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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/25/1982Wednesday, August 25, 1982 The Board, of County Commissioners of Indian River County, Florida, met in Special Session at the County Commission Chambers, 1840 25th Street, Vero Beach, Florida, on Wednesday, August 25, 1982, at 1:30 o'clock P.M. Present were Don C. Scurlock, Jr., Chairman; Alfred Grover Fletcher, Vice Chairman; Dick Bird; Patrick B. Lyons; and William C. Wodtke, Jr. Also present were Gary Brandenburg, Attorney to the Board of County Commissioners; Michael J. Wright, Administrator; Dan Fleischman, Bailiff; and Janice Caldwell, Deputy Clerk. The Chairman called the meeting to order. Attorney Brandenburg led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. REQUEST TO ADDRESS COMMISSION REGARDING REFERENDUM ON THE HOSPITAL ISSUE BY AWARE & CONCERNED TAXPAYERS, INC. Chairman Scurlock explained the procedure that would be followed at the meeting: Frank Zorc would make his presen- tation first; then the Hospital representatives; persons representing various organizations; and finally, individual citizens. All would be given a chance to be heard. The Chairman pointed out that the topic would not be the ills of the hospital or the method of its operation. He continued that Mr. Zorc requested to place an item on the November ballot and also, a resolution has been presented to the Commission as an approach the Board of Trustees are asking the Board to use - the discussion tonight would be limited to just those two items. Frank Zorc approached the Board and clarified that the following request came from the ACT group: AUG:25 1982. NOR 51 NE Ui August 18, 1982 ` —_ j''i "F�": AWARE AND CONCERNED TAXPAYERS" INC. ^� v-`- NO INDIAN RIVER COUNTY FLA, POST OFFICE BOX "Y." VERO BEACY,FLA. Indian River County Commission �• �. ._ "'�'""� • CC) Beach, Florida ;` s-•t,.� ` '" `F _ CO John Seramur, Vice Pres., Acting President Hospital Issues: RE: Report and submission for Alice Yarick, Secretary counting Ballots addressed .t` ``� y '�- a . ina. �`.-.;••... r- , ^;�• Louis McBane, Treasurer t0 County commission x `-`u,:��=! S �� ;'r "M Bill Stegkemper,Director '�'�?�' a .•••�;_., :tom,-� -r=��X Frank L. Zorc, Director Beulah Law Director Please place this report in your minutes. Please note the ballots we are refering to are addressed to the County Commission. As of this date the the total received exceed 650. August 13, 1982 Indian River County Commissioners QUESTION # YES VOTE NO VOTE c/o Liz i•orlani N 1. 957+ 5% - Vero Beach,Florida Request to be heard at County Commission Meeting - August 18 (or Aug. 25.) 2. 95 + 5 - Recently the commission discussed our request for a referendum on _ the hospital issue. At this meeting much discussion revolved 3. 85 % + 15 % around the thought that a straw ballot can beheld at a later month 4. 95 instead of this November with the election. It was suggested for this + 5 % - reason there is no need to pursue the ballot on the November.Ballot. 5. 5 % - 95 % + Your attorney has now issued or released a statement and documentation Please note question•# 1 is a direct request for a referendum whereas a Straw Ballot is not permitted a special times, but rather this november. must be held with a regular election like November. If you wish to have someone count the ballots, my secretary can ma e th vai le at your convenience. This changes the scope of our request completely, since we are now faced with a possible delay of a full two years if the referendum is rank L. Z rC not included this November. This would be unreasonable. 4 We consider this of extreme importance to the community and therefore a� PS Perhaps some commissioners would be interested in reading the request this be discussed again, if at all possible, at the August 18, many letters in addition to the ballots. 1982, meeting. CA s I ask you consider, these filled out, individual ballots placed respectfully, in an envelope, mailed with cost of a stamp, are more meaningful than even a petition. ,Tran 1�Z6rd' Director Mr. Zorc noted that over 800 people responded to his advertisement and that 98% wished to have the referendum or a straw ballot this November. Herald article that appeared He referred to the Miami this morning concerning the action taken by the Hospital Trustees last night - he felt the resolution they adopted should be considered illegal. He then asked the Board members if each had an open mind. Chairman Scurlock referred to the article and advised that the comments he made were true reflections, and that he had not yet made up his mind. He also clarified that the Hospital resolution was presented to the Board just a few minutes ago. Commissioner Lyons stated that he did not come to debate with Mr. Zorc, he came to listen to public input, Commissioner Wodtke responded that he has always had an open mind. Mr. Zorc quoted remarks made by Mr. Ballard, Chairman of the Hospital Board of Trustees. He then implored the Board to have a straw ballot this November as over 800 persons have asked for this; he felt the Board should give them their right - it would be a disgrace to refuse them. Mr. Zorc asked that the Board consider granting the straw ballot for November, or giving direction as to what it would accept to insure this item occurring in November. Mr. Zorc asked the Board to approve one or the other of the requests today. Robert F. Ballard, Hospital Board of Trustees Chairman, approached the Board and wished to clarify its position in regard to this very complex issue that has come before the public. He explained that the opinions given in the corre- spondence previously mailed to the Board members still holds true. He added that in the resolution they are proposing a fair and reasonable compromise. It would give Mr. Zorc's followers the right to express their opinion; relieve the AUG 25 1982 max 51 PA;E3 3 AUG 25 1982 Opo° Board of County Commissioners of the responsibility as to the possibility of putting this item on the referendum; and the Hospital Board of Trustees could continue on with their tasks. Mr. Ballard advised that they were offering a time certain in their resolution. He then proceeded to relate the true facts of what had transpired to date. Mr. Ballard noted that last summer the Trustees decided it was time to look to the future, and they commissioned a nationally recognized health consulting firm, the Tri -Brook Group. This group began their investigation and came back with an interim report. Mr. Ballard then appointed a 15 member Long Range Planning Committee in an effort to get input from other factions. The scope of this operation was going to be so vast that the investigation would take more time; the process began last March with the Committee continuing to work diligently. Mr. Ballard noted that this Committee was about two-thirds through their process with some important questions still needing to be addressed. Mr. Ballard reviewed some of the matters under inves- tigation at present: if the Board of Trustees had the right to sell the hospital, since they were governed by covenants within the bond issue, and what financial ramifications were involved, etc. He stressed that all of the issues still are not known and they cannot, in all good conscience, feel very comfortable with the item going to a referendum at this time. Mr. Ballard stated that even a common sense decision takes some degree of knowledge of the question, and they still do not know where the ramifications would lead. The Committee had not completed the investigation to properly guide the Board of Trustees; they are faced with five alternatives but they do not know, legally, if they can be implemented. Mr. Ballard stated they have no problem with having input from the public as they want all the help they can possibly get, but they want it to be based on legitimate input that is knowledgeable. Mr. Ballard then discussed the time element for com- pletion of this investigation, and advised that when the Committee members took on this project, they knew their responsibility; now they do not want to be stampeded into taking on an unwise and unwarranted expeditious process. He felt it would be fair and reasonable to assume this Commit- tee might complete its work by December, and from that point it must undertake the task of preparing a report taking into consideration the pros and cons of each of the five alterna- tives. This Committee must justify their recommendation to the Board of Trustees and that process could probably take about six weeks. At that time, Mr. Ballard noted, this information would become available for public distribution, and ultimately public hearings would be held for additional input to the Hospital Board of Trustees. Richard Johnson, of the Tri -Brook Group, came before the Board and commented that he concurred with Mr. Ballard's remarks. He pointed out that the hospital field today was far different than it was five years ago - things were rapidly changing. Mr. Johnson discussed various issues such as: the hospital remaining self-sustaining; changes occur- ring in Legislation; cuts in Medicaid and Medicare; keeping the the hospital responsive to the community; keeping up to date with technology. He pointed out that patient care was very important at the hospital and a great deal of profes- sional input was heard by the Committee. Mr. Johnson then praised the Committee for doing such a good job and felt_ they should continue on the course they had set for them- selves. Mr. Ballard introduced Paul Parent, who was recently appointed as Chairman of the Committee. AUG ,2 5 19825 WX 51 PAGE 115 16AUG 2 5 1982 �a 5 Paul Parent commented about the work being done by the Committee; some of the items under investigation were too intense and they were busy seeking answers at this time. He felt they had a fine facility and the people who work at the hospital had a great deal of pride. Mr. Parent then dis- cussed the scope of work the Committee has been doing the past seven months in trying to get information capsuled together; and the fact that all of their meetings were open to the public. He believed the Committee owed it to the people to do a good job for them and the Committee wanted to finish its report and submit.it to the Board of Trustees. John Hoyt, Executive Director of the Hospital, came before the Board. He felt they had an outstanding hospital in keeping with the fine community of the County. Mr. Hoyt discussed the function of the hospital in the community with its highly trained personnel; the auxiliary of over 400 volunteers whose only reward was in helping the community; and the life-saving techniques at the hospital. He asked what the proponents of having the referendum were seeking to accomplish? They admitted the care at the hospital was good. He then spoke of the high costs of hospitals, which were nationally high. Mr. Hoyt stated he felt it was his job to speak today on behalf of 900 dedicated people at the hospital who provide service to our community. He added that he had been advised by some to protect his family and career and leave the hospital, but he would not walk away from a fight. Mr. Hoyt felt their position was on the side of the right and the just - and he was not quitting. Mr. Ballard commented that he discussed with Attorney William Stewart the possibility that this issue could be coupled with the jail bond issue, but it was determined there would be problems with that possibility. He then reviewed the time the Committee would need in order to accomplish their study, and he felt it could be done by M M M April 1st of next year. At that time the hospital would make arrangements for mailing out a questionnaire concerning this issue. Rosemary Richey, Supervisor of Elections, had agreed that her office would address the envelopes for every resident in the County. Then, an independent CPA firm would take those envelopes and do the actual stuffing, sending out the questionnaire, along with a return envelope with postage guaranteed, at the hospital's expense. Mr. Ballard felt that method would give a good return of the viewpoints of taxpayers in the community. He continued that the question- naires would be sent to the CPA's office, who would take full responsibility and publicize the results of this tally. Mr. Ballard felt this was fair and equitable, and if ACT was concerned about the taxpayers of this County, this action truly would accomplish the job. William Stewart, Hospital Attorney, read the following resolution and attachment: A IUIG 2 5 1982 7 saoK 51 PAGE 117 A .AUG DSUM1 . 51 25 _. I982 .. s i RESOLUTION ii WHEREAS the Indian River County Hospital District is in the f process of developing a long-range plan for the Indian River ' Memorial Hospital, and If WHEREAS a portion of the long-range plan deals with an I? _ analysis of which form of governance for the Indian River i !' t Memorial Hospital would be in the best interests of the residents( i of the District, and i' WHEREAS at its meeting of July 27, 1982, the Board of j Trustees of the Indian River County Hospital District adopted a •i l seven -point outline for reaching a conclusion as to the best form) i' ij of governance for the Indian River Memorial Hospital, and j; WHEREAS the Board of Trustees of the Indian River County �i Hospital District wishes to continue the process of developing and refining its seven-p,oint outline by reflecting in more detail i' the scope and extent of public input to the Board of Trustees' decision-making process with respect to the form of governance j for the hospital, i, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Trustees of i the Indian.River County Hospital District that the seven -point outline adopted by the Board of Trustees on July 27, 1982, is I; reaffirmed with the following amendment: r Subsequent to the public hearings described in Point 4 of the outline and prior to the Board of Trustees' final decision as i described in Point 5 of the outline; but in any event on or j before April 1, 1983, the Board of Trustees of the Indian River County Hospital District will prepare and submit a questionnaire '. by mail to each of the registered voters of Indian River County outlining all of the viable alternatives, including sale, for the i future governance of the Indian River Memorial.Hospital. 'The 1 '± purpose of the questionnaire is to provide each of the registered i . voters of the county with an additional vehicle for expressing his or her opinion on the subject and to assist the Board of Trustees in making its final decision. A nationally recognized i i firm of certified public accountants will be retained by the _ Hospital District to mail the questionnaires in envelopes �i addressed by the office of the Supervisor of Elections of Indian Ij River County to each registered voter in the county. Postage �I prepaid envelopes will be provided for returning the ;i questionnaires to.the firm of certified public accountants for i tabulation within two weeks of the date the questionnaires are I �j mailed. Upon completion of the tabulation of the questionnaires, i+ the firm of certified public accountants will publicly announce fthe results. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be made a part �i of the Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the f Indian River County Hospital District. �I DATED this day of 1982. IND ii BY: it 1 ATTEST: Assistant Secretary �i !i { pox 51 MGE 119 I AUG 2 5 1982 s aK 1 x.��i� 1 EXCERPT OF MINUTES, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT, MEETING DATED JULY 27, 1982 4.0 A letter, dated July 8, 1982, from A.C.T., Inc., requesting the Board of Trustees to hold public hearings on the question of selling or not selling the hospital, was discussed. The entire discussion is on tape for the record. 4.1 MOTION made by Mr. Sorensen, seconded by Doctor Sowell, that the Board of Trustees reject A.C,T.'s request that public hearings regarding the sale of the hospital be held during the month of August, 1982, reaffirm the following schedule of events and time table, and authorize the Chairman of the Board to inform the Board of County Commissioners as to the future intentions of this Board: 1. The select Building and Long -Range Planning Committee shall continue to hold public meetings and complete its current investigation. 2. Upon completion of its investigation, the Committee shall present its written report to the Board of Trustees analyzing each of the alternative forms of governance considered, presenting the pros and cons of each, and making a recommendation to the Board of Trustees. 3. The Board of Trustees shall receive the report of the Committee and its recommendation as information. 4. The Board of Trustees shall conduct public hearings for the purpose of allowing public comment on all alternative forms of governance available to the hospital, including sale. 5. The Board of Trustees, based upon its own investigation of all of the alternatives, the input received at public hearings, and the report and recommendation'of the select Building and Long -Range Planning Committee, shall make the final decision as to the best form of governance for the Indian River Memorial Hospital. 6. If the alternative selected involves a third party as owner, general manager, lessee, or in any other manner, the Board of Trustees shall consider the proposals of all interested and qualified firms regarding their implementation of the alternative selected. 7. If necessary, the Board of Trustees will ask the Florida Legislature to make such changes in the special act creating the Hospital District as are necessary to implement the alternative selected. Motion unanimously carried. M M M The Chairman asked if there were persons from civic associations who wished to be heard. Lomax Gwathmey, President of the Vero Beach Civic Association, approached the Board and read the following prepared statement: AU`25 1982 11 ow 51 PA04 AUG 25 198251 122 °BEIMEACH r VERO BEACH CIVIC ASSOCIATION CIVIC "The objectives and purposes shall be to preserve, foster and promote the beauty, natural resources ASSN. and good government of the City of Vero Beach and Indian River County." P.O. Box 3381 Vero Beach, A. 32960 STATEMENT OF THE VERO BEACH CIVIC ASSOCIATION TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ON AUGUST 25, 1982 RELATIVE TO THE INDIAN RIVER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL. At its Annual Meeting in February 1982, the Vero Beach Civic Association Board of Directors and the membership present took the following position relative to the Indian River Memorial Hospital: 'That the operation of the Indian River Memorial Hospital be thoroughly analyzed and all viable options, based on factual data, be investigated to determine the best and most efficient mode of operation that can'be put into effect for the benefit of the citizens of Indian River County." That was our position then - it is our position now. As for the Current Situation: 1. We stand for and support good responsible government, conducted according to law and good business procedures. We deplore untimely pressure brought by low level attacks, extremism, and emotion. 2. The Long Range Planni.ng Committee is currently in the middle of its deliberations and studies of the options on the best form of governance of our hospital. It is recommended that it be allowed to finish its assigned tasks, complete its written report and hold public hearings, as promised. Then the public will be informed and able to propertly evaluate the hospital situation. No emergency exists which would make such a course unacceptable. 3. The forcing of a commitment for a referendum on the November General Election is illogical. Any referendum to be properly worded requires all the facts to be in the hands of the greatest possible number of voters. As of now, the proponents simply talk of a referendum on -- whether or not to sell the hospital. To set a date for a referendum as a means to pressure the Long Range Planning- Committee to complete its work under duress does not make for carefully judged and responsi- ble conclusions, and is virtually impossible. 4. The Vero Beach Civic Association periodically makes statistical studies to clarify various issues. The following data indicate the extent of tax support to the Indian River Memorial Hospital since 1977. A. For the past five (5) years (1977 through 1981) that portion of your property tax bill that has been levied for hospital purposes has averaged $5.32 per $100 of tax. B. For the year 1980 it was 23.4¢ per $100 of tax. C. For the year 1981 it was $3.63 per $100 of tax. D. For 1982 it will be approximately $2.95 per $100 of tax. Are these amounts breaking anybody's back? We do not think so. Lomax Gwathmey, President 1n G 13 wx 51 PAGE123 AUG25 1982 C} ClVtN C� t tl �i�Q IN - — � �.�.=ter.=� �--�_�-•. � - �- _,a .-� :_TMS �. _ , �fl ' - n LS 'lo !'j I �i ki q h I I i ia I i; __Y.- �J`�IL• 1 C i t 1. - ' ,1 I ^I J X Yi f71, .� .. .l C Y . .L)' I_ i ... � I .-. � .- 13 wx 51 PAGE123 AUG25 1982 J AUG 25 1982 sm 51 12 John Acor, Vero Beach Taxpayers Association of Indian River County, Inc., came before the Board and stated they r• were concerned with the taxpayers' dollars. He commented that, in his personal opinion, he had never seen where a tax -supported or a governmental agency had ever run a business as well as private industry. Mr. Acor felt it was easy to get money out of the taxpayers. He then referred to the nurses that were present in the audience and said that they did a fantastic job at the hospital, as well as the Pink Ladies. Mr. Acor also praised the service at the hospital, which was wonderful. He noted that his organization's stand was to encourage having public presentations. Mr. Acor felt the Committee at the hospital had been a little slow in accomplishing their work. He added his association was interested in a straw ballot and having public hearings soon on the possible sale of the hospital. They felt the Hospital Committee, before studying all the alternatives, prematurely took a stand, which was to completely ignore and forget the possible sale of the r hospital. Richard Schuler, American Association of Retired Persons, noted that their position was to make members aware of the facts; they had heard that 50% of the patients and revenue comes from Medicaid and Medicare. William Pringle, American Association of Retired Persons, commented that they try to preach the democratic process and the responsibilities that all citizens have to their elected officials. He felt they were remiss by not making their voices heard. Mr. Pringle stated that it was hard to try to keep personalities out - they must all try to keep a cool head. He continued that Mr. Ballard said he welcomes all the help he can get; that is why he is successful. Mr. Pringle continued that when he hears a Chairman of a Board make such a statement, he must commend him. If you send things out in the mail, Mr. Pringle felt you are not going to get a good input; there is nothing that can beat the sanctity of the voting booth. He said that if the election of the Commissioners had depended on their sending out mailouts, they would not be here. Mr. Pringle felt if the five options were put on the straw ballot, there would be a 60% response from the people. He felt the Board owed it to them as they were the stockholders of the community. Paul A. Graham, physician and surgeon in the area for the past nine years, came before the Board. He spoke about his previous associations and felt he had a great deal of experience - he also spends a lot of time at the hospital. The Indian River County Medical Society was delighted to see this study start, as it was addressing questions they had as physicians. Dr. Graham felt the hospital was a fine asset; it was a deciding factor to a physician who was making a decision to relocate. He added that the hospital attracts a much higher quality physician as well as medical care, and approximately sixty new doctors have come to the community. He then read the following letter: AUG -25 1982 15 goof 51 WE V5 FMA AMA BOOK � US af. INDIAN RIVER COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY P. O. BOX 573 VERO BEACH, FLORIDA 32960 August 23, 1982 Mr. Don C. Scurlock, Jr., Chairman Board of County Commissioners Indian River County 1840 -25th Street Vero Beach, Florida 32960 Dear Mr. Scurlock: The hearing scheduled for this Wednesday concerning.a referendum for sale of the Indian River Memorial Hospital is of great concern to me and the members of the Indian River County Medical Society. The following comments -reflect my opinion and that of the great majority of the physicians practicing in this County and at the Indian River Memorial Hospital. There is no question in our minds that problems exist in the operation and management of the hospital. Since we deal with these on a daily basis, we are most concerned that the best solution be found and at the earliest date possible. However, even though problems do exist, we feel that they are not insurmountable and that appropriate measures have already been instituted to overcome these difficulties. There is no urgency at this time concerning the hospital. Decisions —concerning the future of the hospital will be hard ones and must be made on the basis of careful consideration of the facts which will be made available. Until these facts are fully evaluated and made public there can be.no rational, unemotional decision made. These facts are not yet available to the Long Range Planning Committee, the Hospital Board of Trustees, County Commissioners, or the public at large. The decision by the County Commission to present this issue to the public at this time would be a grave error. If this were done, we the public would have to make our decision on the basis of incomplete data, opinions, hearsay, emotionalism, and personal bias. This issue and the future of health care in Indian River County is too important to be treated in such a cavalier way. I pray you and the other members of the County Commission will not put this issue on the ballot in November. The time for decision is not yet at hand. Sincerely,'Pg>i ul A. Graham, M.D., President Indian River County Medical Society 16 In conclusion, Dr. Graham stated that the health of the hospital was good, the care was good, and they felt they were providing excellent service to the people in the community. He pointed out that there was nothing to indicate that by selling the hospital, the community health would be improved. Dr. Graham felt they should - go along with the hospital's recommendation. Bill Stegkemper, ACT Director, approached the Board and read a statement which indicated that costs would be raised at the hospital due to the action taken yesterday adopting the resolution. He then quoted Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Stegkemper felt a straw ballot would be an excellent opportunity to hear from all the people - we should not be afraid of what they have to say. Alison DeGenero, of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, came before the Board and stated he wanted to take his hat off to the calmness of the words spoken by Mr. Ballard; as he wants to protect the integrity of the ladies and gentlemen on the Long Range Planning Committee. He was impressed with the gentleman who encouraged people to go out and vote, but felt it should be in the proper way. Mr. DeGenero pointed out that the Board of Trustees were elected by the people and the people should vote for the Trustees when they come up for election. He then commented that Neighbors Helping Neighbors was an association with a file in the White House, but more importantly, they have a file in the hearts of all who volunteer in this community. Mr. DeGenero noted that the Long Range Planning Committee and the Trustees were volunteers. He commented that he had the greatest _ confidence that the gentlemen have cool heads; it appeared to him that sanity was coming back to our beautiful and bountiful community. Dominic Mancini, interested citizen, approached the Board and expressed amazement at all the furor, because he AUG 2 ` 1982' 17 51 PnE V 7, 5 51 PAGE -8 AUG 1992 did not understand what it was all about. He continued that it seemed apparent to him that he was hearing a lot of innuendos and red herrings being thrown out. Mr. Mancini emphasized that if you say something long enough and loud enough, you will get enough believers. He agreed with the gentleman from the Vero Beach Civic Association, and felt that we all should get on with it. Mr. Mancini pointed out that the tax was small; the hospital was efficient; the nurses and Pink Ladies do a marvelous job; and the doctors are compassionate, considerate, and they care. He did not know what we were going to get in the future, but he knew what we had presently at the hospital. As a patient there, he was treated very, very well and had no complaints. Mr. Mancini commented that the elderly, indigent, and children are well cared for and it was a small tab to pay for getting good care. He personally wanted to thank the Board of Trustees and the Long Range Planning Committee for constructing the hospital and he congratulated them. The members of the Board of Trustees were elected and it was a thankless job - to sit here and take this abuse was something that he just could not understand. Henry Rouse, ACT member and concerned citizen, came before the Board. He stated that the people were dissatisfied with the Board of Trustees and the management of the hospital. Mr. Rouse advised he researched the Grand Jury statements of 1978 and he felt the Board of Trustees was influenced by the "good old boys" going after the "good old buck." He commented that if those recommendations by the Grand Jury had been carried out, he would not be standing here today. Mr. Rouse felt there were a lot of conflicts of interest involved. He noted that the Board of Trustees are required, under the Sunshine Law, to make copies of their agendas available to the public. That obligation was not met and the resolution made at their meeting might be illegal. John J. Morrison, Indian River Harbor-, came before the Board and commented that he had been active in civic matters for twenty years and had strived to conduct his business with candor and integrity. He continued that his wife and two daughters were.nurses and his son-in-law was a surgeon; as a result, their compassion was very much in evidence. Mr. Morrison stated that he served many years on the Hospital Board and was one of the fifteen serving on the Long Range Planning Committee. He believed that where one has an opportunity, one should contribute to the community for one's well being. He talked of the great diagnostical equipment they have, as well as the good hospital care which is at the highest level. Out of the space program a great knowledge was created, and the largest adaptation has been to the medical profession; he felt it would accelerate, rather than diminish. Mr. Morrison then briefly discussed the charges and reimbursements at the hospital. He pointed out that if you would go to a proprietary hospital, on an emergency, you could stay 24 to 48 hours and then out you would go, as opposed to a district hospital - you are not pushed out the door. Mr. Morrison stated he asked the representative from ACA, a proprietary hospital, what their management fee would be and was informed it was 2 to 50 of the gross revenue. He assured the people that the Board and the Long Range Planning Committee were functioning at the highest level. All committee activity was done above board and the meetings were open, with space for expansion, if it were needed. He suggested that people attend the Board and the Long Range Planning Committee meetings to understand the complexities of our task. Mr. Morrison asked the people to become informed, knowledgeable, thoughtful participants in our local government's business. AUG 2-5-1982 19 WX 51 PAGE �� �1 AUG 25 1982,�.PO A resident of Fairway Drive, and a former attorney, stated he came to the meeting with an open mind. He then gave an example of a judge, after hearing arguments from the attorneys, announce that he would hold his decision until he had heard all the testimony. He felt this is what should be done in this matter. The resident believed it would legally require an action by the Legislature before a public institution could be sold. He stated there was a great opportunity to let the testimony be heard by the Hospital Board when they presented its facts - let the opponents tear it apart, then it would be the proper time to have a straw ballot. Margo Hart, employee of the Hospital, urged everyone to keep an open mind on all the issues and to give the Board and Hospital management some time to inform the employees the details of those issues. She referred to the Grand Jury investigation and felt they should let sleeping dogs lie, but give everybody a chance to vote when all the facts are obtained. Ms. Hart then referred to Longwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, which is owned by a hospital corporation. She stated she knew of many people from Fort Pierce who had doctors in Vero Beach, as they felt they were better qualified. Ms. Hart felt the present hospital should be left alone as they were doing a good job - it was financially stable and operating under the most modern of concepts. Bill Grizzell, Vero Beach citizen, interjected that the proposed offers that are made should all be included in the questionnaire in order for the people to make a better. judgment. Frank Zorc, 20th Avenue, approached the Board and wanted to make it clear that he had never questioned the patient care at the hospital. He had said over and over that the nurses and doctors did a fantastic job. Mr. Zorc pointed out that the taxpayers had put the Trustees on their toes but they were still faced with some questions: Are the people satisfied with the administration? Is the hospital run by a special interest group? Should we keep or sell the hospital? The answers to those questions would tell if the people were satisfied with the administration. Chairman Scurlock commented that he would like some commitment that the ballot would be uncluttered and would not have any literature with it. He felt the dissemination of all information could be available through the public hearings. Mr. Ballard agreed absolutely - to let the issue stand on its own. He believed the Board of Trustees would have no problem with the Board of County Commissioners looking over the questionnaire they would prepare. Commissioner Bird inquired if the members of the Long Range Planning Committee were committed to undertaking the time this administrational process would require? Mr. Ballard advised that they would have to engage some one for this purpose. As an entity, he added, they had the responsibility to make this information available and would retain someone to prepare this for them. MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Lyons, SECONDED by Commissioner Bird, that the Board deny the request by ACT for having a straw ballot in November. Commissioner Lyons commented that, in his mind, the_ proposal by the Hospital Board was the equivalent to a referendum. He asked if the Committee would have its work completed by April. Mr. Ballard responded affirmatively. R 51 PA -U -c131 AUG25 1982 21 BOK 5 AUG 25 1982 Discussion followed about the cost of the questionnaires, and it was determined that it would be approximately $10,000. Mr. Ballard expressed his views and hoped that any - vote would not be based on what Mr. Zorc had to say compared to what he had to say. He stressed that the Committee could not possibly be in a position at this time for information to be put before the public, as the study was not yet complete. Commissioner Fletcher stated that he had never questioned the integrity of the hospital; he was concerned that the taxpayer would have an ability to express his opinion. He felt that even if they were given a false reading; he felt they had a right to be wrong, as well as being right. Commissioner Bird talked about the Board having no guidelines to follow and he felt it would be appropriate for the Board to adopt a procedure for having a straw ballot. Lengthy discussion followed along those lines, and it was determined that the citizens could give their input when they attend the public hearing. THE CHAIRMAN CALLED FOR THE QUESTION. It was voted on and carried with a vote of 4 to 1, with Commissioner Fletcher voting in opposition. There being no further business, on Motion made, seconded and carried, the Board adjourned at 4:10 o'clock P.M. ATTEST: Jkd ",-LL:tJ1 Clerk J�.C, 40�" Chairman 22 "'