This is a special study session of the Ely (MN) City Council on August 27, 2024, that was open to the public. The Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital (EBCH) was invited to present the findings of SafeTech Solutions whom EBCH had contracted with. Scroll down for YouTube link.
To view the 15-page Council packet for tonight, which included some copies of EBCH’s power point presentation, go to https://www.ely.mn.us/2024-meetings
Click link to view a recording of the 2-hour long June 13, 2024, presentation by EBCH and SafeTech Solutions at the Ely Senior Center: An Evaluation of Creating an EMS System in Northern St. Louis & Lake County, MN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5kGtG7Y4HE
Patti Banks mentioned tonight as she had previously over and over again, SafeTech Solutions had major problems getting financial information from certain parties. Not all parties involved would release their info. She did not point fingers. Many of those asking questions tonight wanted data, including dollars and cents data. It is indeed hard to forecast costs, etc. when you don’t have complete current information. Nobody speaking tonight volunteered to name which organization was unwilling to provide financial details, etc. to SafeTech Solutions.
After Patti Banks’ presentation, several representatives from the interested organizations voiced concerns, asked questions, and expressed support for many proposed changes, including future outsourcing of jobs, housing, number of ambulances, etc.
What is surprising is that many of these concerns and questions were not voiced on January 29, 2024, when the Ambulance Joint Powers Board met in Winton, MN. Patti Banks kept asking for input and suggestions before SafeTech Solutions finalized their report. Little/no input from the Ambulance Joint Powers Members. Watch the recording of that meeting at https://elyminnesota.com/blog/recording-ambulance-jp-board-mtg-jan-29-2024/
At approximately 1:03:00 time marker, Catie Clark from the Timberjay asked an important question about a special loophole.
At approximately 1:10:00 time marker, MN Representative Roger Skraaba spoke briefly. He had entered the Council Chambers just minutes before.
Note: Our Ely Council Rep on the Ely Area Ambulance Service Joint Powers Board is Al Forsman. Our alternate is Paul Kess.
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