
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 26, 1995                   TAG: 9507260035
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV2   EDITION: NEW RIVER 
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

`LET COMMUNITY SPEAK' ON HOSPITALS' PLANS, OFFICIAL SAYS

RADFORD - The battle over a new hospital for Radford is such a hot topic on the street these days, City Councilman Bob Nicholson thinks someone should sponsor an open forum so people can get answers about the competing proposals.

"I think a lot of people are looking at this five-member council to come up with answers," Nicholson told his colleagues Monday. But, he suggested council steer clear of making the arrangements.

"I, myself, feel that council needs to stay away from it and let the community speak," he said.

Radford Community Hospital and Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corp. - which runs Pulaski Community and Montgomery Regional hospitals - both have filed for a state certificate of need to build a new hospital to serve the Radford area. Radford Community Hospital wants to relocate in Montgomery County near Interstate 81 in the Route 177 Corridor. Columbia/HCA wants to build a smaller hospital on Tyler Avenue inside city limits. Only one is likely to be approved.

Last month, before Columbia/HCA made its intentions public, council agreed to support Radford Community Hospital's relocation plans. Councilman David Worrell cast the only "no" vote. He has since spoken in favor of the Columbia/HCA plan, because it would keep the hospital inside the city. He also points out that for-profit Columbia/HCA would help expand the city's tax base.

Nicholson said he would like to see the greater Radford community have a chance to get together with representatives of both hospital groups to discuss the competing plans. He said he got the idea after talking with Radford Chamber of Commerce officials, but added it's not just a City Council or business community issue.

"It's the total community's issue," he said. "I think it's very important."

Worrell suggested that local civic groups sponsor the forum because the Chamber of Commerce already has supported the Radford Community Hospital move.

Nicholson said he doesn't care who sponsors the forum "as long as it's open to everybody."

In other matters Monday, City Manager Robert Asbury reported the city has received $349,617 in federal money through the Virginia Department of Emergency Services as compensation for ice storm damage in February, 1994. "We still have some contest about the amount," he said. The city submitted claims totaling $498,000.

A claim for damage in the March 1994, storm is pending, he said.

Councilwoman Polly Corn suggested putting some of the money toward repaving the road and parking lots at Bisset Park.

In other actions Monday, City Council:

nApproved the first reading of a $25,334 appropriation ordinance to adjust the Department of Welfare and Social Services 1995-96 budget to correct an inadvertent error and to accommodate a new state pay scale for department employees. The vote was 3-1 with Worrell dissenting.

nAgreed to spend $957 as the city's share to support New River Valley Hosts tourism development efforts. The appropriation was based on a levy of 6 cents per capita.

nApproved plans to accept $6,700 from Radford Community Hospital to buy exercise and playground equipment for the Shelter 1 area of Bisset Park. City workers or volunteers will install the new equipment, Recreation Supervisor Ken Goodyear said.

nReceived a $65,095 check representing the city's unspent portion of the emergency services budget, under the city's contract with Radford Community Hospital.

by CNB