Health Committee
April 11, 2007 - 7:30 am
Corrected
DRAFT MINUTES
Members: Sean Clark, Chairman; Sandy Price, Vice Chairman; Larry Cornell, Mike McKee, Carol Tytler, and Tom Williams
Others Present: Marilyn Brown, Chairman, Cortland County Legislature; Scott Schrader, County Administrator; Katrina Spicer, Secretary to County Administration; Jackie Gailor, Director of Public Health; Michael Kilmer, Director of Administrative Services, Mental Health Department; Jennifer Hamilton, Public Health Educator; Richard Van Donsel, County Attorney; and Corey Preston, Cortland Standard
Absent: Ron Van Dee
Mr. Clark called the meeting to order at 7:33 a.m.
Mr. Cornell made the motion to
adopt the minutes of the March 7, 2007 meeting; seconded by Ms. Price.
All members present voting in
favor, minutes approved as amended.
** Items noted with ** and in bold print were chosen by the Health Committee as suggested items for Legislator review.
RESOLUTIONS:
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
1.
Establish Petty Cash Account /Nursing
Division/Clinic – Mr.
Cornell moved adoption; seconded by
Ms. Price. Ms. Price inquired as
to how much an immunization costs an individual.
Ms. Gailor expressed that it depends on the cost of the vaccine and
added that she believes that the administrative charge is $10 but it may have
increased. Ms. Price inquired
further as to how long we have charged for vaccinations. Ms. Gailor explained that there is no charge for children’s
vaccines, only adult vaccinations. Ms.
Tytler inquired if the vaccinations were given in clinics and if so would $50
be enough petty cash to make change. Ms.
Gailor explained that they are scheduled in regular clinics and that the
Nursing Division feels that this amount is appropriate.
Mr. Schrader expressed that change could also be obtained from the
Treasurer’s Office if needed. Mr.
Clark inquired as to whether or not the Treasurer’s Office was aware of
this. Mr. Schrader explained that
they were aware. All members
present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
3.
Authorize Agreement/Accept Funds /Nursing (Immunization Action Plan
Grant)
– Mr. Cornell moved
adoption; seconded by Ms. Price. Ms.
Gailor explained that this is an annual grant to try to improve immunization
rates. She explained that when
this was first established it was geared towards children but now includes
adults. Ms. Gailor also discussed
this covering a portion of salary and fringes.
All members present
voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
4.
Authorize Agreements/Accept Funds
/Administration Cancer Services Program – Mr. McKee
moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Price.
Ms. Gailor explained this is an annual State grant and that covers
cancer screenings for breast cancer, cervical cancer and colorectal cancer.
She additionally explained that it also covers education on both of
these types of cancer as well as prostate cancer. Mr. McKee inquired about this amount being fixed every year.
Ms. Gailor explained that the State sets the amount, but it is about
the same every year. Mr. McKee
inquired further if the County pays up front and then is later reimbursed.
Ms. Gailor answered yes. All
members present voting in favor;
none opposed; resolution approved.
5.
Authorize Agreements/Accept
Funds/Environmental Health Drinking Water Program – Ms. Price
moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Cornell.
Ms. Gailor explained that this is an annual State grant and it covers
costs related to enforcement of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA)
regulations pertaining to public water supplies.
She added that the grants were started when the EPA increased
requirements several years ago and it does cover some salary and fringes.
Mr. McKee inquired if we have a plan.
Ms. Gailor explained that the plan has been submitted but not returned
yet. She added that she does not
foresee any problems with the plan. All
members present voting in favor;
none opposed; resolution approved.
6.
Authorize Agreement/Accept
Funds/Administration Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Grant- – Mr. Cornell
moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Tytler.
Ms. Gailor explained that this is an annual grant to cover services for
women over 200% of the poverty rate who are uninsured or underinsured. She added that this does cover salary and fringes.
Mr. Clark expressed that breast cancer screenings have leveled off and
added that it is due in part to women not having insurance or being
underinsured. Ms. Price strongly
urged the Health Department to get the word out regarding Breast Cancer
screening. She added that it is
important women do not put this off for lack of insurance.
All members present
voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
7.
**Abolish/Create Part-time Medical Services Clerk/Full-time Medical
Services Clerk – Tabled from last meeting (inadvertently referred to as
pulled from last meeting, should have been noted as tabled at last meeting)
– Ms. Tytler moved adoption;
seconded by Mr. McKee. Mr. Kilmer
expressed that this is a reworked resolution from last month with the changes
made that the Committee requested. Ms. Tytler inquired about the impact of $10,000 increase.
Mr. Schrader explained the impact is for this year due to the fact that
it is a partial year left. Chairman
Brown requested more information regarding why the public would be better
served by this change. Mr. Kilmer
explained that the Mental Health Clinic would be better served by a full time
Medical Services Clerk partially due to the fact that the current
transcriptionist does not perform services at the clinic.
Mr. Schrader expanded by explaining that this position could fill in at
reception and assist in clinic scheduling.
Mr. Schrader also explained the problem regarding professional
liability insurance. Chairman
Brown inquired if there has been a problem in the past.
Mr. Schrader explained that there has not but added that there is a
potential for a problem and the current transcriptionist refuses to obtain
professional liability insurance. Mr.
McKee inquired if this is a private sector job.
Mr. Schrader stated that it is. Mr.
Clark, Ms. Price, Mr. Cornell, Ms. Tytler and Mr. Williams voted in favor; Mr.
McKee was opposed opposed; resolution approved.
Mr. McKee noted that his opposition vote was due to the fact that he
would like to see more private sector jobs and leave the ones that are in the
private sector there.
8.
Amend Budget
(NYS Office of Mental Health)
– Ms. Price moved adoption; seconded by Mr. McKee.
Mr. Kilmer explained that this is in regards to the Child and Family
Plus program participation. All members
present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
9.
Amend Budget – Ms. Tytler
moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Cornell.
Mr. Kilmer explained Mental Health pays for court ordered placements
and briefly explained more in-depth the placements that are being paid for. He added that there is not enough money in his budget to pay
these bills. Ms. Tytler inquired
if someone is enrolled in one of our programs, a Cortland County resident and
is ordered by the court to be hospitalized then the County must pay for that
hospitalization. Mr. Kilmer
agreed and explained that the original price was over $500 per day for
hospitalization of one individual. He
expressed that he was able to negotiate the price down to $110 per day. Mr. Schrader expressed that the best we can do is to
negotiate the rate and added that the person is expected to be in the hospital
for a long period of time. He
expressed that he would like to discuss this with the District Attorney.
Ms. Tytler asked where this individual is placed.
Mr. Kilmer explained that placement is in a State Psychiatric Hospital.
Ms. Tytler requested that CPL be spelled out in the resolution as
Criminal Procedure Law. Committee
members agreed. Mr. Schrader
explained that would be speaking with the District Attorney in the near future
regarding this. All members
present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved as amended.
10.
Amend Budget (Catholic Charities) – Ms. Price
moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Williams.
Mr. Kilmer explained that this was an oversight in the closing out of
books. He added that the County has already received the money.
Ms. Tytler inquired if the accounting error was theirs or ours.
Mr. Kilmer explained that it was both.
All members present
voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
2.
**Authorize Agreement Northeast
Mobile Shredding – Mr. McKee moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Williams.
Chairman Brown and Mr. Cornell inquired as to the cost of this.
Ms. Gailor explained the cost is $38 per container and the Health
Department has two or three containers a month.
Mr. Kilmer explained that Mental Health also utilizes these services
and Ms. Price expressed that DSS utilizes them also. Committee members discussed the consolidation of services.
Mr. Williams inquired as to why this is being paid from a professional
services line in the budget and why a line in the budget could not be
established for this specific service. Mr.
McKee inquired as to what is done with the shredded material.
Ms. Gailor expressed that she was not certain but did express that
volumes are shredded. Mr. Clark
asked Mr. Schrader if shredding services for Health Department, Mental Health
Department and Department of Social Services would be better served under one
contract. Mr. Schrader explained
that the original contract was administered through Department of Social
Services and that the contract was with Cortland County as are all contracts;
not with the specific department. He
added that this contract for the Health Department specifically is not
necessary. Ms. Gailor explained
that there was an audit done of the MOMS Program and this was an issue that
arose from that audit. She added
that the Health Department has not been cited but she is being cautious.
Mr. Van Donsel expressed that he could draft a simple addendum to the
contract to include the other departments.
Mr. Schrader expressed that this agreement is not necessary.
Mr. Cornell made a motion to table this resolution; seconded by Mr.
Williams. All members present
voting in favor; none opposed; resolution tabled.
Mr. McKee inquired as to what is done with the shredded material.
Mr. Schrader explained that he believes that the vendor keeps the
material and it assists in mitigating the cost.
11.
**Hire psychiatrist – Ms. Price moved adoption; seconded by Mr.
Cornell. Mr. Schrader explained
that an employment agreement is being draft and added that he expects to have
a copy of it available to all Legislators at the Board Session.
He explained that he would like to make sure that the candidate has
seen the agreement. Mr. Schrader
distributed a resolution that encompasses the items that were discussed in
Executive Session and additionally distributed a copy of the candidates
resume. Mr. Schrader explained
that he would need to do a budget modification in the amount of $20,000 to
this year’s budget. He added
that he would like to see this arrangement begin on June 1, 2007.
Ms. Tytler expressed that this is a big number and explained that she
believes that people would feel more confident if information was provided in
regards to the flip side of the salary. Ms.
Price asked if the County has a psychiatrist on staff.
Mr. Schrader explained that they do not have one on staff but the
County does contract out for these services.
Ms. Price asked if there is a need for a full time psychiatrist on
staff. Mr. Schrader expressed
that there is a need for a full-time psychiatrist because of the large wait
list that Mental Health has for people awaiting psychiatric services.
He added that the Committee could decide after a break-in period of
having this full time psychiatrist on staff and see what transpires as to
whether or not the County would need to continue contracting for other
psychiatric services. Ms. Price
discussed sharing services. Mr.
Schrader also discussed a 17 hours a week position in which a resignation was
received, the gap and impact this will have on these services. Chairman Brown inquired as to whether or not this person
would cover those 17 hours weekly. Mr.
Schrader expressed that the hours of use of the current contracted person
would decrease with this full-time individual on board. Mr. Schrader discussed the best way of handling this.
Chairman Brown inquired about the wait list, if it was long and has the
County had a wait list for a long period of time.
Mr. Kilmer explained that there are seventy to eighty people on the
wait list and currently the wait is about 48 days for services.
Ms. Price discussed an individual who had to wait for services and the
problems that arose from that wait. She
emphasized the need for early care. She
added that early care would save money in the long run and save on human
suffering. Mr. Clark discussed
problems in the community and the inability of people to receive psychiatric
services. Mr. Schrader expressed
that this is the biggest service deficiency in Cortland County.
Committee members discussed the price for this psychiatrist.
Mr. Schrader expressed that the candidate was not agreeable to the
price originally. Mr. Schrader
also discussed language in the employment agreement regarding leaving the
position early and the penalty that would be incurred by the candidate.
He explained reasons for needing this language.
All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution
approved.
DISCUSSIONS/PRESENTATIONS:
1. Agenda & Minutes of Committee meetings- Marilyn Brown – Chairman Brown explained that in part as a suggestion from the Ad Hoc Committee she would like the Committee Chair of each Committee to point out to the Secretary taking minutes the items that should be brought to the attention of the Legislators. She further explained those items would be highlighted in the minutes. Committee members discussed highlighting the discussion regarding hiring of a psychiatrists, mobile shredding and the clerk position at the Mental Health Clinic. Ms. Tytler discussed the intent of the Ad Hoc Committee. Chairman Brown further explained that a notation would be at the beginning of the minutes and expressed that the minutes still need to be read entirely.
2.
**WELCO LKA, Inc. (Movie Ratings) Agreement – Mr. Schrader
explained that he received a memo from the County Attorney in regards to the
WELCO LKA, Inc. agreement expressing that the County Attorney had questions as
to the intent of the Legislature. Mr.
Schrader explained that he has placed it on the agenda for discussion to make
sure that everyone is aware of what the contract contains.
Mr. Schrader explained the contents of the agreement and the push to
have all movies containing smoking or use of tobacco products to have an “R”
rating. Mr. McKee asked if John
Wayne were still alive, does this mean that all his movies would be rated “R.”
Ms. Gailor introduced Jennifer Hamilton, Public Health Educator, and
explained that Ms. Hamilton runs the tobacco program.
Ms. Hamilton explained the intent of this agreement and the desire to
hire a government relations firm and have them encourage the Motion Picture
Association of America (MPAA) to voluntarily rate all movies with the use of
tobacco products with an “R” rating.
She additionally discussed the States request of each County.
She further explained that what is being asked of WELCO in regards to
this project is not lobbying and further discussed the Master Tobacco
Settlement Agreement. She
explained that this is an attempt to work with Hollywood in hopes to decrease
youth smoking. Ms. Hamilton
discussed statistics that lead to increased youth tobacco use.
She expressed that she would like Cortland County to be a part of the
Public Health campaign. Ms. Price
inquired as to the cost. Ms.
Hamilton explained that Cortland County would be asked to contribute a total
of $1,200 for two years and added that it is a small price to pay for such a
large impact. Mr. Williams
inquired about which movies this would include.
Ms. Hamilton explained the types of movies included.
Mr. Williams expressed his concerns with the MPAA being “Big Brother.”
Mr. Clark expressed that the tobacco companies are no longer being paid
for the use of tobacco products in movies.
Mr. McKee expressed that the movie Santa Clause would be rated
“R” because Santa smokes a pipe. Mr.
Williams asked what is next, a movie with an obese child being rated “R.”
Ms. Hamilton discussed the problem of obesity in children.
Mr. Williams addressed his concerns with plowing ahead with this
program and expressed that he believes it is a bit “Big Brotherish.”
Ms. Gailor expressed that the tobacco companies do a great deal of
research in attempts to gather new smokers.
She expressed that this is an opportunity as a health agency to
counteract what the tobacco companies are doing.
She also expressed that in the past the tobacco companies would pay
stores to place cigarettes where they could be easily stolen and encouraged
theft to obtain new smokers. Chairman
Brown explained that legislation has been passed to no longer make these
products easily available for theft. Ms.
Hamilton expressed that the legislation worked and there was a significant
reduction in teen smoking. Chairman
Brown explained that she is not in favor of Big Brother and expressed that
education should be done in school and at home.
Committee members discussed the fast food establishment advertising to
children and the relationship of it to obesity and overweight children.
Chairman Brown expressed that one thing would lead to another.
Committee members discussed the process of putting a rating of “R”
on a movie. They also discussed
the correlation of an individual being able to see a rated “R” movie at
age 18 and being able to buy a pack of cigarettes at age 18.
Mr. Williams discussed enforcement of the rules that are already in
place instead of creating a new one. Ms.
Hamilton explained that children are prohibited from purchasing tobacco
products but are obtaining them from family, friends and even stealing them.
Mr. Clark expressed that there is a lower number of underage smokers
than before the law prohibiting sale of tobacco products to minors was
enacted. Mr. McKee expressed
concerns he had regarding the renting of movies.
Ms. Gailor explained that this might encourage Hollywood to produce
fewer movies with the use of tobacco. Mr.
Schrader express concerns he has regarding the rating of movies and that the
movie Harry Potter would need to be rated “R.”
He further discussed treating tobacco as a drug.
Mr. Van Donsel asked if the Committee could supply him with some
direction as to how the Committee would like to proceed with this.
Mr. Clark expressed that since this is a Health Committee issue and the
Health Committee should be promoting a Health Lifestyle. Mr. Clark, Ms.
Price, Mr. Cornell and Ms. Tytler were in still in favor of the resolution,
which was passed June 22, 2006 (Resolution No. 247-06); Chairman Brown, Mr.
Williams and Mr. McKee were opposed.
Committee members expressed their desire to have this discussion noted
for suggested Legislator review.
3. Smoke Free Entryways- Jen Hamilton – Ms. Hamilton expressed that due to the healthy and safety of employees and other people entering and leaving a County building, smoking should be prohibited unless in a designated smoking area. Committee members discussed smoking around the outside of the buildings and enforcement of such. Mr. Schrader expressed that he would draft a voluntary policy regarding smoking in designated smoking areas.
Mr. Kilmer expressed that he would like to make the Committee aware of a Lionsgate film, Wristcutters: A Love Story. He explained the appalling marketing of this movie concerning suicide. He expressed that he would like to just make the Committee aware of this.
Ms. Price inquired if anyone knew when the new dialysis facility would be opening and expressed the need for this facility in the community. She expressed the need to get it up and running.
Ms. Price announced that she recently had an opportunity to visit the ARC Building on Crawford Street, Cortland. She expressed that it was a worthwhile visit and encourage anyone who had an opportunity to visit to do so.
Ms. Gailor discussed the Wait List for services. She expressed that there is one on the Wait List for Pre K in need of OT services and two on the Wait List for Early Intervention in need of speech services. Ms. Gailor discussed the need for a speech therapist and Ms. Tytler addressed concerns regarding the hiring of a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
Mr. Clark announced that April is Autism Awareness Month. Committee members discussed have a proclamation at the April Legislative Session regarding April as Autism Awareness month. The consensus of the Committee was to have a proclamation at the April Legislative Session regarding April as Autism Awareness month.
Mr. Cornell made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Clark adjourned the meeting at 9:04 a.m.