HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002/03/18 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular CITY OF SPECIAL MEETING
ST. LOUIS OFFICIAL MINUTES
PARK ST. LOUIS PARK CITY COUNCIL
March 18,2002
The meeting convened at 6:08 p.m.
Present at the meeting were Councilmembers Jim Bnmeyer, Ron Latz, Chns Nelson, Sue
Sanger, Sue Santa, Sally Velick and Mayor Jacobs.
Staff present. City Manager (Mr. Meyer), Director of Community Development (Mr
Harmening), Economic Development Coordinator (Mr. Hunt), Planning and Zoning Supervisor
(Ms Jeremiah), and City Clerk (Ms. Reichert).
Park Nicollet Representatives present: John Hermann, David Westner, and Mick Johnson.
1. Park Nicollet Campus Expansion and Long-term Vision
Mr. Meyer spoke of the positive relationship between the City and Park Nicollet. He felt that
this is not so much a project but an institution they are trying to establish.
Mr Westner gave an overview of the Park Nicollet organization He cited that there are 7,000
persons involved or employed with the Park Nicollet organization in the St. Louis Park. He
stated that the core process at Park Nicollet is supporting individuals as well as the
organization's mission and values.
Mr. Westner reported that the demographics are changing in the western suburbs. He added that
Park Nicollet is using their organization's initiatives to build capacity in their programs and
services. He explained the six sigma principals that they are using to rate their organization on
its performance.
Mr. Hermann described the proposed plans for the Park Nicollet campus.
Councilmember Velick asked about the soil integnty of the site. Discussion ensued about the
testing that has already been done.
Councilmember Nelson inquired about the Elmwood study and if Park Nicollet would need to be
included. Mr. Harmening replied that the staff at Park Nicollet is aware of the study and will
work with city staff to determine the best possible transportation options and routes. He added
that a meeting will be held soon to begin discussions between Park Nicollet and City staff
Councilmember Bnmeyer asked what would happen after the baby boom generation ages and
passes on, leaving the younger population. Mr. Westner stated that is far into the future and they
felt it important to plan for what they know will happen in the shorter term. Park Nicollet
believes that increasing longevity in the population will affect health care in both the short and
long term.
Councilmember Sanger asked about non-traditional patients and how services will be provided
for those patients. Mr. Westner stated that there is growth into a diverse population of greater
need and they will address those issues.
Special Meeting Minutes -2- March 18, 2002
Councilmember Sanger asked if other healthcare groups will be absorbed by Park Nicollet due to
the growth in medical staff size. Mr. Westner replied that they would not become absorbed. He
stated that all community health care organizations will need to grow to address issues of
changing demographics in the region.
Councilmember Nelson had concerns over the funding for such a project given the tendency of
some government agencies to pull funding from health care. Mr Westner stated that as they
move towards more Medicare payments, they will use the six sigma principals to build
efficiencies to counter balance the drop in revenue that they will experience from Medicare.
Mr. Meyer inquired how the funding for the capital expansion will work. Mr. Westner explained
that they will anticipate an improvement in operations, borrowing options, and some
philanthropy though it will not be a major contnbuting factor.
After some discussion, the question rose as to why Park Nicollet would be willing to undertake
such a large project. Mr. Westner explained that as the industry and population grows, they have
one of two choices. They may either succeed in serving the community into future or fail at
serving the community. Park Nicollet's choice is to make the investment necessary to succeed.
Mr. Harmening inquired how Park Nicollet will recruit and retain staff positions needed at the
facility. Mr. Westner replied that a good competitive environment and market will attract
employees.
Mr. Westner stated that Park Nicollet was looking for awareness of their proposed plans to
expand and to engage Council in constructive dialogue relating to the issue.
Mr Meyer said he would like staff to approach this as something important to the community
and would like to see joint planning and joint growth.
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