Council approves pest-control contract and clears ambulance items including small write-off and grant application

The Freeman council approved several operations and emergency-services items during the meeting: hiring an annual pest-control contractor for the community center, writing off a small uncollectible ambulance balance, and authorizing a staff member to apply for a Homeland Security grant to purchase or upgrade ambulance radio equipment.

Committee members raised reports of mice at the community center and discussed door sweeps and other remedies. Council members voted to hire Plunkett’s for ongoing pest control at $840 per year; the contract is intended to cover mice and related remediation across city buildings.

On ambulance finances, the council approved a motion to write off $1,693.98 in ambulance charges after staff reported one account with no assets and another that was discharged in bankruptcy. The council recorded the write-off by roll call.

Council also authorized Lisa (city staff) to apply for a Homeland Security grant to fund an updated ambulance radio; members said there was ‘‘nothing to lose’’ in applying and seconded the motion. The council approved the authorization.

Separately, the council announced the Sims training trailer — a computerized mannequin system used for emergency medical training — will be in Freeman on Jan. 13 for local training exercises. Council members said CPR and other sessions will be scheduled after the holidays.

Council directed staff to proceed with the pest-control contract and to complete grant application paperwork as appropriate. The write-off was recorded as an administrative action to clear uncollectible ambulance accounts.