City will pay to train EMT’s

The City of Minneota’s top priority is keeping an ambulance operating in Minneota after North Memorial informed the city they will not be continuing service after the first of the year.

The Minneota City Council Monday night followed up a recent public hearing by agreeing to pay potential EMT’s. “If we have any hope of getting EMT training, we’re going to have to get them started in September,” said City Administrator Shirley Teigland.

“Right now we have 12 people interested and all 12 said they want to do it,” said Teigland.

Some funding is available, “And the only stipulation is we must have a crew here,” she said. After deducting the amount they could receive from grants, the council felt they could train all 12 for $3,000.

“I think $3,000 would be a pretty good investment,” said Councilman Tim Koppien. “The goal going into it is to keep an ambulance here, no matter what we have to do,” said Mayor John Rolbiecki.

“If we don’t help get staff, they won’t do anything with us,” said Councilman Travis Gillund, regarding a potential new agreement with North Memorial. One of the possibilities is to come to an agreement for a 12-hour split with North.

This proposal is on the table but North officials have not indicated if they will agree to such a plan. “We’re still waiting to hear from Minnesota West,” said Administrator Teigland.

Potentially Minnesota West would train the EMT’s, and quite possibly the training could take place in Minneota. “Personally, we need to be ready and should show good faith to North,” Koppien added.

“We need to let North know we’re willing to take the next step,” Gillund agreed. “I think everyone should be in agreement that we will foot the bill,” Koppien added. The council agreed.

“Part of the issue here is retention,” said Administrator Teigland, indicating, “If we pay part of this, are they (trainees) willing to be on the crew for three or four years?”

Teigland said she has contacted each township using the current ambulance service, “To get names of people who are willing to serve on a committee to study the ambulance situation.” “Let’s keep this moving,” said Councilwoman Amber Rodas.

“By the end of August we should have an official decision,” she said. “By then we will have had a meeting with North,” said Councilman Jerry Teigland.

Unfortunately, “We don’t have another service out there,” said Shirley Teigland.

The committee to study the situation will include one person from each township, one from the city and fire chiefs from each department.

“We need some concrete figures, which we’ve attempted and attempted and attempted,” said Councilman Jerry Teigland. The council set a meeting for Monday, August 20 to meet with North Memorial — with the idea they could a special meeting on August 27 to make a decision whether to fund EMT training for the interested parties.