Caledonia Ambulance Department Director Mike Tornstrom, Assistant Director Mark Schiltz, and Training/Outreach Coordinator Joannie Schmidt appeared before the Caledonia City Council on Monday evening, October 10, to plead its case for a new ambulance facility.
Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and led the council and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council members in attendance include Mayor Schroeder, Robert “Bob” Klug, Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzpatrick, and Brad Rykhus.
Others in attendance include City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson, Carol Hood, Caledonia Ambulance Assistant Director Mark Schiltz, Caledonia Ambulance Director Mike Tornstrom, and Caledonia Ambulance Training Coordinator Joannie Schmidt.
Tornstrom started the 50-minute informative presentation by stating that the project had stalled; they were here to start the ball rolling. Thirty-one crew members have helped with fundraising over the past three years.
Tornstrom stressed that the department has always stayed on budget, generates revenue, has no debt, and budgets, so there is money left at the end of the year for capital improvements.
The city-owned property at 615 Washington Street W., where the department proposes building a new facility, is paid for in full. Funds to purchase the property came from the department’s budget, plus a $10,000 donation from the Caledonia Ambulance Association.
The condition of the current facility is described as gross, plus there is no personal space for the crew to sit or have privacy.
Calls are increasing. This year the department predicts they will answer over 500 calls.
The training department is why Caledonia has staff. Tornstrom explained, “We make money on our classes.” Schmidt shared that 300 students take CPR First Aid, and between 50 to 100 students that take EMS training classes. The programs are Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB) approved.
“It is a six-month to two-year process to recruit, train, and retain one new crew member,” noted Tornstrom.
Tornstrom thanked the council for supporting the department, “We are running top-of-the-line equipment in our trucks, which we are happy about.”
Tornstrom informed the Council that he would be back to propose that the city fund 50% of the costs associated with building the new facility, and the department would be responsible for the other 50%.
The council approved the minutes from the September 26 regular city council meeting.
The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, including the payments and disbursements and the zoning permit application from Caledonia Implement Co. at 509 State Highway 44 to add an addition to the building and a zoning permit application from Jake Rogich at 123A West Lincoln to add a driveway/parking/sidewalk. Councilman Klug abstained from voting.
Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson opened the lone bid received for the 1971 Mac ladder truck known as Tower 50. The council unanimously accepted the offer from Peter Danzo, 235 Cedar Avenue, Hackensack, N.J., only three hours from Harrisburg, Pa., where the truck is originally from. The bid price is $5,200.00. The buyer has 30 days to pick it up.
Councilmembers had no questions regarding the overtime report for September 19 through October 2, 2022. Action is not required.
The meeting was adjournment at 7:10 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled Caledonia City Council meeting is Monday, October 24, at 6 p.m. at the Caledonia City Hall, 231 E. Main Street, Caledonia. The public is invited to attend.
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