‘Neutral Party’ May Be Sought To Help Assess Medical Service NeedsJuly 25th, 2008
By Tammy Gray-Searles
“I think this is a politically sensitive issue, and I recommend considering a fourth party to address these matters for us,” City Manager Carlo Pilgrim told the Holbrook City Council Tuesday evening regarding several proposals to establish medical centers in Holbrook.
The council agreed to hold a work session to consider bringing a neutral party on board to help the city assess its medical service needs, and decide what type of agreements should or should not be made with medical service providers.
“It seems as though there are several competing efforts to establish a medical center,” Pilgrim remarked in requesting the work session.
He noted that a healthcare needs assessment was recently completed and is now available to the city.
“Although we have an assessment, is it exactly what we need?” Pilgrim said. “Some people say it is, but I think it’s just one piece of the puzzle in how we’re going to approach this.”
Pilgrim asked that during the work session, a group that could provide unbiased information and recommendations regarding the healthcare be allowed to make a presentation.
Councilman Wade Carlisle noted that Dr. Andrew Maestas of the Painted Desert Medical Center asked for a work session with the council. Pilgrim told the council that he thought it would be appropriate if Dr. Maestas was invited to the meeting, but that no healthcare providers make presentations to the council until they’ve had a chance to review the needs assessment and make a decision on whether to include a neutral outside party.
“I think we should get some guidance,” he remarked.
The council scheduled a work session at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 26, to consider healthcare issues.
In other action July 22, the council:
* Officially welcomed Pilgrim as the new city manager.
“I want the people of this community to know how proud I am to be your city manager,” Pilgrim said.
* Approved amendments to city code that include increased fines for residents who fail to clean up their property or maintain buildings.
* Tabled consideration of a lease agreement with Verizon Wireless for city-owned property in the heavy industrial park along Highway 77.
City Attorney Sterling Solomon explained that the agreement is not finalized, but should be ready by the next council meeting.
Verizon plans to place a cellular tower on the property.
* Took no action on an agreement with Chief of Police DWayne Hartup for grant writing services.
Hartup withdrew his proposal to write grants for the city as an independent contractor. He noted that Pilgrim has several different ideas for the city, including in the area of grant writing, and Hartup would like to give the new manager an opportunity to pursue those ideas.
* Asked Solomon to negotiate a lease agreement with Carsi Development for property located just east of the south end of the Little Colorado Bridge.
The company had offered to purchase the property for $800, but the council decided it is not ready to sell the land.
The next regular council meeting is scheduled at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at city hall.
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