The July meeting of the Bayfield-Ashland Counties EMS Council was called to order by Dean Hambrecht, President of the Council. The meeting was held in the Emergency Services Training Room in Mason.

Motion made by Dan Diamon, seconded by Gary Victorson, to accept the minutes as printed. Motion carried.

TREASURER – Jan Victorson received a report from Chuck Elton earlier in the day. He reported a current balance of $3897.77.

Motion made by Tom Harrison, seconded by George Koval, to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Motion carried.

INTRODUCTIONS – Dean Hambrecht recognized that individuals were here specifically to discuss the possibility of developing a two-county communications center serving Ashland and Bayfield County. He requested everyone introduce themselves.

TWO-COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS – Mark Abeles-Allison, Bayfield County Administrator, reviewed the history of discussions related to a two-county communications center. He reported that Bayfield County has received preliminary notice of receipt of a Department of Commerce (DOC) grant in the amount of just over $500,000 to assist with the cost related to hardware purchases. He explained that DOC requires public hearings to be held and agreements to be signed before a final decision will be made related to the grant funds. The main goal to the project would be an improvement in service to all citizens. Bayfield County had planned for one dispatcher on at all times in their new facility; Ashland County has one dispatcher on at all times with additional personnel filling in as required. No job loss is projected. A commission would be established to oversee the center. Public input is being requested related to the proposal.

Tom Gordon, Bayfield County Clerk, expressed concern at the decreasing dollars to provide services. He also stated that it would be easier for Bayfield County to consider the possibility as the communications center is projected to be in Washburn/Bayfield County.

Paul Susienka, Chief Deputy – Bayfield County Sheriffs Department, reviewed the history outlining Bayfield County efforts at designing a new jail and moving the communications center out of the jail portion of the building.

A lengthy discussion ensued. Points of the discussion included: cost savings may not be a reality – service must be the focus; dispatchers should be trained by the same folks/outside agency to bring them up to current standards, not just individual county standards; board make-up should include one fire and one EMS representative from each county; user board should facilitate input from all agencies; communications system/infrastructure remain the responsibility of each county with improvements going through the individual county process; differences in present addressing systems; capabilities for enhanced 9-1-1; intergovernmental agreement developed will be binding on both counties, etc.

REQUEST FOR EMS SUPPORT – Request for EMS support through the Council for the Grand View Fire House Fifty Bike Race and the Bayfield County Fair. Details discussed.

COM 30 – Tom Harrison reported on a recent inspection of their Fire Department related to COM 30, rules administered through the Department of Commerce. They required documentation of: a functioning Safety Committee, Bloodborne Pathogen Plan and training, etc. Discussion about requirement for hazmat awareness training as well.

EMS COORDINATOR – Merrilee Carlson reported that she is beginning to work with Dr. Thornton, on the audit process for run review.

MDAC (Medical Director Advisory Committee) – MDAC is scheduled to meet next Thursday, 7:30 pm in the MMC board room/Ashland.

CLEANSWEEP EVENTS – Jan distributed information related to upcoming events on August 3^rd.

NEXT MEETING – The next meeting of the Council is scheduled for Thursday, August 27^th, at MMC.

Motion made by Gary Victorson, seconded by Teresa Gunderson, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.

IN ATTENDANCE

Mark Abeles-Allison Bayfield Co Administrator

Merrilee Carlson MMC/Ashland

Dan Diamon Gold Cross

Viola Friermood Barnes

Tom Gordon Bayfield Co Clerk

Teresa Gunderson Mason

Tom Harrison Ashland

George A Koval Mason

Paul Susienka Bayfield Co Sheriffs Dept

Dorothy Tank Ashland Co EM

Debbie Thimm Glidden

Kevin Thornton Medical Director

Gary Victorson Iron River

Jan Victorson Bayfield County EM