Health Committee

March 8, 2006 - 7:30 am

DRAFT MINUTES

 

Members:                     Sean Clark, Chairman; Sandy Price, Vice Chairperson; Larry Cornell, Carol Tytler, Ron VanDee, Tom Williams

 

Others Present:             Marilyn Brown, Chairman of the Legislature; Scott Schrader, County Administrator; Richard Van Donsel, County Attorney; Katrina Spicer, Secretary to County Administration; Jackie Gailor, Director, Health Department; Charlie Capanzano, Director of Mental Health; Linda Medeiros, Administration, Mental Health; Roger Sibley, Franziska Racker Centers

 

Absent:                         Mike McKee

 

Mr. Clark called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m.

 

Mr. Sibley from Franziska Racker Centers was present to discuss programs at the Center.  He explained to the committee that the organization has been around for years.  He discussed that Cortland County is one of multiple counties involved in the organization as a whole.  Mr. Sibley discussed the history behind the Racker Centers and a broad view of the relationship with Cortland County.  He discussed the history of the programs the Rackers Center has provided.  Mr. Sibley explained that the Racker Centers provide a large range of services for people with disabilities.  He went on to discuss that a big change is to include typical children and break barriers.  Mr. Sibley stated that Racker Centers provide a wide scope of services and the organization does not just deal with kids; kids grow up.  Ms. Price added that the Racker Center involves many people in the community.  Mr. Sibley discussed the Board of Directors and the idea that there are four Cortland County members on the board.  Mr. Clark mentioned that there is an increase in diagnosing children with special needs.  Mr. Sibley discussed the reality and dynamics of the field; he further discussed development and autism.  Ms. Tytler inquired about cost and cost containment, unmet needs of children with Cortland County.  Mr. Sibley discussed some inefficiencies in the organization.  Mr. Sibley further discussed the overall mission of the organization is to be helpful and serve children with needs here in Cortland County.  Ms. Tytler further inquired about transportation.  Mr. Sibley explained that the organization used to provide their own transportation but now Bernie does their transportation.  Ms. Gailor discussed the bids for transportation briefly.  Ms Tytler addressed her concerns regarding transportation issues.  She stated that she would like to look into it more.   

 

Mr. Cornell made the motion to adoption of the minutes of the February 8, 2006 meeting and seconded by Mr. Williams.  All members voting in favor, minutes approved as printed. 

 

RESOLUTIONS:

 

Mental Health Department

 

1.                  Authorize Agreement (ARC) – Resolution pulled by Mr. Clark at the request of Ms. Medeiros. 

 

2.                  Authorize Agreement/Amend Budget (NYS Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse/Catholic Charities) – Ms. Price moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Cornell.  Ms. Medeiros discussed that at the end of the year additional revenue was received and was used to purchase furniture for Catholic Charities.  Ms. Price asked if an agreement was needed.  Ms. Medeiros stated that there is now a contract with Charles Street residents and that Catholic Charities has purchased furniture and this would be to reimburse them for that purchase.  All members voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.   

 

3.                  Amend Budget/Amend Agreement (NYS Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse) –Ms. Price moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Williams.  Ms. Medeiros stated that the state aide figure from New York State has been amended.  Ms. Tytler discussed how this money would be used.  Ms. Medeiros stated that a portion would be used to give staff raises and that this increased figure in aide will be constant so that the raises can continue next year.  Mr. Clark inquired as to this amount being in the budget.  Ms. Medeiros stated that it was not because they were not aware they were receiving it.  Mr. Van Donsel asked that the first “Whereas” be amended to include Seven Valley Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse.  All members voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted as amended. 

 

Ms. Medeiros informed the committee of her plans to relocate and that she would provide as much notice as should could of her last date.  Ms. Medeiros has been with the Mental Health Department for 16 years.  Committee members wished her good luck. 

 

Mr. Capanzano informed and discussed with the committee an OMRDD bill and the circumstances surrounding the bill.  He stated that the department was not aware of the bill until recently and addressed his concerns as to the manner in which this bill will be paid.  Mr. Schrader discussed the manner in which it will be handled. 

 

Health Department

 

4.                  Authorize Agreement/ Nursing Division Independent Peer Review Organization –Mr. Cornell moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Tytler.  Ms. Gailor briefly discussed Medicare issues to do quality improvement.  She further added that there is this is fairly routine with no cost to Cortland County and that under the HIPPA Laws a contract is needed.  All members voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted. 

 

5.                  Authorize Agreements (Hospice Division) Contractual Services – Ms. Price moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Cornell.  Ms. Gailor discussed extension of contracts being needed due to the fact that the current contracts are being worked on.  She added there is a concern of the contracts running out and this is a safeguard to avoid any lapse in contracts.  Mr. Van Donsel discussed the contracts briefly.  All members voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted. 

DISCUSSIONS/PRESENTATIONS:

 

Ms. Gailor distributed and discussed briefly an Early Intervention report.  Ms. Tytler requested further information from the department.  She requested the following information from the Health Department:

            1)         The number of children on waiting lists for services.

2)         Length of time the child has been on the waiting list and for what service.

3)         Number of children receiving services out of Cortland County and what service.

4)         Number of children enrolled in services through Family Enrichment and what service(s).

5)         Does Family Enrichment have all of their "slots" filled for services or do they still have openings?

6)         How many children are enrolled in half-day programs now that those are available through Family Enrichment and the Racker Center.

 

Committee members discussed that historically a subcommittee looked at this information to determine the possibility of providing better services.  Ms. Tytler inquired about a specific transportation issues.  Ms. Gailor discussed briefly the issue and informed the committee that it is being looked into further. 

 Mr. Van Dee made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Cornell.  The meeting adjourned at 8:57 am.