The recent sudden death of Ray Minner at a large event in Collegedale has prompted city officials to review whether an ambulance should be on hand at such events.

That was one of several concerns expressed by Collegedale Commissioner Katie Lamb at a meeting Monday. She told family commissioners that with a gathering as large as the one Collegedale hosted July 3 for a concert and fireworks display, the city should consider having an ambulance parked at the location of an event in case of an emergency.

 The collapse and tragic death of Mr. Minner that evening at Memorial Park before the fireworks began brought about her awareness for the need of emergency preparedness.

 

Police Chief Brian Hickman addressed her concern, saying that there is always a fire truck with an EMT team at such events. He told the commissioners that a defibrillator had been used on Mr. Minner along with drugs before EMS arrived. He said the first responders had been there in 20-30 seconds. He went on to say that call was a worst case scenario because the EMS supervisor had received many calls during the same period of time, so that the closest ambulance that could respond came from Birchwood and took about 25 minutes to arrive.  

 

Mayor John Turner told Commissioner Lamb that the public works staff had already met to determine what can be done better in the future. He and City Attorney Sam Elliott agreed with her that it would be prudent to have emergence services in place. The discussion will be continued at the next commission work shop when all commissioners will be present, said the mayor.

 

“Do you have to have a license to sell food, in front of your house?” asked Commissioner Lamb.  This past Sunday afternoon, she observed people on University Drive with an electric skillet selling burritos and tacos. This took place in front of some apartments, but on the public sidewalk which is a city right-of-way. This matter, also, will require further discussion at a later date.

 

On behalf of a citizen who could not be at the meeting, Commissioner Lamb raised her third inquiry of the evening. There had been three attempts to contact members of the commission to address concerns about traffic on Bill Reed Road at the entrance to Chestnut Cove subdivision. Until now, the effort to communicate had received no response from any commissioner. The entrance to the neighborhood is at a blind curve in the road and poses a danger when crossing traffic to enter. It may be possible to remedy the problem by cutting some trees to improve visibility, said Commissioner Lamb. The matter will be looked into and a reply will be given.

Collegedale has ended the fiscal year with revenues of $8,282,693 which is seven percent over the budgeted amount. Expenditures of $6,980,986 came in at eight percent under budget, Michelle Vincent, finance manager for the city, said.

 

She also presented the June financial report which she said, showed nothing surprising. The city’s bank account has an amount of $296,390, the investment account has a balance of $3,744,589, the contingency account has $1,500,302 and the capital outlay account holds $150,192.

 

 

The month of June ended with total revenues of $416,200. She said $212,900 has been received from property and sales tax, $121,200 from business, beer and fuel taxes and $82,100 from miscellaneous income.