Board expansion discussed, resignated accepted
Kevin Fruechting, Hospital District No. 1 board member and vice chairman, submitted his resignation Thursday to be effective March 1.
"It's been a pleasure and tremendous educational opportunity serving on the board," said Fruechting.
Winkler recommended and the board approved the appointment of Ken Vinduska to the board. He will complete Fruechting's unexpired term, the remainder of 2004 and 2005.
Fruechting will remain chairman of the foundation board of directors.
Board members discussed the possibility of expanding its membership. The board currently is comprised of five members — Gene Winkler, chairman; Kevin Fruechting, vice chairman; Peggy Blackman, secretary; Greg Bowers, treasurer; and Martin Tice, member.
Winkler and Bowers were re-elected in 2003 with their terms expiring in 2006. Tice and Blackman were elected in 2001 and their terms expire in 2004. The terms begin June 1 and end May 31 of the respective year.
The board members are elected to three-year terms by residents of the hospital district who attend the annual board meeting in May.
Doug Newman, chief executive officer of St. Luke Hospital and Living Center, had made the suggestion of adding more board members at the January board meeting.
"With all of the changes that are coming up," said Newman, "a larger board would be very beneficial."
Newman also commented that he would like to see a broader representation from the district.
Hospital District No. 1 includes the townships of Aulne, Blaine, part of Catlin, Centre, Clark, Clear Creek, Colfax, Doyle, Fairplay, part of Gale, Grant, Lost Springs, Milton, North Peabody, Summit, and part of Wilson.
Cities in the hospital district are Marion, Florence, Lincolnville, Tampa, Lost Springs, Burns, and part of Peabody.
