“The River Falls Emergency Medical Services Department is officially recognized as the emergency medical services department of the city, and the duties of emergency medical services in the city are delegated to such department,” City ordinance 2.20.010 (A) pertaining to Administration reads in the city code. Not for much longer though.

Meeting in regular session October 27, the River Falls Common Council went over the first reading of Ordinance 2020-11, to be used as the instrument to repeal two city ordinances dealing with the EMS service and corresponding Advisory Board. The shift in service provider to Allina is set to take effect January 1, 2021.

“Ok,” Mayor Dan Toland said to silence regarding questions on a floodplain ordinance set for a second reading November 10, before going to Council. “Next one is Ordinance 2020-11. This is an ordinance repealing Ordinance Chapter 2.20, of the Emergency Services Department and chapter 2.52, Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board,” he went on. “And this is a first reading.” The ordinance is set for a second reading on November 10, alongside the floodplain ordinance. “Are there any questions from the council on this one?” Toland asked.

“No,” Todd Bjerstedt said. Following upon the preparation to a shift in EMS service provider, was an ordinance “appropriating the necessary funds for the operation of the government and administration of the city of River Falls for the year 2021,” set to cost $40,648,605, with 17 percent to be funded by general property taxes and a levy of over $6 million. With no questions being raised, city administrator Scot Simpson had a comment to add.

“Mr. Mayor, just a point of information for the public,” he said. Both video and a full link to the budget were available on the city website. Simpson was happy to take public inquiries on the budget, along with city finance director Sarah Karlsson. With that it was on to review of reports and resolutions, including one on face coverings.

“Jason, did you have anything to say on this?” the Mayor asked the assistant city administrator.

“Nothing planned,” Assistant City Administrator Jason Stroud said. “We have copies of the reports and are certainly ready to take any questions you might have.”

“Any questions from the council on this?” Toland shifted his audience.

“Basically nothing is changing, as of right now” Bjerstedt said, being confirmed in this by assistant city administrator Jason Stroud.

“I think in terms of our actions as a city, no,” Stroud said. Prior to the three ordinances plus review, however, things went mostly routine.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, a motion was made by Todd Bjerstedt and seconded by Hal Watson to approve the bills in the amount of $905,360.39, “subject to the comptrollers review.” With that it was on to ordinary business.