Allen County Commissioners' Meeting Minutes

IOLA, KANSAS
OFFICE OF THE ALLEN COUNTY CLERK
June 13, 2006

IOLA, KANSAS               OFFICE OF THE ALLEN COUNTY CLERK           June 13

The Allen County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 8:30 a.m. with Chairperson Dick Works, Commissioner Kent Thompson, Commissioner Walt Regehr Jr. and Sherrie L. Riebel, Allen County Clerk.

Bruce Symes, Iola Register, was present to observe the meeting.

Commissioners corrected and approved the minutes of the June 6, 2006 meeting.

Don Hillbrant, Allen County citizen, requested to purchase a $80.00 tree to be planted around the bandstand to replace the dead crab tree. Discussion followed. He complimented county employees for their work on the courtyard. Don also has a Blue Spruce tree for the Bowlus and if they choose not to plant it he would like to give it to Allen County to be planted around the courtyard.

Commissioner Regehr moved to reappointed Nila Dickason to serve on the Tri-Valley Development Center Board. Commissioner Thompson seconded, motion passed 3-0-0.

Commissioners reviewed the application for Funding for the State Operating Assistance of our Section 5310 project, which is the Service to the Elderly Van. Commissioner Regehr moved to approve Chairman Works’ signature on the application. Commissioner Thompson seconded, motion passed 3-0-0. Chairman Works signed the application.

Commissioner Regehr moved to approve and sign the Local Environmental Protection Program Grant Agreement for State Fiscal Year 2007. Commissioner Thompson seconded, motion passed 3-0-0. Commissioners signed the L.E.P.P. Grant Agreement.

Commissioners reviewed the Addendum to Construction Agreement dated May 15, 2006 between Wood.com and Allen County. Commissioner Regehr moved to approve Chairman Works to sign. Commissioner Thompson seconded, motion passed 3-0-0. Chairman Works signed the application.

Alan Weber, Allen County Counselor, Mike Ellis, Allen County Hospital Administrator, B. Ellen Smith, Allen County Hospital Auxiliary President, Dr. Earl Walter, Dr. Glen Singer, Dr. Brian Wolfe, Dr. Frank Porter, Dr. David King, Dr. Wesley Stone were present to discuss Allen County Hospital and HCA’s contract. Alan explained where the contract is currently; still in draft form but similar to the original contract. Discussion followed on update of equipment and proposed changes. Persons present stated their concerns and questions. Discussion followed on comparisons with Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center vs. Allen County Hospital; Quorum vs. HCA. The doctors stated their concerns that HCA is not involving physicians with the way the hospital is run. Discussion followed about what the Allen County Hospital Advisory Board does or does not know in running a hospital. Dr. Walter stated his concern of HCA currently turning away from the hospital individuals that do not have insurance or a down payment for a medical procedure unless it is an emergency situation. Discussion followed that now is the time for ACH to go out on its own with a positive money position. All want what is best care for the people in Allen County. Hal Pannel, citizen, joined the meeting. Dr. Porter discussed he would be in support of going with Quorum. Dr. Singer requested time for more investigations. He stated his concerns being doctors’ requests have not even been considered for ACH. Dr. Stone stated he thought there are responsible people at Allen County Hospital who could run the hospital and be effective to serve the community. Dr. Wolfe stated the planning that HCA has been doing is for HCA’s future not ACH’s. He stated that health care is in the lime light at this time due to Emergency Management review of current plans during a crisis. Dr. King discussed some of Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center’s administrative company activities, accomplishments, and community board participation. Consensus was to have Quorum investigate ACH’s financial condition.

Thomas R. Williams, Allen County Sheriff, and Elaine Dugan, Allen County EMS Director, discussed the yearly state inspection for Allen County EMS. Allen County passed with flying colors. Discussion followed.

Elaine discussed alternators going out on the ambulances. She stated a second ambulance went down after the last was fixed. Elaine presented a fact sheet on income from runs for each of the services. Discussion followed.

Elaine presented bids for oxygen. Bids were presented by Emergency Medical Products for $1,287.00; Life-Assist for $1,160.00 and Progressive Medical International for $999.00. Currently there is a system where we can refill all of the "D" cylinders out of one location. In doing so, we would have to purchase all "D" cylinders and no longer lease any of these. In addition, EMS would lease three "H" cylinders yearly for the cost of $99.42 and pay $27.36 to refill each. The "H" cylinders are connected together by a manifold system that costs $319.23 (a one time purchase). EMS would be able to fill 12 "D" cylinders out of one "H" cylinder. This would save $2,032.80 annually. Commissioners approved to purchase from Progressive Medical International for $999.00.

Elaine discussed a device called "Quick Trach" for adults and children to get emergency airway; it was requested to have one on the ambulance by our Medical Director, Dr. Spears. It is needed for emergency airway access in traumas and obstructed airways. EMS does not have a method for last resort airway. Commissioners approved the purchase from Emergency Medical Products for $1,303.90.

Commissioners discussed HCA and Quorum. No action was taken.

Commissioners approved the following documents:

Payroll Vouchers

Clerk’s Vouchers Totaling $89,377.95

Journal Entries # 36-38

Abatements –RE- Value 470, $64.14, Year 2005

 

With no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned until June 20, 2006 at 8:30 a.m. in the Commission room of the courthouse.

Please remember, minutes are unofficial until approved by the commissioners' at their next meeting.