Approved by the Board: July 24, 2007
LANSING BOARD OF WATER AND LIGHT
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Tuesday, June 5, 2007
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The Board of Commissioners met with the Sparrow Foundation on the 6th floor of the Sparrow Professional Building at 1200 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan.
Present: Commissioners Gary Calkins, Semone James, Santiago Rios, Julee Rodocker, and Sandra Zerkle.
Absent: Commissioners Robert Cochran and Joseph Graves.
The Secretary declared a quorum present.
Chairperson Smith asked all to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Chairperson Smith called the meeting to order at 4:44 p.m.
THE CHAIR ANNOUNCED THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO SPEAK TO THE BOARD ON ANY AGENDA SUBJECT AND ANYONE WISHING TO COMMENT ON ANY MATTER NOT ON THE AGENDA MAY DO SO IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO ADJOURNMENT.
There were no public comments.
a. Sparrow Foundation Presentation. President, Joe Wald introduced Kevin Gray, Director and Rafael Marinez, Foundation Manager. Mr. Wald and Mr. Gray proceeded to provide an overview of the foundations work in relation to the new Sparrow Hospital wing addition. Highlights of the presentation include the following:
· Presently constructing a 10-story addition to the already existing Sparrow Hospital
· New emergency room scheduled to open January 2008. It will be three times as large as its predecessor. The older emergency room was built to receive 45,000 patients but they are currently seeing upwards of 100,000.
· Floors 7-10 will be shelled in so that it can built out whenever needed.
· Sparrow Hospital provides approximately $50,000,000 worth of uncompensated care yet they are still able to make a marginal profit.
· The capital campaign goal is $12,000,000 of which they have currently raised $8,500,000.
· Sparrow is a non-profit hospital with a 3-5% margin that must be reinvested in the organization.
· Total project cost is $190,000,000 and through research they determined that $12,000,000 is what the community can support.
· New facility will house 145 beds with 38 private adult rooms and 14 children rooms.
· Sparrow Hospital is a level 1 trauma center, which means that a specialist from every area is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
· Private rooms will be wireless and possess advanced technology.
West wing approved projects already in progress include:
· Lower Level Surgery – 6 New Surgical Suites May 2008
· 1st Floor – Emergency Department January 2008
· 2nd Floor – Infrastructure/Mechanical
· 3rd Floor – ICU/CCU February 2008
· 4th Floor – Heart & Vascular Center of Excellence May 2008
· 5th Floor – Oncology March 2008
· 6th Floor – Orthopedics January 2008
· 7th – 10th Floors Shelled
Commissioner Smith asked if Sparrow had looked at other hospitals and built their addition after an existing model? The rooms reminded her of the family friendly birthing centers and, as such she likes what she sees.
Joe Wald stated that Sparrow put the project out to bid and took the best aspects of various hospitals in the nation and combined them. An architect was hired from Denver with offices in Detroit to design the facility. The hospital will also have lift capacity because of a new railing system that will allow them to move patients around the room thereby, reducing the physical strain on nurses. Mr. Wald further advised the importance of philanthropy in this endeavor.
Rafael Marinez commented that he and Commissioner Rios grew up together and have raised money over the years for many different organizations.
Commissioner Rios noted that he and Mr. Marinez have worked together both professionally and as philanthropists. As the society has matured, the needs are greater. It is time that they start looking at helping an organization that helps many others, which includes the people that the Board of Water and Light (BWL) serves. It was thought that this would be a great opportunity to join together in seeing how the BWL and Sparrow Foundation could work together.
Lupe Izzo thanked everyone for coming and noted that she and Tom Izzo thought of Coaches versus Cancer and the Jimmy V. Foundation. This year they raised $5,000,000 and presented the funds to Sparrow and, also renewed their commitment to the cause. Sparrow has great dedication and treats people with respect. She has visited the cancer center and recognizes its importance. Mrs. Izzo closed by stating that she would be happy to help with fundraisers in whatever way possible and asked the BWL to join them in the fight.
Mark Nixon commented that 2010 marks the 125th anniversary of the BWL and in his opinion they should make a legacy statement. He did not know what that could be and advised that it would be the Board of Commissioner’s decision. However, he thought a giving program that could cumulate in 2010 would be an option.
Commissioner Smith advised that the BWL could give in a concentrated effort by developing a comprehensive plan and approach on how they could work together in this endeavor.
Commissioner Rios noted he did not think a specific gift amount had been discussed but the naming opportunity would require a minimum $250,000 donation.
Commissioner Calkins asked if there is someway they could involve BWL customers in a match program? And in addition, Mrs. Izzo suggested using the BWL’s newsletter as a means to advertise what the Board is doing with the program.
Commissioner Smith noted both ideas were excellent. She also advised that they could develop a comprehensive program and/or use existing fundraisers such as the Chili Cook-off as a tie in.
Dick Peffley, Interim General Manager reported that last weekend the IBEW Local 352 donated their time for a greenhouse project at Hunters Park. The project included the installation of water and electric services.
Jim Dravenstatt-Moceri, Assistant Business Manager for IBEW Local 352 introduced Business Manager Joseph Davis and Assistant Business Manager Ron Byrnes. It was noted that the project grant for Hunters Park did not include funding for utilities. Therefore, the association asked for assistance. As such, the bargaining unit worked with Mark Nixon and were able to borrow BWL equipment to aid the organization in the installation of utility services.
Motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Rios, that Mark Nixon work with Joe Wald, Rafael Marinez and Lupe Izzo to come up with a comprehensive plan with many options to present to the Board in developing a partnership.
Action: Carried unanimously.
b. Facility Tour. A tour of Sparrow Hospital’s new wing addition took place after the adjournment of the Special Board meeting.
Sparrow Foundation. Mr. Peffley noted that he looks forward to working with Sparrow, as one cannot build a world-class city without a work class hospital, and he felt that Sparrow Hospital is well on its way to doing so.
Safety. Mr. Peffley reported that Eckert Station has gone 2 years without a safety incident and Erickson Station has gone 4.5 years respectively. In celebration of the zero safety incident rate for the month of April 2007, the BWL provided breakfast/lunches to the entire company of which he attended fifteen (15).
Commissioner Rios noted that the Capital Foundation for the Arts and Council (CFAC) hosted a very successful Colors of Salsa festival on June 2, 2007. The foundation wants to host more than just festivals. As such, Commissioner Rios introduced the group so that they could further speak on the topic at hand.
Mark Marko with CFAC advised that the group was established in September 2006 as a non-profit organization. They are currently awaiting their tax exemption status and have seven (7) Board members. Originally they wanted to host a festival event but saw a need for a Latino foundation. It was reported that 3,000 people attended the festival along with 80 volunteers. They lost some money on the event but they are working to make up the difference. In the future, they seek to bring national acts to the area. Ultimately, their mission is to bring economic development through festivals to the area and to continue to do more cultural events. In 10 years, they would like to donate a stadium similar to the Wharton Center in East Lansing and Van Andel in Grand Rapids.
Commissioner Smith reported that Lansing Community College, Cooley Law School and the City of Lansing are working towards a cultural center, and further noted that they look forward to working with CFAC in the future.
Joseph Davis commented that they are challenging union membership to step up and be active in the community. He would also like the union to put its shoulder to the wheel and for there to be a Sparrow Foundation, BWL, and IBEW relationship. Mr. Davis went onto thank the Board of Commissioners for inviting the bargaining unit to the table.
Mr. Wald closed by stating that they have a great relationship with the BWL and they are looking to build on it.
Motion by Commissioner Rios, seconded by Commissioner James, to excuse the absences of Commissioners Robert Cochran and Joseph Graves.
Action: Carried unanimously.
Jonathan Solice noted that he would hope to see Sparrow and the BWL form a big partnership. He further advised that his mother passed away from cancer and he recognizes the benefit of the services that the hospital provides.
Joseph Davis reintroduced Ron Byrnes, Assistant Business Manager of IBEW Local 352 and commented that he and Jim Dravenstat-Moceri will be at the IBEW national conference during the General Manager (GM) facility tours. As such, Mr. Davis asked that Mr. Brynes be allowed to participate with the tours in their absence.
Mr. Peffley noted that each GM candidate would have 30 minutes with union leadership, 30 minutes with executive staff and then a formal tour would take place. He agreed with Mr. Davis’ request and noted that Mr. Byrnes was welcome to attend and bring additional leadership representation if needed.
On motion by Commissioner Calkins, seconded by Commissioner Rios, the meeting adjourned at 5:41 p.m.
/s/ Rhonda Jones, Corporate Secretary
Filed with Lansing City Clerk
June 13, 2007