Anna Frauenkron, representing the ambulance, appeared before the Houston City Council meeting January 13 to ask to purchase two combination monitors/defibrillators for the city’s ambulance service. Anna had researched the purchase and found that the best fit for Houston Ambulance would be two LIFEPAK 35s at a total cost of $100,000.
Frauenkron explained that the ambulance had received a $67,000 grant from the state a couple of years ago and had received $22,000 in donations last year. In 2024, the ambulance did not purchase anything.
City Administrator Michelle Quinn informed the council that the ambulance had “just shy of $350,000” in reserves that had been set aside for a future ambulance purchase that could be used at this time.
Currently, the ambulance has stand alone separate monitors and defibrillators. At this point, if they are on a call that did not indicate a heart issue, they take the monitor in with them to assess the patient. If the situation changes or was mistakenly stated, the crew might need to return to the rig for the AED. Quinn pointed out that having the new equipment could save time and lives.
The old monitors have a trade in value of $2,000 each. The stand alone AEDs could be used in the community such as at summer rec. Frauenkron asked for funding not to exceed $110,000; she noted that this equipment should last 20 years.
The council quickly approved the request for an essential service for the city.
In closing, Frauenkron informed the council that the ambulance would be celebrating 60 years of service on April 26 with a community party. The ambulance crew, ambulances and a history of the ambulance service will be part of the celebration.
Public Comment
Marlene Schultz informed the council she will no longer represent the city on the Root River Trail Board. She has been on the board since the ‘70s. Margaret Knutson from the chamber of commerce has been taking care of the communications; Michelle Hoskins will try to attend the meetings. The council thanked Schultz for her years of service.
Organizational Meeting
With new council member Danny Todd on board, the council swiftly moved through appointments and organizational decisions for the year. Acting mayor will be Emily Krage. Danny Todd took over the positions formerly held by Cody Mathers on finance, personnel, and police.
Jessica Olson left park & rec; Brandon Olson replaced her. Anita Werner left the library board; Heather Meyer and Sarah Merchelwitz are now on the board.
Jim Edwards will remain on the EDA since no others expressed an interest in being on it.
Quinn informed the council that attendance policies have been discussed with all board members. She will be keeping a list of residents who are interested in serving on any of the boards throughout the year.
The Fillmore County Journal was chosen as the official paper, based on the fact that it reaches the most citizens at no cost. The council also accepted the other bids from all papers in case they wanted to advertise something.
The Rushford State bank continues to be the depository. Michelle Quinn, Suzanne Peterson and Mayor Scott Wallace were authorized to sign checks and orders for payment for the city.
Regular Business
Dan Gavin was again hired as seasonal maintenance worker. He will work approximately 185 days from mid-April through October.
Les Roesner will once again care for the city flowers. The position is for two hours a day, seven days a week, from late May through early September.
Water and sewer rates will go up this year. Water will see a 4.5% increase and sewer fees will rise by 4% from $32.43 to $33.73. This was necessary to cover rising expenses.
Fire department overhead door safety feature repairs and weatherstripping replacement at the cost of $1,380 and overhead window replacement costing $4,000 were approved as needed maintenance by the council.
Permission to harvest prairie seeds had been advertised with only one bid from Dan Smith. The three year bid was approved with the option for renewal by mutual agreement in the future.
An exempt gambling permit was granted to the Sheldon Valley Sportsman Club for their upcoming Antler Classic.
Donations for the year in the amount of $35,972.91 were accepted by the council.
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