QUARTERLY OPEN TOWN MEETING
The Quarterly Open Town Meeting was held on November 3, 1997 with Mayor Hutchison presiding. Council members present were Mr. Christiansen, Mr. Lambert, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Leary, Mr. Truitt, Mrs. Malone and Mr. Salters. Mr. Weller was absent.
Council staff members present were Mr. Lucas, Mr. O'Connor, Mr. DePrima and Mrs. Green.
The invocation was given by Councilman Salters.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mrs. Malone moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Lambert and unanimously carried.
BAYHEALTH MEDICAL CENTER
Mr. Paul Lakeman, Vice-President of Marketing & Planning of the Bayhealth Medical Center and President of the Bayhealth Foundation, introduced the Chairman of the Board, Mr. William Neaton. Mr. Neaton explained that Bayhealth Incorporated is the merged organization between Kent General and Milford Memorial Hospitals. The goal of the merger is to establish an aggressive healthcare institution that will provide the best quality healthcare for Central Delaware. He noted that Mr. Dennis Klima, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Jim Woodward, Chief Operating Officer at Kent General Hospital, are also present.
Mr. Neaton advised members that although the merger process began almost two (2) years ago, it became a merged entity in January 1997. He noted that many other mergers that have recently occurred across the nation have failed due to the lack of having a single group in charge of managing the merged organization. Mr. Neaton feels that the reasons this merger has been successful is due to having a single Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for both hospitals. Another reason for its success is that the Board of Directors is community based, with membership consisting of both Milford and Dover residents equally. Mr. Neaton indicated that the initial reasons for merging the entities were to increase economies of scale and to improve the health status of the communities. He advised members that a healthcare savings for Central Delaware has already been realized. One area of savings is due to the consolidation of purchases between the hospitals. By becoming a large purchasing organization, millions of dollars will be saved over the next several years. He stated that an immediate savings, in the amount of $250,000, was realized by the joining of insurance programs.
Mr. Neaton stated that Bayhealth, Inc. is one of the largest employers in Central Delaware, having approximately 2,000 employees. One of the main concerns of the merger was the possibility of a major downsize in employees. In an attempt to avoid this concern, they reorganized employees. Unfortunately, there were employees who lost their position with the hospital, however, there were very few of them. This was largely due to their desire to retain as many health care professionals as possible. Mr. Neaton stated that in addition to innovative services, such as the Volunteer Ambulatory Surgical Access Program (to be presented further during the latter part of the meeting), Bayhealth provides charity care, in the amount of $12 million. He explained that charity care is unreimbursed medical expenses associated with providing healthcare to patients in Central Delaware who would otherwise unable to afford the service.
Mr. Klima stated that within the first few months, more than $1½ million has been saved as a result of the merger. These savings are the result of the simulation of programs, economies of scale, and reduction in payroll. Mr. Klima indicated that initially they were concerned with employee downsizing. Fortunately, they have been able to take advantage of achieving the downsizing and savings by not filling positions that become vacant by an employee rather than the company having to eliminate positions.
Mr. Klima advised members that the partnership between the City and the hospital must continue in order for the community to remain economically strong and viable. It is his feeling that the merger has been successful, mainly because the merger process was taken gradually. In addition to the savings that have been realized as a result of the merger, he stated that services have been strengthened. Mr. Klima stated that although Kent General Hospital has been able to provide out-patient rehabilitation services in the past, they were not able to provide this type of in-patient services. With the merged organization, they have been able to expand rehabilitation services to include in-patient care, since in-patient capabilities currently exist at Milford Memorial Hospital. In addition, Mr. Klima stated that the State of Delaware has recently approved the application of Kent General Hospital to perform cardiac catheterization. The necessary permits are currently being obtained for the building renovations and it is hoped that this service will be available by March 1998.
Mr. Klima stated that hospital fees have remained steady for the past four (4) years and that as a result of the merger, there should be no increase in the near future. He reminded members, however, that insurance companies have a large impact on hospital fees. Mr. Klima relayed his appreciation for the support that has been provided by the City of Dover, indicating that in order to achieve progress, team effort is necessary.
Responding to Mr. Lambert regarding the $12 million in Charity Care, Mr. Klima stated that it is anticipated that this amount will continue to rise in the future; however, new policies are constantly being reviewed as a means to reduce this cost.
Noting that the hospital will soon be offering the cardiac catheterization service, Mr. Pitts questioned if there are plans to provide surgery services for heart patients in the near future. Mr. Klima stated that at this time, there are no plans. In response to Mr. Truitt, Mr. Klima stated that angioplasty is considered a therapeutic procedure and is more serious than catheterization. With the risk of performing angiopathy, surgical backup would be necessary to provide protection for the patient.
CAPITAL SCHOOL DISTRICT - DR. JAMES HAMMOND, SUPERINTENDENT
Dr. James Hammond, Superintendent of Capital School District, stated that he has been with the Capital School District for 60 days and looks forward to the opportunity to develop a strong bond with the community. He noted that the Capital School District Board Members consists of citizens that are interested in the quality of education for children. Dr. Hammond stated that he is pleased with the involvement and concern of citizens for the schools, having served in districts where there was no concern or commitment on the part of the community. It is his feeling that the city, school district and community must operate as one entity to produce quality students, thus, quality citizens of the future.
As a result of a workshop recently held with the community, Dr. Hammond stated that he established five (5) goals for the Capital School District, as follows:
► Maintain high standards and quality programming with respect to curriculum and instruction so that all students have the opportunity to achieve excellence. Plans have been made to implement a new science curriculum; a comprehensive staff improvement training program has been developed; and a new reading curriculum has been established.
► Utilize technology designed to promote student learning in the classroom and in district operations so that student learning is enhanced. Dr. Hammond advised members that Delaware is fortunate for the commitment made by our Governor for all schools to be wired for technology. Although all wiring is complete in the Capital School District, the equipment (hardware and software) needed is lacking; therefore, a Technology Project has been established to obtain funds and resources necessary to make such purchases. He stated that technology is a tool to help improve the quality of education for our students.
► Provide a safe learning and working environment for students and employees. Dr. Hammond advised members that students cannot learn and teachers cannot teach in a disruptive environment. He explained that not all children can be successful in a comprehensive or standard academic environment. If consideration is not given to the different needs, backgrounds and experiences of our children, frustrations manifest which results in inappropriate behavior. In an attempt to minimize these frustrations, Capital School District is in the process of establishing a plan to place these students in a more comfortable setting where they can become successful and achieve. Dr. Hammond stated that it is his desire to provide facilities and staff, with professional development experiences, that model success. He advised members that there are schools that have established programs that have been successful with students who cannot operate in a regular academic environment. He noted that one of these programs, the Gentlemen’s Club, has been instituted at William Henry Middle School and has been successful.
► Develop and propose a maintenance and operations referendum. Dr. Hammond stated that the Capital School District has prepared a report for review and consideration by the Board of Education. He stated that they have recently began Phase II of Dover High School’s $11 million renovations, which is an eight (8) to ten (10) year project. Dr. Hammond advised members that it has been more than ten (10) years since a maintenance and operations tax has been proposed. Although there was a recent referendum for the building of a new elementary school (North Dover Elementary School), they are proposing a general operating referendum. He explained that the proposed maintenance and operations referendum would assist in the purchase of basic materials and supplies; equipment, materials, and supplies necessary for the Technology Plan; routine daily maintenance; and would provide some capital to implement the recent employment contract for the teachers. He assured members that further details regarding the proposed referendum will be forthcoming.
► Establish and promote positive school district and community relations. Dr. Hammond stated that this presentation is an example of what he hopes will continue in the future. Plans are being made to address civic organizations, churches, etc., on concerns with regard to the Capital School District. Area businesses and corporations will be contacted to secure their assistance and support to the Capital School District. Dr. Hammond stated that plans are being made to organize citizen task forces and committees to assure that residents are being kept abreast of issues and to alleviate any misunderstandings. He also indicated that a newsletter is being developed, which will highlight student and employee accomplishments and success stories.
Dr. Hammond advised members that communities demand four (4) elements from their schools - quality, equity, efficiency and choice. It is his opinion that the Capital School District meets these demands. He assured members that the Capital School District is committed to providing each student with the opportunity to secure a quality education. The desired outcome is for these students to leave equipped to successfully compete in an increasingly demanding, local community.
As Chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee, Mrs. Malone thanked Dr. Hammond for allowing the City to utilize property of the Capital School District for activities.
VOLUNTARY AMBULATORY SURGICAL ACCESS PROGRAM (VASAP) - DR. RAFAEL A. ZARAGOZA
Dr. Rafael Zaragoza informed members of a program he has organized, Voluntary Ambulatory Surgical Access Program (VASAP), which is one (1) of only two (2) programs of its kind in the United States. He stated that this program is currently offered at Kent General Hospital and is made possible by volunteerism. Dr. Zaragoza stated that once his children were raised and educated, he began a new mission - to share his professional services, without compensation, with those in need. For years, several physicians and hospitals have been giving free medical services without knowledge, explaining that it is not until after the services have been provided that it is discovered that the patient is unable to pay for the services.
Dr. Zaragoza stated that the VASAP is a team effort, crediting the surgeons, nurses, technicians, etc. who volunteer their time and Kent General Hospital for use of their facilities. Special recognition was given to Kent General Hospital Administration (Mr. William Neaton, Chairman of the Board; Mr. Dennis Klima, President and CEO; Mr. James Woodward, Executive Vice-President and COO; and Mrs. JoAnn Burch, Vice-President for Nursing Affairs) for their assistance in bringing this program to fruition. Dr. Zaragoza stated that the Dover Rotary Club has always supported Kent General Hospital and now provides non-clinical support for the VASAP. He advised members that Kent General Hospital was founded and built in 1925 by the Dover Rotary Club.
Dr. Zaragoza stated that the VASAP was conceived after his participation in several medical and surgical missions in the Philippines, many being performed in their poorest islands. He noted that, unlike in the United States, more than one (1) operation can be performed in the same room at the same time. Dr. Zaragoza presented members with a slide presentation depicting before and after pictures of patients in the Philippines and of area hospitals. As a result of the benefits, morality, and success of these missions, the idea of establishing this type of program in Delaware was originated.
Dr. Zaragoza explained that the goal of VASAP is to provide good health to the needy, reduce health care costs, provide preventive medicine, provide community service, and to raise the image of the hospital and medical community. The program is offered only to those patients that are uninsured, financially burdened, and who cannot afford insurance. Currently, the program is offered only to those patients that are residents of Kent County. He assured members that only Board Qualified or Certified Physicians can participate in the program and that surgeons are only permitted to operate within their specialty. There have been approximately 35 procedures performed under this program in Kent County, which would equal approximately $300,000 worth of services. As an example of the costs involved, Dr. Zaragoza explained that a simple procedure could involve up to eight (8) health care providers (doctors, nurses, etc.). He stated that a portion of funds from a private donation from PNC Bank is being used to defray the costs of medical supplies.
Dr. Zaragoza stated that he hopes to continue receiving support from the community, hospital, surgeons and nurses so that this program can be continued. It is now his goal to replicate this program into other communities.
Responding to Mrs. Malone, Dr. Zaragoza stated that patients of this program are not charged for any pre-operative or follow-up care. He stated that patients of this program are also selected by the degree of surgery needed, explaining that the surgery required must be for out-patient service.
TELEVISING OF QUARTERLY OPEN TOWN MEETINGS
Several members felt that the presentations this evening could be beneficial to citizens and suggested that ComCast be requested to televise Quarterly Open Town Meetings. Responding, Mr. Lambert stated that the current franchise agreement does not include televising Quarterly Open Town Meetings; however, he stated that in the next year, staff will begin renegotiations of our franchise agreement. At that time, he assured members that this issue can be considered. In the meantime, should Council wish to televise a Quarterly Open Town Meeting, Mr. Lambert suggested that either the Finance Director, Mr. Karia, or himself be contacted to submit a request to ComCast as each meeting date approaches.
Mr. Truitt suggested that ComCast also be given the opportunity to make a presentation during a Quarterly Open Town Meeting.
MARTHA MILLER - 170 HAZEL ROAD
Mrs. Martha Miller, 170 Hazel Road, addressed members with concerns that she feels could improve the City’s image of excellence, as follows:
► Carriage House (located behind the Library) - trim needs to be repainted as well as the cupola.
► Library Grounds - trees, shrubs, etc. need pruning. Poison ivy needs to be removed.
► Silver Lake Park - park regulations sign at the Washington Street entrance needs to be replaced (weather-beaten) and suggested that the sign be relocated so that it is seen when individuals depart their car and walk into the park. It was her feeling that individuals do not stop their cars to read the sign. Mrs. Miller also felt that the City should pave the parking lot. Noting the limited seating available, she suggested the installation of benches and questioned the removal of picnic tables during the winter since the park is used year round. She referred to the new pavilion and walkway, noting that the walkway abrubtly ends and seems to go nowhere.
Responding, Mr. O’Connor explained that the walkway is being done in conjunction with the Greenway Project and indicated that it is not complete. The walkway will eventually connect the northern end of the City to the southern end of the City. The pavilion was installed as a result of requests from citizens to provide a covered shelter so that functions, such as family reunions, can be held at the Park. Mr. O’Connor stated that staff is planning to install pavilions at most of the City parks. He stated that the demand for picnic tables decreases during the winter months; therefore, only a few picnic tables are maintained at the park. This also provides staff the opportunity to winterize the tables in order to prevent them from deteriorating.
Mr. O’Connor advised members that at the request of Mrs. Malone, a new sign for the Silver Lake Park has already been ordered. He explained that the sign is located at the entrance of the park so that individuals will be made aware of the rules prior to entering the grounds of the park. Mr. O’Connor stated that consideration will be given to the possibility of placing additional signs within the park.
SAM HOFF - CANDIDATE FOR SPECIAL ELECTION - AT-LARGE POSITION
Dr. Sam Hoff, candidate for the Special Election to fill the At-Large City Council position, requested permission for use of the Council Chambers by all candidates. He suggested that permission be granted for use of the Chambers for approximately one (1) hour after the next Council Meeting, scheduled for November 10, 1997. This would provide each candidate an opportunity to give a 20 minute presentation.
NOTE: It is the City’s policy to prohibit the use of City owned property for any political purposes (Council consensus of February 24, 1992). This information was relayed to Dr. Hoff by Council President Christiansen.
Mr. Salters moved for adjournment, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:28 P.M.
JANICE C. GREEN
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
JAMES L. HUTCHISON
MAYOR
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