Hillcrest project hits halfway point

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Construction at Hillcrest Nursing Home is at the half-way point, trustees learned Tuesday at their regular meeting.

The board unanimously approved paying a total of $344,588 in bills to Ra-Dec Construction, the general contractor of the project.

Hillcrest Nursing Home is owned by Red Willow County. Red Willow County Board of Commissioners must approve action taken by the trustees. Operational costs are born by its residents.

The total cost of the project, including engineering and architectural services, is $3.4 million. Construction costs come to $2.7 million. The project, which will be completed by June, includes new heating and air conditioning and interior and exterior renovation.

Board President Jim Hall said the project is half way through, going well and on schedule.

This payment includes the mechanical part of the bill at $151,538.24 and the non-mechanical, at $193,050.43.

Work currently being done includes replacing the fire alarm system and wiring for computers and removing walls.

Upon request from the Hillcrest Nursing Home Foundation, the board also discussed Foundation bylaws, with board member Randy Dean asking for clarification on two items.

According to the bylaws, Foundation members are allowed a maximum of four years, or two consecutive terms, that Dean found too restraining.

These are volunteer positions, he said, and "why would you want to kick them off?"

Hillcrest Administrator Peggy Rogers said the new director, when hired, could address that issue.

Dean also asked that Foundation financial reports be given to the Board of Trustees after meetings, as outlined in the bylaws.

Jim Hall agreed and added that it's a "two-way thing," that the Board of Trustees need to keep in communication with the Foundation as well.

The Hillcrest Nursing Home Foundation, a charitable organization, focuses on education and fundraising. Board members are volunteer, with the director a hired position.

Dean asked that in the future, Board of Trustee meeting minutes be included in the agenda packet that is sent to members prior to regular meetings.

There are 83 patients at Hillcrest as of Monday, according to Administrator's report given by Peggy Rogers. For January, 6 percent of residents were paid by Medicare, 51 percent, Medicaid and 43 percent, private pay.

Other items Rogers told the board Tuesday included:

* the facility is in need of nurses and is looking for a full and part time nurse as well as five nursing assistants.

* As mandated by the state and federal guidelines, nursing home evaluators will be at Hillcrest within the next month. The inspection, mandated by state and federal guidelines, includes inspection of quality of care and environmental services, as well as interviews with nurses and residents. Results will be available online.

* The board approved a staff appreciation luncheon March 14, that will cost $1,325.

"This is one way to say thank you to the staff" during the recent construction process, Rogers said.