56
So here we are splitting EMS coverage for the county into parts. 00:18:01
I will state that there are those that have wanted this for at least a decade. I say bravo. It has been accomplished, but at what 00:18:06
cost to the taxpayers? That New Chapel is out of Floyd County, America. Ameripro is considerably higher than it was, considerably 00:18:13
higher in New Chapel, and now this hybrid EMS is higher as well. I can't recall when one taxing unit for the county government has 00:18:20
given another taxing unit Highlander Fire. 00:18:27
Which will be between which will be $1.536 million from January 23rd to January 27th. 00:18:36
So therefore, in closing, I understand clearly what my role is on this body. 00:18:44
That is to fund what the Commissioners contracts call for. 00:18:49
And not compel the executive branch to bend to my wishes as some have done, and therefore I will reluctantly vote in the 00:18:52
affirmative to uphold and fund the Commissioners contracts at this time. 00:18:58
Thank you. Thank you. 00:19:08
All right. Any other comments? 00:19:14
You look for a motion from us of. 00:19:20
The council to affirm what you guys are going to do at 6:00, Is that what you're wanting? I would. I would appreciate that show of 00:19:23
support. 00:19:27
As you know within the contracts it's it's listed that. 00:19:32
Neither contract becomes active until both are appropriated, so I think both service providers would appreciate. 00:19:36
Knowing that those votes are going to be there at the appropriation meeting. 00:19:45
So that they can continue to muster their. 00:19:49
Personnel. 00:19:52
And prepare for June 1. 00:19:54
I know this is a meeting that we could take a vote in. It was advertised that way. Is that correct? 00:19:58
Although this is not an appropriations meeting I believe the the emotion and I'll I'll make will cover. I believe out what you're 00:20:04
looking for from the Council if it if it gets the votes so you guys can move forward with it with the signatures at the 6:00 00:20:11
meeting make a motion that we affirm. 00:20:18
The appropriation which is going to be a little bit north of $809,000 for the rest of the remainder of this year. 00:20:26
I To give the Commissioners the, approved the. 00:20:35
Cooperation they're looking for from the council to fund the contract that they're going to sign. 00:20:41
This evening. 00:20:45
I'll second we have a motion and a second for an affirmation. 00:20:46
I would ask though, you said for the contracts around, so I would specify. 00:20:52
The two providers just amend that to include Highlander Fire Protection District and Ameriprom. 00:20:56
Duly noted, I. 00:21:05
Just so the public knows this is a. 00:21:08
Non binding vote at this time it's. 00:21:12
Probably a bad choice of words. It's a non binding show of. 00:21:16
Support. 00:21:20
For these two contracts. So let's do this with the show of hands. 00:21:21
All in favor, Raise your hand. 00:21:28
All opposed. 00:21:31
That carries. 00:21:33
Thank you. Thank you. 00:21:35
If. 00:21:38
Don't mind, would like to bring up a topic about. 00:21:39
An emergency appropriations meeting. Um. 00:21:44
I don't know April if you're ready to talk about this, but. 00:21:49
I sent a IC code that came to my attention, IC36-2-5-12. Danny, I sent that to you. Steve responded. Did he not respond to 00:21:53
everybody? I don't know if he responded to everybody, but I know he responded to I think the two of us or something that says that 00:22:01
that this can be done based on his legal interpretation that we just can. The council can deem this particular situation and 00:22:08
emergency given the circumstances of the clock running out and if this being a. 00:22:16
Essential service. So I wanted to put forth the option to the council for discussion on moving that timeline up from our original 00:22:24
meeting that we had on schedule for the 29th, Wednesday, the 29th of which is next week, to possibly either this Thursday evening 00:22:31
or Friday morning. I don't know what people's schedules look like. Thursday evening is a little bit better for me, but if we post 00:22:38
48 hours. 00:22:44
I think we can get this done. Purposes for doing so it would be to give the. 00:22:53
Community some reassurance that appropriations have been made in this. 00:22:59
This discussion that's been ongoing for several weeks is coming to a bit of a close and that we will have EMS coverage for the 00:23:05
whole county, the duration of the contract, as well as it gives more time, more runway for Maripro and for Highlander to be able 00:23:14
to staff up. Because I think 2 days the contract not being valid until appropriations are made is 2 days before the deadline. So I 00:23:22
think that's just a little bit rough and I think the more time we can give them, the better off we are. 00:23:31
So I want to throw it out there that I think it might be advantageous of us to move the timeline up on the appropriation. 00:23:40
Mr. Stringle. 00:23:46
May I ask that while you all consider this, and you may be considered Friday afternoon, since myself and my chief deputy the only 00:23:48
two people who do. 00:23:52
Realized the meeting are out of town until Friday morning at conference. 00:23:56
The possibility. 00:24:01
Until Friday afternoon. What time in the afternoon because. 00:24:04
That won't work for me. It's a holiday weekend. 00:24:10
I'm aware of that, but I also. 00:24:15
Adding state required conference for training that is required. 00:24:18
To gain hours at. 00:24:25
This week. 00:24:27
And there is no legislation that allows me to remove it. 00:24:33
It only allows the majority of the body. 00:24:36
Councilman, President and two. 00:24:40
Council members who have. 00:24:41
Given that, it may not be logistically possible, but wanted to throw it out there for discussion. 00:24:49
We can move the timeline to Tuesday. 00:24:54
Which gives an additional day outside of Wednesday. 00:24:57
I think we're. 00:25:06
Sort of splitting hairs. I'm not sure a day or two is going to make a difference. I think the I think the idea is valid and I 00:25:07
think it's good to put this to rest as soon as we can as you said for, but I think tonight's vote should largely put put the 00:25:12
matter to rest. 00:25:17
I think it's most important that all 7 council members can be there and if you've already had the date set for Wednesday and 00:25:23
everybody's planning on being there, then, then I think that. 00:25:29
Like I said, it's just those things. 00:25:40
That meeting is Wednesday at 3:00. 00:25:43
And then the backup is. 00:25:48
Thursday, the backup can be whatever day the appropriations have been advertised, so it doesn't really matter at that point. 00:25:50
OK. 00:25:57
All right, so. 00:26:03
That appropriations meeting scheduled for Wednesday, What's the date on that 3020 Ninth? 00:26:06
3:00 PM And I would just like to say to the Council. 00:26:12
We've we figured out how to pay for this for the rest of the year, but we need ideas early and often on the next two years. 00:26:17
I do. I do not have one yet. I will. I will contact him tomorrow. But we need. 00:26:25
We need to understand from her what our options are. 00:26:34
Well, we we have an idea of what. 00:26:37
Most of the options are and that we need to be tackling that. 00:26:40
Again, so we don't come up on a deadline. 00:26:45
So. 00:26:49
Ideas for next month's agenda would be appreciated. 00:26:51
Or any of the comments from Commissioners or Council. I would like to take public comment, if anyone. 00:26:58
Has any comment tonight? 00:27:03
You knew I'd have a comment. I was. I was not going to leave until I heard something from you. 00:27:09
Yeah, 6408 Grant Drive going off Louisiana. 00:27:16
I've attended most of these. The last two I haven't because I was in an accident and couldn't be here. But I did listen online. I 00:27:19
have to agree with Mr. Bagshaw 100% for every word he had to say. 00:27:26
I feel like this whole proceeding has been held hostage and everything by several of your council to get to the very tail end, to 00:27:34
push it through real fast. So now the dragon, they've been dragging their feet. They've been saying, well, I've got to listen to 00:27:42
this one. I've got to listen to that one. I haven't had time to digest this. Now all of a sudden Mr. Striegel's in a hurry to get 00:27:49
the money. So to me, it just. 00:27:56
It's been a joke. 00:28:05
And I I really feel like you should go back to the drawing table. 00:28:07
With good intentions and that you all. 00:28:12
John, Denise and Brad should sit down and actually negotiate instead of saying it's going to be my way or the highway. It's time 00:28:16
to grow up. Do what you need to do for your county, not for yourself. Serving situation, whether it's money in the back somewhere, 00:28:24
whether it's friendship in the back or how it is, but it looks like you're you're self-serving for yourself by saying that 00:28:31
somehow. 00:28:39
The three of us that got singled out has somehow getting some sort of money in the back. Hold on a second. Hold on. I, I, I, I 00:28:47
completely disagree with whatever you just said. I normally don't engage and let people talk like this. I do. I I think public 00:28:52
needs to be heard, but I'm not going to sit here and take some sort of allegation that I'm taking money somehow from this 00:28:57
contract. 00:29:02
All right. That's my integrity that you I I completely agree that was completely out of order that was there was no. 00:29:09
Excuse me for stating it that way but there are three new three that have been. I haven't had time to look at it. I haven't had 00:29:19
time to digest it. Who have delayed everything Place this is this is out of completely not even factual. It's not. It's not even. 00:29:29
I'm entitled to Marty and she's made them. 00:29:41
Any other, yes. 00:29:45
Dear man, George John, I'm sorry. Glad it's getting over with. 00:29:52
Target coming out at me. 00:29:55
I have a question. I've talked to this environment from New Albany and now they had their fire base DMS. 00:29:58
And the reason it failed? The farmer wasn't happy. 00:30:05
And the question I'm asking the Highlander are they going to have separate EMS people? Are they going to be the farming too? 00:30:08
Nobody's answered that that was the problem at New Holland. 00:30:17
They were made a farming come in. 00:30:20
And you're running 24 hour shift. Well, Joe, you're going to be a mess tonight. We miss this whole lot. Harder work. 00:30:23
And firework is what I've been told. 00:30:29
And that's why they rebelled. And that's why they lost their. 00:30:33
EMS power protection and. 00:30:37
Somebody might know more me, but I would like to know how they're going to man it this next year or the finish this year. Are they 00:30:39
going to matter with fire people or they're going to have EMS people? 00:30:44
Per the contract. 00:30:50
It's going to be fire people because they've got in their contract that they can haul to. 00:30:52
Gears. 00:30:58
So. 00:31:00
This is public comment so. 00:31:02
That question has never been answered yet. It has been answered. Dale, can we talk about it offline because we we are funding this 00:31:06
so that they can hire the people that they need to man the ambulances. So I would love to talk with you offline about that. 00:31:14
I won't hear you. That's the reason New Albanese failed. I understand. And that is not what's going to happen. 00:31:24
OK. And another question, you're going to have to fund it? 00:31:33
Whether it be with a levy? 00:31:36
You know the fire department levy or do I key? 00:31:38
I would like to know those numbers too. We don't have those numbers. Which would be better for the taxpayer? Yes, we're trying to 00:31:42
get a consultant to help us figure out which one. 00:31:47
Keep coming to the meetings there's there's going to be a lot of discussion about that. 00:31:54
Any further comment that might be a good final comment to have? 00:32:03
Any other public comment tonight? 00:32:10
Motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn. 00:32:14
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