Alice Pickering
Wyoming Area Reporter

Wyoming City Council approved an expansion to Fairview Lakes Regional Medical Center on the hospital campus in the southern part of the city on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

City Attorney Tom Miller explained that approval would require an adjustment in the payment in lieu of taxes which the hospital annually pays to the city. He estimated that the approximately 39 percent increase in square footage would likely be met with a corresponding increase in the dollars payable to the city.

The decision also requires three amendments to the Planned Unit Development agreement between the city and Fairview.

The first would be a change in the WAC and SAC fees. Because of the additional demand on city water and sewer service, there would need to be a calculated increase in the hospitalís water and sewer access charges, WAC and SAC, respectively. Based on the engineerís preliminary calculations this would be about $140,700.

Second, the fire loop road around the hospital would have to be moved, to extend around the new expanded facilities. Finally, Fairview is requesting expansion upward beyond two floors. The vertical expansion would also require an amendment to the PUD.

According to Fire Chief Dennis Berry the departmentís newer fire fighting equipment now can handle fires above a second floor.

In answer to a question from CM Blake Tiedeman, Dan Anderson, Fairview president, said that while emergency room facilities are comparable to metro hospitals, to qualify as a trauma center would require a neurologist, thoracic surgeon, and possibly other specialists on duty around the clock.

Interim Police Chief Scott Dexter was asked about the number of police responses at the hospital. He indicated there were not an unusual number.

Regarding the expanded road loop around the larger complex, he suggested well marked crosswalks and plenty of signs to ensure pedestrian safety.

Parking for the expanded hospital would increase too from the existing 591 spaces to an anticipated 718. The city requirement is 583 spaces.

Miller recommended approval contingent on the engineerís final determination of WAC and SAC fees. Engineer John Powell estimated about 21 SAC units for the expansion.

Fairview representatives indicated they wanted to check the method of calculation, but basically were in agreement with the figures.

Miller told council that a letter of intent has been signed. The vote was unanimous, 3-0. CM Ted Phillips and Joe Zerwas did not attend the meeting.

Other business

In other business Feb. 21, the council:

ïRescheduled the next regular meeting, to 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 8.

ïScheduled a public hearing before a council decision to adopt the Minnesota State Building Code for March 8.

ïPassed a resolution setting 2006 city fees.

ïPassed a resolution authorizing Acting Administrator Sandy Berry to close city funds for projects completed.

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