Candidates sought for hospital district board
Fund-raising ideas discussed
Staff reporter
Interested candidates are encouraged to run for positions on the board of directors of Marion County Hospital District #1.
In May, when the board holds its annual meeting, two additional board members will be elected to the current roster of five.
The additional members were approved by voters residing in the hospital district during the November general election.
Kevin Cronkleton, chief financial officer of St. Luke Hospital & Living Center, reported that Thom Smith, chief executive officer, had suggested a two-person committee recruit board candidates.
Hospital officials want to make sure there are candidates for those positions at the annual meeting.
Board director Greg Bowers said he was concerned about conducting interviews or other more aggressive means of recruiting candidates prior to the election.
It was clarified that any resident within the hospital district was eligible to run for a position.
Board director Peggy Blackman commented she would like to see more of a "cross section" of representation.
Gene Winkler, board chairman, said there was a time when the board was comprised of representatives from other communities and areas other than Marion. Unfortunately, those individuals typically served only one term.
A list of interested individuals has been compiled and will be available for board members to review.
A third position, currently held by Ken Vinduska, also will be filled in the May election.
Vinduska completed Kevin Fruechting's term when he resigned in 2004.
Fund-raising
Cheryl Connell, recording secretary and hospital employee, had been in charge of fund-raising efforts by hospital employees. She told the board the all-employee Dinky Ducks committee needed to change to a fund-raising committee and include a board member.
Blackman said fund-raising also has been a concern of hers.
"It is absolutely critical to have a capital campaign," Blackman said. "We've been blessed with generosity from estates but we need more."
Connell asked board members to assist with collecting prizes for this year's Dinky Duck Race during Chingawassa Days, June 4.
In 2004, $14,000 was raised from the duck race, with $10,000 being a single donation.
Bowers said it should be a task for the foundation since the funds would be directed to that entity for tax write-off purposes.
Winkler is a foundation board member and will discuss the issue with foundation board members.
Lincolnville Clinic
An independent appraisal was conducted at the former Lincolnville Clinic building.
Bowers asked if the board should follow a specific process as a taxing entity and suggested the board request sealed bids.
A special meeting will be held Feb. 24 regarding the hospital's strategic plan. It was determined the bids will be opened at that meeting.
Strategic plan
A strategic plan consultant from Quorum Health Resources will be in Marion Feb. 22-24 to interview county and community leaders, hospital personnel, and board members.
Cronkleton said he will contact county, city, and chamber personnel, and school superintendents regarding the interviews.
The consultant will gather information from the necessary people to be used in a marketing analysis of the district.
Blackman suggested younger people also be included in the survey.
Board director Martin Tice suggested county commissioner Dan Holub be contacted since he represents the majority of the residents in the hospital district.
In other business:
— The board approved $89,844 in accounts payable.
— Cronkleton reported the district was approved for funding of a $400,000 loan through CIT for computer networking software and equipment.
— Medical licensing credentials were approved for Dr. Wayne Anliker, an ophthalmologist who practices in the clinic.
Cronkleton explained the hospital completes an extensive background and reference check before recommending the approval of credentials.
— The board approved a waiver of notice of publishing the special meeting time and date.
The next regular board meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10 in the clinic basement.
A special meeting will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 24 in the clinic basement for the purpose of opening bids for the former Lincolnville Clinic and discussing the hospital's strategic plan.
