Health Committee

February 13, 2008 – 7:30 am

DRAFT MINUTES

Present: Carol Tytler, Chair; Sandy Price, Vice Chair; Larry Cornell, Steve Dafoe, Dan Tagliente and Kathie Wilcox

Others present: Scott Schrader, County Administrator; Mark Suben, County Attorney; Katrina Spicer, Secretary to County Administration; Jackie Gailor, Director of Public Health; Michael Kilmer, Director of Administrative Services, Mental Health; Eric Mulvihill, WXHC; and Christine Laubenstein

Absent: John Steger

Ms. Tytler called the meeting to order at 7:32 a.m.

Mr. Tagliente moved adoption of the minutes of the January 16, 2008 meeting; seconded by Mr. Cornell. All members voting in favor; none opposed; minutes approved as printed.

RESOLUTIONS:

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

1. Authorize Agreement Health Department/Environmental Health Pesticide Applications for mosquito/larva control – Mr. Cornell moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Tagliente. Ms. Gailor explained that this is authorized annually. She explained that this covers the situation if West Nile Virus is found in the County then the necessary precautions could be taken immediately. Ms. Gailor further discussed the last two years not having to implement this. Mr. Tagliente inquired about Lime Disease. Ms. Gailor discussed the tracking of Lime Disease and most of it being tracked is from out of state contact. All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

2. Increase Petty Cash Account Health Department/Environmental Health – Mr. Cornell moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Tagliente. Ms. Gailor explained that the Environmental Health Department uses Petty Cash in ways of checking tobacco sales. She added that they only retain $50 at a time. She stated that she is requesting to increase this amount because it takes time to be reimbursed for the money that is spent. Ms. Tytler explained that the money is used in the program for checking for sale of cigarettes by under aged individuals. All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

3. Authorize Appointment Health Department/Environmental Health (Hearing Officer Services) – Mr. Tagliente moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Price. Ms. Gailor explained that the county began looking at the contracts three years ago and it was the opinion of the County Attorney that there was no need for the contract and it could be done by appointment instead. Mr. Suben expressed that there were no legal issues and added that it was more of a policy issue. All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

4. Amend Budget Health Department (Reappropriation of Expenses & Revenues Deferred From Prior Year, 2007 to 2008) – Ms. Price moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Cornell. Ms. Gailor explained that this comes up annually in regards to grants that do not follow the same fiscal year as the county. She explained that this is simply transferring the money from the 2007 Budget to the 2008 Budget. All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

5. Authorize Agreement Health Department (Nursing Division) (Beacon Resource Group) – Mr. Cornell moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Price. Ms. Gailor explained that this would allow for the duplication of publications purchased. She added that this allows for the copies to be distributed among staff and the department finds this very valuable. All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

6. Amend Budget Mental Health Department (NYS Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services) – Ms. Price moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Tagliente. Mr. Kilmer explained that resolution is in regards to more money being provided for Catholic Charities. Ms. Tytler inquired as to what exactly this is for. Mr. Kilmer explained that every year the unused funds are audited. He added that this is not for any type of program expansion. All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1. Horizon House – Ms. Tytler explained that she had requested Mr. Kilmer to put together information regarding the space issues and the information went to Brian Parker and the General Services Committee. She stated that in the future she would like all Legislators to receive information requested like this. She asked Mr. Kilmer to update the committee on the Horizon House review. Mr. Kilmer stated that the problems still remain with the physical site. He mentioned some of the issues being with the driveway and confidentiality. He explained that Cortland County has been receiving six month certifications and after the state’s visit in December, the state gave Cortland County a twelve month certification. Mr. Kilmer expressed that this still needs to be addressed and a plan needs to be put in place. Ms. Tytler requested that Mr. Schrader and Mr. Kilmer respond to the state in regards to this and keep the committee informed.

2. Staff Psychologist – Mr. Kilmer explained that Dr. Stepkovitch started last week and added that he came back again this week. He expressed that everyone is happy with him and discussed his work schedule. He expressed that he is planning a reception for him to meet Legislators, Doctors and Providers in the area. Mr. Cornell requested Mr. Kilmer to bring him to the next Health Committee meeting.

3. Wait List – Ms. Gailor explained that the number on the wait list has increased. She explained that there are no Occupational Therapists available in Cortland County. Committee members discussed issues relating to the Wait List. Ms. Tytler suggested Ithaca College be contacted regarding upcoming graduates from their Occupational Therapy program. She added that Nazareth College recently had graduates from their Physical Therapy program. Ms. Gailor stated that Ms. Feuerherm is in touch with the surrounding schools.

Mr. Cornell made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ms. Wilcox. Ms. Tytler adjourned the meeting at 7:51 a.m.