Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By TOM LAVENTURE
Bessemer — The work to provide faster response for ambulance service in the remote areas of Watersmeet Township area has slowed, according to information provided to the Gogebic County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday.
The minutes from the Ambulance Committee noted a contract with an ambulance service in Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin, continues to be on hold after the Gogebic Iron Medical Control Authority indicated issues, including the company is not licensed in Michigan.
James Lorenson, commission chair and ambulance committee member, stated in the minutes that a meeting of the authority with Beacon Ambulance Service, Watersmeet Township, Watersmeet Fire Department, the Lac Vieux Desert tribe and other stakeholders worked to explore possibilities to better serve the area. Beacon Ambulance indicated in the meeting that it may be possible to provide an ambulance and staff in the Watersmeet area, according to the minutes.
The most recent millage increase has made it possible for Beacon Ambulance to purchase three new vehicles, four lifepak monitors and four intraveneous pumps, according to the minutes.
In a related agenda item from the Ambulance Committee the recommendation for the hire of an emergency medical services coordinator was not discussed or considered as the job description has not been completed, according to Lorenson.
The position was recommended by Gogebic County Sheriff Pete Matonich, who according to Ambulance Committee meeting minutes, said that a coordinator, either contracted or existing county staff, could serve as the lead for coordinating meetings, meeting with municipalities, researching ambulance issues and collecting data. He suggested the salary come from millage funds for a position requiring approximately 16 hours per week.
The board approved a request from Heidi DeRosso, county emergency management and 911 coordinator, regarding a resolution for 911 fee diversion. DeRosso said the resolution supports a joint comment from all 15 Upper Peninsula counties’ members of the U.P. 911 Authority in opposition to proposed rules of the Federal Communications Commission that would eliminate the utilization of 911 funds for radio infrastructure, mobile radios, portable radios, pagers, AVL systems, towers and other emergency infrastructure that would need to be funded from other sources.
The commission received correspondence from the Community Mental Health Authority Board in Wakefield, regarding its intent to amend bylaws at its April 20 annual meeting of the Nominating and Bylaws Committee. The changes include meetings protocols, definitions, quorum and voting requirements for in person and remote attendance, and committee membership limits.
The board approved a Community Mental Health Authority recommendation to reappoint Carrie Braspenick, Stephen Thomas, Patricia Crabtree and Joe Bonovetz to three-year terms effective April 1.
Commissioner Bob Orlich said that he wanted to inform the board about a call from a Wakefield resident regarding the COVID-19 vaccinations that are being conducted by the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department. The caller was upset that the vaccination events at the Ironwood Memorial Building are being supported by uniformed members of the Ironwood Public Safety Department.
Orlich said the caller was abusive in tone and language and wanted the other commissioners to be aware in the event they receive similar calls. Andrew DiGiorgio, director of Ironwood Public Safety Department, said after the meeting that the department is supporting the understaffed health department by providing support that includes observing individuals for 15 minutes after receiving their shots to ensure they do not have a reaction.
“This frees up the nurses to do the vaccinations and other work,” DiGiorgio said. “The officers are on duty and so must be in uniform in the event they must leave to respond to a call.”
In other business, the board approved:
—Requesting a union draft agreement authorizing a pay increase for the accounts processor in the clerk’s office for up to $1 per hour and authorize agreement to be signed.
—A standardized process for filling vacancies on agencies and organizations where the commission has appointing authority and where commissioners may serve.
—Receiving correspondence from the Michigan Department of the Treasury, regarding the county’s designated assessor application, noting that more information on experience in local unit assessing and roll correction was needed for a recommendation.
—Receiving confirmation of receipt of a resolution sent to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office, regarding concern over COVID-19 vaccination distribution.
