Bradford City Council addressed the rumors currently circulating related to Bradford Regional Medical Center and upcoming changes to the facility.
Councilman Brad Mangel noted the council can not do much, but the hope is that the hospital remains a community hospital, as it has been in our community for many, many years. However, Mangel noted, “this has been an ongoing fact: rural hospitals in Pennsylvania are struggling.” Mangel noted hospitals were struggling prior to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, and this has just added to the challenge. He concluded by noting, “I think City Council will take every step they can to retain a community hospital in the City of Bradford.”
McDonald also spoke, noting that he had spoken with Upper Allegheny Health System’s CEO, Jeff Zewe, recently and that finances were a concern. One rumor currently circulating is that surgeries will no longer be conducted at BRMC.
“The pandemic made scheduling elective surgeries all but impossible. You may remember the news story from last spring, in March and April, that the hospital missed out on a lot of money because we were encouraging people not to go to hospitals,” McDonald said. “When people don’t go to hospitals, money doesn’t go to hospitals.”
He also noted, “Not only would the decision to drop surgeries displace and eliminate an unacceptable amount of jobs, should this happen the way we have been hearing it might, the existing services would be reduced to an ER, a psych ward and an outpatient lab. Furthermore, the OECD secured $3 million in funds back in 2006 to help BRMC increase revenues and help sustain the long-term viability. The money was to be used for emergency room expansion, a new ambulatory surgery center, medical office suites, a cancer treatment center… and I would just really hate to think that was all for nothing.”
McDonald did note that at this point, it is all conjecture, and finished with this: “I really hope that we continue to do surgeries here at BRMC, because I do not want to see any more vital services cut from our hospital.”
In other business, Mangel read from the Department of Property Maintenance and Inspection report, noting that there is an ongoing issue with city residents putting trash out too early. Residents are reminded that trash should be placed at the curb no earlier than 5 p.m. the night before scheduled pickup. The department will be actively enforcing this going forward.
Also, leaves and yard waste can be taken to the Department of Public Works. Residents are asked to not put leaves in the roads, as that impacts the stormwater flow.
Council also approved a resolution to purchase a 2021 Horton Model 533 Type III Ambulance from Lynn Kolaja Fire Equipment Sales Inc., in the amount of $163,874. Prior to the resolution, Councilman Tim Pecora explained that the ambulance purchase has been discussed for 2021. However, the reason for the approval now is two-fold: one, the delivery time for an ambulance is seven to nine months, which means it can be expected to reach the city between June and August of next year, and two, the Office of Economic and Community Development’s Deputy Director Shane Oschman can begin efforts to secure funding through the USDA, which may cover up to 55% of the purchase price of the vehicle either through grants or low interest loans.
Council also approved a resolution allowing the OECD to pursue engineering proposals for Streetscape improvement at Veterans’ Square, Chambers Street and Chestnut Street.
A moment of silence was held for Phil Verolini, a city employee who was employed with the streets department for 21 years and who recently passed away.
McDonald also announced via social media that the city’s flags were flying at half-staff Tuesday “out of respect and remembrance of Phil and the years of his life that he dedicated to improving Bradford.”
Another topic covered was the safety of students and children in the area of North Center Street and State Street. McDonald read a letter from a resident who lives in that area, Matthew Dougherty, who requested stop signs to cut down on the number of vehicles traveling down North Center Street at a high rate of speed. McDonald noted that additional signage warning drivers to slow due to children at play or similar signs, but a stop sign would require a traffic study and therefore a significant financial investment. In an effort to cut down on reckless driving in the area, McDonald explained that Bradford City Police Chief Mike Ward will be scheduling increased patrols.
McDonald encouraged Dougherty to reach out and inform the city of any progress or any further issues.
Council approved free parking for the business district during the holiday shopping season at Tuesday’s meeting. Shoppers can enjoy free parking from Nov. 27 to Dec. 25. Business owners and employees are asked to refrain from parking in spaces that are to be utilized for shoppers during this time period.
At a pension board meeting prior to the City Council meeting, two city pensions were approved. The first was for Tracy Godding at $2,027.79 per month, effective Nov. 16. Godding was employed for 31 years with the city. The second was for current Office of Economic and Community Development Director Sara Andrews, at $5,832.08 a month, for 33 years of service with the city. Andrews will retire Dec. 18, and her pension will go into effect at the time of her retirement.
