1986-08-05 Special Meeting
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING, AUGUST 5, 1986
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Special
Session on Tuesday, August 5, 1986, at 9:00 o'clock A.M. in the
Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Administration Building,
320 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, North Carolina.
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Members present were: Commissioners John Dolan; Nolan
O'Neal; Claud O'Shields, Jr.; Vice-Chairman Fred Retchin;
Chairman Jonathan Barfield, Sr.; County Manager, G. Felix Cooper;
County Attorney, Robert W. Pope; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F.
Harrell.
Chairman Barfield called the Special Work Session to order.
DISCUSSION OF HOSPITAL COMMITTEE STUDY REPORT
Commissioner O'Shields commented on the Statement of Concern
presented by the Hospital Study Committee emphasi zing the
importance of the Board of County Commissioners meeting with the
Hospital Board of Trustees and Hospital Study Committee to
discuss the report.
Vice-Chairman Retchin agreed with the idea of scheduling a
meeting stating he strongly feels the Commissioners should
thoroughly study the issue before making a decision. He stated
he felt a proposal could be worked out that would address the
needs and concerns expressed by all on hospital reorganization.
Commissioner 0' Shields cautioned the Commissioners about
allowing an opportunity to perform long range planning for the
hospital to slip away simply because of disagreement and strong
feelings by various groups.
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Chairman Barfield commented on the presentation by the
Hospital Board of Trustees and the report presented by the
Hospital Study Committee stating he was not convinced of the
urgency to restructure the hospital at the present time. He
expressed appreciation to the members of the Hospital Study
Committee for preparation of the report, but again reiterated
that the evidence presented did not indicate any immediate need
for reorganization at the present time.
Commissioner O'Neal commented on the basic issue being
ownership of the hospital. He cautioned against giving the
County's ownership away. He also commented on establishment of
health care services in other counties stressing the negative
impact to small hospitals in the surrounding counties.
Commissioner Dolan stated he had no objection to scheduling
a meeting with the Board, but at the present time he did not see
an immediate crisis for restructuring. He commented on
opposition by the average man on the street feeling that
reorganization is not needed at the present time.
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Commissioner O'Shields commented on the expiration date of
the lease between New Hanover County and New Hanover Memorial
Hospi tal in June 1987. He suggested requesting the County
Attorney to begin drafting a contract that may allow
reorganization which could be presented as another option at the
time of lease renewaL
Chairman Barfield recommended calling for a vote on the
issue at the regularly scheduled meeting of the New Hanover
County Board of Commissioners on August 18, 1986.
Commissioner O'Shields stated that guidance should be given
to the Board of Hospital Trustees recommending a thorough study
of this issue before taking action.
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING, AUGUST 5, 1986 (CONTINUED)
DISCUSSION OF HOSPITAL STUDY REPORT (CONTINUED)
Commissioner Dolan commented on the Hospital Board of
Trustees submitting a proposal at the expiration date of the
lease.
Chairman Barfield again thanked members of the Hospital
Study Committee for preparation of the report.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Dolan MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner O'Neal to
adjourn. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman Barfield adjourned the meeting at 10:19 o'clock
A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
~t//~
Lucie F. Harrell
Clerk