Evergreen Hospital Commissioner incumbent August Kempf copes with State audits during 2011 election

R. August Kempf, Commission Pos 3
Represents Redmond / Sammamish

Editor's Note:  In the October 2, 2011 election Mr. Kempf won 98% of the vote.  

Commissioner August Kempf's financial expertise hasn't appeared to help Evergreen resolve problematic annual state audits.  Should Commissioner Kempf oversee Evergreen Healthcare for another six years? 

Evergreen Hospital is a property-tax supported county hospital.   $24,153,945 in levy monies were collected last year from Redmond, Sammamish, Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothel, Duvall and other district property owners.  Most tax dollars fund debt service for growth; a modicum goes to "community healthline services."

"Five publicly elected hospital commissioners have the ultimate responsibility and accountability for the Evergreen district.  Citizens entrust their elected commissioners to approve major financial decisions and provide legal oversight of Evergreen."   But, do they?

R. August "Auggie" Kempf is an incumbent, running unopposed this year.  He's an 11 year commissioner for Evergreen  Hospital and he's asking the electorate for another 6 years on November 8.  If you live in Redmond or Sammamish, "Auggie" is your designated representative.  He runs an insurance, investment and financial planning firm in Redmond with probably the most financial skill sets of the five commissioners.  Mr. Kempf attended seven "Audit and Finance Committee Meetings" last year - more than four commissioners.

Mr. Kempf's financial expertise hasn't appeared to help the hospital pass annual state audits.  The State Auditor's Office (SAO) charged Evergreen in recent years with twice the serious audit "Findings," of Lake Washington School District and City of Redmond combined.   2009 was not a good year either.  The SAO reported 3 findings:

• the hospital was paying contracted staff hourly rates almost double their employed nurses.  SAO recommendations to reduce contracted nurses resulted in an estimated $7.5 million in savings.
• Evergreen collected $1.8 million in cash (deli, pharmacy, gift shop) in 2008.   SAO findings:  internal control weakness increase risk of misappropriation.  Status to be reviewed in 2010 audit.
• "Evergreen Healthcare did not comply with competitive bid laws on two projects totalling $1,223,856 in 2008.  In 2009 the SAO determined corrective actions were taken.

The more distant Audit History during Mr. Kempf's tenure is equally poor:  Read More >>

REVIEW: Our first experience with Evergreen Medical Center/Redmond

Evergreen Medical Center / Redmond

OPINION (UPDATED, 5/15):  A few weeks ago, the trees and shrubs were in  full bloom with pollen everywhere!    And, like clockwork, my wife was sneezing, tearing up and congested.  Then came the fatigue and puffiness.  A gentle tap above the eyes, the grimace and I knew she was "there".  Sinusitis.  She gets it almost every year. 

It was Friday afternoon around 4:30.  This wasn't an emergency; no reason to phone the Evergreen "Healthline Nurse" for a free consult.  Our Virginia Mason family doctor was off for the weekend.  Oh! the new Evergreen Medical Center at Bella Bottega has urgent care, 9-5, all week.  Let's go there.  Click the blue link to "Read More">>

UPDATED: The Public Needs Fair Notice of Evergreen's Budget Hearings

EDITORIAL:   Evergreen Hospital held a Public Budget Hearing on November 12 and only one citizen showed up for it.

Could it be just apathy, or something else?

READ MORE >>

Will The Evergreen Hospital Commission Allocate Levy-Dollars for Obesity?

OPINION:  Updated: Ms. Michaela Jellicoe clarified, King County Public Health, did not submitt this information on obesity in response to a story on the Evergreen Hospital Property Tax Levy.  Obesity in youth contributes to high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes, and tooth decay. Each year, King County spends $500 million for costs related to obesity.  It's hopeful the Evergreen Commission will acknowledge a need for community care and awareness of this chronic condition with levy-dollar funding.



Thanksgiving and the December holidays are fast-approaching. During the holiday season, kids and grown-ups typically consume more candy and desserts. Many parents are concerned about how many sweets their children may eat in the upcoming months.

Few parents realize that, in addition to baked goods and candy, sugar-loaded beverages such as soda, sports beverages, energy drinks and sweetened fruit drinks also pose hidden health risks for kids. These risks include contributing to being overweight or obese, Type 2 diabetes, tooth decay and high blood pressure.

Children who drink two or more sugar-loaded beverages a day are more likely to be overweight than kids who consume healthier alternatives such as low-fat milk or water. A 20-ounce bottle of soda has more than 15 teaspoons of sugar and 240 calories. It is no wonder that one in three children in middle and high school locally is overweight or obese — and the number is growing.

Over the years, sugar-loaded beverages have become easily available to kids. Since the mid-1990s, the consumption of sugared beverages for 2-18 year olds has surpassed milk — putting youth at risk for osteoporosis and brittle bones. Each year, King County spends $500 million for costs related to obesity.

Opinion by Bob Yoder
Michaela Jellicoe
on Behalf of Public Health – Seattle & King County
(206) 462-6385

Evergreen Hospital's Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (S.A.N.E.)

UPDATED OPINION:  During last week's Evergreen Hospital's Board meeting, staff presented their "Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners' (S.A.N.E.) program.  S.A.N.E. was established three years ago to provide advocacy for Evergreen's Level III Trauma Center patients. 

Evergreen now has 12 active members on the SANE team, each having undergone 40 hours of training.  In 2010 they've advocated  almost 4 cases/month.  In 2009 they had 42 cases.

Several Commissioners talked about expanding the program beyond the Hospital to include high schools within Lake Washington, North Shore, and Riverview School Districts.  Commissioners also considered serving District-based city police departments with SANE services.

The District high schools are presently served with trained counselors to assist physical, emotional, and sexual assault victims.  For example, District high schools contract with Youth Eastside Services (Y.E.S.) for professional counselors.  If SANE hospital trauma care is required, assault victims can be referred to Evergreen. 

The Commission never suggested or implied that SANE receive levy-dollar funding for outreach services.  The Administration later informed me S.A.N.E. is not levy-funded.

Opinion by Bob Yoder

READ MORE>>

Requesting Unmet Community Health Services Is a GOOD Reason To Go To Evergreen's Hearing on 11/12

OPINION:  Do you know Evergreen Hospital has a Net Gain of $12,158,589 in their 2011 Budget?  That's not counting an operating gain of $2,940,851 transfered to the Capital Fund.  Yet, Evergreen is still allowed by law to collect property tax levy-dollars.

Evergreen's website describes the two ways Evergreen spends our levy tax dollars:

1. Debt Repayment
2. Much Needed Community Health Services

THE BUDGET PROCESS:  A "Levy Committee" is formed to offer proposals to the Commission for Levy money allocations.  The levy allocation process isn't complete until the annual November Budget Hearing, at which time the Public has an opportunity to present their own offers and requests of the Commission.

Do you have any requests for community health services that are widely needed but not currently provided by the Hospital with levy monies?  If so, and you feel strongly about it, attend the Budget Hearing this Friday morning and make your request of the Commissioners. 

Obesity prevention and care is a large unmet need in our community.  I'll be requesting levy funding for obesity at the Hearing.  The Obesity Research Journal estimates only 1/3 of the community is in a healthy weight range.  It's estimated that at current trend levels, by 2030, 86.3% of adults will be overweight or obese.  Bring as much research about your community health care offer as possible.

"Open Government Report" on Evergreen Hospital Operations and Governance

http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/p/evergreen-pub-hosp.html

The following information is posted permanently on the Header of RNB blog as "Evergreen (Public) Hospital   

• Evergreen's 2010 report on how taxpayer levy funds are spent.
• 2010 Hospital Levy review.  
• 2008 Executive Compensation and Benefits
• See changes CEO Bob Malte has made since his start in April
• Public Access and Notification procedures identified.
• Letters from Washington State Assistant Attorney General documenting public right to recording and photographing meetings and obtaining current Minutes.

Some of this information was acquired from Evergreen's Public Record Request Officer, Laurene H. Burton.
lhburton@evergreenhealthcare.org and by attending Regular and Study Session Public Meetings.

Click link to read the report:  http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/p/evergreen-pub-hosp.html

Research and report by Bob Yoder

UPDATED: Citizen participation in Evergreen Hospital's budgeting process doesn't have to be guarded

Photography at LIVE meetings is forbidden by Staff

 OPINION UPDATED, 11/15:  The Evergreen Hospital Public Hearing on the Budget only comes around once a year.  It's probably one of the most important meetings Evergreen holds for it's District property tax-payers. 

Did you know over 155,142 Evergreen District voters from Redmond, Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothell, Kenmore, Sammamish, and Duval elect five commissioners, in part, to oversee the Evergreen budget? 

The total operations levy projection is $15,303,191, once approved by the Commission.  The Capital budget is $27.2 million. Evergreen's operation levy will increase 18% this year over last year's increase, but don't ask me why.  The Commission never once discussed the 2011 Budget or the Levy during their budget "Study Session" last Tuesday evening!   I emailed the Commission and the Administration; they never responded.

Did you know, the 2011 budget is for all practical purposes unavailable to the Public unless you stumbled into the Commissioner's November 2 meeting and asked for a copy in advance?  The budget's not on Evergreen's website, nor are the Commission meeting or hearing agendas.  You might try Ms. Burton lburton@evergreenhealthcare.org, Evergreen Administrative Director.  She may refer you to the public notice section of the newspaper - *published once a week for two weeks.  But, it wouldn't hurt to ask for a copy.  Your best bet is to arrive at this Friday's 11/12 Budget Hearing before sunrise for a quick look before the Hearing starts at 7:30AM.  The Hearing is held in the Public Meeting Room / Tan 250.  

The Administration and Commission certainly don't appear to want the public around.   This old-fashioned belief must end.   To quote planners Duany, Zyberk, and Speck:  "Citizen participation in the planning process -- a horrifying prospect to some administrators -- has proved to be the most effective way to avoid mistakes (unintended consequences".) - Suburban Nation, 2001. 

"Read More" to find the formal Hearing Notice as published in the "Seattle Times" on 11/1.   According to State Statute RCW 70.44.060(6),  Evergreen's Hearing Notice is flawed since the date and place of the Hearing wasn't published twice in the paper for at least two consecutive weeks prior to the Hearing..  The Public is getting only a 12-day notice of the  Hearing.  A second Hearing may be required, in fairness to the Public.

I'm sure the Evergreen staff has every good intention to provide the public with the information they need to participate, it's just that they are not used to the process.
  

READ MORE >>

Evergreen Hospital To Hold Public Hearing on $428 Million Budget November 12

Photography during Ev. Pub Commission Mtgs is prohibited 

UPDATED ON 11/10:  The 2011 Property Tax Levy is budgeted to increase $699,248 or ~ 5% this year to $15,303,191.  That's an increase of 18% over the 2010 levy increase*.  (Redmond's Evergreen Commissioner August Kempf  didn't respond to my request to meet for clarification on the budget.). 

How Levy Funds Are Allocated: 

Each program or service that requests levy funding must annually demonstrate the community need.  Proposals are evaluated based on the need, and whether the overall benefit to the community justifies the resources.

Evergreen's five publicly-elected Board of Commissioners have the final say on distribution of levy funds each year, based on the recommendations of a standing levy committee (and the public). They represent 155,152 District #2 voters in Redmond, Kirkland, Woodinville, Sammamish, Duvall and Kenmore. 

While some levy-supported programs specifically address the special needs of the under-served, the chronically ill, the disabled and high-risk populations, the majority of the programs are for use by the entire community. For instance, if you phone into the Evergreen Healthline referral service or participate in certain health education classes, you have benefited directly from levy-supported services. 

Other health care education classes require insurance payments, a fee or expect a donation. Your levy dollars are not directly benefiting you here.  For example, the 20-hour "Fundamentals of Diabetes Class" costs $1750.00  or $85/hour.  Adult Bereavement donation is $30.00  Cost of four "Baby Care Class" fees total $180.00  Three "Healthy Pregnancy Class" fees total $200.00 Three "Family Maternity Classes total $90.00.  Seven "After Baby is Born classes total $276.00.  Cost of Three "Bringing Baby Home" Classes total $120.000. Your levy dollars are not directly benefiting you here. The total cost for all programs is:  $2646.00.  [Prices are taken from the newly revised 2010 Evergreen website.]
READ MORE >>

Updated: Evergreen Hospital Levy Projections and Update

Evergreen Hospital Commission Public Meeting Room is located in the hospital.  Photography and video-taping during meetings is forbidden by the Commission's lawyer.  

The Proposed 2011 Budget was presented in this Tuesday's Commission meeting: 

• The 5 commissioners listened to Finance Director Yamada's report on the 2011 Preliminary Budget. It is still not known when the Public Hearing will be held when community viewpoints can be voiced. 
• Ms Yamada budgeted for a $699,245 (18%) increase  in "Levy for Operations" in 2011 over prior year.   The proposed 2011 Net Operating Fund is $428,302,036 with a Net Operating Gain of $2,940,851 (allocated to the Capital Fund).   
• Total Net Gain (counting tax and investment revenue) is:  $15,009,440. 

Finance Director Yamada said on 9/21 "She was happy to report that the district is ahead of budget and due to aggressive cost controls, is experienced a positive margin despite lower-than-budgeted volumes."

The Evergreen Hospital District Retirement Plan Draft Resolution 835-10 was studied this Tuesday: 

• The District will match 4% of compensation to Key Executives PLUS 4% of Compensation in excess of Social Security Wage Base towards retirement.
• The District will match 6% of bi-weekly Compensation for Physicians and supervisors towards retirement.  This is a reduction from 8% matching funds (7/1/2005 - 1/1/2011). 
• All other Active District Participants will continue to receive up to 4% matching retirement funds. 

News from October 5, 2010 Minutes :

• "VP Medical Affairs, Dr. Mitch Weinberg,*  has decided to resume his pediatric practice full time and thus has resigned effective October 15."   Per Freedom of Information's Act, the part-time position paid a salary of $299,334.54 in 2008 (includes $55,606.54 incentive bonus).  This was a 75% part-time position. 
• CEO Rob Malte introduced Jason Dick as the new "Major Gifts Officer" for the Evergreen Foundation.  
• Plans for the Leadership Retreat (Commissioners & Executives) were almost complete.  The goal is to "deal with proactive planning for health care reform.".  The retreat location wasn't noted.   
• Dr. Jeff Tomlin* was welcomed as the new Chief Medical Officer. 

According to the Administration today, "the position of Vice President for Medical Affairs (VPMA)*, formerly held by Dr. Mitch Weinberg, will not be replaced.  Some of the VPMA responsibilities have been delegated to Dr. Jeff Tomlin in his role as Chief Medical Officer." (L. Burton).

This concludes my report.  Do you have any comments?  Evergreen Hospital is a Public Hospital supported in part by property tax levies.  A Public Hearing on the Budget and Levy is planned in the near future.  Would you like to know the Hearing date and location?

By Bob Yoder
Photo by Yoder (with approval of Sherry Grindeland, Evergreen Media/Marketing and under supervision by a Senior Planner)