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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION— SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 7 <br /> Dr. Lick stated the physicians group that he is a part of has this discussion regularly with the <br /> i hospital partners and it's really a value proposition. He stated it is a three-legged stool; cost, <br /> quality, and speed. He said we can get there very quickly and provide a quality response, but <br /> there's a cost to that. He stated that you can have a lower quality provider, but is that what you <br /> want? To save costs you could cut down on the response times and the number of people coming, <br /> but then you're potentially degrading the quality of medical care. He stated his philosophy has <br /> been, if you're going to do something, do it well. <br /> Councilmember Tamble stated that cost is an issue because public safety is the biggest increase <br /> in the City's 2012 budget amounting to a total increase of$58,000. He asked if Dr. Lick had any <br /> suggestions to reduce costs. <br /> Dr. Lick responded that the more pointed question would be whether or not you can decrease cost <br /> without decreasing the quality of care. <br /> Brian LaCroix commented that AMT receives no tax subsidies; all their revenue comes from the <br /> patients. He added that they have seen a reduction in the number of calls possibly due to the <br /> economy. <br /> Councilmember Werner asked if the patient is charged for the response of all three <br /> organizations. <br /> Dr. Lick explained that the patient is only charged for the ambulance service and then only if they <br /> are actually transported. <br /> Kevin Miller commented that the patient has no knowledge of events during the medical crisis <br /> and it's extremely anxious for family members during such a crisis if there's no one there to help. <br /> So the sooner help arrives, the better for the patient and the family. Also, having police on site <br /> helps to ensure the area the paramedics are entering is safe. He explained there are assaults on <br /> their staff every week by patients and others. He cautioned the Council to not only consider the <br /> quality of care,but also consider the system which is working well. <br /> Mayor Grant thanked the attendees from Allina Medical Transportation, Ramsey County Sheriff, <br /> and the Lake Johanna Fire Department for attending the meeting. <br /> Mayor Grant recessed the meeting at 6:30 p.m. for a short break. <br /> Mayor Grant resumed the meeting at 6:37 p.m. <br /> B. US 10/Highway 96 Interchange Improvements—Municipal Consent <br /> Public Works Director Terry Maurer stated that at the April 25, 2011 Work Session, <br /> representatives of Ramsey County presented and discussed the proposed US 10/Highway 96 grade <br /> separation project. Since the proposed project alters access, it does require Municipal Consent <br /> from the City. The required public hearing was held on July 11, 2011 and, according to the <br /> Municipal Consent process, the City has 90 days from the public hearing to take action to <br />