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Health Planning Committee Retains Officers
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CopyPine Eagle Health Planning Committee met Tuesday, June 15 for its first meeting since the recent election of board members. In attendance were the re-elected incumbents Chuck Peterson and Tom Warmath, along with newly elected board member Coco Forte.
Board chair Rose Darting presented an overview of clinic operations, including personnel and business, during the past year. Darting touched on several key changes in the status of the clinic: recent "much needed" passage of the health district and five-year taxing levy, Lisa Butler assuming the position of clinic administrator, the success of this year's Health Fair, and the retirement of Dr. Mike Hammar as medical director of the Halfway/Oxbow Ambulance Service. Darting thanked everyone who "helped the clinic move forward this year, " including board members, volunteers and all those in the community who voted for the health district.
Halfway/Oxbow Ambulance team leader Terry Schmoe rushed out the door on ambulance run, in a clear demonstration of how much ambulance volunteers contribute to the community. Minutes from the last ambulance meeting on June 7, however, noted items on their agenda. Volunteers had discussed possible effects to ambulance response from recent flooding and road damage, passage of the health district and probable effects on the ambulance service, anticipated training for a "shock warning to firefighters and EMTs" when they come into contact with hybrid vehicles during emergency situations. Ambulance volunteers also discussed their attendance at the upcoming Ranch Rodeo and Hells Canyon Junior Rodeo events
Clinic Business
Chuck Peterson and other board members indicated they would be interested in receiving an annual report from Dr. Schott, director of the clinic. Peterson noted that he would like to hear Schott's opinion on "how the clinic is doing." Duane Miles then entered a motion to have administrator Lisa Butler request an annual report from Dr. Schott. The motion was discussed and upon unanimous vote board members decided they would like to hear Dr. Schott's views in an upcoming meeting, whether written or in person.
After a vote board members decided on retaining the current officers for the upcoming year, Rose Darting as chair, Bill Johnson as vice-chair, Carolyn Coble as secretary and Loren Goracke as treasurer.
In a brief provider's report, Matt Reed commented on recent clinic encounters, which have included a larger number of patients suffering from allergic reactions due to the spring pollen.
Since members of an assigned recruitment committee were not present at the meeting, status in the process to recruit a replacement for provider Matt Reed was left until a later date.
Property Line Questions
In an ongoing process, Duane Miles has done a considerable amount of research regarding legal property lines for clinic property. A property owner adjoining clinic property has indicated a desire to purchase a 24-foot overlap with clinic property. Based on Baker County tax lots the 24 feet belongs to the clinic, however, based on a survey done by Hanley Engineering in 2002 for Sid Johnson when that company constructed the clinic building, the overlap already belongs to the adjoining property owners. A "first edition" survey, done in 1908 for Claude Officer, has platted the property differently than the Baker County tax lot. Miles and other board members surmise that although the survey done in 2002 may be correct it was never filed with the Baker County assessor. After discussion about how the discrepancy arose, board members resolved to check on the title and legal description of clinic property. Board members intend to resolve the issue for future members of the board.
As of the next board meeting, on July 19, the PEHPC will begin meeting on the third Monday of each month. The scheduling change will better accommodate most board members.
Copyright 2010 Hells Canyon Journal, Halfway, Oregon. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.
© 2011 Hells Canyon Journal Halfway, Oregon. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.
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