Tehachapi News

Healthcare board picks new bond oversight committee members

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Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District's board of directors selected seven local residents last week to serve on a committee that would oversee the usage of a $50 million hospital bond, if voters approve it on Nov. 3.

The committee's seven members, who were approved during a district board meeting on Thursday, Oct. 22, would “ensure money is spent as promised and ensure the timely completion of the hospital,” Tehachapi Hospital C.E.O. Alan Burgess said.

Selected residents were local architect Kevin Haub, former district board member Priscilla Mester, certified public accountant Duane Moats, retired Tehachapi High School Principal George Novinger, nurse consultant Carla Pitman, retired attorney Jerry Palmer and retired Los Angeles County Sheriff Jerry Wolf.

The board reviewed 24 applications from “a range of highly qualified and dedicated citizens,” Burgess said.

“I think 21 of the 24 were outstanding,” Burgess said.

No healthcare district employees or vendors were allowed to apply for a committee position.

“The new hospital I think is very much needed in the community,” said Moats, who has lived in Tehachapi since 1974. “Tehachapi is a growing community, and we're going to have to build to meet the needs.

Moats said he hoped his accounting experience would serve the oversight board.

“Sometimes, people get money and they spend it foolishly,” he said. “Hopefully, some of what I've done would be applicable beneficial.”

Moats said he wanted to bring “common sense” to the committee.

The committee would monitor any project expenditures related to the bond, Burgess said.

Members will also review annual audits of the bond funds. 

Local voters may decide the fate of a new hospital on Nov. 3 when they can vote either for or against Measure “A,” which would approve a $50 million bond for new hospital construction.

Tehachapi's current hospital will close because of state seismic requirements on Jan. 1, 2013 if construction of a new facility has not begun, Burgess said.

Burgess said he has made 40 presentations to community members, urging them to vote in favor of Measure “A”.

“It's been about a 99 percent positive reaction,” he said.

Project manager seeks wind turbine at hospital site

Project Manager Norm Clendenin said layout plans could include the construction of a wind turbine.

Clendenin said wind tests would soon be taken at the proposed new hospital site on Magellan Drive. Clendenin said he had met with city officials regarding whether the project could be exempt from a city moratorium on wind generators.