Health Committee
February 7, 2007 - 7:30 am
DRAFT MINUTES
Members: Sean Clark, Chairman; Sandy Price, Vice Chairman; Mike McKee, Carol Tytler and Ron Van Dee
Others Present: Marilyn Brown, Chairman of the 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; and Richard Van Donsel, County Attorney; Eric Mulvihill, WXHC; Corey Preston, Cortland Standard; and Troy Beckwith, Cortland County Restaurant and Tavern Association
Absent: Larry Cornell and Tom Williams
Mr. Clark called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m.
Ms. Price made the motion to adopt the minutes of the January 10, 2007
meeting; seconded by Ms. Tytler. All
members present voting in favor, minutes approved as printed.
RESOLUTIONS:
Health Department
1.
Authorize Agreement Deviation From Standard Contractual Terms For
Certain Insurers Agreement With Hospice (Tabled from the January 10,
2007 meeting)- Ms. Price moved
adoption; seconded by Mr. McKee. Mr.
Van Donsel explained that Assistant County Attorney, Ron Walsh, had reviewed
this agreement. He discussed that
Mr. Walsh ran into a difference with terms and extensions.
Mr. Van Donsel explained that he is not changing the procedure in
regards to contracts but rather is just deviating from the normal practice in
regards to these contracts. Ms.
Tytler inquired about he fourth Whereas conflicting with the last Resolved.
Mr. Van Donsel briefly explained the language in this resolution.
Mr. Clark expressed that we need to be sure that this is not done as an
oversight at any time. Mr. McKee inquired as to if this is the first time that this
has been done. Mr. Van Donsel
explained that as long as he has been County Attorney, this is the first time
that this has been done. Committee
members discussed contracts, language and renewal terms. Chairman Brown inquired about how many contracts this
involved. Ms. Gailor explained
that she knows of one and the potential for a second one. Committee members discussed individual contractor issues and
bill payments. All members
present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
2.
Authorize Agreements (Nursing Division) (Beacon Resource Group)
Mr. Van
Dee moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Price.
Ms. Gailor explained that this gives permission to the Health
Department to make additional copies of monthly publications to distribute to
staff members and keep them up to date. Mr.
Clark expressed that this is an incredible resource and is very helpful.
All
members present voting in favor;
none opposed; resolution approved.
3.
Authorize Agreements for 2007/Jacobus
Center For Reproductive Health (Auditor, Ahlers, Interpreter, and Consultants
and or Facilitators) Mr. McKee moved adoption; seconded by Ms.
Price. Ms. Gailor expressed that
this is an annual contract with the Jacobus Center and added that next year
she would request that this be a two-year contract. All
members present voting in favor;
none opposed; resolution approved.
4.
Authorize
Agreement/Environmental Health (Hearing Officer Services) Ms. Tytler moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Price.
Ms. Gailor expressed that this is a renewal agreement to hire Robert
Spitzer for Hearing Officer Services.
All members present voting
in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
5.
Authorize Agreement/Environmental
Health Pesticide Applications for Mosquito/Larva Control Ms.
Price moved adoption;
seconded by Mr. McKee. Ms. Gailor
explained that this is to have a contract in place if the need arises for
Larva Control. She added that if
this is in place larvicide can be put in place quickly.
Ms. Tytler inquired if there was a need to use this last year. Ms. Gailor explained that when a positive test was received
back for West Nile virus it was too late in the season for larvicide.
All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
6.
Amend Budget (Grant Rollovers from 2006
Budget to 2007 Budget) Ms. Price moved
adoption; seconded by Ms. Tytler. Ms.
Gailor explained that this resolution was to reallocate grant funds for those
grants that did not coincide with the County fiscal year. She expressed that this is to reallocate those funds to 2007.
Ms. Tytler inquired if these were for grants that end in 2007.
Ms. Gailor explained that it was.
Ms. Tytler inquired further if the payment has been received. Ms. Gailor explained that she does a voucher after the
expenditure. All members
present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
7.
Create Temporary, Part-time (.7) Public Health Educator
Ms. Tytler moved adoption; seconded by Ms.
Price. Ms. Gailor explained that
funding is available and there is a need for a temporary 0.7 Public Health
Educator. She explained the grant
funding as it relates to this position. Mr.
Schrader explained that the way this is proposed there is no cost to the
County. Mr. McKee inquired about
if the grant goes then the position goes.
Ms. Gailor agreed but added that there is continual searching for more
grant funding. Chairman Brown
inquired about this position being created.
Ms. Gailor explained that this position was created as a temporary
position for six months. Ms.
Tytler inquired if the reason for this is that the grant funding is labeled
temporary. Mr. Schrader stated
that it was. All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
8.
Authorize Agreements/Accept Funds
Public Health Preparedness and Response to BioTerrorism
Ms. Price moved adoption; seconded by Mr. McKee.
Ms. Gailor explained that this is an annual grant that is already in
the budget. She added that the
paperwork just arrived.
All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
9.
Authorize Agreements (Mental Health
Services) Ms. Price moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Tytler.
Mr. Kilmer explained that this is to extend the contract for services
with Dr. Mehrhof. He. Further
explained that he is currently looking for another doctor.
Mr. Van Donsel inquired about the term of the contract.
Mr. Kilmer explained that term is for one-year, January1, 2007 through
December 31, 2007. Chairman Brown
inquired about this being budgeted. Mr.
Kilmer explained that it is paid from the Professional Services account and
that Dr. Mehrhof works about 36 hours a week.
Ms. Tytler inquired about new staff being hired.
Mr. Kilmer expressed that he and Dr. Capanzano interviewed an applicant
on Monday and added that this was the first inquiry since the position was
advertised. Ms. Price expressed
to Mr. Kilmer that he is doing a good job and to keep it up.
All members present
voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
10.
Amend Budget, (Intensive Case Management)
Ms Price moved adoption; seconded by Ms.
Tytler. Mr. Kilmer expressed that
money needs to be moved to accommodate Direct Billing. Mr. Kilmer explained further that this is just a shuffle of
funds between two programs. All
members present voting in favor;
none opposed; resolution approved.
11.
Amend Budget Family Counseling Services of Cortland County, Inc.
Ms. Tytler
moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Price.
Mr. Kilmer explained that this is to release funding after Family
Counseling Services switched their accounting practices.
Ms. Price explained that this was the suggestion of Mr. Schrader.
Committee members discussed this further.
All
members present voting in
favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
DISCUSSIONS/PRESENTATIONS:
1. Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA) in Cortland County Ms. Gailor provided all Committee members with a copy of a report, Clean Indoor Air Act of Cortland County, and discussed the report briefly. Ms. Gailor expressed that her staff have issued eleven citations in January 2007. Ms. Gailor explained briefly the process involved with the citations in regards to penalties and hearings. She further discussed the process involved in notification and identification of her staff when they enter an establishment and discussed a private club that issued a citation. Ms. Tytler inquired about the work and work pattern and the low number of citations issued in 2006 and then eleven issued in just January of 2007. Ms. Gailor explained the staff shortages involved in that department and that now there are two full time clerical employees and the training of these people as it relates to these citations and the follow-up. Committee members discussed the training involved. Ms. Tytler requested that this remain on the agenda for follow-up and to keep an eye on it including the staffing issues in that department. She added that she hopes the paperwork is followed through on in a timely manner. Ms. Gailor expressed that she agrees and she is keeping an eye on it. Ms. Tytler inquired about overtime and if this can be accommodated. Mr. Schrader expressed that this is not typical overtime and added that it is negotiable and part of the Union contract. Ms. Gailor explained that as she hires new personnel she can hire them with a varied schedule and can ask them to work outside the regular work hours. She went on to discuss that one citation was issued at midnight because the establishment did not expect anyone from the Health Department at that time of night. Mr. Van Dee expressed that this is a law and it must be followed and added that this has been discussed in the past. Ms. Gailor explained what is involved with issuing the citation and who/what must be identified. Mr. Clark expressed that if the Health Department is not going to be consistent in regards to this then this sends a mixed message to the public. He added that it is a law to deter smoking but also discussed the need for consistency at the same time to be fair to business owners. Ms. Gailor further discussed the future inspections that would be required of tanning salons and tattoo parlors. Ms. Tytler inquired about the State requiring this and do they fund this type of program. Ms. Gailor explained the partial funding that is available. Mr. McKee inquired about what happens if Cortland County Health Department does not enforce the Clear Indoor Air Act. Ms. Gailor explained that the State could cut the funding. Ms. Tytler inquired if there were not an Environmental Health division, who would enforce this. Ms. Gailor explained that it would not be enforced. Mr. Clark introduced Mr. Troy Beckwith from the Cortland County Restaurant and Tavern Association. Mr. Beckwith expressed that Ms. Gailor had stated that a great number of citations have been issued in the last month and added that in the past, nothing was done once a citation was issued and members of the Cortland County Restaurant and Tavern Association plan to do nothing in regards to these citations issued lately. He further discussed the possibility of filing an Article 78 against Cortland County. Mr. Beckwith discussed that the law is unclear and who has the right to enforce it. Ms. Price thanked him for coming and sharing this information with the Committee and added that they will work to try and clarify the law for both the County and the Association. Mr. Van Dee expressed that the position of Cortland County is to enforce this. Mr. Clark discussed that this can be difficult to enforce. Mr. Beckwith expressed that the members of the Association understand that it is the law but added that it is very difficult to enforce and expressed that the Cortland County Restaurant and Tavern Association would like to work together with Cortland County in these regards. Ms. Price expressed the need for clarity in this law.
2. Committee Appointments- Mental Health Mr. Kilmer discussed a vacancy in regards to the Community Services Board and added that he is finding it difficult to keep members on the boards. He asked for Committee members input in regards to these vacancies. Chairman Brown asked Mr. Kilmer to provide the Committee with a list of vacancies and Ms. Price additionally requested that he provide the times that these boards meet. Ms. Tytler discussed that a physician is needed and has been for some time and further discussed that the last physician did not match the services that the Board provides. Ms. Tytler discussed the type of physicians that are needed and asked that if anyone has any suggestions to let her know.
3. Wait List Health Department Ms. Gailor explained that there is one student on the Pre-K Wait List and that student is waiting for Racker Center services. She additionally informed the Committee of three other students; two in the McGraw area and one in Cortland, and added that they are in the process of contracting services for them. Ms. Tytler inquired about any contact being made concerning the child in Cincinnatus that is on the Wait List for services from Racker Center. Mr. Schrader and Chairman Brown expressed that they had not been in contact with the person in question. Mr. McKee offered his help if the Committee members need it. Ms. Tytler addressed her concerns that a child is waiting for services from a provider that is full and there is another provider out there that is available. Ms. Tytler added that if this is a family choice then there is nothing we can do about it but if the family does not know that this other provider is available then she is deeply concerned for this child. Chairman Brown inquired as to who is responsible and asked if this family is aware of the other provider. Ms. Gailor explained that she would check with her staff and look further into it. Mr. Schrader requested that Ms. Gailor find out if the family has been notified of the other provider and to find out when the next CPSE meeting is in Cincinnatus. He additionally requested to be provided with the name and address of the Superintendent of Cincinnatus Schools and a list of names and addresses of all School Board Members. Mr. Schrader additionally discussed a strong letter to follow.
4. Board of Health Ms. Gailor explained Dr. Douglas Rahner has agreed to serve on the Board of Health.
Ms. Tytler made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. McKee. Mr. Clark adjourned the meeting at 8:16 a.m.