PUBLIC HEARING OF THE WASHINGTON
PARISH COUNCIL WAS HELD MONDAY,
July 28, 2014 AT 5:45 P.M. AT THE
WASHINGTON PARISH COURTHOUSE,
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, FRANKLINTON, LOUISIANA
Public Hearing on Proposed WP Ordinance No.14- 588 – An Ordinance
Changing A Polling Place In Ward 8 Precinct 1 From The Current Location Of The Washington Parish Fire District Number 3, 30247 Highway 430, Franklinton, Louisiana 70438 To The new Location Of Washington Parish Fire District Number 3, 29468 Highway 430, Franklinton, Louisiana 70438.
Chairman Fussell read the ordinance in its entirety. He called for comments from the public.
There were no comments on the foregoing item.
Councilman Posey offered a motion, seconded by Councilman Johnson to close the public hearing.
Roll call vote as follows:
YEAS: (7) Thomas, Route, Posey, Wheat, Fussell, Nassauer and Johnson
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (0)
ABSTAIN: (0)
WASHINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES
July 28, 2014
REGULAR MEETING - 6:00 PM
WASHINGTON PARISH COURTHOUSE
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Item No. 1– Call to Order – Chairman Fussell called the meeting to order.
Item No. 2 – Invocation – Councilman Route gave the invocation.
Item no. 3– Pledge of Allegiance – Chairman Posey called for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item No. 4– Roll Call – Council Clerk Sharon Lyons, called the roll. Present were Kenneth Wheat, Michael Fussell, Charles Nassauer, Andre’ Johnson, Pete Thomas, Greg Route and Aubrey Posey.
Item No. 5 - Approval of Minutes – Councilman Posey offered a motion, seconded by Councilman Thomas to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 7, 2014.
Roll call vote as follows:
YEAS: (7) Thomas, Route, Posey, Wheat, Fussell, Nassauer and Johnson
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (0)
ABSTAIN: (0)
Item No. 6 – Consideration of Adopting of WP Ordinance No.14- 588 – An Ordinance Changing A Polling Place In Ward 8 Precinct 1 From The Current Location Of The Washington Parish Fire District Number 3, 30247 Highway 430, Franklinton, Louisiana 70438 To The new Location Of Washington Parish Fire District Number 3, 29468 Highway 430, Franklinton, Louisiana 70438.
Chairman Fussell stated a public hearing was previously held before the regular council meeting tonight.
Councilman Route offered a motion, seconded by Councilman Johnson to adopt Ordinance No.14-588.
Roll call vote as follows:
YEAS: (7) Thomas, Route, Posey, Wheat, Fussell, Nassauer and Johnson
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (0)
ABSTAIN: (0)
Chairman Fussell recognized Attorney Wayne Kuhn.
Attorney Kuhn stated a request was sent to him by Riverside Medical Center to be placed on the agenda, since then he said he had been in discussions with both attorneys involved with the issue. As things went on during the week it appeared that it would not be necessary for the Riverside Medical Center to be on the agenda. He said he advised the clerk to the council to remove Riverside Medical Center from the agenda. He apologized and stated as things have progressed they still wish to be on the agenda. He asked the council to consider opening and adding to the agenda Riverside Medical Center.
Councilman Johnson offered a motion, seconded by Councilman Thomas to open and add to the agenda Riverside Medical Center.
Roll call vote as follows:
YEAS: (7) Thomas, Route, Posey, Wheat, Fussell, Nassauer and Johnson
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (0)
ABSTAIN: (0)
Item No. 6A – Riverside Medical Center – Attorney John Allen representing the Riverside Medical Center addressed the issue of Resolution No.14-651 and why the Riverside Medical Center was asking for the council to adopt Resolution No. 14-653. He made the following statements:
· Resolution No.14-651adopted – extension of 2002 – within boundaries of Washington Parish – accepted 20 year in agreement
· First Circuit stated in Terrebonne versus Lafourche Case neighboring hospitals cannot poach -if a hospital district from another parish wants to come into a poor parish both hospital districts must be in agreement
· 2002 agreement was at that time for survival of Riverside - to poor to pay doctor
· Within a year Riverside Medical Center has turn itself around and is now a serviceable hospital – can pay & hired full time doctors on staff
· Agreement is crucial to the survival of Riverside Medical Center
· Tax dollars should not be sent to St. Tammany Parish
Chairman Fussell told Attorney Allen the council is put in the middle between Riverside Medical Center and Family Medical Clinic.
C.E.O Kyle Magee of Riverside Medical Center made the following points:
· 18,000 visits at Family Medical net revenue of $1.42 Million generated in taxes
· Estimated $5-$6 million leaves our parish goes to St. Tammany Parish
· Negotiations need to be between St. Tammany and Riverside administration
· Asked Council to rescind Resolution
· Full time cardiologist service for a year
· Cath lab under construction
· Full time surgeon
· Full time emergency room & doctor
· Asked to rescind the resolution
Board members spoke and made statements as follows:
· Was not informed of the 20 year agreement
· St. Tammany administrators, not employees, should meet and have discussion
· Should rescind the resolution
· Riverside Medical Center will not survive if this resolution stands
Councilman Route asked that both St. Tammany and Riverside Medical get together and come back with an agreement. This was also reiterated by Councilman Johnson.
Councilman Nassauer said he would like to see some numbers concerning the issue and was told by Riverside Medical Center they would submit those numbers. He said the council knows the resolution will not stand and there will be changes. The question is what will take its place. He said the council wants what is in the best interest for the parish.
Chairman Fussell declared a five minute recess for the Council to discuss the above issue.
Item No. 7 - Consideration of adopting of WP Resolution No.14- 653 - Rescinding due to prematurity of Resolution No. 14-651, which resolution authorized Family Medical Clinic, Inc. to enter into an agreement with St. Tammany Hospital Service District No. 1, d/b/a St. Tammany Parish Hospital.
Councilman Route offered a motion, seconded by Councilman Wheat to table Resolution No.14-653 and to give both parties 90 days to come back to the council with an agreement between Family Medical Clinic and Riverside Medical Center. If an agreement is not met, then the council will take further action.
Attorney Kuhn was asked to draft a letter to St. Tammany Hospital concerning the stipulations in the above motion.
Roll call vote as follows:
YEAS: (7) Thomas, Route, Posey, Wheat, Fussell, Nassauer and Johnson
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (0)
ABSTAIN: (0)
Chairman Fussell stated public comment has been given, but asked if there were further input from the public.
Individual employees of the Riverside Medical Center gave statements on the issue as follows:
· Awareness of services offered at Riverside Medical Center
· Riverside Medical Center - financial situation positive
· Riverside Medical Center is working hard as a family team
· No increase in employees salaries in years, but come to work to have a local hospital for the citizens of the Parish
· This agreement should be negotiated between administrators of St. Tammany and Riverside
· Dr. Alvarado interaction with Riverside Medical compared to other group
· Obtain information concerning numbers that goes down to St.Tammany Hospital
· Stipulations in agreement – if possible test should be scheduled at Riverside -keep money in parish
· Asked public to give doctors that are affiliated with Riverside Medical a chance
· Request to look at this carefully - People are here for Riverside Medical and Washington Parish
(A transcript of this presentation and the council discussion can been prepared)
Washington Parish Library Director Al Barron requested a meeting with Council’s finance committee to address the millage renewal for the library. He stated the library had a great summer reading program and added a video streaming service.
There were no further comments from the public.
Councilman Posey offered a motion, seconded by Councilman Johnson to close public participation.
Roll call vote as follows:
YEAS: (7) Thomas, Route, Posey, Wheat, Fussell, Nassauer and Johnson
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (0)
ABSTAIN: (0)
Item No. 8 – President’s Report – President Thomas recognized Mr. David Doss, U.S. Congressman David Vitter’s aide who manages constituent service. Mr. Doss told the council he was there to assist citizens, if necessary, with their problems.
President Thomas recognized Randy Hammons the new reporter for the Bogalusa Daily News who will be covering government issues.
President Thomas stated he a received a letter of recommendation for the reappointment of Johnnie Daniels to the Washington Parish Recreation District #1 Board.
Councilman Johnson offered a motion, seconded by Councilman Thomas to reappoint Johnnie Daniels to Washington Parish Recreation District #1 Board.
Roll call vote as follows:
YEAS: (7) Thomas, Route, Posey, Wheat, Fussell, Nassauer and Johnson
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (0)
ABSTAIN: (0)
President Thomas stated the staff would give reports at this time.
Finance Department:
· Obtain numbers from Riverside Medical and St. Tammany Hospital
Public Works Department:
· Problem with heating system and A/C chiller at jail
· Infrastructure Committee Meeting – scheduled Tuesday – 6:00 PM
ü Animal Shelter
Ø Discussion of how to fund day to day expense
· 3 bridges – DOTD- accepting soon
Transportation Department:
· 37% Road program completed
· Since January -1015 work orders – 370 completed
· Delayed by weather problems & machinery breakdowns
Councilman Johnson asked for an update on the Jones Creek project and was told it was coming shortly.
Councilman Route asked for an update on Dummyline and Choctaw Road. He was told they would be entered under the DOTD Road Transfer Program.
President Thomas stated all parishes are mandated to have an animal shelter and Mr. Leo is working on the building to revamp it. Now the council and administration has to obtain funds for the day to day operation of the facility.
Item No. 9 – Council Discussion – Councilman Wheat gave an update on Poole Bluff. He stated there were some problems with property lines, but that has been resolved. The project should continue again soon. He commended Mr. Doss for his assistance through the years. He commended the employees for a great job on the successful NACO Celebration Night Event
Councilman Posey stated he has gone to the meetings of the Riverside Medical Center. He said he didn’t think the 20 year agreement will stand, but he asked St. Tammany and Riverside Medical to work together to resolve the issues. Also, he is glad Donna will be obtaining the numbers on the issue. He asked that the local sponsors to the NACO Celebration be sent a letter of appreciation.
Councilman Johnson reiterated it is his hope that St. Tammany and Riverside will come together with a successful agreement.
Councilman Thomas stated this is a passionate issue for everyone involved. He said he wanted to make it clear that the council is not taking sides. He challenged both hospitals to meet and to come together with an agreement.
Councilman Nassauer thanked Senator Vitter’s administration for the many years of support. He commended everyone involved in the NACO Celebration Event. He said the display to promote Washington Parish was a great success.
Councilman Route thanked everyone involved in making the NACO Celebration a successful event for Washington Parish.
Councilman Fussell announced the next regular council meeting has been changed to August 4th, 7:00 PM. He said the council is doing the best they can in addressing the hospital issue and hopefully both sides can come to a successful agreement. He thanked everyone that was involved.
Item No. 10 – Adjourn - No further business to come before the council, the meeting was adjourned on motion by Councilman Route, seconded by Councilman Posey.
Roll call vote as follows:
YEAS: (7) Thomas, Route, Posey, Wheat, Fussell, Nassauer and Johnson
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (0)
ABSTAIN: (0)
SIGNATURE______
Michael Fussell, Chairman
Washington Parish Council
SIGNATURE______
Sharon Lyons, Clerk to the Council
Washington Parish
(All Ordinances, Resolutions and Attachments in its entirety are available at the office of Clerk of the Council at 909 Pearl Street, Franklinton, Louisiana or wpgov.org.)
This meeting was held in accordance with the Americans Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Sharon Lyons, Clerk to the Council at 985-839-0105 describing the assistance that is necessary.
“This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”
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