badgerman wrote on Aug 11, 2008 6:38 PM:
" Myturn:
Looks like the fireman wasn't the only one who made a "fopah." It's spelled faux pas. "
dfib wrote on Aug 7, 2008 4:52 AM:
" Very nice dog and pony show. The mayor even compared Tri-State to "spaghetti", and called the meeting biased since everyone there either was affiliated with Tri-State or G-L (Not even close to true). The audience had to be staring incredulously at the Chief as he lied and danced around 99% of the direct, open, and honest questions that were asked. The mayor managed to have his facts so screwed up it was blatantly apparent that local government know little of how the business of EMS works or the legalities that surround it. "
Anna Banana wrote on Aug 7, 2008 12:01 AM:
" I meant to say "political" reasons they don't want to replace the open seats. "
Anna Banana wrote on Aug 6, 2008 11:59 PM:
" Myturn, thanks for the play by play. Can't wait to see how the media presents the meeting. I know we don't always agree but I find your dedication commendable and agree there are reasons they do not want to fill the open seats. "
Myturn wrote on Aug 6, 2008 11:53 PM:
" We were told at the meeting tonight we could see a Council vote as early as five weeks. We cannot place an Ad for a replacement (even a ringer), and leave the 2nd District Council seat empty until April 2009? You people can figure this out. This man is emboldened by the fact that he has a majority of the Council votes in his back pocket. And he does! "
Im Still Jackson wrote on Aug 6, 2008 11:31 PM:
" I find it ironic that this whole ambulance debacle started just a couple days after StFrancis announced they were going to "CHANGE THE WAY THAT EMERGENCY CARE SERVICE WAS BROUGHT TO THE PUBLIC"!
Since the City didnt join forces with TriState its pretty obvious where they will be taking most patients "
Myturn wrote on Aug 6, 2008 11:14 PM:
" Sorry mistake- A very professional 'Tri-State' representative up on the stage.... "
Myturn wrote on Aug 6, 2008 11:11 PM:
" One of the great acts of courage were Tri-State employees who spoke eloquently, up to speed, and very outspoken with great questions. Only to be aware all too well that they will somehow be passed at the next 'lottery' winner who will be hired by the Fire Department to fill the next open position. The only Fireman that felt the need to speak or was prodded spoke and soon made a large fopah, and continued as if nothing had happened. reflecting really how silly the entire 'Team' from his side looked this evening. The Truth. It was almost embarrassing to watch. "
Myturn wrote on Aug 6, 2008 11:10 PM:
" Ms. Bannana- The Show went on as previously envisioned. A slide show by Steve and Mark that took a lot of someones time, and our money. A very professional representative up on the stage of that visibly showed that he was incredulous as statements were repeated by Steve, and Mark. A Fire Chief who is intellectually challenged (sorry, it was blatant), and another Fire Department representative which I understand is the Pres of the union. Oh, and Steve Doyle who described himself as a mediator that quickly became apparent could not have pushed any harder on this deal if you would have placed a carrot in his mouth and he hee-hawed. The vast majority of the audience literally broke up in uproarious laughter. "
Anna Banana wrote on Aug 6, 2008 10:49 PM:
" Myturn, I have been waiting for an update on the meeitng.........I know what will happen is your update will go away when the Trib updates the article but I am anxious to hear from you how it went - come on share............ "
Myturn wrote on Aug 6, 2008 10:45 PM:
" Back from the Meeting. I have to be honest. I felt bad for the Fireman that were asked to be in the front row. As a huge majority of a very big crowd literally 'laughed' at the Mayor, Doyle, and the Fire Chief throughout the meeting. These guys are out there on the front lines for us. Well at least two days a week. They did not deserve to be in the front row and aligned for this political abscess. "
common-cents wrote on Aug 6, 2008 10:11 PM:
" Get a clue, Government run programs never work and they waste a lot of taxpayers dollars. Listen to the people board and vote NO. The taxpayers are sick of the lack of commonsense in our elected officials. A county run ambulance service will lose a lot of money for sure, and I have $10,000 I would like to bet on it. (a lot of money = $50,000 or more) "
transplant wrote on Aug 6, 2008 6:00 PM:
" Will the city then choose which medical facility we have to go to if they pick us up? Since they want to compete with Tri-State (Gundersen), does that ensure a ride to Franciscan Skemp then?
I prefer my tax dollars be spent on some frivolous law suit sign companies or Freedom From Religion groups. "
2Hoots wrote on Aug 6, 2008 5:29 PM:
" Just how is this going to be a moneymaker for the city? How are you going to cover the shifts, pay for the O/T during training and refreshers, pay for the initial equipment and vehicles? How about the recurring costs (fuel, insurance, maintenance...) Will you provide/accept mutual aid for runs like TriState does now? Will an FD Ambulance leave the city limits? How are you going to collect revenue? Hire a few more $40k secretaries? If I don't pay and don't live in the city, how are you going to collect from me? Can you even pull this off at current staffing levels (without affecting the other 'nice to have things' like collapse, water, ice, high-angle, hazmat, etc...)and without pulling in an ambulance crew? A lot of questions I haven't heard any answers too. Please take a moment and enlighten me "
Dirty Little Secrets wrote on Aug 6, 2008 5:12 PM:
" To say that the City doesn't have a say in the operation of Tri State is just STUPID!! Its call a contract "Chief"....ever heard of one?? That is how you dictate what you want in your city. Has Tri State done anything wrong? NO!!! This is just a big waste of time and money!! Those of you who think that this is NOT going to lose money, do some research. There is NOT ONE fire based ambulance in the State that makes money....NOT ONE! If you can find one go ahead...it doesn't exist. Cash in the door, less expenses, equals a negative bottom line and more taxes for the people.....Just the Facts!! "
dfib wrote on Aug 6, 2008 5:06 PM:
" Anon (AKA Lax FF?)
Total compensation cost for a fire medic is 30% more than a private Tri-State. Tri-State is also able supplied through Gundersen resulting in a significant savings. Also $77,000 is based on revenue generated though 7 ambulances not just one.
Figure only 1/7 of the trucks ($11,000), add the increased compensation, add the additional cost of supplies, and figure a city run ambulance will not have inter facility transports to boost their revenue. How can anyone expect they will make money?
Once again, enterprise budget. Let's see what the real cost is! "
oldglorydays wrote on Aug 6, 2008 4:53 PM:
" common-cents - And Wall St forcasts revenues for anything accurately? "
mommydearest wrote on Aug 6, 2008 4:53 PM:
" Just wait, there is more to come. Once they have all the "Black and White" police squad cars, they will want to go back to white. That happened some years ago already. Have money, will spend. "
scrambledthoughts wrote on Aug 6, 2008 4:30 PM:
" Not sure why Mr. Cleveland needs a say in the operation of Tri-State. Tri-Stated is owned by Gunderson Luthern........... not the government.
Also, when it is stated that you pay for the first responders anyway, why not transport? It will mean an additional bill for the transport. Double dipping.
This issue could be voted on within the next ten days. Please call your elected officials and make sure to express your feelings. Well, except for the 2 areas that have vacant seats. Why are they still vacant Mr Johnsrud? "
anon wrote on Aug 6, 2008 4:29 PM:
" fortsa123- The dept is already going on the call and charging tax dollars for them to do so. why not get transport dollars too? "
anon wrote on Aug 6, 2008 4:26 PM:
" where do all of you come up with your facts? "They will lose 100,000 a year. How do you know. The fire dept will not lose money. They might not make money either. Instead the ambulance will ofset costs. The pay, benefits, fuel,etc..... so now you have several more firefighters each day not costing taxpayers money. "
common-cents wrote on Aug 6, 2008 4:02 PM:
" Tri-state ambulance made $77,000 last year.
A La Crosse ambulance service would lose $100,000 a year.
When was the last time the city had a budget surplus on the books ?. NEVER.
I rest my case, can we get onto more important issues that face taxpayers.
If the board members that vote yes thinks it's a great deal for the city, have them start it up privately. I bet no takers. The city could use their homes as collateral for them to start it up. "
Myturn wrote on Aug 6, 2008 3:58 PM:
" Thanks Melon Head- I do have to jump in the shower, take off my dirty jeans, and get going. Might have to compete for a good place with the pro people for picketing. I am sure they will be chanting. Something like, 'Mark, Mark, he is our man, if anybody can turn a profit, Mark can!!!!' "
common-cents wrote on Aug 6, 2008 3:54 PM:
" I have never seen any government dept forcast revenues for anything accurately. Get ready taxpayers for another layer of bad government and wasted tax dollars. If another Ambulance service made great business sense we would have 2 services today. The board should have no right to ram this down our throats and risk our tax dollars.
Vote no !!! "
Melon Head wrote on Aug 6, 2008 3:48 PM:
" Hurry and get your signs together nestor, the show is about to begin and you want a good seat. Be sure and comb your hair before you are interviewed by the hoards of media scheduled to be on hand.
P.S. bring rain gear just in case. "
dfib wrote on Aug 6, 2008 3:42 PM:
" "Right now we have absolutely not say in the operation of Tri-State Ambulance," Cleveland said.
Since when did the fire department begin dictating operational policy to a private business outside of their role of fire prevention?
Read the between the lines and all you get is "Monarchy" "
Myturn wrote on Aug 6, 2008 3:35 PM:
" Sorry. it should have read, 'not read a contract or set of plans...' "
Myturn wrote on Aug 6, 2008 3:33 PM:
" oldglorydays- Do I think approving the exterior of a $20 plus million structure with tens of millions of taxpayer money coupled to it after it is already up is "abusrd"? Yes. Do I think that approving the project in the first place by a majority of this same Council (minus Jon Olson) when they had read a contract or set of Plans is "absurd"? Yes. Do I think that a road to nowhere by pushed by Kirch/Johnsrud for a favored NSD costing us $100k to sidestep State Statutes to take a sign down with an open end contract is "absurd"? Yes. Do I think Doyle's stating the "City is putting some numbers together" is "absurd"? LOL, Yes. Not "all government functions", just most of them presently. "
oldglorydays wrote on Aug 6, 2008 3:18 PM:
" By your reasoning Nestor, we should privatize all government functions. That's patently absurd. "
just the facts wrote on Aug 6, 2008 3:04 PM:
" I became suspicious when slippery and slipperyer from the county became involved! Johnsrud has already tunned the MTU over to the county, with city taxpayers paying ALL of the expenses. Now Doyle and his cronies will tell us what is fair? The only fragmenting that was done, was done by you, Mr. Doyle! LAX desperately needs a new firehouse on the far southside, and urgent updating at several others, not to mention needed new equipment. that's where money should be spent, not fixing something that is not broken! "
fortsa123 wrote on Aug 6, 2008 3:01 PM:
" anon, you knob job. Now they can bill the patient $500-$600 and still recieve taxes from the ones that don't need the service. Before this Fire did not charge for first responding to calls. Now they are truely double dipping. "
Myturn wrote on Aug 6, 2008 2:51 PM:
" anon- In fact your statement is downright silly. "why not have the transport money go back into the city instead of tristat?" Like many funds/facility improvement funds/etc that have been thrown into coffers, and the Capital Budget Fund that have now been 'blended' in with other monies, and they have no accounting itemization or idea of? "
Myturn wrote on Aug 6, 2008 2:46 PM:
" Do I think this elected Representatives should help hired management stay up to speed on what we already have on ur plates and present mandated contracts? Do I think that these people should ignore the temptation or awry feelings to be inovative for no reason, and continually almost search for new projects to involve us and our money in? Do I many times think that these elected officals and leaders would better serve us by folding their hands in their lap and doing nothing after completing their presently assigned tasks, 'for a change'? Yes! "
anon wrote on Aug 6, 2008 2:41 PM:
" fortsa123- Double dip? The city already goes to the calls with tax money. Why not transport and get paid to offset some wages, benefits etc.... You are paying the same no matter what- why not have the transport money go back into the city instead of tristate? "
Myturn wrote on Aug 6, 2008 2:39 PM:
" "make up your mind"? You and I have a difference of opinion. The City has no business entering the Ambulance business in any degree, form, or fashion. Just as I beleive they have no business in the land development business. After all you could not say they are in the 'job stimulus' business, unless you would like to cite something specific? I drove by Bridgeview, Crossroads, Shelby, downtown, the Mall, among other places recently. They all have empty storefronts. That is usually called a glut, poor economy, or both. What are they going to do when they run out of waterfront and high volume frontage? Who is going to pay for their mismanagement, measurable higher pay/benefits, and start up cash infusion in the ambulance business? As if the are even 'capable' of an accurate departmental P&L Statement? LOL "
Myturn wrote on Aug 6, 2008 2:30 PM:
" oldglorydays- When I receive many calls, when I see nobody in the Council seat, when I see no vote representing us, when I put the time in and work. But most of all, when I "proclaim it", and people like you sit mute! "
oldglorydays wrote on Aug 6, 2008 2:23 PM:
" I am as skeptical about this or any proposal too; however I prefer to get all the facts before I make up my mind. "
Myturn wrote on Aug 6, 2008 2:21 PM:
" Here is a bet I am willing to make with my time and money, along with many other far better people placed amongst us.
'That the Mayor has a 'majority' of Council votes already waiting to pass his agreement and intent into the City Ambulance business/The majority of the taxpayers in Lacrosse do not want any part of this City proposed business'. Time will tell. "
oldglorydays wrote on Aug 6, 2008 2:17 PM:
" Nestor proclaims he represents "the voice of the 2nd City Council District!" Really? When was the election Craig? "
Myturn wrote on Aug 6, 2008 2:01 PM:
" BTW, I do represent the voice of the 2nd City Council District! I'll be there Northsiders. By the way, How is that 'ecomonic stimulus' been going at your house? "
Myturn wrote on Aug 6, 2008 1:59 PM:
" Sorry, not specific when I spoke of tallying statistics on Meetings. Ex: Redevelopment Authority, Park and Rec, Planning, other Committee Meetings, and Side-room Council Meetings. "Holding closed door meetings is not good government"-Johnsrud 3/23/05. I guess we will have to find out just how much has not been "good government." Right, Mr. Mayor? "
Myturn wrote on Aug 6, 2008 1:54 PM:
" Tonight will be interesting, and it will likely become even more so in our future. Some of us will be at Cartwright tonight starting at 5:00 picketing closed door meetings. I also inquired of Clerk Lerke today in regard to returning soon , and gathering total numbers of meetings recently, and how many and what percentage of them went into closed door?
Then I will spend money to distribute that statistic to our fellow taxpayers in various local media outlets. CRG Attorney Grenison has already filed against these 'Tri_state' closed door meetings using Milton WI closed door meetings as example and legal precedent which were ruled illegal by the WI Appeals Court. "
Bill O'reilly wrote on Aug 6, 2008 1:46 PM:
" I have one word for you SkidMark: REFERENDUM "
Myturn wrote on Aug 6, 2008 1:43 PM:
" If there is any business introduced at County or City into the Ambulance business at all we will-
-File for this business to go to referendum.
I have ignored request to start or jump on a recall etc. to date. Although if a foray into the Ambulance business is attempted we will gather signatures for referendum. I stopped down to the City Clerk Lerke's office today and pulled the necessary info, and filing papers to do so. We need-
-2950 legal signatures.
-we have 90 days to do so after filing.
-we have to wait 'until' something is introduced at City or County or both requesting infusion into this business.
In the meantime we need to gather people that would like to help in this endeavor.
You may personal mail me on the WIZM Forum site (lefse). "
fortsa123 wrote on Aug 6, 2008 1:42 PM:
" "you can have a paramedic frist response with out an ambulance." That is interesting. So is the City sending ALS paramedic on scene in heavy rescue and then when the city paramedics on scene request that an ambulance is needed will they then contact dispatch for the closest ambulance. The old saying "time is tissue." No sense "
Myturn wrote on Aug 6, 2008 1:40 PM:
" Here we are again. The day of a public meeting, and once more the needed information is dropped on the voting members desks. Figuratively speaking of course. So the media and taxpayers are left with reading as fast as they can in the next few hours to consume and digest the agreement, direction, or program? This is a road traveled much to often with in our City. Meanwhile, I am aware the Agreement has made a long awaited debut at local media offices, but tell me where the average citizen could peruse this information? The most logical place would be on either IT Web site at County or City. "
Darwin wrote on Aug 6, 2008 1:38 PM:
" "Currently first responders are first on the scene, he said, but can't perform potential life-saving procedures."
This is a misguided statement. There are many things a first responder can do to save a life (extrication, CPR, Epi pen, etc.)... there are many life-saving things paramedics can't do (like brain surgery).
If the new service will only "feed off the new growth" of the city, all that growth must be planned for the area closest to the firehouse (if dispatch will be sending the "closest" bus).
Where is the meeting tonight? "
fortsa123 wrote on Aug 6, 2008 1:32 PM:
" Paramedics have to take numerous hours of hospital based and ambulance based clinicals. So who does the Fire Department think will do all the ambulance based clinicals?? Tri State??? So if the FD needs to travel out of town for clinicals, who will pay for travel and food expenses, time. YOU THE TAX PAYERS!!! "
Darwin wrote on Aug 6, 2008 1:31 PM:
" Tri-State stages ambulances strategically throughout the area so they are ready to get into action. The city will have one ambulance.
There is a vast difference in training a first responder vs. a paramedic.If the city isn't in it to win it, they're spending an awful lot of money to simply run one truck.
The article states that county dispatch will tell the customer which truck they get. That's odd.
Cleveland stated, "Right now we have absolutely no say in the operation of Tri-State Ambulance."
That says a lot, sir.
Tribune: How about an interview with Chief Dominick here in Onalaska? "
Bill O'reilly wrote on Aug 6, 2008 1:30 PM:
" If its free of charge im gonna call the 911 and ask for a city ambulance ride to the hospital next time I have an foot doctor appointment to save on my car gas bill. If I have a real medical emergency I am calling 911 and request Tri-State so my family member lives. "
fortsa123 wrote on Aug 6, 2008 1:22 PM:
" If you pay taxes this service then should be proveded free of charge. How can the city double dip?? "
Bill O'reilly wrote on Aug 6, 2008 1:22 PM:
" The Cleveland Steamer said..."Costs for new equipment and training paramedics would be recovered within five years" How many million are we paying upfront to fix a system that isnt broken??? "
Sully wrote on Aug 6, 2008 1:21 PM:
" I will bet that once the city ambulance is up and running it's cost will be twice that of a Tri State unit and it will never ever be profitable to the city. Just another taxpayer funded folly. Don't fix what ain't broke. You know what as long as we are spending money we don't have on things that will be a constant drain on tax dollars why don't we build a light rail system like the cities. Then we can pay $3 or $4 every time someone rides it. But man will it be shiny. "
fortsa123 wrote on Aug 6, 2008 1:19 PM:
" If the county is going to take over and send the closest unit are they now going to dispatch for Tri State?? Gundersen dispatch provides EMD "pre arrival instruction" free to the county. Is Lacrosse going to offer this service as well free of charge. "
Bill O'reilly wrote on Aug 6, 2008 1:18 PM:
" When is the referendum on this SkidMark? Or are you going to ram this down your citizens throats like everything else you and the Clowncil do? You work for the people and are speneding OUR money. Youre not fooling anyone with the slow multiyear takeover of EMS services in La Crosse. How much are used ambulances worth when the city tries to sell them in after flunking out in 2011. "
Bill O'reilly wrote on Aug 6, 2008 1:11 PM:
" Will La Crosse FD tell me when the billing meter is running. When is the FD service covered by my taxes and when does it become a 500.00 billable bandaid. Your best bet is ask for Tri-State and tell the FD to keeps their dirty greedy untrained mits off of you. "
fortsa123 wrote on Aug 6, 2008 1:10 PM:
" We waited all this time for this!!!! Matt it will be time to have an ambulance stage at 5th and Market so Tri State Ambulance will be the first on scene. This is the dumbest crap that I have ever heard. "
bearcat25 wrote on Aug 6, 2008 1:08 PM:
" so what this proposal is saying is the FD wants ALS first response, which was one of my thoughts all along. This seems good in theory HOWEVER what you get into is two agencies fighting over who is in "charge" and the first responders performing treatments that aren't acceptable to the transporting crew and dumping the patient on them. ALS First response has been proven to worsen morale and patient outcomes time and time again. Omaha, NE is a case in point. Highest number of paramedics to resond to a call in the US, lowest cardiac arrest survival rate. "
Bill O'reilly wrote on Aug 6, 2008 1:04 PM:
" Public hearing on ambulance plan today....Thats code for...Shut your mouth and pay your overinflated La Crosse property taxes. "
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