Fitrona EMS Commission Regular Meeting - April 16, 2026

The Fitrona EMS Commission convened on April 16, 2026. Commissioners present included Alison Kirk, Daniel Schultz, Devin Anders, Jake Lepper, David Lonstorff, Patrick Anderson, James Roberts, and Steven Fusco. The meeting addressed routine approvals, the Chief's report on staffing and operations, a policy update on controlled substances, an in-depth discussion on a proposed MOU for permanent part-time positions, and approval to forward the 2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) budget request to the member municipalities.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The previous meeting's minutes were approved unanimously.
• Checklist Approval: The monthly operational checklist was approved without any objections.
• Committee Assignments: Commissioners volunteered for subcommittees. The Personnel committee will consist of Schultz, Lepper, and Roberts. The Finance committee will consist of Kirk, Fusco, and Lonstorff. Chief Anderson will assign himself later.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public were present, so no public comments were received.

Discussion Items

• Chief's Report: Chief Anderson reported current year-to-date call volume is down to about 2.8%, characterizing this as a normalization following double-digit increases in early 2025. Staffing is in transition with four new hires to replace two retirements and two other departures, including a 15-year veteran. The external audit from Johnson Block is complete. A commissioner noted the runs summary report generated a discrepancy where percentages did not sum to 100. Chief Anderson will correct the data for the next report.
• Policy Update: Controlled Substances: An update to the controlled substances policy was presented for approval to meet new DEA standards. Changes include central digital check-in for narcotics, protocols for locking ambulances, and updated disposal procedures. The policy was unanimously approved.
• Discussion on Permanent Part-Time Positions (MOU): Chief Anderson led a discussion on establishing permanent part-time positions (minimum 24 hours/week) to improve reliability of the peak-time truck. The proposed MOU with the union prorates benefits (e.g., 24 hours paid training, 96-hour sick time cap). Part-time employees would not be mandated for overtime. Health insurance would be offered with the district covering 44% of the premium. Funding would come from unassigned fund balance. Commissioners raised questions about minimum hours, consequences of absences, and wage scales. Chief Anderson will consult with the union on backfilling procedures. No vote was taken; the item is scheduled for a vote next month.
• Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Review: The commission reviewed the 2027 CIP request to replace an ambulance and its core equipment. The budget is set with a 3% annual escalation. The commission discussed long production timelines (36 months), lifecycle replacement schedules, and the cost of electric ambulances. The request was unanimously approved for submission to the municipalities.

Key Outcomes

• Controlled Substances Policy Approved: Unanimously approved.
• CIP Budget Forwarded: Unanimously approved to submit the 2027 Capital Improvement Plan request to the Fitchburg (64%), City of Verona (32%), and Town of Verona (4-5%) governing bodies.
• Part-Time Position MOU Deferred: The item was discussed thoroughly. Chief Anderson will refine the proposal and seek union clarification on backfilling before a vote next month.
• EMS Week Proclamation: The commission noted EMS Week (week of May 17) and a Mayoral Proclamation scheduled for May 12.