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04/26/1989 CLEARWATER HEALTH FACILITIES AUTHORITY April 26, 1989 The City of Clearwater Health Facilities Authority met in regular session in the Mayor's Conference Room, City Hall, on Wednesday, April 26, 1989. The following members were present: Frank George, Jr. Ruth Condon Florence Hosch Absent: C. J. Wollett, Chairman George Bouse, Vice-Chairman Also present: Spencer M. Kisby, Morton Plant Hospital Emil C. Marquardt, Attorney for Morton Plant Hospital Glen Hubbard, Morton Plant Hospital Duane Houtz, President of Morton Plant Hospital Mary K. Diana, Assistant City Clerk The meeting was called to order at 4:30 P.M. by Mr. George. He presented the minutes of the April 27, 1988 meeting which had been mailed to the members of the Authority. Mrs. Condon moved to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Emil Marquardt, attorney for Morton Plant Hospital, said it was important to keep the Authority informed of what is taking place at the hospital in order to see the need for a particular project. Duane Houtz, president of Morton Plant Hospital, gave a progress report and Glen Hubbard distributed a copy of the organizational structure of Morton Plant Corporation which includes Morton Plant Hospital; Morton Plant Life Services, an adult congregate facility which is now Bay View Gardens and located behind Clearwater Mall; Morton Plant Health Services, a diagnostic imaging facility located on the corner of Pinellas and Fort Harrison; three for profit organizations consisting of Morton Plant Health Trust, providing insurance at the present time for the employees and their families; the MFP, Inc., providing graphic services; and the Health Ventures, providing laboratory services. Mr. Houtz presented a chart showing the historic development of the hospital over the last four decades. In the 1970's, the expansion included the Barnard Building increasing the bed capacity of the institution to 740 beds. During the 1980's, expansion included the addition of twenty-four private rooms to the Witt Building, an ambulatory surgery facility, the Lyke's Cancer Center and the Adler Building for laboratory facilities. In response to a question, it was indicated out patient diet counseling is provided. Morton Plant Hospital is currently dealing with the potential relocation of their nursing home. Mr. Houtz indicated the nursing facility is twenty-five years old and was inexpensively constructed. Even though a superior rating has been received for the past three years, he feels the capability of caring for the patients is not as good as with newer facilities. He said the relocation of the facility would cause the overlapping of the boundaries of Clearwater and Belleair. The old Pinellas Lumber Company is currently being leased by Morton Plant with a contract for purchase in 1992. Proposed for this property is a warehouse, a remote dietary kitchen and parking spaces for employees. He said the women's center should be completed within 22 months. He indicated the hospital is facing problems due to AIDS and crack cocaine use. Mr. Houtz showed a rendering of the nursing home which would become a reality in approximately 24 months once the approvals have been obtained. Zoning variances are needed from the City of Belleair. He showed the five-year plan which includes an expansion of the emergency department; renovation of the Roebling Building; rehabilitation and nursing center; and the Lykes Cancer Center expansion. He feels that 38 percent of all hospital care in North County will be rendered by Morton Plant. In response to a question, it was indicated Morton Plant is licensed for 740 beds. Concern was expressed regarding the number of vacant beds throughout the County and it was indicated this was due to a decrease in the length of stay of the patients and out-patient services. Mr. Marquardt left the meeting at 4:55 P.M. In response to a question, it was indicated $4-1/2 million has been spent to upgrade Bay View Gardens which is presently 70 percent occupied with two floors providing residents assisted living. As there is a current trend for more nursing care, it is anticipated that Bay View will be converted to a fully assisted living facility. Discussion ensued regarding the rising costs of nursing homes. Medicare has become a major concern with the federal government placing more restrictions on institutions. A concern was expressed regarding future financing, and it was indicated the programs provided by the hospital need to be self-sustaining. Mrs. Condon nominated C. J. Wollett as Chairman and George Bouse as Vice-Chairman. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. The next meeting of the Authority was scheduled for April 18, 1990, at 4:30 P.M. The meeting adjourned at 5:00 P.M.