The longest motion that never was approved

Posted 4/11/01

The longest motion that never was approved

By MaryHelen Swanson

At the April 4 Chisago County Board meeting, the commissioners debated over supporting the legislation being proposed by Rep. Loren Jennings regarding a fee schedule for emergency medical services in Chisago County (ambulance).

In one of the most bizarre actions, the issue was moved upon, withdrawn, moved upon again, and finally ended with no action by the commissioners.
Commissioner Tom Delaney first moved to oppose HF 418 as proposed by Jennings saying it was nothing but a non-funded mandate.

There was no second.

A second time he tried, moving this time to oppose it in its present form and Commissioner Ben Montzka gave it a second.

Then, after discussion, Delaney withdrew the motion.

During that discussion, County Administrator Jim Thoreen asked the board if they really wanted to use public money to fund an ambulance service. He also reminded them that Jennings would pursue this, ìno matter what.î

The commissioners were sympathetic with the issues in the Rush City area but were not happy with the bill as written.

Significant discussion ensued. Commissioner Mike Robinson said Jennings would go with the bill as written unless the county board came up with a better plan.

Commissioner Ben Montzka said he didnít want to send the message to county residents that the board was not supportive of their issues.
Then, Commissioner Robinson moved to support Jenningís bill as written. With no second, his motion failed.

Suddenly, Commissioner Montzka called the question on Delaneyís former motion, saying he never agreed to the withdrawal as maker of the second.

After checking with Robertís Rule, it was decided that Montzkaís issue was out of order.

There was no final action on the Jenningís bill.
The essence of Jenningís bill is that Lakes Region Emergency Medical Services may charge and collect through the county with county property taxes, an annual service charge of $5 per unit for properties in the primary service area within Chisago County and $2.50 per unit for properties in the secondary service area in the county according to a set schedule. (Similar to the solid waste management fee.)

In that schedule, a residential property for up to three living units would be one unit, as would agricultural property with one dwelling.
Mobile homes would be one unit, as would commercial properties up to $100,000 in value. From there on, commercial properties would increase in unit size up to 12 units for commercial property valued over $600,000.

As proposed, the county would retain up to one percent of the fees collected each year for administration costs.

The fee schedule is proposed for a three-year period after which it would expire.

The commissioners did approve a resolution requesting the U. S. Congress to restore adequate medicare reimbursement for ambulance providers ìto protect the health and safety of Chisago County and all Minnesota residents.î