MARBLETON – The Sublette County Hospital District’s critical access hospital construction timetable remains fluid due to fluctuations in raw material markets.

The availability of steel will be crucial in determining the building schedule, said Matt Miller, construction manager at Layton Construction Company, during the Hospital District’s Board of Trustee’s Aug. 18 meeting.

Miller tentatively predicted steel coming on the market in mid-March.

Miller explained to the Roundup that Layton’s role as construction manager is to oversee the project, collaborating with architects and engineers in the design and planning phase, and managing subcontractors carrying out the work.

Layton was hired on a “guaranteed maximum price” contract, Miller added. Layton’s primary responsibility is making sure that costs for the entire project come in under the maximum price, Miller said.

During last week’s meeting, Miller told the Hospital District board that once a firm date can be fixed on obtaining steel, Layton can work backwards to establish a timetable for foundation and steel site work.

In the meantime, subcontractors could begin groundwork, preparing utilities and building the playground this fall, Miller said.

Following Miller’s presentation, trustee Dave Bell asked for clarification on the schedule.

One of Layton’s first steps was completing the construction documents, Miller stated. He explained the documents include final architectural and engineering drawings that are submitted to the state to acquire necessary construction permits to begin building.  

Trustee Wendy Boman asked Miller whether Layton planned to use local companies as primary subcontractors in the project.

Layton had already reached out to regional subcontractors to generate interest in the project, Miller replied. Miller said Layton is committed to transparency in the bidding process and providing the knowledge to allow local contractors to compete. Layton also plans to host a pre-bid conference where subcontractors can study the project and submit questions.

Mike Hunsaker, chief operating officer for Star Valley Health and the Hospital District, said he “appreciated” Layton’s approach to the project. Building a timetable around the availability of steel would allow subcontractors to begin foundation work in the fall and lay steel in spring, avoiding the high cost of winter work. The plan also provides ample time to move Public Health out of its present building and begin other preliminary projects, he said.    

Merger moves forward

The Sublette Center and Hospital District established Dec. 31 as the target date to finalize the merger between the entities, Hoffman announced at the meeting. During an earlier joint planning committee meeting, representatives from both boards expressed confidence in achieving the goal, Hoffman added.

Attorneys on each end are in the process of drafting a merger agreement that Hoffman hoped to formally present to the board for vote before the end of the year.

“We have made great strides,” Hoffman said.

Hoffman discussed plans to host an event bringing Sublette Center and Hospital District employees together in September. The Hospital District was committed to a seamless transition for Sublette Center staff and hoped to address any uncertainties employees had about the process, Hoffman explained.

Hoffman said the Hospital District intended to offer similar benefits “or better” to Sublette Center staff.

Mission, vision and values

Hoffman presented a new mission statement, vision and core values drafted by the joint planning committee.

The Sublette Center board agreed to the statements and core values at a meeting on Aug. 18, Patty Racich, board chairwoman, confirmed.

The new mission statement read: “To excel at providing comprehensive health services in Sublette County through efficient, high quality, patient-centered care.”

The district’s vision read: “To be a reliable community partner known for meeting the health care needs of the entire community through affordable patient care and excellent customer service.”

The six core values included commitment to excellence, compassion, partnership, trustworthiness, stewardship and communication.

Trustees did not formally adopt the statements at their Aug. 17 meeting in order to consider revisions, including a suggestion by Boman to add transparency to the values.

USDA loan application complete

The district submitted all the necessary documents to complete its loan application for a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant, Dave Doorn, administrative director, reported.

“They have everything they need to make a decision,” Doorn added.

Lorraine Werner, community programs director at the USDA, and her team had reviewed the preliminary architectural report and Eide Bailly’s financial forecasts, Doorn said.

The district hoped for a reply from the USDA by Aug. 27, Doorn stated.

Additional news

• Trustees unanimously authorized a $500,000 cash transfer from the Hospital District’s Wyo-Star account. Doorn explained the funds were intended to keep the district financially sound until the district received a round of tax payments in September.
• Hoffman expressed gratitude to the board of county commissioners for passing a motion transferring revenue from Aspen Grove Apartments to the hospital district pending USDA approval.