Health Options Digest
October 24, 2004
Coalition for Health Options In Central Eugene-Springfield (CHOICES)
In This Issue
From the Editor
Week In Review
Springfield is postponing the public hearing on the proposed PeaceHealth plan amendments until November 16. We don't know the reason for the postponement, but we get the sense that PeaceHealth is still trying to get its application materials together. It is likely that meetings scheduled for November 23 and December 6 will be similarly postponed.
McKenzie-Willamette is continuing to talk with EWEB about purchasing its property in downtown Eugene to use for a new hospital. McKenzie-Willamette plans to resubmit its purchase offer and expects to hear a response back from EWEB by December 1.
On Sunday, LTD began service from their new Springfield Station. Work on bus rapid transit in downtown Springfield was completed the Monday before.
In other news, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, a.k.a. "The Terminator," is planning to turn himself into a secret weapon in the fight for Ohio's electoral votes. Schwarzenegger is an occasional guest contributor to "Health Options Digest."
Speaking of guest contributors, we hear that Dave Barry is planning to take a sabbatical from writing his weekly humor column. No, we aren't making this up! No, we don't know if the Miami Herald is looking for a substitute humorist! No, we don't need any more legal entanglements!
Looking Ahead
So how's the game of "Musical Chairs" going?
PeaceHealth has been oddly quiet for quite some time now. Although it has publicly expressed confidence that its legal problems in Springfield are surmountable and is planning to open a new hospital in 2008, we wonder whether the lawyers really know how to turn night into day.
Meanwhile, McKenzie-Willamette now seems like they are pushing forward on a aggressive schedule to open their new hospital on the EWEB site, perhaps before 2008.
The game of "Musical Chairs" is starting to look more like a horse race. But the game in the past has never failed to offer up surprising twists and turns. We figure we are due for a new surprise sometime before the end of the year.
And what if PeaceHealth ultimately finds that it can't move to the Gateway area? Will it still make sense for McKenzie-Willamette to move to downtown Eugene, thus leaving Eugene with two hospitals and Springfield none? Or will PeaceHealth find a way to move to, say, Glenwood?
We still don't know when the Court of Appeals will rule on the Eugene hospital zoning case, but we keep checking each Wednesday when they release their opinions: http://www.publications.ojd.state.or.us/appeals.htm
The City of Springfield is accepting applications to fill two positions on its seven-member historic commission. The deadline to apply is November 18.
Speaking of surprises, in little more than a week, we will all learn how the elections turn out... or maybe not. Maybe the elections, like the hospital siting, will go to the lawyers and judges to figure out.
Rob Zako, Editor
343-5201
rzako@efn.org
Calendar
Tuesday, November 16 -- Springfield City Council & Springfield Planning Commission
Springfield City Hall, 225 Fifth St., Springfield
Contact: Amy Sowa, City Manager's Office, 726-3700
Public Hearing
A. PeaceHealth Plan Amendments
Tuesday, November 23 -- Springfield Planning Commission
Springfield City Hall, 225 Fifth St., Springfield, 726-3753
Regular Meeting
A. PeaceHealth Plan Amendments
Monday, December 6 -- Springfield City Council
Springfield City Hall, 225 Fifth St., Springfield
Contact: Amy Sowa, City Manager's Office, 726-3700
Regular Meeting
A. PeaceHealth Plan Amendments
Opportunities
Positions open on Historic Commission
| The Springfield News | October 20, 2004 |
The City of Springfield is accepting applications to fill two positions on its seven-member historic commission. The two appointees will assume the duties of terms that expire March 2006.
Preference will be given to applicants with technical expertise and backgrounds in historic preservation, local history, architecture, construction, archaeology, or preservation-related disciplines. Applicants do not necessarily need to be residents or property owners in Springfield; however, they must meet State Historic Preservation Office guidelines.
The historic commission promotes stewardship for historic preservation through education and participation. The commission conducts tours of historic sites; organizes historical programs to help the community develop an appreciation of its historic heritage; reviews development and restoration requests in the Washburne Historic District; and, reviews any proposals that affect Springfield's historic resources.
Historic commission meetings are held the first Monday of every month, at 5: 30 p.m. in the Library Meeting Room at city hall. The next scheduled public meeting of the historic commission is Monday, Nov. 1. Interested candidates are asked to attend this meeting in order to familiarize themselves with the duties of the commission. Candidate interviews will take place at the Dec. 6 meeting and then candidate interviews before the Springfield City Council shall be held Jan. 10. Appointments will be made Jan. 18 at the regular city council public meeting.
Applications are available at the city manager's office in city hall, at Fifth and A streets. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m., Thursday Nov. 18.
For more information contact Kitti Gale at 726-3632.
McKenzie-Willamette/Triad
New Offer Coming
DOWNTOWN EUGENE -- Representatives of McKenzie Willamette Hospital will make another offer to buy the Eugene Water and Electric board headquarters land and building.
The two sides met with Eugene city staff in an attempt to find common ground on the sale of the downtown Eugene property.
Hospital CEO, Roy Orr says he now has a better understanding of the challenges facing EWEB before a sale can go through.
He says the hospital will re-submit a purchase offer.
EWEB spokesman, Lance Robertson says the deciding issues remain timeline and money.
EWEB has a tentative agreement to purchase 46 acres in northwest Eugene but needs more time to determine the cost of relocation.
EWEB makes offer on land
By Joe Harwood
The Register-Guard | October 21, 2004 |
CORRECTION (ran 10/22/04): A map included with a story on Page D3 on Thursday about the Eugene Water & Electric Board's intent to buy vacant land showed the wrong location. The utility is seeking to buy land at the southeast corner of Belt Line Road and Roosevelt Boulevard.
The Eugene Water & Electric Board is moving forward with the purchase of 46 acres at the southeast corner of Belt Line Road and Roosevelt Boulevard -- land that someday could become the utility's new headquarters.
EWEB officials this week made an offer of $1.6 million for the parcel, with a down payment of $600,000, according to EWEB documents.
The owner of the land, Brand S Corp. of Corvallis, accepted and agreed to carry a 10-year land sales contract at a 5 percent annual interest rate.
The purchase agreement gives the utility four months to complete a host of studies to make sure the land is free of pollution and that its soil is stable enough for buildings. EWEB will also conduct a study to determine the size and quality of the estimated 24 acres of wetlands on the site. The utility has been seeking land for a new headquarters for several years. (more...)
McKenzie-Willamette, EWEB and City of Eugene Meet
By Rosie Pryor
McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center | October 21, 2004 |
Today, representatives of the hospital met for several hours with staff from Eugene Water and Electric Board and the City of Eugene to discuss issues affecting the hospital's purchase of EWEB's downtown Eugene property. McKenzie-Willamette first offered to purchase the property in early August. Today's meeting was an opportunity for all three parties to thoroughly explore the proposal.
CEO Roy Orr was joined by Maureen Weathers, Chair of the joint venture Board of Governors, and representatives of Triad Hospitals, Inc., in the near day-long meeting, organized to provide ample time for all parties to gain a thorough understanding of the challenges faced by each to make this transaction work.
"It was a great meeting," according to Roy Orr, who said the hospital will now use the information gleaned from the meeting to revise the offer one more time. He said "we now have a much better understanding" of the challenges EWEB faces to make the relocation of its administration and operations facilities work. He said we will resubmit the purchase offer which will then be presented to the EWEB Board, and we anticipate receiving a response from EWEB by December 1.
Questions? Feel free to give me a call at 726-4789 or send me an e-mail at rospry@mckweb.com.
Rosie Pryor
Director, Marketing and Planning
McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center
1460 G Street
Springfield, OR 97477-4197
744-6164
rospry@mckweb.com
Health Care
Bend hospital bending under growth
| The Associated Press | October 20, 2004 |
BEND -- The population boom in Central Oregon is starting to overwhelm the local hospital.
Bend tripled in population in the 1990s to 62,000 inhabitants today, and probably will double again by 2025.
At St. Charles Medical Center, doctors have been forced to shuffle patients between rooms, double them up and release some earlier than usual, said Todd Sprague, the hospital spokesman.
The hospital now provides home care nurses to oversee patients who can be released early with a doctor's consent.
Sprague said overcrowding has been a problem in recent years, but it has worsened this year. In 1993, the Bend hospital saw an average of 93 overnight patients in a day. Now, it is getting about 160, Sprague said. (more...)
Nearby Developments
Cruise line deal gets sweetened: Governor Kulongoski adds financial incentive to settle in Springfield
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | October 22, 2004 |
It's all down to the details.
As Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., continues to eye Springfield for its new call center site, the deal has been sweetened by Gov. Ted Kulongoski's offer of $1.25 million in subsidies once the company has established its business and adds jobs to the community.
Negotiations are moving forward, but the official "it's a go" has yet to be uttered by any party.
For the last several months, Royal Caribbean has been looking at a 22-acre parcel off Sports Way in the Gateway area for an 180,000-square-foot call center. If the site were selected, Springfield would see roughly 250 new jobs next fall, with the potential of 1,000 jobs in the next four to five years.
City officials said work remains before any deal can be struck.
Mike Kelly, Springfield city manager, said the land Royal Caribbean wants to develop is separated into two sections by Sports Way and a public process to eliminate the public road would have to occur. (more...)
Bakery, UO 'getting close' to land sale, official says
By Greg Bolt
The Register-Guard | October 20, 2004 |
A decision on whether to build a new University of Oregon basketball arena at the current site of Williams' Bakery could come by early December as the two sides negotiate toward a purchase price for the property.
Bakery officials have narrowed their search for a new location to two sites, one in Glenwood and another in Springfield, and should have building cost estimates soon. That will allow the UO to firm up its estimates for building the arena so it can determine whether to go forward with the project. (more...)
Bakery requests zoning change
By Meghann Cuniff, News Reporter
Oregon Daily Emerald | October 20, 2004 |
Williams Bakery requests site-review zone change
Students and community members are encouraged to attend a public hearing on a zone-change request by Williams Bakery, Jeff Nelson of the Fairmount Neighbors Association said. Located just east of campus, Williams Bakery, the targeted site for the University's new basketball arena, is looking to change zones from one requiring a site-review overlay to one that doesn't.
The Fairmount Neighbors Association unanimously passed a resolution earlier this month stating its opposition to the zone change request.
Nelson said he doesn't know why the request is being made but that the association is concerned about what a lack of a site review could mean for the neighborhood surrounding the bakery. (more...)
Bakery site may hinder basketball arena plans
Members of the Fairmont Neighbors Association request zone change, site review
By Meghann Cuniff, News Reporter
Oregon Daily Emerald | October 21, 2004 |
The Eugene hearings official heard testimony Wednesday night regarding a zone-change request from Williams Bakery that would change the site from one that requires a site review to one that doesn't. The opposition was given one more week to submit new evidence before the issue will be closed for discussion. A decision will be made by Nov. 18.
Because of recent changes in site-review criteria, attorney Kim O'Dea said the request from Williams Bakery is legitimate. (more...)
Santa Clara Area Concerned Over New Development
An area of Santa Clara is in the works of being developed.
But some people living in that part of town aren't entirely happy with the plan.
The area we're talking about is just east of the northwest express way and north of irvington road.
The plan calls for 120 acres set aside for the neighborhood and a 77 acre park.
It's a piece of land that sits right next to a small community.
Soon this land could become a new neighborhood. (more...)
Preparing for takeoff: Work progresses on new runway at Eugene Airport
By Joe Harwood
The Register-Guard | October 18, 2004 |
Progress on the Eugene Airport's new runway is cruising along at a rapid clip -- enough so that project manager Gale Mills no longer cares about the impending rain. (more...)
Arlie buying KKXO radio station
By Joe Harwood
The Register-Guard | October 21, 2004 |
Eugene-based real estate developer Arlie & Co. is diversifying into broadcast radio.
The company, doing business as Churchill Communications LLC, earlier this month submitted documents to the Federal Communications Commission to take over the license of KKXO 1450 AM, a Eugene station that has an adult standard format featuring music from the 1950s and 1960s.
Two Arlie executives, President Susanne Arlie and Chief Operating Officer Scott Diehl, are listed as the members of Churchill, according to FCC documents.
Churchill paid $87,500 for the license and $450,000 for a broadcast tower and land on Goodpasture Island Road in Eugene, Diehl said. The deal is contingent on FCC approval, which is expected shortly.
The purchase is being driven by Arlie executive John Musumeci's desire to diversify, Diehl said. (more...)
Transportation
Green light means go for EmX downtown
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | October 20, 2004 |
Green light means go for EmX in downtown Springfield.
On Monday, Lane Transit District's EmX bus rapid transit project in downtown Springfield was completed with the activation of a new traffic signal at Pioneer Parkway East and South A Street. Service at the new Springfield Station will begin this Sunday.
The downtown area is the first completed segment of the four-mile EmX route to be constructed, LTD officials said. The corridor is expected to be complete and operational in late fall of 2006.
LTD spokesman Andy Vobora said routes will now be directed through the new station, and should be consistent with the routes operating out of the former station, built in 1982 at Fifth and B streets.
Riders should find the change of stations an easy switch. (more...)
Residents oppose naming McKenzie Highway a freight route
By Randi Bjornstad
The Register-Guard | October 22, 2004 |
Hundreds of residents who live along the McKenzie Highway -- officially known as Highway 126 East -- have signed petitions protesting the Oregon Department of Transportation's plan to designate the curvy two-lane road between Springfield and the Santiam Pass as a permanent freight route.
A contingent of McKenzie Valley residents urged the county commissioners this week to take a stand against the ODOT proposal, and at least three -- Bill Dwyer, Peter Sorenson and Don Hampton -- appear to share their concerns. (more...)
McKenzie: Big trucks coming?
State wants to designate the highway part of a freight system; neighbors object
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | October 22, 2004 |
McKenzie Highway's proposed inclusion to the Statewide Freight Route system has east Lane County residents voicing opposition and Lane County commissioners asking for more time.
Lane County commissioners have been asked by the Oregon Department of Transportation to make a recommendation for proposed additions to the state's freight routes. After listening to public testimony Wednesday morning, commissioners said a lot of questions need answering and the public needs to be better informed of what the designation could mean.
Residents along the McKenzie Highway fear designating Highway 126, from Springfield to just south of the Santiam Pass, as a recognized freight route would jeopardize the area's scenic beauty, safety, recreation activities, water supply and environment.
Several community members spoke out last week, saying they were surprised to learn of the proposal and urging the commissioners to protect McKenzie's scenic beauty. One week later, more than 400 signatures were gathered and presented before the commission to illustrate the level of the community's concern. (more...)
Letter -- ODOT's plans for 126 must be foiled
By James King, President, SMASH, Blue River
The Springfield News | October 20, 2004 |
As an attendee of our Lane County Commissioners' meeting on Oct. 13 discussing ODOT's imperious desire to designate an astonishing increase of 43 percent in new freight-designated routes statewide, I wish to thank my neighbors and fellow McKenzie Valley citizens for their attendance and their heartfelt, eloquent and insightful comments in strong opposition to including Route 126 east from Springfield to the Santiam junction.
It was alarming to learn of the ominous portend of these new regulations as affecting our property values and business activity in our beautiful and threatened valley. We have already recognized and are currently living with the many depredations the increased truck traffic, trailer length and weight, noise, trucker behavior, and finally SPEED that occur in our neighborhoods. The daily erosion of the quality and safety of our lives caused by this FEAR is clearly tangible to each of us every time we exit or enter our driveways, or businesses, or take our children to school.
Surely we must not allow ODOT and its obvious cozy partnership with the trucking industry to mandate the future of our treasured but fragile valley for some ill-conceived expediency.
It was especially gratifying to hear Rep. Barnhardt speak so succinctly and forcefully in opposition to this proposal. Our fervent hope at SMASH (Scenic McKenzie Association for Safe Highways) is that we follow in the footsteps of St. George by slaying this fearful dragon.
Of more than incidental interest is the initiation of ODOT's surreptitious proposal virtually without any advance notice or citizen input. Were it not for the diligence of the McKenzie River Reflections, we might not been aware of this meeting. One must wonder at the hubris this smacks of. It was also curious to note that East Lane County Commissioner Hampton was late in attendance for this most important meeting, and was seen to be napping (nodding off with eyes closed) through a significant portion of the citizen input.
LTD project aims to lessen traffic at school
By BEN RAYMOND LODE
The Springfield News | October 22, 2004 |
Traffic outside some area schools during main pick-up and drop-off times can be heavy, to say the least.
A Lane Transit District pilot project, however, could remedy the chaotic traffic situation, while limiting air pollution and improving safety around schools.
The project, called "Smart Ways to School," helps parents and students connect with each other to form carpools, as well as groups who can walk and bicycle together to and from school.
It also encourages those who are eligible for school bus service to use it. (more...)
Elections
Springfield Chamber -- Vote yes on the local measures
By Sue Slaughter-Nichols
The Springfield News | October 20, 2004 |
Measures that will affect the future economic health and quality of life of Springfield are on the ballot this Nov. 2. In all three measures -- Urban Renewal in Glenwood, Willamalane Recreation and Community Center and the Police/court/jail facility -- the Chamber urges a "yes" vote of behalf of these important measures. (more...)
Blake Hastings -- Measure funding Springfield community center needed and timely
By Blake Hastings
The Register-Guard | October 18, 2004 |
On Election Day, the citizens of Springfield will have the opportunity to approve a $4.5 million bond measure to build a new community center at the Willamalane Park Swim Center.
This new, 24,000-square-foot center would replace the 53-year-old Memorial Building, which has long outgrown its usefulness to Willamalane. The Memorial Building is expensive to operate, lacks adequate parking and is literally worn out.
In my view, this measure is prudent and reasonable. It makes good sense, not only for the expanded amenities, but also for its cost-effectiveness and timing. (more...)
Measure for jail, public safety outraises other city campaigns
By Bob Keefer
The Register-Guard | October 23, 2004 |
SPRINGFIELD -- The campaign to build a city jail and new public safety center downtown has attracted $20,685 in donations, making it the best financed political campaign in town, according to reports filed this week.
The "Yes on Public Safety" political action committee reported $5,825 in new donations since the end of September. Among the largest new donors were Olsson Industrial Electric and Christian Future of Springfield and Barbara Cargill of Honolulu, giving $1,000 each.
The PAC reported spending $16,213, with nearly $14,000 going to radio, television and newspaper advertising in support of Measure 20-91, which would authorize $28.7 million in bonds to build the public safety center.
Committee for Glenwood, a PAC formed to support Measure 20-92, which would create an urban renewal district in Glenwood, reported $600 in donations for the entire campaign -- $500 of which came from the Sid Leiken for Mayor Committee. The PAC did not report any spending.
Citizens for the Community Center, a PAC formed to support Measure 20-100, authorizing $4.5 million in bonds to build a new community center for the Willamalane Park & Recreation District, raised another $1,435, bringing the campaign total to $2,285. The largest new contributor was Willamalane board chairman Blake Hastings, $500. The PAC reported spending $1,115 on brochures and printing.
Finally, Joe Pishioneri's campaign for the Ward 6 City Council seat collected another $1,695 this reporting period, bringing its campaign total to $3,625. The largest new donor was Debbie Davis' defunct City Council campaign. She ran unsuccessfully in the primary for the Ward 6 post.
Pishioneri reported spending $569 on lawn signs and $114 on sign stakes. His opponent, Debi Baker, has raised less than $2,000 and doesn't need to file a report.
Stewart, Hampton vie for county seat
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | October 20, 2004 |
Two men, one seat.
Incumbent Don Hampton wants to keep serving east Lane County in Position 5 on the Lane County Board of Commissioners, but challenger Faye Stewart II is ready to take over.
The only way to settle the match is with some good ol' fashioned democracy.
The power lies with the voters this November. (more...)
Commissioner rivals even in money race
By Randi Bjornstad
The Register-Guard | October 22, 2004 |
Coming down to the wire in the race for the East Lane County commissioner seat, incumbent Don Hampton and challenger Faye Stewart have raised and spent nearly the same amount of money, but the sources of their cash remain very different.
Stewart's biggest donors are wood products mills and real estate developers, while Hampton is garnering support from organized labor, according to reports filed Thursday evening for the reporting period starting in mid-September.
Hampton has pulled in total contributions for this campaign so far of just under $63,700, compared with $63,900 for Stewart. (more...)
Torrey, Piercy unite in support of police levy
By Edward Russo
The Register-Guard | October 21, 2004 |
Once nearly rivals, Eugene Mayor Jim Torrey and mayoral nominee Kitty Piercy on Wednesday jointly endorsed the city's proposed $6.79 million bond issue.
But it remains to be seen if the newfound political coziness will improve the bond issue's chances with Eugene voters, some of whom are picking the Eugene school district's special ballot request over the city's police-related levy.
The city's bond issue would pay for extra space and features in and around a new police station. City Manager Dennis Taylor and Police Chief Robert Lehner want to build the new station itself with a separate pool of $29 million of city funds.
Earlier this fall, Torrey contemplated running a general election write-in campaign against Piercy, who in the May primary defeated Torrey's top choice to succeed him, City Councilor Nancy Nathanson. Torrey in September backed off from a write-in, saying it would be divisive.
On Wednesday, Piercy joined Torrey in supporting the bond issue, mainly because it would pay for 15,000-square feet of extra space in the police station to house social service agencies that help domestic violence victims. (more...)
Chuck Rusch -- Police station location ruins a great street
By Chuck Rusch and 12 co-signers
The Register-Guard | October 21, 2004 |
Oops. There they go again! Just when we thought we had a downtown plan we could all support, the Eugene City Council goes ahead and decides to put a new police station on Eighth Avenue!
Hey, didn't the plan say that Fifth, Eighth and Broadway were going to be "great streets?" Didn't some folks even say that Eighth Avenue should be Eugene's "Civic Street" -- you know, the street that connects City Hall to county services to the federal courthouse and also becomes the people's promenade to the river?
So how'd a police station (and a parking garage!) end up on Eighth Avenue? Has this been publicly discussed? (more...)
Editorial -- Caveat lector: Voters' Pamphlet is unedited, and properly so
| The Register-Guard | October 19, 2004 |
Don't believe everything you read -- not even if it's in the state's official Voters' Pamphlet. The part of the Voters' Pamphlet containing arguments for and against ballot measures, with few exceptions, is wide open to all arguments, fair and foul. That's the way it ought to be. (more...)
Other
Schwarzenegger ready to go to Ohio
| Cox News Service | October 20, 2004 |
LOS ANGELES -- The Bush campaign might have a secret weapon for the battleground state of Ohio: the Terminator.
Except for an appearance at the Republican National Convention, movie superstar and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has kept a low profile in the presidential campaign.
But one of the Republican Party's biggest draws said he's willing to make a last-minute trip to Ohio if it would help Bush get re-elected. (more...)