Village Board discusses ambulance service, bids and roads

MILLBROOK— Problems with ambulance service have been mentioned at several recent Village Board meetings. 

It came to the attention of the mayor that a resident, having fallen at his home, was reportedly left for more than 30 minutes while awaiting an ambulance to transport him to the hospital. His neighbor, Kevin McCraken, attended last week’s board meeting to discuss the problem.

Mayor Rodney Brown said he would very much like to have 24/7 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) coverage for the village.

However, Millbrook rescue crews and firefighters are mostly volunteer. There is paid coverage for the area. Many municipalities in the area use Northern Dutchess Paramedics (NDP), but for a cost. 

Brown has said that the board is working on ways to save money, and work on the village budget in hopes of being able to provide full-time paid Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to its residents. He praised the good work of volunteers, but said volunteers have their own jobs and often struggle to get to the scene of an emergency when they’re away at work or on their commute to or from home. 

It was also said that some people in the village use the ambulance service as a bus service to get to the hospital or doctor for non-emergency problems. Green Briar Adult Home has been criticized for using emergency services for non life-threatening calls.

The subject will continue to be discussed by the board, and with the fire department and rescue squad.

In other business, bids for the Water Tank Rehabilitation were discussed, with a low bid of $427,350 from Worldwide Industries. Three other bids were received: Atlas Painting and Sheeting for $585,000; Rover Contracting for $536,500; and Amstar of Western New York, Inc., for $594,500.

 A letter from Delaware Engineering stated that the lowest bidder meets the proper board requirements and is a qualified contractor. Delaware recommended that the board award the bid to Worldwide, which was done.

Village Highway Supervisor Bob Collacolla reported a major road repair is necessary on Church Street near Manzi Drive.

Collacola also reported that various reports have been submitted at Village Hall, regarding removed downed trees, repaired and newly installed catch basins  and other repairs made and maintenance done throughout the village.

The tennis courts were again mentioned. The courts were converted into a play area; there is now hope that the village will be able to  make use of the courts. There are many possibilities, and the discussion is ongoing.

Maps were also discussed. It seems there are many maps, and they all differ to a degree. In some, changes may not have been recorded or were not properly recorded. The board agreed the errors need to be rectified.

Police Officer Jared Witt reported for the month of August there were 60 calls for service, including traffic tickets, parking tickets,  auto accidents with property damage and one hit-and-run.

The Millbrook Police Department assisted other police agencies and the fire department twice each and assisted EMS in the village nine times and in the town six times. 

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall.

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