St. Paul Park council unanimously rejects proposed EMS contract with Cottage Grove

The City of St. Paul Park council voted unanimously Dec. 15 to deny the presented ambulance/EMS contract with Cottage Grove, sending the matter back to staff for further regional negotiation.

Mayor and staff described ongoing talks with neighboring cities and said the contract as drafted appeared heavily weighted toward Cottage Grove. The mayor flagged a clause he said would shield Cottage Grove and its agents from liability if services in the agreement were not provided. "One of the provisions in there that just really struck out to me was something to the effect of, the city, meaning Cottage Grove or its agents and or employees, should they not provide the services contained here within this contract cannot be held liable," the mayor said.

Council member Swenson moved to deny the contract and the motion was seconded; the council approved the denial by a unanimous voice vote. Council and staff said they will continue discussions with Cottage Grove, Newport and Grey Cloud to seek a more balanced regional solution, and that options could include different funding approaches or formation of a taxing district.

What happens next: staff (Hugo) will continue intercity discussions, consult legal counsel and return proposed contract language or alternative service arrangements to the council for future consideration. The denial preserves local control while negotiations continue.