Susan Barr
Kern Valley Sun

Anyone expecting a routine Kern Valley Healthcare District board meeting on Dec. 4 was in for a surprise. There was an unusually large public turnout, with standing room only in the hospital cafeteria. The crowd was likely due to community interest in seeing newly elected Victoria Alwin, Dr. Robert Gross and incumbent Bob Jamison being sworn in, as well as seeing outgoing members Robert Knight and Barbara Casas sit at their last meeting as KVHD board members.

After the meeting was called to order, Kay Knight invited Alwin, Gross and Jamison up to the podium to be sworn into office. The new board members returned to their seats, while Jamison rejoined the board.

KVHD Directors, left to right, Bob Jamison, Victoria Alwin, and Dr. Robert Gross are sworn in at the Dec. 4 meeting of the board.

Only a few moments later, the first heated debate of the evening took place. Knight stated that she believed a special meeting should be called so that the new board members could play a role in choosing committees and committee chairs for the new year. She was adamant that Alwin and Gross have an opportunity to participate in the decision making process. Jamison, Chair of the Board, felt that it would be best to wait until the first meeting in January for them to come on board. After a lengthy discussion, Scott Naeve, the district’s attorney was called on to clarify the most appropriate action to take. He stated that although it was not on the evening’s agenda, it would be acceptable for the board to vote on whether or not to call a special meeting. Knight voiced her concern once again stating, “It’s the fairest thing to do.” She was especially concerned that the new committees should be in place during the month of December in case any matters arose that would require their input. The discussion took place because the new members didn’t officially take over their positions until noon the next day.

With that matter settled, Jamison opened the floor to any members of the public who wished to address the board. Several community members took advantage of the opportunity. Some chose to compliment the board and the hospital staff on the work they do, while others chose to voice their dissatisfaction with the manner in which business has been conducted in the past. Several individuals addressing the board refused to abide by the three-minute time allotment making for a great deal of head shaking in the audience. Despite some derogatory and inflammatory comments, board members maintained their composure.

Executive staff members then provided their monthly reports. Highlights included some encouraging news from Chet Beedle, Chief Financial Officer. Beedle stated, “Fiscally speaking, things are much better than they were at this time last year.”

Auxiliary President Alicia Audette said the Thrift Shop and the Hospital Gift Shop continue to prosper. Audette added that the Auxiliary won a trophy for its float in the recent Lake Isabella Christmas Parade.

Hospital Foundation President Joan Amos reported that planning would soon begin for the annual February fundraising event, the Heartwalk.

Rick Carter, Hospital CEO, spoke of the board’s campaign to promote the District’s four decades of service to the community. A birthday celebration is being planned for the coming year.

Then Bob Jamison, Chair of the Construction Committee, took the floor and said the pool of potential architects for future hospital construction projects had been narrowed down to two, Darden and NTD. Both firms have experience working with hospitals, but NTD had the edge as they had worked on more rural healthcare projects. After each firm made a short presentation, each board member stated their preference as to which company the hospital should go with. The firms were called upon to clarify some information after which the board unanimously voted to enter into negotiations with NTD.

Jamison then called on Bob Knight and Barbara Casas to formally thank them for their past work and to present them with plaques. Board member Brad Armstrong added, “I want to thank you both for your years of service to the District. Although we may not have always seen eye to eye, that’s business.” Knight and Casas in turn thanked their fellow board members and the community for the trust they had placed in them throughout their years on the board.

As of press time, a special board meeting had been called and was scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 3:00 p.m. in the hospital cafeteria. The meeting is open to the public.