Commissioners work on clinic, ferry, storm damage

Administrators of the Wahkiakum Family Practice Clinic have identified early goals for 2009, Business Manager Crystal Stanley reported.

The first goals are to increase revenue and improve the patients' experience.

The clinic will expand hours and stay open during lunch to see more patients, she said. The clinic will open at 8 a.m. and stay open till 6 p.m. Clinicians will adjust their schedules to staff the offices.

Stanley said she will also work hard on collecting unpaid accounts, something that hasn't been well addressed in the past.

Later, administrators will work on creating more work space. For optimum operation, each of the three clinicians needs three examination rooms for patients. Staff, too, are sharing tight office quarters that inhibit efficient work.

Commissioners and Public Works Director Pete Ringen tried to settle design options for a new ferry.

Construction of a new ferry wasn't planned for several years, but state and federal officials have urged the county and other governmental entities to present whatever construction programs they can for economic stimulus funding.

First, the board agreed that the ferry should have a public restroom meeting standards of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), even though that could increase the cost $64,000.

"I feel very strongly that we need an ADA restroom," said Commissioner Lisa Marsyla. "It's important for economic development in our county. We need to think long term, 30-40 years."

Commission Chair Dan Cothren said he agreed, even though he initially felt the cost wasn't worthwhile.

"This is an economic development feature," he said. "People come here just to ride the ferry."

State and federal funding will be used to cover construction costs, he added.

Commissioner Blair Brady remained unenthusiastic about the extra expense but didn't oppose the addition.

Ringen reported that the county sustained $711,357 in damage and other expenses from the December snow and ice.

The biggest portion was the loss of the Fairgrounds Arena and attached barns and Commercial Building.

The board authorized Building and Planning Manager to contract with Five Rivers Construction for removal of the wreckage. Five Rivers bid $12,766; three other firms offered estimates topping out at $29,253.