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<br />City Council Study Session -10/16/06 <br />Minutes - Page 6 <br /> <br />Election Reform <br />Mr. Miller reviewed a memorandum dated September 19, 2006, <br />from Elections Coordinator Carolyn Curti regarding possible <br />legislative concerns, including allowing voters to cast a ballot in <br />person during the eight days prior to an election; allowing <br />counties, municipalities and school districts to appoint election <br />judges to serve without major party affiliation; and amending the <br />assistive voting technology appropriations law to authorize state <br />funds to be used to pay the salary of a judge assigned to assist <br />voters using the new voting equipment. Ramsey County <br />proposals were laid out, along with benefits, fiscal impacts, and <br />proposed language. Mr. Miller sought Council direction. <br /> <br />Discussion included the limited number of hours and staff time <br />available for priority and focus; and department-wide monitoring <br />so as not to burden staff. <br /> <br />Staff was directed to continue monitoring Ramsey County <br />legislation as identified; and request City Council resolutions of <br />support as they became appropriate and apparent, depending on <br />how the legislation goes forward. <br /> <br />Special Legislation to Change Medical Transport Districts <br />Mr. Miller noted that Councilmember Kough had requested <br />discussion of whether the City should consider special legislation <br />to change the medical transport districts for the City to gain <br />authority to transport medical calls in Roseville; which <br />Councilmember Kough supports. <br /> <br />Councilmember Maschka cautioned the many issues this would <br />create, with the addition of equipment, minimum of two <br />ambulances; Medicare reimbursement issues; and staffing issues <br />and costs. Councilmember Maschka opined that the only <br />apparent life-threatening issue related to response times was <br />heart attack victims, and with the defibrillators in Police squad <br />cars, their response time was very positive. Councilmember <br />Maschka noted that, in a perfect world, an ambulance on every <br />block was ideal, however, while transportation was important, it <br />wasn't critical and current Allina response times had not reached <br />a critical state. Councilmember Maschka further opined that the <br />City would be committing to a huge, full-time Fire Department, <br />