<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1LFcLH_0wJg2B5w00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1LFcLH_0wJg2B5w00" width="800" height="684" ></figure>Following the handling of routine business, the Cole Camp City Council heard Cole Camp Ambulance Board member, Joyce Schlesselman, explain the critical need for passage of the increased sales tax on the November ballot. Ms. Schlesselman explained that over the past several years, the district has suffered from state and federal budget cutbacks for ambulance transport. Most notably, the reimbursement by Medicare for ambulance related services has been drastically reduced. Loss of businesses in the area has reduced sales tax income. Ever increasing inflation has required the district to be more creative in billing for services to provide consistent levels of quality service to the residents of the area.Schlesselman shared that if the measure fails in November the district will become a BLS (Basic Life Support) which will greatly reduce the lifesaving care currently provided. She concluded, “In certain circumstances, minutes make a difference.” She was accompanied to the meeting by Thomas Gage, another board member who passed out brochures explaining why area residents need to vote yes if they want to retain the full ALS services now provided.Under unfinished business the Council hired CFS Engineering for the SS4A grant. The subject of Public Works Building was tabled as the Public Works Director, Heath Roark, was not present as he was on vacation.Discussion was held concerning the need for security cameras at the city shed, sewer plant and more outside City Hall. Chief Canfield presented the figures he had received of $549.00 per camera installed. After tallying up the final cost the council asked Canfield to ask for a second bid since there was such a large number of security cameras needed.LAGERS came to the floor with Mayor Burdick explaining it is a state retirement program of which Cole Camp is a part. Mayor Burdick had researched what the city can do and what they cannot do and she gave two pages to the council to study. Presently the city pays one hundred percent for the full-time employees.Councilman Locke stated he no longer wants to do that. Council was advised by the city attorney of certain procedures and the matter was tabled to a November 6 meeting.Police Chief Canfield was questioned about the progress on nuisance tickets that have been issued. The chief said that following the standard letters being sent, with no responses, tickets have been issued and the persons have a court date in December.New business concerned the street tax is about to expire. Councilman Locke advised it is a source of revenue that the city needs. It was voted to be put on the April 2025 ballot. Also under new business, Nicole Brown Garret was appointed to a four year term for Planning &amp; Zoning. The terms begin in April so her tenure will actually be three and one-half years.The city clerk reported she had spoken with the auditor and the city’s audit is not ready. It should be completed by November.There was no report from Public Works due to Heath’s absence and the city attorney had no report. It was reported the lead test on the caulking around the old windows showed no lead so new window installation will begin.Police Chief Canfield reported that all his officers had passed their shooting tests and the officers would attend mandatory training at City Hall on October 24.Mayor Burdick reported a representative from Bright Speed addressed the city about providing broadband internet and phone service for the town. She concluded with the information that Roy Wagoner had completed the installation of a new heating and cooling system at the animal shelter. The council then went into closed session.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Cole Camp Ambulance District Speaks To City Council

Following the handling of routine business, the Cole Camp City Council heard Cole Camp Ambulance Board member, Joyce Schlesselman, explain the critical need for passage of the increased sales tax on the November ballot. Ms. Schlesselman explained that over the past several years, the district has suffered from state and...