Emergency City Council meeting "We're in it for the long haul"

by Sandy May

Friday evening, 6:00 on April 18th, Mayor Donald E. Peloquin held an emergency meeting in an effort to sooth the community and provide a current update on his efforts to deal with the closing of the SSM St. Francis Hospital.

This article will be a summary because the reality is that it is being written moments before our publication and with severe space restrictions.

Well attended, the room was packed-there were great numbers of the audience who were employees of the hospital as well as Blue Islanders.

The Mayor stated that he is making every possible effort to keep the hospital open including taking over the facility, in one way or another, by the city. He said that he had been in negotiations, with varied groups, regarding purchasing the hospital and asked that a Motion be passed by the Council to give him (or a designee) permission to negotiate with St. Francis in what he deems "is in the best interest of the community." This resolution passed unanimously (Alderman Vierya, as a hospital employee abstained).

Points of interest: State Representative Rita assured all that he is working with Congressman Bobby Rush's office, state representatives and legislators, and doing all he can to save the hospital. "It will take time" he cautioned. A representative from Rush's office also spoke pledging their support.

Mayor Peloquin wishes to work with a "solid group" to negotiate, mentioning Catholic Charities and doctors/health care groups-in order to "keep discussions open." He has appointed a committee consisting of Reverend Contreras, Reverend Sandoval, representatives from Pronger Smith and the Heart Care Centers, Ron Blouin and Greg Lochow. The Mayor stressed the City's willingness to "dig in and do hard work." He suggested that perhaps a better structure could be in place if a new owner were a for-profit corporation, (as opposed to non-profit). This would, of course, have an impact on area taxes. The Mayor felt confident that he "could find a buyer."

As this council meeting was taking place, so was a buyer negotiating with SSM to purchase the facility. No information yet. He explained that the original buyer was unable to obtain necessary funding. It is hoped that by next Friday (4/26), more answers would be made available. At this point SSM has said that in any sale they would absorb both hospital receivables and debts.

The Mayor suggested that if a SSM Job Fair scheduled for Wednesday, 4/23, be sparsely attended, it could have an impact i.e., the hospital cannot close with patients there and this obviously involves staff to service them; however, not having enough staff or patients could provide the loophole to requesting a certificate of need” for closure. He stressed that time is of the essence.

Alderman: R. Elton expressed concern for layoffs, "chopping heads." "Change always brings change," said the Mayor. Alderman Bilotto asked if any attempts could be made to "self-finance" with surrounding communities. Could they/we cooperate by each issuing a $5 million bond, for example? Alderman Hall asked that an effort be made to place a city official on the St. Francis hospital board.

Citizens: R. Moreno asked the mayor to state whether or not he actually has been allowed by SSM to attend, participate in or consult during meetings. The Mayor later stated that he did not have their authorization. Hospital (employees) thanked the mayor for listening to their concerns. L. Campione says that when calling the Governor's office to express concerns, she was informed that the "Governor says, it's not his issue." She suggested that citizens remember this.

********************************************************************* City Clerk Frasor stated that citizens could list e-mail addresses with her office should they wish to receive current updates.

The Mayor put his best foot forward in this last ditch effort to save the hospital, even joking by assuring the community that he would not go so far as to do surgery.

********************************************************************* Aldermen in attendance: Bilotto, Cantelo, Elton, Hall, Jackson, Janko, Mindeman, Ostling, Ruthenberg, Vierya.