For the past several months, the Sleepy Eye City Council meeting has been preceded by a 15 minute Open Forum time. Up to three people may come to the council chambers, just prior to 6:45, and sign up to speak for up to five minutes during this Open Forum on a topic they want the council to hear about. The council listens, but does not respond. The opportunity has been used on only a few occasions.
On Tuesday night, April 9, Ambulance Coordinator Shari Hittesdorf, accompanied by many members of the ambulance crew, spoke during the Open Forum about an issue facing the Ambulance Service. Hittesdorf said there may be an interruption of 24/7 ambulance service in Sleepy Eye as soon as this May. While she has often shared the message that more EMTs are needed to staff the Ambulance Service, she said staff shortage was not the immediate problem.