Month: August 2020

The HCHC Board of Trustees met in regular session Tuesday.  The board approved leasing a new vehicle for EMS.  There are four ambulances in the fleet. Every two to three years one is replaced and the lease can be bought out at any time. This time instead of leasing a vehicle to be used as a critical care ambulance, they plan to acquire a transport vehicle.  About one third of EMS calls are for transport.  A transport vehicle can be a cost savings costing about $140,000 instead of $235,000 to $250,000 for a critical care ambulance.

The Trustees received a construction update.  Current work in the hospital is still on track for November completion. The south parking lot paving will be done after this week and the crew will move to the north lot finishing in mid September.  The next phase, next year, will include finishing the south parking lot.  A fifth year will be added to the original four year project in order to better plan finances.  The associates’ lot will be finished in the final year.

September 10 the hospital will open bids for the next infrastructure project.  Work will involve replacing chillers, cooling towers and the 1968 addition’s  air handler.  Estimated cost is $2.55 million.

Financial officer Dave Muhs reported that HCHC finances, even with COVID-19 expenses, will be close to last year’s. He said there has been alot of volume from the clinics and OB outpatient services. He didn’t have results from the recent audit due to the added work to include CARES Act money. The laundry dryers need replaced at a cost of about $20,000. COVID financial assistance can be used to help pay for the unbudgeted amount.  Due to the virus the dryers have been used so much more causing the break-down.

CEO Robb Gardner asked the Trustees to help encourage the wearing of masks in public due to the recent spike in coronavirus cases in Southeast Iowa.  He also commented that this pandemic will create societal and cultural change world-wide. The question for HCHC will be how does the hospital need to change and adapt going forward.

Olds and Wayland Fire and 1st responders have been paged out (9:15 am) to an accident involving a semi and a grain truck. The accident scene is on Hwy 218 south of 140th Street near the turn-off to Swedesburg in the southbound lanes. Injuries are reported.

The Winfield Mt. Union School Board meets in special session Wednesday, August 19 at 6 pm.  The meeting will be live streamed on the district’s Face Book page. The Board will consider a school calendar change, receive elementary class size information and consider Return to Learn plan updates.  Questions and comments for the meeting may be submitted today on the district website.

Cedar Rapids area utility and power companies are working to restore power after last week’s derecho slammed the state.  Numerous companies from across the country including Mount Pleasant utilities have sent equipment and crews to help.  But even if your power supplier restores your electricity, if there is damage on the house or inside, then you would need an electric contractor.  Those businesses are now getting slammed and the residents of Cedar Rapids and Marion are struggling to schedule repairs.  Mount Pleasant Electric Contractors has two people in the area available for hire.  The local business is reaching out to anyone with family and friends who live up there and asking them to share the Mt. Pleasant Electric number, 319-385-3711.

Wayland City Council Meeting

Wednesday, August 19, 7:30 pm

Wayland City Hall

Roll Call
2. Public Hearing – 7:30 PM -Proposal to Enter Into a Sewer Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement”
3. Consent Agenda
Note: These are routine items and will be enacted by one motion without separate discussion unless a Council member requests an item be removed for separate consideration.
a. Minutes of August 5, 2020
b. Draw Request #2 – Municipal Pipe Tool Co – Sewer Rehab Project
c. Bills for Payment
4. Citizen Forum
The Mayor and City Council welcome comments from the public for items not listed on the agenda. You are asked to state your name and address for the record and to limit your remarks in order that others may be given the opportunity to speak. The Order of Business is at the discretion of the Chair. No action will be taken.
5. Unfinished Business
a. Ongoing Covid-19 Discussion
b. West Park – Revisions to Proposed Covered Cement Pad
6. New Business
a. Res. 2020-22 “Resolution Authorizing and Approving A Loan and Disbursement Agreement and Providing for the Issuance and Securing the Payment of $683,000 Sewer Revenue Bonds, Series 2020”
b. Res. 2020-23 “Resolution Adopting and Approving Tax Compliance Procedures Relating to Tax-Exempt Bonds”
c. Natural Gas Hookup Request at 3389 Wayland Road (new home)
7. Building Permits – Approved
Ryan Robertson – 160’ x 7’H wood fence at 709 N Pearl (Dale Robertson)
8. Adjournment
MAYOR: Greg Rich
COUNCIL: Melinda Ullery,
Aaron Barnhart, Chet Fort,
Kathie Grimm, Caylon DeVaul
CLERK: Beverly Conrad
TREAS: Terry Kaufman
ATTORNEY: Mike Vance
Regular Meeting Agenda
Wayland City Hall @ 7:30 P.M.
August 19, 2020
City Hall/Council Chambers
PO Box 155
218 W Main St
Wayland, IA 52654
Phone: 319-256-3276
Fax: 319-256-3279