City Council Meeting 2/20

[UPDATE: The News-Gazette had an article about the Fire Chief's presentation on the Ambulance integration here:

City council members gave initial approval to further integrating the fire department and local ambulance services Tuesday after fire Chief Gary Ludwig proposed changes to the city's 1988 ambulance ordinance, last updated in 2002.

Ludwig, who claimed his department arrived at 911 call scenes a few minutes before ambulances more than 97 percent of the time in 2017, said he envisions having a clearly established chain of command for 911-call response.

"We sometimes pump more oxygen than we do water," Ludwig said, noting how medical calls have become a substantial firefighter task...]

Original Write-up:

I caught the meeting on the live stream (available along with previous videos here). The agenda is available here. The following is just a brief summary write-up (minutes available here when uploaded):

Two new officers for the Champaign Police Department were sworn in and the Central Boy's Golf Team was recognized for their achievements. Correspondence from OSF health care was entered into the record. No public hearings (not the same as audience participation).

The agenda items 021 through 025 were all passed unanimously. There were only two brief pauses as they were passed 8-0 with roll call votes. On 023 the mayor asked if there was any public input, and none volunteered. On 024 Councilwoman Beck had quick question on the details (due to small font) that was answered and satisfied quickly.

Audience participation was announced with no takers. City Council had no immediate comments. The City Manager had a comment pointing out a staff member had received a lifetime achievement award.

Bruno continued on the agenda XII and XIII to approve the vouchers and payroll and adjourn to a post council study session.

The study session included a presentation by the Fire Chief about the Ambulance Ordinance and an amendment to better integrate the fire department with the two local ambulance services. See the video link to watch the presentation here when the video is uploaded.

The mayor asked if there were any questions or comments from the council and there were none. She asked of the audience and Charles "Randy" Hulett, Vice President, Ancillary and Support for OSF Medical Center (Heart of Mary) responded. He pointed out his statement mirrored the submitted letter to the council. He asked for a 30 day review to consider the impact the amendment would have on the community. He stated there was an issue with not being able to properly review the changes the last time changes were made. He indicated there were discrepancies between the draft version he had worked with and what was being proposed now. If I understood him the version at issue for this meeting was not "accurate to the draft" and contradicted Illinois' EMS Acts.

There was no further audience or council comment. The mayor asked the chief a question about coverage for the cost of ambulance services and he explained that the ambulance services recover payment from insurance when applicable or from the patient if their plan doesn't cover the services in a particular situation. The city itself does not charge the ambulance services due to legalities. The direction passed a voice vote and appeared (I could be mistaken) to move to a future city council vote/motion (as opposed to in a study session).

Once again the audience was asked if anyone wanted to address the council with no takers. They adjourned to a closed session which was the last of the public meeting (adjourned for the night whenever that ended).