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would cease November 1st if he was not granted a certificate today. <br />Mr. Burdsall defended his base in St. Lucie County, advising <br />that it was because of the needs of the Caribbean/US Rescue Group. <br />He advised they fully intend to have a facility in Indian River <br />County and have talked to Sebastian 'hospital about it. He felt <br />that residents in Indian Ri'verCounty need his services and <br />enumerated names of writers of numerous letters of support. He has <br />a contract for evacuation assistance with one facility, which was <br />necessary for their licensing. Once again, he stressed that the <br />service he was asking to provide was for private pay individuals, <br />not Medicaid recipients. Mr. Burdsall asked for questions. <br />In response to Commissioner Adams' question, Mr. Burdsall <br />admitted he had composed the letter of support. <br />Carol Bepler, one of the owners of Able Transportation of <br />Sebastian, complained that Mr. Burdsall was taking business away by <br />lowering prices.- She indicated that- because of his low ball <br />pricing she may be unable to stay in business. Her company has <br />been in the county six years and she is proud of the services. She <br />urged the Board to keep local workers. <br />Bruce Miller of Royal Palm Convalescent Center had concern for <br />people who are paying out of their pocket and felt they should be <br />able to use the lowest priced provider to get quality service. He <br />could not understand government restrictions. He was aware of <br />problems with poor equipment and poor service, but felt the market <br />would determine who remains in business. <br />Commissioner Eggert urged that Tom Fritz should be notified <br />anytime a problem with service or equipment is experienced. <br />Mr. Burdsall rose to respond, advising that he did not slash <br />prices to hurt other operations or drive them out of business. <br />They only offered their normal $40 round-trip doctor visits. <br />Tom Fritz, director of transportation for the Council on <br />Aging, thanked the Board for moving to put some discipline in the <br />system. He asked that copies of Mr. Burdsall's letters of support <br />go to the Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board. <br />He would be delighted to read them and any letters of complaint. <br />Requests for qualifications for additional service are due back to <br />27 <br />October 24, 1995 <br />BOOK 96 F� ,; 411 <br />