WMC’s expansion plans to proceed (The Winchester Star)

By Rebecca Layne
The Winchester Star
November 5, 2009

WINCHESTER — A major segment of the expansion project at Winchester Medical Center will begin construction Nov. 20.

The city Industrial Development Authority (IDA) on Wednesday approved $175 million in bonds to finance the overall project.

It has been in the planning stages for three years, and some phases of the work have begun.

“Population is expected to grow exponentially in the next decade, and demand suggests there will be a need for expansion,” said Tom Urtz, director of marketing and public relations for Valley Health, the hospital’s parent organization.

The next phase will be the construction of a six-story North Tower, a one-story addition to the heart and vascular section, and a 29,000-square-foot clinical laboratory.

The tower will include an expanded emergency room and 135,000 square feet in shell space on the top two floors. Work on the tower will begin in January.

The expansion will enable the hospital to increase the number of beds from 411 to 445. Its staff will add 150-200 clinical jobs.

The overall project will add about 356,000 square feet to the WMC complex and will include the renovation of about 78,000 square feet in the emergency department, loading dock, and other areas.

The construction of a $10 million, five-level, 560-space parking garage began in April and is scheduled to be completed by the end of this month.

A $20 million outpatient diagnostic center was completed in the spring.

“In order to meet growing community need with the increase in population and demand, the number of beds and services need to increase,” said Craig Lewis, WMC’s chief financial officer. “We want to meet these needs for the next 30 to 40 years.”

The construction is expected to be finished in early 2012. The contractor for the project is Whiting-Turner.

The bonds will be tax-exempt with a variable interest rate at 4.5 percent and a fixed-interest rate at “mid-5 percent,” Lewis said. The bonds will be sold by the IDA to BB&T, TD Bank, US Bank, and Wachovia.

WMC is a tax-exempt, nonprofit regional referral hospital. It is a member of Valley Health, which operates five other hospitals: Warren Memorial Hospital in Front Royal, Shenandoah Memorial Hospital in Woodstock, Page Memorial Hospital in Luray, Hampshire Memorial Hospital in Romney, W.Va., and War Memorial Hospital in Berkeley Springs, W.Va.

— Contact Rebecca Layne at
rlayne@winchesterstar.com

A Cork/Braddock Street blunder? Street not wide enough to accommodate 4 lanes

Let me explain what happened here, basically, it was said that the City's Engineer wanted a total of 4 lanes at this Cork/Braddock street intersection headed West going past George Washington's Hotel and Braddock Sports Shop.

Heading West, city officials wanted the following :

- right turn left to head north on Braddock
- straight lane to head west on Cork
- left turn lane to head south on Braddock

AND

- straight lane coming east from Cork heading toward Loudoun St / Cameron St that will eventually bring you to the Cork/Valley Ave intersection.

Problem was duly noted in the beginning by many concerned folks, there was not enough room for vehicles turning left coming South from Braddock onto Cork heading East.

How much was this little blunder? Again, I was told by a concerned biz owner, another issue that they tried to inform individuals about in the beginning as he also tried to inform the folks about the push buttons on the Braddock/Cork street intersection.

What had to be done to correct this mistake ...
- they tried to scratch the line out, but I don't believe that worked
- had to repave the section as one can see
- lights will have to be moved on the arm as you can see will not align properly with lanes
- who pays for this boo-boo?

To close, another issue that could of been avoided if city officials would of listen to at least this biz owner.

Bridgeforth Field "infield" getting a makeover also?

There is talk that WPRD is seriously looking at getting the infield at Bridgeforth Field relasered cut and new sod installed due to the safety issues with the non-levelness of the playing surface.  Today is November 1st, something will have to happen soon for the sod to take root before winter sets in.

Kudos to the WPRD folks, Mike White and Brad Veach for taking a more in-depth look at the seriousness of this concern at Bridgeforth Field.

THE PIBBSTER's PUB has not been informed IF Shenandoah University will be contributing to this project or not?  If they are, then an update will be made to this post.


Exciting time baseball fans!  I sure hope the wants of some do not get in the way of what is needed dearly to make Bridgeforth Field SAFE for of ALL of user groups of this facility.

Review Mr. Veach's comments below, who is WPRD Director and Mike White, who is the Operations Superintendent:

-----Original Message-----
From: Bradley Veach
Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 8:45 AM
To: 'JEFF MILBURN'

Subject: RE: Infield renovation @ Bridgeforth field?

Jeff,

Good morning.

Yes, we are looking at several options (regrade and sod vs artificial turf) for the infield and depending upon the direction we decide to take, some of the user groups may need to financially support our unified effort. Those specific details have not been worked out because there is a significant difference in price between the two options. It is premature to speculate which option we will take until we look at all the pros and cons (which we are doing right now) and then we will determine what resources the user groups can bring to the table. The park budgeted money to make improvements and the work by the HHS students and the volunteers in a few weeks will allow us to stretch those tax dollars to do more than we originally anticipated. We are keeping an open mind on all the options. We'll make a decision after we evaluate all of this. After the City determines what option is in our best interest, which will likely happen within the next week, we will procure the construction services necessary to implement our final decision. Time is against us so we will need to move quickly before the ground freezes. I'll have more info within a week.

Brad


From: JEFF MILBURN
Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 6:08 PM
To: 'Bradley Veach'

Subject: Infield renovation @ Bridgeforth field?
Importance: High

Brad,

As a concerned tax paying citizen, I would like to know if there is anything going on with the infield at Bridgeforth?  If so, where is that money coming from for that project?

I look forward to your reply.

Thanks,
JEFF

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael White 
Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 8:43 AM
To: 'JEFF MILBURN'
Cc: 'Bradley Veach'
Subject: RE: Suggestion at Bridgeforth field renovation work

Jeff, got your message yesterday.  I was out of the office with my son.  Thanks for the call.

Don’t know if you’ve touched base with Brad on the subject in my absence but we have been discussing the infield with all of the renovations for sometime.  Renovation work outside the field started first because no one needed the buildings.  There is a lot of research and pricing going into the infield process.  We are working with the Bridgeforth committee on the process and some of the user groups have expressed an interest in seeing if artificial turf is a viable option.  That option brings it’s own set of unique challenges as well as some advantages.  So, at this point, we haven’t determined the exact direction with regards to the infield as many variables will factor into the decision, the main one being funding.  At this point, I do feel confident in saying, one way or another we will have a new playing surface at the field for the upcoming season.

Regarding the company from Maryland, if we decide to re-grade the field, we have secured a company out of Remington, VA to do the work.  They have several ballfield maintenance contracts with other entities throughout Virginia and their bid price for their “plow, grind, and grade” service is $1.00 per sq/ft which includes resodding the field once they’re done.  It will only take them about 10 days to do the work and part of the service includes a deep cultivation where they go down as deep as 8” to help give the infield some vertical drainage as well as regrading it to give it the proper amount of sheet drainage.  Once it’s done, that should last anywhere between 6-8 years before it should be done again.  It’s an outstanding price that no one has even come close to beating.  So far, their references check out and we’re excited to move forward with them if that’s the direction the committee and the park decide to go.  Given the time of year, as you previously mentioned, the calendar is definitely against us right now so we are hopeful to have a decision within the next few days.

Thanks,

Michael White, CPRP
Operations Superintendent

[updated November 4, 2009 @9:15am]

Buettner explains decision to hike city attorney's salary

Buettner explains decision to hike city attorney's salary
Council president says almost $20,000 raise was needed to stay competitive
By Alex Bridges -- abridges@nvdaily.com
October 22, 2009

WINCHESTER -- The City Council wants to revisit salaries for government workers and make them more competitive.

The council began this month with City Attorney Anthony "Tony" Williams by giving him a 20 percent raise.

The council unanimously passed a resolution Oct. 6 to increase Williams' pay to $124,000 following a closed session convened to discuss personnel matters. That's an increase from $104,728.

The change comes amid reduced revenues during an economic slowdown. Additionally, the city's current budget includes no salary increases for any employees as well as a freeze on hiring for some noncritical positions.

Council President Jeffrey Buettner on Wednesday defended the council's action as a way to keep Williams in his position rather than lose "a first-class city attorney."

"We felt we needed to address a deficiency in his salary even in a tight, tight time, when you've got somebody who's been with you for four years and he's still making one of the lowest salaries in the state, that needs to be addressed or he'd start looking elsewhere," Buettner said.

Councilman Evan Clark concurred.

"Mr. Williams wanted to stay, he had been with the city for some time and I think he's given the city excellent service," Clark said. "I think council feels that way, I think city staff feel that way. Hopefully the citizens of Winchester feel that way as well."

Williams had been offered a higher salary by another locality and could have left, Clark said.

"At this time, with all the things the city is trying to deal with, I think city council felt strongly that this was not the time to lose one of our key players," Clark said.

Winchester appeared to pay one of the lowest salaries for its attorney compared to other cities in Virginia, according to Buettner. The city risks paying more to hire a third party to perform Williams' duties or someone with his skills, Buettner said.

The council found the city's pay scale gave it flexibility to increase Williams' salary without changing his grade, according to Buettner.

"At the same time, we've gotta apply the same thing to the whole city and, while we're certainly not saying we're going to go out and give huge increases to anyone, we also need to be competitive," Buettner said.

Pay raises may be needed in spite of the economic downturn.

"We absolutely understand the economy and I think the actions we took last year -- with putting furlough days in, with the selection of hiring freezes, with no pay increase -- shows we understand the economy," Buettner said. "But at the same time, we've got to be adaptable enough to identify problem areas and address them."

The council asked interim City Manager Robert Noe Jr. to look into studying salaries and benefits for all employees and advertise for a consultant's services. The city has not committed funds to hiring a consultant, Buettner added.

A new study should look at competitive neighboring localities and the private sector, Buettner said. A similar study done three years ago found the city "fairly deficient" in its salaries, Buettner recalled.

"If we want to have a first-class city, which I think we all do, we have to have a first-class staff and to do that we've got to pay competitive salaries and benefits," Buettner said. "When we did the study [it] was at the height of the economic boom time so we don't feel it's really prudent to pull that out because the game has changed."

Clark disagreed.

"It's my opinion that it's ill-advised to spend money on having a consultant come in when we did so not long ago," he said, adding that many people in the work force don't expect raises during the bad economy and are happy just to keep their jobs.

Seriously, is not everyone getting drained of hearing that we need to be competitive with other nearby localities.  The taxes are getting high enough including Frederick County.

We do live in America, correct?  It’s the land of the free where we have choices to make each and every day. OK, a choice that the local citizens have to make, to work in the local area or to commute out of the area for a potential higher paying job. For those who make a decision to leave the local system, good luck and someone else will fill the vacated position and will be very much qualified to do so.

Lastly ... Nobody is indispensable.

[Posted October 22, 2009 @8:05pm]
  

Emergency, call the City Attorney?

I want to be certain I have this correct: The City Attorney is receiving an 18.1 percent raise. The firefighters and police officers in the City of Winchester have their salaries “frozen” for this year.

I’d like to ask the residents of Winchester a question: If your home is on fire at 3 a.m. and you have children trapped in a second-floor bedroom, are you going to call the City Attorney? Or, if you have a parent who collapses at Thanksgiving dinner with chest pains and becomes unconscious, do you think the City Attorney will respond to your 911 call? How about the sound of breaking glass in the middle of the night when someone breaks into your home — is the City Attorney going to face that criminal in a back alley to ensure your protection?

Council’s actions on this matter show a total lack of respect to all the other city employees who go to work every day, in service to the residents of Winchester. Many face life-and-death decisions in the performance of their duties. If a wage freeze must be endured during these difficult times, then such a wage freeze should be shouldered by all city employees, including the City Attorney.

As a resident of Frederick County, perhaps I should have no comment in this matter, but as a past firefighter, I find it appalling that those who risk their lives — firefighters and police officers — are ignored, and the guy who has the job of pulling your “fat from the fire” when you make your stupid decisions gets such a pay raise.

In the race to see which jurisdiction can come up with the dumbest way to waste money, Winchester or Frederick County, I believe you just took the lead with this one.

Doug Kiracofe
Frederick County
October 29, 2009
The Winchester Star, Letters to Editor

Mr. Kiracofe has valid points. I am a firm believer that we do not have to keep up with other localities as we live in America and we have choices to make, to work in Winchester or to commute outside the area. That decision is on you and only you, and not others to decide to pay an individual more money to retain them for their services.

If the City Attorney was offered another opportunity, then congratulations and the citizens appreciate your service and we will find another qualified Attorney to fill the position.

Bottom-line, IF you want to work in Winchester this is the pay-scale, if you like it, then apply, if not, then there are other opportunities elsewhere and good-luck.

Those firefighters that serve and protect the citizenry are the ones that deserve a much needed raise. These individuals have been slighted by their own.

[Updated October 29, 2009 @2:55am]

Hang in there, true Americans


After reading Doug Kiracofe’s letter (Your Views, Oct. 29), I am compelled to agree with him. It never fails to amaze me how little respect/reward those in the “trenches” receive while those in the so-called “upper echelon” receive it all.


I am a disabled American veteran who served honorably for more than 20 years, through Korea, the Cold War, and Vietnam. After retiring, I was employed as a police officer for the Department of Defense, being retired on a disability.


On a much larger scale, personnel receiving disability compensation from the Veterans Administration, Medicare (via age), and other federally funded programs generally receive a small raise — i.e., 2.1 percent or higher depending on the cost of living index.


For the year 2010, our congressional leaders in Washington decided that due to the economic situation these individuals would not receive any increase! But wait! They gave themselves a rather substantial increase in their salaries!


Rest assured, things are going to get worse with our country being transformed to a Marxist nation by those currently in power. Hang in there, true Americans!


F. L. Hileman
USAF, Retired
Frederick County
Letter to Editor, The Winchester Star

[Posted November 4, 2009  @6:30am]

Response to GameDay Reps and Supporters

To all,

I want to eliminate the rumors that are flying ramped that I am associated with YouCastr and UstreamTV which is 100% false.  For those individuals spreading such rumors, they are very much misinformed.

I posted on VAPREPS Football Region II message board and THE PIBBSTER's PUB of the information that I obtained from Mr. Edwards from FCPS on this FCPS / GameDay partnership agreement.

In response to Mr. Andy Hayes e-mail to me Wednesday, October 28 @ 8:50pm, I do not recall me ever discrediting this organization’s service that they provide. 

-----Original Message-----
From: GamedayMagazine@aol.com [mailto:GamedayMagazine@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 8:50 PM
To: coachmilburn
Subject: Re: Last e-mail

Jeff,

   Why are you hating on us so much? What have we done to you? We've been covering high school sports in Winchester and the rest of Northern Virginia now for years. What have we done to upset you? I've read your posts on VPreps, and just don't understand the animosity. What's up?

Andy


In a message dated 10/21/2009 8:18:17 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
coachmilburn writes:
Can you resend that e-mail that you sent the other week as I did not read attachment.
I went to retrieve it out of my spam folder and it was gone, so the system must have deleted it  after a few days.

Thanks

I am not sure what to make of this “anonymous” comment that came into the THE PIBBSTER’s PUB on Wednesday October 28 @ 8:55pm.  The perception is that this individual has “inside” information on the agreement between the two parties of FCPS and GameDay.

-----Original Message-----
From: Anonymous [mailto:noreply-comment@blogger.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 8:55 PM
To: coachmilburn
Subject: [THE PIBBSTER's PUB] New comment on WHY are the FCPS Admin's allowing this to happen??....

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "WHY are the FCPS Admin's allowing this to happen??...":

you aren't educated Pibbster....You simply don't know the details of the agreeement and the other ventures the two parties are working on. Misinforming people with incorrect info is going to make you look stupid....

Publish this comment.
Reject this comment.
Moderate comments for this blog.

Posted by Anonymous to THE PIBBSTER's PUB at October 28, 2009 8:55 PM

Also I have much concern about the two brand new users “assistantcoach3” and “540baller” on VAPREPS.com.  The perception is that they are associated with GameDay as they are new users with their very 1st posts in regards to the information that I shared about the partnership between FCPS and GameDay as it was to inform more schools and businesses.

Frederick County Public School administrators should not been in the business of trying to assist in subsidizing a private businesses operation but should be very concerned about what the administration/athletic directors can do to generate the most revenue possible for each high schools athletic department with the least amount of expenses incurred while doing so. 

With the epic budget constraints that FCPS are facing this year and for years to come, the venture with this private business is not in the best interest of the school athletic departments and even further, the local taxpayers because in the end, the taxpayers will be footing the bill.  With that said, it’s vital that FCPS explore any and all options to keep all of the sponsorship revenue within the local system vs. allowing it to float away over the mountain.

YouCastr and UstreamTV provide FREE opportunities for the high schools to pursue broadcasting both PBP and/or live VIDEO stream for their fans.  These opportunities give FCPS an opportunity to keep 100% of the sponsorship revenue vs. zero dollars with the current partnership.

These opportunities were shared with the three local AD’s at James Wood, Sherando and Millbrook back in August of 2008.  Sherando’s AD was quick to respond, no thanks, we’ll be using GameDay again this year.  There was no response from James Wood and Millbrook’s AD’s.

To close, if FCPS administrators are not the least bit interested in trying to harvest all the sponsorship revenue and are very much satisfied with just getting $2.50 per subscriber, per month, then the YouCastr and UstreamTV options are not for you.  If the FCPS admin’s are not interested in trying to get more children involved within their own high schools with opportunities to pursue a communications program at the college level, then these options are not for you.  Do the math, two-dollars and fifty cents per month, per subscriber is not going to add up to very much extra revenue vs. the opportunity of obtaining 100% of sponsorship revenue sold by each high school athletic department or system wide only if other options are pursued.

The perception is that FCPS admin’s were sold on a sales pitch and mostly likely influenced by someone as it’s evident that not enough in-depth research was conducted on these other options available to make a more informed decision.

To close, the local area of Winchester has a brand new TV3-Winchester station that is an ABC affiliate and the Sports guys of Mike and James do top-notch work! We also have the local newspapers of The Winchester Star and The Northern VA Daily  who continue to provide great stories about our local athletes and sports teams.  We even have am1550SportsTalk radio with Dan Gloster/Tim Mondell  and amWinc1400 that do a great job of providing the Game of the Week for the citizenry.

Basically, its getting crowded over here, so lets not push our own out of the press-box!

[Added @10:35am, I am sorry but I forgot to recognize our own local media outlets that do an outstanding job of providing coverage within our own local community]

I greatly appreciate the opportunity to share my perspective on this matter with all.

Respectfully shared from a concerned citizen!