07-16-2002Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

G:)on903n2 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - Chairman Lancaster tafi.e~tO'r~ublic participation and no one responded. 6 DR MARK JORGENSEN - DISCUSS AND REQUEST ALTERNATIVE OFFICE SPACE - Lancaster stated that Dr Mark Jorgensen contacted her and requested to speak to the county board. He stated that the interlocal agreement established the Tri County Health Department. This is important for the counties involved. He stated that public health is important. In the early 1900 some people did not live to see their 49th birthday and now people live 30 years longer. It is important that the health department have adequate space to develop the programs that are needed by the community. They need a facility that will have adequate space. Hartman - He questioned if this was the same issue that was addressed two weeks ago and if so why are they back again. Lancaster stated that Mr. Jorgensen was not at the last meeting and he is here to provide information. Eriksen - He stated that there was a recommendation from the long range planning committee concerning the health department and he would like to address the situation. If it is possible to save dollars with a different type of plan this should be considered. Mr. Jorgensen stated that the health board does not want to run the county's business he just wants to state his case regarding the space that the health department needs. There are number of buildings available and he encouraged to board to consider them. Logan questioned if the health board knows what would be needed in five years. He stated that Health Director Sonja Simpson has expressed concerns on the fund in the future and the tobacco money. Jorgensen stated that the bottom line is that the health department cannot get a loan and they will need to rely on future funding from the city and the county. This is a million dollar budget. They need more building space and parking space; parking space is a safety issue. Arnold stated that new district health board supports the possibility of a different location. But if health director Sonja Simpson has concerns on where the dollars will come from. Jorgensen stated that the health board couldn't borrow money. If the public defender and probation offices must be moved this will cost the county money. Arnold said the long-range plan calls for new construction so the other offices could be moved then. The public defender and probation offices also want to be close the courthouse building. Arnold suggested looking at this matter again and make sure it is the right decision for the county. Lancaster questioned if the money was available for the health department to find a new location would they want to do this. Jorgensen also stated that the health department could request a statutory tax but they do not want to do this. 5