By Jim Misunas
jmisunas@gbtribune.com
LARNED — The Pawnee County Commission heard construction planning updates coordinated by the Health Facilities Group and Murray Company for the proposed $18.1 million Pawnee Valley Community Hospital.
The Health Facilities Group, Wichita, is the architectural firm for PVCH. Murray Company, Overland Park, is the construction firm for the $18.1 million project.
Pawnee County commissioners Donna Pelton, Kathy Bowman and John Haas heard the presentation. The next study session is scheduled at 10 a.m. July 20 at the Pawnee County Courthouse.
“It’s good to keep making progress,” Bowman said. “We’ll take another look at it next week.”
Philip Schultze, Murray Company, unveiled a proposal that was calculated at $18.2 million, $93,000 over the projected construction estimate. Commissioners urged Schultze to re-evaluate the proposal for next week. The companies have set an August 5 deadline for design development.
“It’s important to get that to that $18.1 million figure,” Haas said.
Schultze said two rooms have been removed in the master plan to save costs, but could be added back as alternatives.
He said the current chiller at the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital could be used in the new hospital, another cost-cutting measure.
A 208 volt generator at the current PVCH is being evaluated for future use. A 480-volt generator is recommended for the new hospital.
A proposed storm shelter adheres to FEMA regulations.
All tile and carpeting will be top grade that will take constant wear.
One consideration is whether exterior sidewalks would use electrical pads that are useful in wintry conditions.  
A soils report is still something that is needed.
Pawnee Valley Community Hospital is using “construction management at risk.”
CMR is described as a project delivery process where a contractor is engaged by the owner during the design process to assist in pre-construction project management support services, and then acts as a general contractor during the construction process. The process offers a “guaranteed maximum price,” for the project. Proposed CMR fees are $992,825 for Murray.
Murray Company has done work for the Hays Medical Center, Rush County Medical Hospital in LaCrosse and the Kiowa County Medical Hospital in Greensburg. 
David Wright, Health Facilities Group vice president, said the architectural plan is going well. Radiology will be enlarged. Physical therapy is being refashioned. The maintenance area will be similar. Parking will be enhanced with larger spaces.
“Space is available for a parking expansion,” he said.
Matt Heyn, PVCH administrator, said the Health Facilities Group has made good progress on the design, floor plan and exterior.
“They have to say what you’re getting for your money,” Heyn said.