Rural health board discusses buildings

by Cat Urbigkit

The Sublette County Rural Health Care Board met Monday, March 13, in Mableton with all members present for an unusually brief session. Tony Chambers of Chambers Design Build discussed the status of the new Pinedale ambulance barn project. Chambers noted that Davis Partnership, architects for the project, have promised final drawings on March 17, which will allow Chambers to request bids from subcontractors and determine a cost. Bids from contractors are expected to be in hand by April 20, with final costs determined soon after that date.

Discussion turned to details of responsibility for this project with neither the board nor Chambers certain who would be in control of construction. The amount of funding to be provided by the Sublette County Commissioners and the portion to be paid by the Sublette County Rural Health Care District has not been finalized. Chambers will meet with the commissioners as soon as he has cost figures and ask for clarification.

Chairman Jerry Jensen asked if the new Pinedale building inspector would be a factor in getting started with the project and Chambers indicated that would not be a problem as that person is not yet in an enforcement position. The State Fire Marshal will be the only area that may cause delays as they must review and approve plans prior to construction.

Bill Schertz again asked the board to consider his recommendations regarding building placement and design and presented drawings to the members. Schertz was assured that his input had been presented to the architects and had been carefully considered.

Director Randy Johnson updated the board regarding potential physician hires and progress on the proposed Sand Draw ambulance and fire facility. Work in both areas continues.

The newly established EMT Council has elected members from each end of the county with Pinedale represented by Wil Gay, Andy McGinnis and David Potter and Big Piney-Marbleton represented by Katie Krieger, Bill Krieger and Dave Kinnamon. Also serving on that council will be Medical Director Dr.Doug Schmitz and Johnson.

In other business, the board approved sending a thank you letter to the county commissioners for including health care employees in the county insurance plan.

The board approved the closing of a checking account at First National Bank and moving to Bank of Pinedale due to higher interest rates offered. Approval was given to withdraw $400,000 from savings at Wyo-Star for deposit to checking accounts.

The board then went into executive session to discuss personnel issues, operational changes at the Pinedale clinic and land acquisition for the Marbleton clinic.