Author: Eric Mckenzie

    Board Meeting, Minutes of August 13, 2024

1. Board meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.   

The following personnel were present or attended via Zoom or by phone

Kimberly Jacobs, President               Angie Billue, Member

Carla Fitsgerald, Vice President       Lisa Stewart, Member

Donna Morrison, Treasurer               Donald Cravens, Superintendent     

Megan Hubbard, Secretary                Bridgett Fessler, Recorder

Absent Member(s) – None.

Minutes of the July 9, 2024 meeting were read and discussed.  Angie-Motion, Carla-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept the minutes as read and corrected.

Bills were reviewed and approved –  Lisa-Motion, Donna-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept and pay all expenses.

Treasurer’s Report – Financial Status of Accounts, Angie-Motion, Carla-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept the Financial Status of Accounts.      

Superintendent’s Report – For the month of July, there were 112 calls, 72 transports/billable and 40 non-transports/non-billable. Total billing for the month of July was $169,396.90.

Ambulance Status – In September/October Med 1 will be going to North Carolina to start the remount process.  Med 3 will be going to Matt’s for an oil change and maintenance this week.

Office security remodel – Nyle has installed three additional cameras, two at the Salisbury base and one at the Brunswick base. Nothing additional to report at this time.    

Sam Garvin’s report on grants was reviewed.  See attached. 

Oxygen tank lifts have been installed in all of the ambulances and working well. Awaiting invoice from AJ’s for installation.

Stryker Contract Options – Donald has been speaking with representative on a replacement quote for three new stretchers and autoload systems and finance options.

The District’s Ground Ambulance Service Re-licensure has been performed and was completed on July 26, 2024 with a virtual inspection.  The next renewal will be July 2029.

EVOC Class – Jeff Parks and Austin Rash have completed the classroom portion of the class and are scheduled for the testing on August 21 and 22. The District will cover the cost of the rooms and provide a $75.00 per person meal stipend. Angie-Motion, Megan-Seconded, Board unanimous.

Curtis Stombaugh stopped by and offered a bid to reseal the Salisbury base parking lot, Tabled.

Samantha Garvin was selected an alternate winner in a contest presented by the EMS World Expo, which is a three-day conference in Las Vegas. She inquired if the District would consider funding of the training/trip. After deducting the cost of the conference and the $500.00 complimentary monies provided by them, the remaining balance would be $879.17 for hotel and travel expenses.

Discussion was made.  The Board concurred that the additional stipends she earns as the Training Officer could cover these expenditures. 

The Board does not want to set a precedence that is not sustainable for all current or future employees.

The District offers and pays for employees to train under CCAD’s Training Entity Accreditations and supports employees obtaining additional training within the state of Missouri.

Angie-Motion-Nay, Lisa-Seconded-Nay, Donna-Nay, Carla-Nay, Megan-Nay, Kimberly-Nay to pay for Samantha’s remaining conference expenses.

Lisa-Motion, Carla-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept the Superintendent’s report.

2. Old Business: 

2022-23 Fiscal Audit – Audit was reviewed and discussed.  Lisa-Motion, Angie-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept the finalized audit.

No further business. Angie-Motion, Carla-Seconded, Board unanimous to adjourn meeting at      6;35p.m.

Secretary to the Board                        for           Secretary of the Board

 Bridgett Fessler                                                   Megan Hubbard  

                   MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD 

Subj:      Board Meeting, Minutes of June 12, 2024

Subject board meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.  

The following personnel were present or attended via Zoom or by phone

Carla Fitsgerald, Vice President       Angie Billue, Member

Megan Hubbard, Secretary                Donald Cravens, Superintendent     

Donna Morrison, Treasurer               Bridgett Fessler, Recorder

Absent Member(s) – Kimberly Jacobs, Lisa Stewart

Minutes of the June 15, 2024 meeting were read and discussed.  Angie-Motion, Megan-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept the minutes as read and corrected.

Bills were reviewed and approved.  – Angie-Motion, Megan-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept and pay all expenses.

Treasurer’s Report – Financial Status of Accounts, and to cash CD 504007 upon maturity. Angie-Motion, Donna-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept the Financial Status of Accounts.     

Superintendent’s Report – For the month of May, there were 98 calls, 69 transports/billable and 29 non-transports. Total billing for the month of May was $75,892.08.

Ambulance Status – Med 2’s Wi-Fi has been reconfigured. A new inverter has been installed in Med 2.

Office security remodel – Discussion was made with the Board being fine purchasing cameras, securing the two doors that access the training rooms, and adding a counter.  Angie-Motion, Megan-Seconded, Board unanimous.        

Sam Garvin’s report on grants was reviewed.  See attached

Oxygen tank lifts for trucks are being installed by AJ’s out of Columbia, MO. The oxygen compartment has required some modifications which has prolonged the installation.  No action taken.

Donald and Bridgett will be attending the Missouri Ambulance Association meeting on June 18^th and 19^th.

Due to Bridgett’s vacation, the next meeting will be July 9^th and at the request of some of the board members, the meeting will be at the Salisbury base.

Angie-Motion, Donna-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept the Superintendent’s report.

Old Business: 

When the motel rooms were reserved, the District did not pay additional fees for the no-show/no-refund option.

Upon discovering the discrepancy with the class dates, Donald spoke with the class instructor who indicated that they could not pay for the motel rooms but could possibly waive some of the class fees.  No action taken.

No further business.  Angie-Motion, Megan-Seconded, Board unanimous to adjourn meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Secretary to the Board                        for           Secretary of the Board

 Bridgett Fessler                                                   Megan Hubbard  

                   MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD 

Subj:      Board Meeting, Minutes of November 8, 2023

1. Subject board meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.   

The following personnel were present or attended via Zoom or by phone

Kimberly Jacobs, President               Eric McKenzie, Superintendent

Carla Fitzgerald, Vice President       Donald Cravens, Superintendent     

Donna Morrison, Treasurer               Bridgett Fessler, Recorder

Angie Billue, Member                        Brent Dickerson, Employee

Heather Calvert, Group Insurance, via phone

Absent Member – Lisa Stewart, Megan Hubbard

Minutes of the October 11, 2023 meeting were read and discussed.  Donna-Motion, Carla-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept the minutes as read and corrected.

Bills were reviewed and approved.  – Carla-Motion, Donna-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept and pay all expenses.

Treasurer’s Report – October’s financial reports were reviewed and discussed.  Angie-Motion, Carla-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept the Financial Status of Accounts.    

Angie-Motion, Carla-Seconded, Board unanimous for Eric to do with the maturing CD as financially feasible.

Superintendent’s Report – For the month of October, there were 102 calls, 63 transports and 39 non-transports. Total billing for the month of October is $113,108.30.

Ambulance Status – Med 2 is still awaiting an inverter.   

There will not be a fall EMT class due to the lack of participants, this will be revisited after the first of 2024.

Carla-Motion, Angie-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept the Superintendent’s report.

2. Old Business: 

A.            Employee Appreciation Dinner – The dinner will be December 6^th and is being catered by Sherry’s Home Cook’n.  The cost is $17.00 per person.  No action taken.

B.            Snow Removal – Mike Weimer was contacted and has agreed to take care of the snow removal at the Salisbury base.  No action taken.

C             Health Insurance Renewal – Heather from Group Insurance presented an overview of the December healthcare renewal.  Our current plan took a 6.8% increase.  She did provide two additional rates, one with UHC and one with Blue Cross Blue Shield.  Discussion was made, Angie-Motion, Donna-Seconded, Board unanimous to remain with the current plan through United HealthCare.

The dental renewal is still being reviewed. Tabled.

D.            Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection – The proposed, not-to-exceed cost for the                                                                                                                                      data collection would be $5,500.00.  The not-to-exceed fee means that NBS will only bill for the hours required to complete the process.  If the hours are less than the projection, then the cost will be less and if it requires more, then the cost would be the $5,500.00.  Carla-Motion, Donna-Seconded, Board unanimous to have a contract with NBS Government Finance Group to compile and submit the collected data to CMS for the cost survey.

• New Business:

1. First Quarter Budge Review – Discussion was made.  No action taken.

• Board Filing – District 3 Carla Fitzgerald and District 6 Megan Hubbard

Filing dates are December 5, 2023 though December 26, 2023.  No action taken.

•  MoPerm Renewal – The District received notification that the renewal base rate for liability has increased an average of 7.2% and the base rate for property coverages increased 20% for 2024.  The inflation adjustment that applied to structures for 2024 is 10%.  This adjustment is mandatory and cannot be changed.  

Eric is working with Tim Powers for additional bids.  No action taken.

• Training Equipment – Eric is working to establish training equipment and manikins for the employees to maintain and to advance their skills.  Discussion was made, Carla-Motion, Donna-Seconded, Board unanimous for Eric and Donald Gene to make these purchases.  Eric’s expected cost will be between $10,000.00 to $15,000.00.

No further business.  Donna-Motion, Carla-Seconded, Board unanimous to adjourn meeting at 6:53 p.m.

Secretary to the Board                        for           President of the Board

 Bridgett Fessler                                                   Kimberly Jacobs  

                   MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD 

Subj:      Board Meeting, Minutes of October 11, 2023

1. Subject board meeting was called to order at 8:26 p.m.  

The following personnel were present or attended via Zoom or by phone

Carla Fitzgerald, Vice President       Angie Billue, Member       

Donna Morrison, Treasurer               Eric McKenzie, Superintendent

Megan Hubbard, Secretary                Bridgett Fessler, Recorder

Lisa Steward, Member      

Absent Member – Kimberly Jacobs

Minutes of the September 13, 2023 meeting were read and discussed.  Megan-Motion, Lisa-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept the minutes as read and corrected.

Bills were reviewed and approved.  – Angie-Motion, Donna-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept and pay all expenses.

Treasurer’s Report – Septembers financial reports were reviewed and discussed.  Lisa-Motion, Megan-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept the Financial Status of Accounts.   

Superintendent’s Report – For the month of September, there were 104 calls, 54 transports and 50 non-transports. Total billing for the month of September is $98,381.00.

Ambulance Status – Med 1 is still awaiting an inverter.  Due to an inverter recall, this maintenance may have an extended time.

There is a possibility that due to the lack of interest in the EMT/First Responder class, that was supposed to start in November, will be cancelled and then reevaluated in January 2024.

Laryngoscopes and training materials – nothing new to report.

Ceira Wages from Dinges Fire will be hosting a Funding and Grants Workshop at the Salisbury ambulance base on November 4th from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

The Chariton County Ambulance District will be hosting a Grain Engulfment Rescue class on March 16, 2024.

Lisa-Motion, Angie-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept the Superintendent’s report.

2. Old Business:  None.

• New Business:

1. Employee Appreciation Dinner – There will be a catered dinner at the Salisbury base, date to be determined.  No action taken.

• Snow Removal – Mike Weimer will be contacted to see if he would be interested in the snow removal for the Salisbury base.  Angie-Motion, Donna-Seconded, Board unanimous.

• Health Insurance Renewal – Heather from Group Insurance presented an overview of the December healthcare renewal.  Our current plan took a 6.8% increase.  She did provide two additional rates, one with UHC and one with Blue Cross Blue Shield. 

The dental and vision renewals are still being reviewed and not available at the time of the meeting. Tabled.

• Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection – Due to the complexity of the required details for the cost reporting the District will consider out sourcing the final preparation and submission.  Tabled 

• Non-Primary Base Compensation – There have been times when an on-duty employee will commute to the other station to provide coverage, the employee will be compensated an additional five hours of regular pay for this deed.  Angie-Motion Megan-Seconded, Board unanimous.

This situation has recently arisen and those employees will receive back pay.  Angie-Motion, Lisa-Seconded, Board unanimous.

• Employee Discount – If an employee or immediate household family member (husband, wife, child), up to the age of twenty-six is transported by the Chariton County Ambulance, the District will accept what the insurance pays as payment in full with the exception of a deductible.  If the entire amount is applied to a deductible the employee would be responsible to pay $500.00.  The most an employee would be out of pocket is $500.00.

4.  New Business:  None.

No further business.  Angie-Motion, Megan-Seconded, Board unanimous to adjourn meeting at 09:13 p.m.

Secretary to the Board                        for           Secretary of the Board

 Bridgett Fessler                                                   Megan Hubbard 

                   MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD 

Subj:      Board Meeting, Minutes of September 13, 2023

1. Subject board meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m.   

The following personnel were present or attended via Zoom or by phone

Kimberly Jacobs, President               Angie Billue, Member       

Carla Fitzgerald, Vice President       Eric McKenzie, Superintendent

Donna Morrison, Treasurer               Bridgett Fessler, Recorder

Megan Hubbard, Secretary               

Absent Member – Lisa Stewart

Minutes of the August 3, 2023 meeting were read and discussed. An amendment to the minutes of the Tax Levy Hearing is as follows: the Certified State Tax Rate maximum is 0.2579 therefore the 0.2600 would not be permissible that was voted upon at the August 2023 Tax Levy Hearing. The State imposed a mandated reduction.  Carla-Motion, Donna-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept the minutes as read and corrected.

Bills were reviewed and approved.  – Angie-Motion, Carla-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept and pay all expenses.

Treasurer’s Report – August and Septembers financial reports were reviewed and discussed.  Carla-Motion, Donna-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept the Financial Status of Accounts.    

Superintendent’s Report – For the month of August, there were 89 calls, 62 transports and 27 non-transports. Total billing for the month of August is $134,181.90.

Ambulance Status – Med 3 is out of service for rear brake replacement (they are metal on metal) and Matt has run into issues getting the parts but the truck should be back in service this week. Med 2 is experiencing issues with the inverter but cannot be repaired until Med 3 is back in service.

The 2022-2023 fiscal audit was performed on August 30, 2023 by Mark Higgins.

We have a CD with the US Bank, and for Mark to get a bank confirmation, he has to pay a $35.00 fee through confirmation.com.  Then, we received notice that the District has to pay a $25.00 fee for providing the information to the auditor. 

At this time, Mark is not forwarding his fee on to the District but has indicated that this might have to be passed on in the future.

After discussion was made, the Board does not want the District to purchase any CD’s from the US Bank.  Some board members feel that the US Bank is not local anymore and prefer that District business be done with other banks in the county.

Eric has been looking into purchasing three laryngoscopes which would be about $15,000-20,000.00. Dr. Stilley is exploring grant options for the laryngoscopes and training materials.   

Megan-Motion, Carla-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept the Superintendent’s report.

2. Old Business: 
3. ARPA status application has changed from “Approved” to “Awarded”.  The grant funds will not be issued until we take position of the truck.  No action taken.
4. New Business:

1. No Transport Billing – CCAD responded to a mutual aide call that the patient was initially treated by CCAD and then another ambulance took over patient care and transported said patient to a landing zone.  Due to multiple agencies involvement, Eric spoke with Frank Flaspohler who advised not to charge for these type of calls being that it may get the District audited by Medicare looking for any kind of fraud or abuse.  No action taken.

4.  New Business:  None.

No further business.  Angie-Motion, Carla-Seconded, Board unanimous to adjourn meeting at 06:24 p.m.

Secretary to the Board                        for           Secretary of the Board

 Bridgett Fessler                                                   Megan Hubbard  

                   MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD 

Subj:      Board Meeting, Minutes of July 19, 2023

1. Subject board meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.   

The following personnel were present or attended via Zoom or by phone

Carla Fitzgerald, Vice President       Angie Billue, Member       

Megan Hubbard, Secretary                Eric McKenzie, Superintendent

Donna Morrison, Treasurer               Bridgett Fessler, Recorder

Lisa Stewart, Member                        Daryl Noll, Employee

Absent Member – Kimberly Jacobs

Minutes of the June 14, 2023 meeting were read and discussed. Lisa-Motion, Megan-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept the minutes as read.

Bills were reviewed and approved.  – Lisa-Motion, Donna-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept and pay all expenses.

Treasurer’s Report – Financial Status of Accounts, Megan-Motion, Donna-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept Financial Status of Accounts.  

Superintendent’s Report – For the month of June, there were 117 calls,75 transports and 42 non-transports. Total billing for the month of June was $206,410.70

Ambulance Status – All ambulances are currently operational and without any mechanical issues.

The EMT Class – Only one student failed, the rest have completed clinicals or have requested an extension to complete clinicals.

BTC Bank has required a signature authorization for Stephanie to submit payroll electronically.

Due to Bridgett going on vacation, the August board meeting will be August 4^th.

There will be a Tax Levy Hearing August 4^th at 5:50 p.m.

One year ago, the District had five full-time medics; currently we have seven full-time medics and two employees that could potentially be medics by the end of 2023.

Eric is checking into the Employee Retention Credit that some ambulance districts may qualify through the CARES Act.

Donna-Motion, Lisa-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept the Superintendent’s report.

2. Old Business: 

1. CAD System – Per request, Eric has provided the names and numbers of staff to 911 for the CAD system.  It is currently in the building process at this time with no ETA of completion.  No action taken.

• Board Member Training – Angie was addressed at the meeting and discussed an upcoming virtual training No action taken.

New Business:

1. 2021-22 Amended Budget – Discussed, Donna-Motion, Megan-Seconded, board unanimous to accept the amended budget.

• Salisbury Fire Department Donation – Jamie Cruse, Fire Chief, has been to the Salisbury station multiple times with the infrared  thermal imaging device.  A gesture of appreciation will be made to the fire department. Megan-Motion, Donna-Seconded, Board unanimous.  

• Conflict of Interest Ordinance – This Ordinance allows the superintendent of the Chariton County Ambulance District to file a Personal Financial Disclosure when the budget exceeds one million dollars and the superintendent is responsible for the District’s finances. This eliminates each board member from having to file a Personal Financial Disclosure.  This ordinance has to be voted on every two years.  Angie-Motion, Lisa-Seconded, Board unanimous to re-adopt this ordinance.

3.  New Business:  None.

No further business.  Angi-Motion, Lisa-Seconded, Board unanimous to adjourn meeting at 06:25 p.m.

Secretary to the Board                        for           Secretary of the Board

 Bridgett Fessler                                                   Megan Hubbard  

                   MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD 

Subj:      Board Meeting, Minutes of June 14, 2023

1. Subject board meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.   

The following personnel were present or attended via Zoom or by phone

Carla Fitzgerald, Vice President       Angie Billue, Member       

Megan Hubbard, Secretary                Eric McKenzie, Superintendent

Donna Morrison, Treasurer               Bridgett Fessler, Recorder

Absent Member – Lisa Steward, Kimberly Jacobs

Minutes of the May 10, 2023 meeting were read and discussed. Megan-Motion, Donna-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept the minutes as read.

Bills were reviewed and approved.  – Donna-Motion, Megan-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept and pay all expenses.

Treasurer’s Report – Financial Status of Accounts for April and May were discussed. Megan-Motion, Donna-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept Financial Status of Accounts.  

Superintendent’s Report – For the month of May, there were 88 calls, 62 transports and 26 non-transports. Total billing for the month of May was $36,428.70

Ambulance Status – All ambulances are currently operational and without any mechanical issues.

The EMT Class has finished with only one student failing, and some are already working on their clinical hours.

Eric and Bridgett will be attending the MAA conference on June 20 & 21^st  at the Lodge of Four Seasons.

Donna-Motion, Megan-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept the Superintendent’s report.

2. Old Business: 

1. Salisbury Base Sidewalk – no action taken. 

• CAD System – The Chariton County Commissioners paid for a ten-year contract for use with ARPA funds.  The building of a software module is in the preliminary stage. No action taken.

•  2021-2022 Fiscal Audit – Discussed, Megan-Motion, Donna-Seconded, Board unanimous to accept the finalized fiscal audit.

• Board Member Training – No action taken.

3.  New Business:  None.

No further business.  Angi-Motion, Donna-Seconded, Board unanimous to adjourn meeting at 06:35 p.m.

Secretary to the Board                        for           Secretary to the Board

 Bridgett Fessler                                                   Megan Hubbard