ORIGINALLY WRITTEN CYNTHIA GOERZEN
Darryl Thiesen, Marion County Emergency Medical Services director, attended the Dec. 17 Goessel City Council meeting to explain EMT-I certification.
Thiesen said that in addition to the skills certified for EMT work, an EMT-I can also administer medications according to EMS protocols, administer albuterol treatments, intubate patients and start intravenous therapy.
Thiesen said Hutchinson Community College is offering an EMT-I evening class on Mondays and Wednesdays from March 30 through June 30, with the test date on July 10. The cost is $61 per credit hour for eight credit hours, a total of $488.
Thiesen said Marion County EMS is willing to pay $26 per credit hour, which would leave $35 per credit hour plus the cost of books, $150. Therefore, individuals would be responsible for $430.
The council approved a moiton member Jim Wiens to offer a scholarship to reimburse EMT-I students from Goessel upon completion of the course and a passing grade on the exam.
City Clerk Anita Goertzen asked if this would bring Goessel closer to ambulance service. Thiesen said it would help, but Goessel still would need an EMT available during the day and one first responder on call at all times.
The council approved the year-end purchase of a 2004 Ford F250 4X4 V8 diesel white pickup for $25,863. One-fourth of the cost will come from the sewer fund, one-fourth from water, and the other half will be a lease-purchase with money coming from the general fund. The city plans to keep the old pickup for a while because it has a snow plow.
The council also voted to purchase two portable generators, two air compressors, and a pressure washer for equipment from Titan Industrial of Big Spring, Texas.
The council approved the financial statements of $20,194.59. Included in that amount was a $755.93 check to Comp USA for a new office printer, $784.50 to Concrete Accessories for a culvert that was installed to fill in a ditch. A lap-top computer was purchased for $1,099 with grant money for the police department, as well as a digital camera for $639.94 with police grant money.
In his monthly report, Policeman Joe Base said Goessel police drove 428 miles, issued two notices to appear and three warnings for speed. One notice to appear was issued and one warning for improper parking. Two warnings for driving with only one head- light were issued. The police department investigated one criminal-damage-to-property case and assisted the sheriff’s department with one injury accident.
The council reviewed the engineering agreement with Schwab-Eaton for wastewater work. The agreement allows the engineer to begin drawing up plans for an improved wastewater plant. The council is considering a revolving loan from the state for the project.
Engineer Chris Cox had attended the November council meeting and explained at that time that the current wastewater treatment system is in good condition but has been unable to consistently meet the effluent water quality requirements. The city has outgrown the capacity of the facility.
In other business, the council:
n voted to pay for a booth at the Kansas Sampler Festival, which will be the first weekend in May. The booth will promote Threshing Days. The museum will also have a booth.
n was told the city building custodian position is open. Sealed bids will be accepted.
n noted that one more person is still needed for the Goessel Housing authority Board.
n voted to increase all employee wages and salaries by 3 percent.
n tabled a discussion with Bethesda Home about property tax or payment in place of tax.
n tabled a discussion on a flood insurance ordinance.
