HomeMy WebLinkAboutSigned Minutes 09-29-16 Joint Meeting-
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CASCADE VALLEY HOSPITAL BOARD of COMMISSIONERS
ARLINGTON CITY COUNCIL, and
ARLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOlS BOARD of DIRECTORS
JOINT MEETING MINUTES
September 29, 2016-6:30pm
Arlington City Council Chambers
The Snohomish County Public Hospital District #3 Board of Commissioners, Skagit County
Public Hospital District #1 Board of Commissioners, Arlington City Council, and the
Arlington Public Schools Board of Directors held a joint meeting on September 29, 2016 at
the Arlington City Council Chambers, 110 E Third St, Arlington, W A, to discuss matters of
mutual interest.
The City hosted, and Mayor Barb Tolbert called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and the
Pledge of Allegiance followed.
Mayor pro tern Debora Nelson moved to approve the agenda as proposed. Councilmember
Sue Weiss seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Mayor Tolbert then welcomed all who were present and asked attendees to introduce
themselves.
In attendance:
Snohomish County Public Hospital District #3
Commissioners: Dr. Tim Cavanaugh, John Meno
Skagit County Public Hospital District #1
Commissioners: Peter Browning, Jim Hobbs
CEO: Mike Liepman
Arlington Public Schools:
Board Members: Ursula Ghirado, Bob McClure, Jim Weiss, Kay Duskin,
Dr. Jeff Huleatt
Superintendent Dr. Chrys Sweeting
City of Arlington:
Council Members: Debora Nelson, Chris Raezer, Jesica Stickles, Jan Schuette,
Mike Hopson, Marilyn Oertle, Sue Weiss
Mayor: Barb Tolbert
City Administrator: Paul Ellis
Also present were Arlington Public Schools staff members Brian Lewis, Gary Sabol,
Kathleen Ehman, and Julie Davis; City of Arlington staff members Heather Logan and
Kristin Banfield; Skagit Regional Health staff members Jola Barnett and Joel Flugstad;
Cascade Valley Hospital staff member Clark Jones; Executive Director of Arlington-Smokey
Point Chamber of Commerce Jennifer Holocker; North Snohomish County Outlook
Reporter Sarah Arney; and Arlington Times Reporter Kirk Boxleitner.
GENERAL UPDATES
Public Hospital District #1 of Skagit County doing business as Skagit Regional Health
Mike Liepman
Mr . Liepman shared information about himself and his role with Skagit Regional Health.
Mr. Liepman and gave a brief report on the merger. His focus with the staff has been on
integration of the cultures of two organizations into one new culture.
Public Hospital District #3 of Snohomish County -Clark Jones
Mr. Jones stated that the transition to Skagit Regional Health was smooth and seamless. He
shared that he retired as CEO and is now the part-time administrator for the Hospital
District now. The Public Hospital District exists as the landlord for the hospital buildings in
Arlington, as well as the retirement & retiree benefit programs. He noted that the Hospital
District Board will be having conversations about the future plans after the first of next
year.
City of Arlington -Paul Ellis
Mr. Ellis briefed the body on the City's first biennial budget process, which is going
smoothly. Previous to this budget preparation cycle, the City developed an annual budget
The City is seeing a reversal of our prior trend of expenditures being higher than revenue.
In the 2017-2018 budget, the City is reflecting a 7% increase in revenue and only a 6%
increase in costs. Sales tax collections are up, indicating the economy is getting stronger.
Unfortunately, the City's public safety costs are also up. The City has been closely following
the 10 year financial plan and is on track to meet our reserve fund balance requirement in
2020. To look for a more stable funding model for fire and EMS services, the City is looking
at forming a Regional Fire Authority with Marysville and Fire District 12. The first planning
meeting will be at the end of October or beginning of November.
Arlington Public Schools, Dr. Chrys Sweeting
Dr. Sweeting shared that Arlington Public Schools has just shy of 5,300 students enrolled
for 2016-17 school year. The District's facilities saw a lot of work and updates over the
-summer. The District provided all school supplies for all students at the start of the 2016-17
school year. Dr. Sweeting noted that she is staying the course on the vision and mission for
the district and is looking to build upon the great successes of the district so far. She also
shared that school improvement plans for each school will be presented to the School Board
in November.
EQUITY AND ACCESS
Kathy Ehman, Assistant Superintendent, updated the attendees on the issues of equity and
access in Arlington Public Schools; providing a level playing field so that all children have
the opportunity to learn. The ultimate goal is by the end of their time with Arlington
schools, students are well prepared for entering the workforce or continuing their
education. Discussion and questions followed.
SUPERINTENDENT'S ENTRY PLAN
Dr. Chrys Sweeting shared her entry plan for her first year with Arlington Public Schools.
She reviewed her six transition goals with the attendees. Those goals can be summarized in
to two themes: getting engaged with the community and continuing the district's positive
trajectory. Discussion and questions followed.
EXPANSION OF SERVICES & CAPITAL PROJECTS
Jola Barnett gave a brief report on the expansion of services with Skagit Regional Health,
the partnership with UW Medicine, and the upcoming capital projects. The primary focus
of the leadership team is developing and fostering community partnerships in order to
grow the hospital system. She provided a flyer showing the services provided by Skagit in
the three county area (Snohomish, Skagit, Island). The leadership team and elected officials
are also looking at a community needs assessment and available market data. Mr. Liepman
shared that a community outreach committee is currently being formed and invited
interested attendees to participate. The major capital project is the transition to a new
computer system, which will allow patient information sharing across the system. It is set to
go live late next summer or early fall. Discussion and questions followed.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Mayor Tolbert provided an update on the City's economic development efforts. She
announced that in the last 18 months, 27 net new businesses opened on Olympic A venue.
The City's marketing campaign is starting in earnest Arlington Awaits videos are starting
to pop up in Facebook feeds. The City is in full implementation mode of our 11 different
strategies for the America's Best Communities competition. She concluded by inviting the
attendees to the AMfEC North Open House on October 13th at Weston High School. The
open house is part of our National Manufacturing Week. Discussion and questions
followed.
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Stickles inquired about the Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation. Dr.
Cavanagh shared that the foundation still exists and will be working with Public Hospital
District #3 to refocus their activities. He reminded the attendees that the CVH Foundation
Festival of Trees will be December 3fd. Councilmember Schuette encouraged attendees to
check out the marketing videos available at www.culingtonawaits.com or on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/ArlingtonAwaits. Mr. Uepman noted that he is extremely proud of
the efforts on all sides to complete the merger so smoothly. He shared there is great
opportunity in the Arlington/Marysville area, as it is the fastest growth area in the state
right now . Commissioner Hobbs stated that the Skagit board is committed to grow together
to increase the benefits and services for all.
ADJOURN
With no further business to come before the group, the meeting was adjourned at 7:38p.m.