The Good Samaritan Hospital Association Board of Directors discussed purchasing the Johnson Clinic building from the Rugby Job Development Authority at its regular monthly meeting held Monday at Heart of America Medical Center (HAMC).

Erik Christenson, CEO at HAMC, told the board the purchase would be made via a contract for deed agreement, which does not involve banks and gives the seller the responsibility of financing the arrangement.

The board chose members Kolin Johnson, Craig Zachmeier and Jodi Schaan to meet with representatives from the Rugby City Council, Mayor Sue Steinke and the JDA for the process.

In other new business, the board formed a strategic planning committee to develop a two- to five-year strategic plan for HAMC. The committee consists of members Wayne Trottier, Jason Lee, Will Griffin, Melissa Shepard and Christenson.

Christenson also reported meeting with clergy from HAMC’s sponsoring congregations to discuss sponsorship issues and concerns about the board election process and annual meetings. Christenson said the articles of incorporation and by laws for the hospital would be updated.

The board also considered a bid from Swanson Construction to remove and replace deteriorating and aging carpet in the Johnson Clinic building. Cost for the project was estimated at about $43,000. The board tabled further discussion of the bid until after the building purchase.

Other purchases discussed included a new hot water heater for Haaland Estates. Board Treasurer Melissa Shepard said the project “would cost just under $100,000,” according to meeting minutes.

Shepard also presented the board with a request to close an inactive account at First International Bank and Trust, which saw accruing inactivity fees each month.

The board voted to move funds remaining in the First International account to its main account at Bremer Bank.

In other business, Christenson presented a report detailing his one-year strategic plan for the facility. The report included plans to offer mental health services, improve employee benefits and eliminate the facility’s sleep study program due to the fact there was no onsite respiratory therapist.

Christenson also reviewed the facility’s corrective action plan policy.

Shepard presented a balance sheet, income statement and financial reports from the financial committee meeting held June 19. The board approved the records.

– Tribune Staff Report