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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING
JUNE 25, 2001
A Special Meeting of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Chairwoman Strom in the Central Library, Middle Road, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, June 25, 2001 at 7:12 p.m.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilmen Egan, Falk, Giddings, Hall, Mangini, Strom and Vayda. Councilmen Dodd, Fiore, Kaupin and McGuire were absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Director of Community Development, Laura Watson; Director of Planning and Community Development, Jose Giner; Deputy Chief of Police, Raymond Bouchard; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki.
DISCUSSION RE: MAIN STREET PROGRAM WITH REPRESENTATIVE FROM NATIONAL PROGRAM STAFF
Present for this discussion was John Simone from the Connecticut Main Street Program and William Lee, Chairman of the Enfield Revitalization Committee and several members from the Enfield Revitalization Committee.
Mr. Simone gave a history of the Main Street Program in Connecticut. He noted there is also a national organization which acts as a service organization for all of the programs which extends to 44 states. He noted if a community is interested, they apply to the state organization. He pointed out it is a challenging application. He explained the state organization does not provide grants, but does provide technical help.
Mr. Simone then gave a slide presentation. Some areas highlighted included:
- historical pictures of downtown areas depicting thriving businesses
- current photographs of deteriorating downtown areas resulting from mall development as well as unsuccessful architectural attempts to modernize historical buildings
- successful restoration projects and revitalized downtown areas
He explained the Main Street approach involves organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring.
Mr. Simone stated the organization involves a community grass roots driven effort. He noted some stakeholders include merchants, property owners, consumers, civic clubs, Chamber of Commerce, preservationists, etc.
He noted promotion is important and involves creating a sense of place and the promotion of that place, i.e., a brochure featuring the downtown businesses.
As concerns design, Mr. Simone pointed out people are looking for areas where they can have an experience. He explained this could mean just walking around a visually stimulating area.
Mr. Simone showed slides of attractive facades and noted there should be attractive signage and amenities for pedestrians.
He spoke about economic restructuring and highlighted areas such as strengthening existing businesses; identifying new business opportunities; finding new uses for vacant buildings; intensifying the uses of buildings; improving business management.
Mr. Simone mentioned the benefit of a residential/business mix, i.e., living space above businesses.
He pointed out the volume of people on the streets is a good way to measure the vitality of the downtown.
As concerns getting started, Mr. Simone stated a coalition must be developed from the public and private sector.
He stated membership with the Connecticut Main Street Program is $195. He noted their website is mainst.org. He pointed out other communities involved in this program would be willing to share whats going on in their communities.
Councilman Giddings questioned whether Mr. Simone feels Thompsonville is a good candidate for this program. Mr. Simone responded possibly and noted Thompsonville contains little jewels which should be connected.
Councilman Mangini questioned how much it would cost to hire a Project Manager for this program, and Mr. Simone stated a minimum budget total is about $70,000 which includes office space, equipment, phones, printing, salaries. He added the Town should be a financial contributor.
Councilman Mangini questioned if theres potential for state or federal funding. Mr. Simone responded its possible. He added typically the funding comes locally, i.e., through the stakeholders.
Councilman Mangini questioned if theres potential for other parts of Enfield to benefit.
Mr. Simone cautioned the Town not spread itself too thin by working in more than one area.
Councilman Vayda questioned what other towns are involved in this program. Mr. Simone responded East Hartford, Middletown, New London, Simsbury, Portland, Rockville, Windsor, and a section in Hartford.
Speakers from the audience were invited to ask questions.
Sue Reed (audience)
Spoke about reinvestment of money into the community.
Councilman Falk questioned the next step. Mr. Simone stated Enfield should build its own list of stakeholders and find out whom they could get interested in this undertaking. He noted it all starts with getting a group of people excited about the idea. He added if such a group were put together, he could do another presentation.
Councilman Falk suggested the Council have a meeting with the Revitalization Committee to go into detail as to what their thoughts are and the plan of approach.
Mr. Simone stated the application to this program takes place once per year, and invitations to apply are sent out every March. He added there is an application workshop that has to be attended in March.
Councilman Egan stated she likes the idea of getting people involved in this. She noted Windsor has now become a hub of antique shops.
Mr. Lee stated the purpose of this evenings presentation was to set the stage and to learn whether the Town Council is interested in pursuing this idea.
The Special Meeting recessed at 8:20 p.m. and reconvened at 8:30 p.m.
PRESENTATION EMS STUDY/FOLLOW-UP COUNCIL DISCUSSION/NEXT STEPS
Present for this discussion were Gary Ludwig, Principal Consultant of The Ludwig Group and several representatives from the Towns fire districts and the Maciolek Post.
Mr. Vindigni noted this is a presentation which reflects nine months of work done by the EMS Committee and consultant, Gary Ludwig.
Mr. Ludwig stated some of the priorities are as follows:
- provide consistency in patient care and performance of system participants
- increase efficiency and effectiveness of the system
- improve financial stability of system by maximizing the use of resources while improving efficiency and economics.
Mr. Ludwig stated the EMS System involves different components, i.e., communications, first responders, ALS/BLS transport.
He noted benchmarks to consider are management, human resources, communications, transportation, system finance, performance improvements, medical accountability, customer service, EMS education.
Mr. Ludwig stated his study involved the stakeholders, and there are 19 in Enfield. Some of those include Town of Enfield officials, police department administration, union officials, volunteer fire fighters, etc. He pointed out the most important stakeholder are the citizens.
He spoke about the importance of level of care and survival rates. He noted the Town of Enfield should be delivering the right amount of care at the right amount of time at the right cost.
Mr. Ludwig referred to good EMS models and noted there are some common denominators, i.e., a well-equipped communications center; BLS first response less than four minutes 90% of the time; ALS response 8 minutes or less 90% of the time.
He highly commended the Maciolek Post and stated their work is fantastic. He also praised the police department in their deliverance of medical care. He added the fire districts are truly committed to the EMS System, and they care about whats going on in the community. He commended the dispatchers as well.
Mr. Ludwig went on to state many of the Towns components are not integrated and not coordinated, i.e., the purchase of equipment. He added there are also varied responses, and suggested the Town should create a seamless, borderless service throughout the Town with the same level of care and response time. He pointed out this service should also come under one authority.
He recommended a public consortium be set up. He added the EMS model should be in two phases. Phase I do just basic life support transportation; Phase II delivery of advanced life support with paramedics.
Mr. Ludwig explained a public consortium involves a quasi-government agency; involves multiple agencies-different disciplines; establishes policy and oversees the EMS System; owns and purchases all equipment.
Mr. Ludwig recommended the implementation of this system should occur as soon as possible to reduce morbidity and mortality in the Town of Enfield. He added the preparation of Phase II should begin as soon as possible. He recommended AMR service continue until Phase II begins.
He suggested an EMS agenda for the future:
- create a strategic plan for EMS System that should be tied to public health, public safety and health care systems
- future vision-integrate with health care; proactive in improving community health
Mr. Ludwig recommended the creation of an EMS Advisory Commission. He noted this group should be a seven member group consisting of a Town Council member, a Town official, the police chief, a member of the Enfield Fire Chiefs Association, a representative of Johnson Memorial Hospital, a representative from the John Maciolek American Legion Post 154, and a citizen of the community who is not a stakeholder familiar with EMS knowledge.
He recommended they contract with the fire departments wishing to participate in the new system to provide human resources for staffing and maintaining operation of transport ambulances.
Mr. Ludwig recommended they ensure compliance with Connecticut Pubic Act 00-151 and submit data to OSET each quarter beginning with data generated January 1, 2001.
He also recommended they certify all telecommunications as Emergency Medical Dispatchers according to standards established by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration.
He suggested developing a Quality Assurance (QA) program to ensure compliance of the EMD program with the telecommunications.
Mr. Ludwig recommended promoting 9-1-1 as the number to call for anyone in the Town of Enfield in need of emergency medical assistance.
He stated the EMS System in Enfield should operate three BLS ambulances from 0800-2400 and two BLS ambulances from 2400-0800, while maintaining their current agreement with American Medical Response for advanced life support services until Phase II becomes operational.
He recommended the development of a Quality Improvement program covering communications, first response, and EMS transport, while also utilizing Q1 data from Johnson Memorial Hospital.
Mr. Ludwig recommended ensuring proper, complete, accurate and comprehensive documentation of patient treatment on each and every call and suggested they become compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 by required dates.
He stated he has heard that Johnson Memorial Hospital will be starting a paramedic training program.
He recommended providing a forum and process for public input into the EMS System. He suggested developing initial and continuing education programs to provide appropriate educational opportunities for all system personnel. He noted these programs would involve both initial and continuing education requirements.
Mr. Ludwig recommended developing and expanding Public Information, Education and Resources (PIER) Programs to decrease mortality and morbidity in the community.
He suggested seeking reimbursement for all transport services from federal, state, third party providers, and private individuals. He noted this makes economic and practical sense.
He recommended the Town of Enfield create an enterprise fund or some other form of dedicated funding for initial startup costs, initial operations, and on-going operations. He noted all future reimbursements should be directed to this fund for operating purposes.
Mr. Ludwig stated the John Maciolek Post wants to move to another type of relationship, however, they still want to be involved. He added the Post wants to create a one-million dollar endowment to fund the system in the future. He recommended developing a strategic plan to help the Maciolek Post to establish a $1 million endowment fund.
Mr. Ludwig recommended that for the purposes of billing for service in the Town of Enfield, that the billing process be “outsourced” to a professional firm specializing in ambulance reimbursement on a percentage fee of collectible basis.
He then explained the financial chart in his report entitled “Estimated Revenue Projection from Public Consortium EMS Transport System”.
Referring to a full-time EMS Director, Councilman Mangini questioned whether that would be a Town or Police position. Mr. Ludwig recommended this be a Town position that reports to the Town Manager.
Councilman Mangini questioned if the Town would assume the liability insurance, and Mr. Shanley noted the Town currently has that responsibility.
Councilman Vayda requested clarification regarding the EMS Coordinator position, and Mr. Ludwig stated his belief it has to be a dedicated position and completely focused on the responsibility of the delivery of emergency medical care in the community.
Councilman Vayda questioned what major issues would they need to be looking at concerning the planning for Phase II. Mr. Ludwig stated they would be transitioning from BLS to ALS. He noted paramedics and equipment has to be in place.
Councilman Vayda questioned how long this whole process might take. Mr. Ludwig estimated about two years.
Councilman Hall stated she very much likes the idea of having the fire departments taking care of ALS service.
Mr. Shanley stated his belief this is an excellent presentation. He noted in terms of implementation, there is a lot of work from here and going forward.
Stan Halgas from the Maciolek Post provided some initial comments from the ambulance committee. He noted for the past 50 years the Maciolek Post has sponsored the ambulance and never requested any money from the Town Council, however, he understands that is going to change. He noted in those 50 years, they purchased 27 ambulances and last month they just purchased an ambulance for $77,000. He explained the involvement of the Maciolek Post is limited to financial, and they would not get involved in logistics. He noted they do conduct surveys and handle complaints. He stated its their understanding that the current system is not functioning properly. He noted this is because they do not have enough volunteer firemen, and certain people are not satisfied with AMR.
Mr. Halgas stated based on the consultants report, the Council will have to come up with a half million dollars of start up costs for Phase I, and Phase II probably involves a couple million dollars for new ambulances, equipment, etc.
Mr. Halgas stated the consultant recommends that a separate body be established, along with a director, and the Maciolek Post concurs, however, they insist that their existing endowment fund not be used as start-up costs because they wish to keep that separate.
Mr. Halgas stated the consultant recommends that they set up a million dollar endowment fund. He noted they plan to close out their existing 5013 tax exempt organization and set up a new foundation which would be tax exempt and primarily used for the solicitation of capital equipment, etc. He stated they will need a lot of help to get the endowment. He pointed out their next fund drive begins on Labor Day, and they need some kind of direction from the Town Council.
Mr. Halgas stated their operating expenses for six months shows an expenditure of $131,000 through June, and theyll be spending $200,000 for the year. He noted that is quite an increase. He pointed out they collect through donations only about one third of that. He agreed with the consultant in that they should start charging for basic life support. He raised the question of avoiding all the start-up costs. He noted the Maciolek Post would like to see the volunteer fire departments treat their salaries similar to District #2 and the Police Department, and the district would pay for their salaries. He suggested if the districts were willing to hire their own paramedics within their district, he feels they would have a more equitable distribution of individuals. He added this would also eliminate the half million dollar start up cost to the Town.
Mr. Halgas stated they appear to have an excellent financial working relationship with AMR for Phase II. He noted the problem appears to be logistics. He stated with the improvement in dispatching, this might all change. He noted the main concern is whether AMR is a viable corporation, and will it be in existence in the future. He stated his understanding AMR is making money in Enfield, but not on emergency calls, but rather on the non-emergency calls. He stated his belief it would be appropriate for the Town to sit down with AMR and try to work out some of the timetables, response time, logistics, etc., and the Town should continue with AMR. He pointed out AMR is performing 2,000 advanced life support transfers per year, and the Town doesnt even see the cost of that.
Mr. Halgas stated the Town Council is faced with a major decision regarding ambulance service.
Chairwoman Strom stated it seems the first step they need to take is the establishment of a commission because it sounds like there are a lot of questions to be studied.
Mr. Ludwig recommended the Town implement this as soon as possible so they can reduce the morbidity and mortality rate.
Councilman Vayda agreed establishing a commission would be one of the first steps.
Fire Chief Earl Provencher of the North Thompsonville Fire District stated AMR Ambulance has some very talented people who do some tremendous things with medical calls, and they do a good job.
Chairwoman Strom invited speakers from the audience.
Robert Messenger, a Commissioner with the Enfield Fire District, stated he would be unwilling to hire a person to be available for ambulance work without some sort of compensation from the Town because he feels it wouldnt be fair to his taxpayers to pay for this person and then see the Town get the reimbursement for the bill. Mr. Halgas noted whatever funds are solicited will be turned back to the firemen for training, etc., and if theres money left over, the excess can be reallocated to the fire departments based on their input to the system as concerns billing, therefore, they would get the net between the revenue and the expense. He added his belief this would also provide a more equitable allocation of manpower resources because theyre spreading the new hires among the five fire departments.
Mr. Messenger questioned why the helicopter isnt put to better use. Mr. Shanley noted that would be a topic for discussion as to when a call should be made for Life Star and who pays for that. He noted he envisions a commission discussing this topic with the advisors at Johnson Medical to work out protocols.
Francis Boudreau, a Vice-President and Commissioner with the Enfield Fire District, voiced concern about the fire districts. He stated his belief there should be automatic mutual aid between the fire districts.
APPOINTMENT TO PLANNING & ZONING
This item to be addressed at the next Council meeting.
MOTION #5364 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Mangini to go into Executive Session to discuss Personnel Matters, Pending Litigation, and Real Estate Negotiations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5364 adopted 7-0-0, and the meeting stood recessed at 10:20 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Executive Session of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Chairwoman Strom at 10:30 p.m.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilmen Egan, Falk, Giddings, Hall, Mangini, Strom and Vayda. Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki and Assistant Town Attorney, Mark Cerrato.
Personnel Matters, Pending Litigation, and Real Estate Negotiations were discussed with no action or votes being taken.
Chairwoman Strom adjourned the Executive Session at 11:23 p.m. She reconvened the Special Meeting at 11:24 p.m. and stated that during Executive Session they discussed Personnel Matters, Pending Litigation, and Real Estate Negotiations with no action or votes being taken.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #5365 by Councilman Vayda, seconded by Councilman Falk to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5365 adopted 7-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 11:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeannette Lamontagne
Secretary to the Council
Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Town Clerk
Clerk of the Council
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