Date:  December 9, 2004
Time:  7:30 pm
Place:  Wilton Town Office
Present: Wilton Selectmen:   Jerry GreeneChair., Robert MacFarland and Daniel Donovan, III
Temple Selectmen: Tedd Petro, Charlene Eddy and Sherry Fiske
Lyndeborough Selectmen  Frank Holden, Lorraine Strube and Dwight Sowerby

Chairman Greene opened the meeting by thanking the towns for getting together and that the purpose of the meeting was to have the three towns initiate a dialog to try to discern what is fact and what is fiction concerning the Ambulance.  He stated that one of Wilton’s concerns was about using three different dispatching centers and the reasoning for the application for another radio frequency.   The question of why another frequency is needed has not been answered to the Wilton Board representative, Bob MacFarland, at the Ambulance Board meetings.  Does the Ambulance want to leave MACC Base?

Discussion then ensued as to how Lyndeborough and Temple use KMA with different frequencies.  Mr. Sowerby stated that when a call is made to 911, KMA calls the ambulance and then informs MACC Base.  He then stated that there is nothing in the MACC Base contract that would allow service to Lyndeborough if they are not a member of the center.  Mr. Sowerby stated that Lyndeborough would not be interested in using MACC Base because why should they pay a high fee for poor service.  Discussion then centered around the pros and cons of using different dispatch centers for other towns.

Lorraine Strube of Lyndeborough stated that if Greenfield became part of the ambulance, the 3 towns would be together under one frequency and that KMA would have a site in the town of Lyndeborough that would have an antenna.  With this common frequency, the towns would then all hear each other.

The issue of Greenfield becoming a part of the ambulance was discussed.  It was stated that they have not made a decision yet but that the proposed budget would reflect a savings to the existing member towns if Greenfield did indeed make the decision to join.  Discussion then was heard about the affect this would have on the budget.  Sherry Fiske stated that it was her understanding that the budget would only increase $5,000 with the addition of Greenfield.  Each town gave their opinions as to how the budget would be affected by the increase in calls and the cost of running the ambulances.

The question was asked by Ms. Fiske if the Town of Wilton owns the ambulances.  After individuals stated their understanding of ownership, Mr. Greene stated that he would consult with the Town’s Attorney to clarify ownership.  He will also ask how and why the town owns them.
Discussion then centered around the cost of dispatch services between, KMA, County and MACC Base.  Sowerby stated that Lyndeborough’s cost for KMA and County would be $15,000 compared to $60,000 for MACC Base.

Lorraine Strube asked if Wilton had actually contacted Rockingham for a quote for using their services.  Mr. Greene stated that we had not.  The Wilton Board had asked that alternative services be looked into for comparison of operations.

The subject of how calls are handled was then brought up again.  Mr. Sowerby stated his understanding as outlined previosuly, but was subsuqently corrected by Carol McIntee.

Carol McIntee, Director of the Ambulance, clarified that all 911 calls go to Concord, then go to appropriate dispatch center, KMA or MACC Base.  Then calls in Temple or Lyndeborough will be referred to MACC Base for dispatch.

Mr. Sowerby stated that he did not understand the dispatching as explained by Carol and asked that he and Carol have a discussion outside the meeting.

After it was evident that no decisions were to be made and that there would be follow-up on questions raised, Mr. MacFarland made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Petro, with all in favor.

Respectfully submitted;

Margaret S. Arn
Administrative Assistant
Wilton Board of Selectmen