Governing Board Meeting
Members present: Dallas Roskamp, Dan Wildermuth, Luke Johnson, Chris Hollingsworth, Doug Nagel, Bryan Breitling, Avera Regional Administrator, Sandy Schlechter; COO/CFO, Brad Burris; CEO, and Denise Solma, Executive Assistant.
Meeting was called to order by Chairman, Chris Hollingsworth at 1:00 pm.
Agenda was approved with a motion by Wildermuth and 2nd by Nagel with the notation of there would not be a Nursing Report as Jessica Smidt was unable to attend.
December 23, 2025 Minutes were approved with a motion by Johnson and 2nd by Roskamp.
Capital Requests –
A motion from Wildermuth and 2nd by Roskamp approved the Capital Request for the purchase of one new OR bed with the three year service package from Meg DeGroot.
A motion from Wildermuth and 2nd by Johnson approved the Capital Request for the purchase of nine new cameras/software/license/installation fees for the ER Department from Pete Swanson. Some of the old cameras will be repurposed in new locations.
A motion from Roskamp and 2nd by Wildermuth approved the Capital Request for the purchase of new John Deere snow removal equipment.
Plant Operations Report – Pete Swanson, Facility Manager is still waiting on information from Wold in preparation to repair sewer lines on second floor. We now have state approval and some quotes on repair costs for the Dietary sewer lines. These proposals will be discussed at the next Plant Ops meeting for finalization. Hospice House lighting upgrades are still being accomplished with information still being gathered for a new boiler system/upgrades. Pete is working with Avera IT for all the preparations needed for Epic. A motion from Johnson and 2nd by Wildermuth approved the motion to have Journey Management Company oversee the OR construction project.
Financial Report – shared by Sandy Schlechter; COO/CFO. She informed the Board that November was a good month. Cash on hand was down but gross AR stayed the same. Swing Bed visits were up along with ER and Outpatient visits. Clinic and Home Health visits still remain down. A motion from Johnson and 2nd by Wildermuth approved the financial report subject to audit.
Human Resources Monthly Report – was shared by Judy Raschke, HR Director. She informed us that we are currently seeking to find individuals for twelve positions at PCMC. We had forty-five applicants apply for our various openings this month and filled four positions. We had two staff departures: one to other employment and one to relocation. Judy thanked everyone who took the time to write letters to our legislators on behalf of the changes to international employees’ policy. She shared she received papers to fill out to try to forgive the new fees. Andre Wogen was announced as Employee of the Year. Andre works in our ER Department and does a great job…Congratulations!
Clinic Update – Amy Nelson, Clinic Director, told the group Morgan Mach, our new Ortho Practitioner has been doing some training in Pipestone. We are hopeful she will start in Pipestone five days a week sometime after the first of the year. Amy is excited on the application response for the open nursing positions for the Clinic. Amy also shared the excellent team work that was experienced last week at PCMC during an intense situation. We are proud of our employees!
Administrator’s Report – Brad Burris shared representatives from MHA and MN Congressional District 7 Hospital CEO’s held a virtual meeting with Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach’s staff to discuss the Big Beautiful Bill. The drug industry’s poured $341 million in lobbying efforts in the first nine months of 2025. Brad shared a supporting article about this surge. A list of upcoming meeting dates was shared with the group in regards to the operating room/sterile processing project.
McKennan Update – Bryan Breitling, Avera Regional Administrator informed the group that Curt Holman will be retiring but has agreed to remain on for six months to help complete some items. Yankton, SD and Hawarden, IA have officially partnered with Avera. Flandreau, SD will be adding a new Resident to the facility in 2026. A Public Forum will happen in Flandreau on January 29th (details to be announced) to inform the public on Avera Flandreau’s intentions on their recent land purchase.
Adjournment – Meeting was adjourned with a motion from Johnson and 2nd by Nagel.
Respectfully submitted,
Chris Hollingsworth, Chairperson