?LOWER CAMERON
HOSPITAL SERVICE
DISTRICT BOARD
OF COMMISSIONERS
MINUTES OF
PROCEEDINGS
The Board of Commissioners of Lower Cameron Hospital Service District met in a Regular Session on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., at the Cameron Parish Library, Cameron Branch in Cameron, Louisiana. Members present were Chairman Stephanie Rodrigue, Tredale Boudreaux, Kevin Dupke, Michelle Trahan, and Vickie Kiffe. Secretary/Treasurer Michelle Vincent was in attendance. Absent were Mary Canik and Shawn Bonsall. The guest in attendance was Margaret Zimmerman.
Stephanie Rodrigue, the chairman, called the meeting to order. A quorum was determined.
The agenda was unanimously approved upon motion by Tredale Boudreaux, seconded by Michelle Trahan. There were no public comments.
The April 30, 2025, regular meeting minutes were approved upon motion by Tredale Boudreaux, seconded by Vickie Kiffe.
Based on previous request by Keven Dupke, the Geographical Map Boundaries of the Lower Cameron Hospital Service District were made available for review by all in attendance.
Upon motion by Tredale Boudreaux, seconded by Kevin Dupke, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved authority to adopt a Geographic Limits Resolution of the Lower Cameron Hospital Service District of the Parish of Cameron, State of Louisiana.
Upon motion by Vickie Kiffe, seconded by Michelle Trahan, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved authority to adopt a Resolution Ordering and Calling an Election authorizing the continuation of the levy and collection of an ad valorem tax of (16.130 mills) tax in the district.
Upon agenda item to “Consider motion to initiate a feasibility study with respect to the South Cameron Hospital as mentioned by the Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Representatives (Lake Charles Memorial Health System) during the 30 April 2025 Board meeting. – Kevin Dupke”, the following statement was submitted by Jason Rashall, Chief Strategy Officer, Lake Charles Memorial Health System:
Given the scope of investment and importance of the hospital to the residents of lower Cameron Parish, raising the motion to initiate a feasibility study is appreciated as the Service District wants to ensure it is making thoughtful and well-informed decisions.
LCMH is committed to begin the internal work of developing a preliminary budget and operational model. That said, we recognize this process will take some time. It involves careful coordination across multiple departments and state levels, internal approvals, and assessments that are not instantaneous. Their goal is to bring back a realistic, sustainable proposal that aligns with the needs of the community and the resources available.
With that in mind, while I understand the intent behind your motion for a feasibility study, I believe it would be most productive to first give LCMH the space to complete their initial planning and budgeting work. Once that information is available, it will provide a much clearer picture of the options before us and may answer many of the feasibility questions that your motion seeks to explore.
I am open to revisiting the idea of a broader study at the appropriate time, especially if we determine that additional analysis is needed. For now, I would recommend we hold off on formal action until LCMH has had an opportunity to complete their planning and budget work. We can then make an informed decision about whether further study is necessary and what scope it should include.
The board received a response from Gerald Bryant, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Nursing Officer, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, who conferred with Kim Roland, Nurse Practitioner at South Cameron Memorial Hospital Medical Clinic regarding a report of missing supplies, per a communication with Kevin Dupke. Ms. Roland stated that no supplies were missing nor had been reported missing. When asked if there were additional any supplies that might be needed, she replied that there was not.
At the request of Kevin Dupke, citing an email between he and Gerald Bryant, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Nursing Officer, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, the status of an AED for the mobile clinic would be requested for the June meeting.
Upon motion by Tredale Boudreaux, seconded by Michelle Trahan, the Board of Commissioners unanimously authorized payment of recurring bills upon receipt, with ratification of paid recurring bills to occur at each next regularly scheduled meeting.
Michelle Vincent, Secretary, presented the financial reports on behalf of Treasurer Julie Trahan.
Upon motion by Tredale Boudreaux, seconded by Michelle Trahan, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the financial reports.
Upon motion by Michelle Trahan, seconded by Vickie Kiffe, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved paying the bills.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:49 pm.
APPROVED BY: ___________________________Stephanie Rodrigue,
Chairman
ATTESTED BY: ___________________________Mary Canik, Vice Chairman
RUN: July 31 (Jy 52)
Cost of Notice per run: $72.00