EDS board hears citizen’s request for open meetings

All board members were present for the July meeting of the Board of ESD #4, with the exception of Joel Echols.

After opening ceremonies, the Board approved the minutes of the previous meetings and accepted the Treasurer’s report as presented by Vera Barnett. A $22,000 check was written to Legacy EMS for their services in June, leaving a balance of $500 in the account.

Attorney Brian Gibson was present and the Board discussed and unanimously voted to enter into a contract agreement with Gibson, noting his experience with municipalities. The contract included an 18-month deferment to allow the taxing district to begin to collect funds.

The Board briefly discussed the budget for FY 2009-2010. Current expenses include $22,000 per month for the ambulance service ($264,000/year), before bids for that service. Any decision on the budget was tabled until next month.

The Board next discussed their request for bids for ambulance services, determining they will contract for EMS services from October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010 for a continuing contract for three years with opt out provisions. They will be advertised in both local papers. They will put out for bids July 10th, to be due back August 3rd at 3:00 p.m. at President Joey Rodell’s R-Construction office. The bids will be opened in a special meeting at 7:00 p.m. and each bidder will be given time for a five-minute presentation. The Board will narrow the candidates down and announce their top three choices on August 13th, then award the contract at a special meeting on August 27th.

The ESD Board next adopted the by-laws presented at a previous meeting.

Monty Cartwright, Operations Captain with Legacy EMS, gave the June report. The ambulance service responded to 32 calls, two fire standbys, and two flights, resulting in 20 persons being transported. The response time averaged 9.24 minutes, but 16% were over twenty minutes. Cartwright promised to make adjustments to bring that number down. The service has moved into new quarters at the old Palestine Regional Ambulance station and Cartwright stated, “We’re well accommodated.” He also pointed out that Legacy has changed out a higher-mileage unit (100K+ miles) with a newer one, and a brand new unit is scheduled to be based here in the next two weeks.

The Board approved the report as well as Legacy’s request for payment for July.

Finally, during an opportunity for public comments, Johnny Wilson asked that “stuff like attorney’s fees and interest expenses be included in the budget”, and Rodell promised that they would. Wilson also asked that decisions made on the proposals NOT be made in executive sessions, concluding. “If you’ve got something to say, I’d like to hear it.” Attorney Gibson agreed that it probably has to be done in open session.

The ESD Board’s next meeting will be August 3.