Petersburg is making progress with plans for the construction of a new hospital. The town’s Borough Assembly authorized plans for the new hospital on the 17th of April. This week, the Petersburg Medical Center’s Board is able to begin drafting plans for the new facility.
But, some members of the community are concerned about what the assembly members have dubbed “the largest initiative in history of Petersburg.”
The plan would replace the current Petersburg Medical Center with a new building, which will comprise a new infrastructure and seven beds. The facility is about six decades old. It’s also Petersburg Medical Center CEO Phil Hofstetter stated that the cracks in the building are beginning to begin to.
“There’s the clock ticking on the most important elements of our facility, and they’re not working,” said Hofstetter. “Almost a decade prior to that, PMC hired architect JYL from Juneau to carry out a thorough facility assessment. The findings show that nearly every major architectural and infrastructure standards were nearing the end of their lives or had exceeded their lifespan.”
Petersburg Borough Assembly member Scott Newman has said it’s the right time to build an upgrade to the facility.
“Look at this room,”” Newman told his fellow Assembly Members. “Look at the age of us. We’re all getting old. The facility has been built is well I’m 58 years old and was born in the facility. My wife is employed there. I’ve heard tales for 30 years about the things that break down.”
The borough has the Petersburg Medical Center, but it’s managed by a semi-autonomous board that is aiming to raise the $85 million required for the construction and furnishing of the new facility from federal and state grants. However, some residents have doubts about the project. Don Koenigs is one of those. He told the assembly that he’s worried about what will happen when the construction has been completed. He added that upkeep and maintenance costs will be an issue for the community.
“You have to determine how you’ll manage and manage that building,” said Koenigs. “I think that this information should be disclosed to the public prior to you begin making the selection of a site and hiring contractors. It is a lot simpler than fixing mistakes made by dumb people.”
Koenigs demanded that the assembly solicit consent from voters before signing off on the project.
“My recommendation,” said Koenigs, “Is to make sure you’ve got the confidence and support of the people regarding what you’re planning to accomplish prior to approving construction and the selection of a location.”
A member of the Assembly Donna Marsh expressed similar concerns about the cost of maintenance and operational costs. She also stated that she felt the estimate of $85 million for construction was too optimistic.
“It is a wonderful facility but I’m not convinced it’s going to be an appropriate fit in Petersburg since we’re not able to finance it,” Marsh said. Marsh. “The idea is based on the notion that”If we can get this money, we will be able to achieve this. But I believe that’s not the best idea. I’ve talked to many people who wish the issue had been put to an election of the people.”
She was the assembly’s sole voting against a resolution that outlined Petersburg’s plans to build a new hospital. Mayor Mark Jensen stated that he was initially concerned about being able to leave Petersburg in the lurch when federal and state funding is not able to be met. However, he explained that he’s discussed the issue with the attorney for the borough and the architect who designed the project as well as the contract manager and the chief executive officer of the Petersburg Medical Center. Jensen assured that Petersburg won’t be left in the dust.
“If the funds aren’t there, they won’t be able to move forward,” said Jensen. “So we need an assurance that they’ve got the money prior to taking each step. There are still some doubts regarding this. But, with this resolution in the manner it’s written I feel that the citizens of this community are protected.”
Newman admitted that he was aware of the hesitation of others. However, he acknowledged how urgently Petersburg is in need of the construction of a new hospital.
“Like many others have stated that it’s the largest construction project ever undertaken in Petersburg,” said Newman. “It’s an uphill climb. How do you get to the top of this mountain? First, you take that first step. No one has constructed anything like this.”
In addition In other business, the Assembly unanimously ratified an award of $17,000 from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services to purchase new laboratory equipment for the Petersburg Medical Center. The grant will be used to purchase the purchase of a microscope that has cameras attached.
