CF Council approves mutual aid agreements with Thorp, Menomonie

CHIPPEWA FALLS — The Chippewa Falls City Council has approved ambulance mutual aid agreements with the cities of Thorp and Menomonie.

The agreements went into effect March 1. The city’s public safety committee previously approved separate agreements with both cities. The full City Council then unanimously ratified the agreements on Tuesday.

Mayor Greg Hoffman said it’s good to have these types of agreements in place, as HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital is set to close March 22.

“The issue comes down to is that we want to be able to help our neighbors,” Hoffman said Wednesday. “My concern is how much time we’ll be spending transporting people. That’s all unknown. We’re entering some unchartered waters.”

Hoffman said he wants to make sure the agreements don’t negatively impact Chippewa Falls residents.

“My number one concern is the citizens of Chippewa Falls; they pay for these ambulances and these services,” Hoffman said.

Hoffman noted that other mutual aid agreements with surrounding towns will be reviewed later this year.

Chippewa Falls Fire Chief Jason Thom told the public safety committee that they had not previously had an agreement with Thorp, but the city has responded to intercept requests three times in the past three months.

“It was noted that the agreement is identical to other intercept agreements we have with numerous municipalities in the county,” the committee minutes state. “It was noted that city residents will be first priority, and that Chippewa Falls Fire and EMS will respond when available.”

The mutual aid contract with Menomonie is for five years, extending through March 1, 2028. However, it will automatically be renewed for another five years unless either party gives notice to the other seeking modification or termination of the agreement, within 30 days of it expiring.

Under the terms of the agreement with Menomonie, aid would be requested when there is an accident or emergency involving multiple victims, a primary emergency vehicle for one of the municipalities is involved in a transfer run, unanticipated lack of staffing, or mechanical difficulties that sidelines an ambulance or other equipment.

Each ambulance service is responsible for the collecting of fees for services rendered.

Also, the city is entering into an agreement with Dr. Ethan J. Young to continue serving as the city’s medical director.

“Due to the closure of HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital, Young will no longer be an employee of the facility and the city will lose its medical director,” the minutes read. “Dr. Young has agreed to contract with the city directly and retain all the required certifications to continue to serve in the city in this capacity. The agreement is identical to the former agreement that was in place; the city will now pay Dr. Young directly for his services. The fees will remain the same and are already in the budget.”

In other news, Mayor Greg Hoffman presented a plaque to former Police Chief Matt Kelm for his years of service. Kelm stepped down on Feb. 16. Hoffman called him dependable and a hard worker. Kelm said it was an honor and privilege to serve the community for 24 years.