Health Committee

April 9, 2008 – 7:30 am

DRAFT MINUTES

 

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

Others present:          Scott Schrader , County Administrator; Mike McKee, Legislator, District 17; Mark Suben, County Attorney; Katrina Spicer, Secretary to County Administration; Jackie Gailor, Director of Public Health; Mike Kilmer, Director of Administrative Services, Mental Health, Dr. Charlie Capanzano, Director of Patient Services, Mental Health Clinic; and Evan Geibel, Cortland Standard

Absent:                       Steve Dafoe

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

Ms. Price moved adoption of the minutes of the March 12, 2008 meeting; seconded by Mr. Cornell.  All members voting in favor; none opposed; minutes approved as printed.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

RESOLUTIONS:

1.                  Authorize Agreements, Health Department/Children With Special Needs Program (Contract for Services) – Mr. Cornell moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Steger.  Ms. Gailor explained that this is a routine resolution to authorize agreements in regards to Pre K and EI.  Ms. Tytler inquired about an Occupational Therapist.  Ms. Gailor explained that one has been hired and they are just waiting for clearance from New York State .  Committee members discussed no children being transported out of the county for services at this time and added that this become very costly when they need to transport of the county.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

2.                  Authorize Agreements/Accept Funds, Health Department/Administration Cancer Services Program – Ms. Price moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Cornell.  Ms. Gailor discussed this being for a five year grant and this is for new grant procurement.  She further explained that this is to cover Tompkins County as well and this being the first time Cortland County will be covering Tompkins County for cancer screenings.  Committee members discussed getting the word out in regards to this and many Legislators requested being provided with a handful of pamphlets to distribute once they are ready for distribution.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

3.                  Amend 2008 Budget, Health Department/Nursing Division (Professional Services/Nursing Fees) – Mr. Cornell moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Price.  Ms. Gailor explained that this was for review of Medicare reimbursements by McBee Associates.  She explained that they come in and review the departments Medicare billing and look at places in which additional reimbursements can be gained from Medicare.  She explained that there is no cost to the county unless they find additional reimbursements.  She added that the county would pay 27.3% of the additional reimbursements.  Ms. Tytler asked what they feedback was in regards to this being done in the past.  Ms. Gailor stated that the county should keep doing this and added that a few years ago additional reimbursements were found after a great deal of changes were made to Medicare.  She added that there have been more changes made this year to Medicare.  Ms. Gailor explained that there were approximately five individuals where an additional reimbursement was found over a two year period the last time McBee Associates did this.  Committee members expressed that this reflection on our billing shows that our billing is pretty good.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

4.                  Authorize Agreements/Accepts Funds, Health Department/Environmental Health (Drinking Water Program) – Mr. Cornell moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Wilcox.  Ms. Gailor explained that this is the annual water grant for Environmental Health.  She explained that this grant covers the salary for a Sanitation Specialist, half time clerical position and other services.  She added that this year the funds will be used to cover half the cost of a vehicle for offsite visits.  Ms. Tytler inquired about Applebee School in Marathon regarding the lead found in water there.  Ms. Gailor explained that changes were made a few years ago to the water system.  She added that one recommendation was to open taps every morning and allow the water run.  She explained that this was not done and added that the responsibility has now been given to teachers to do this.  Ms. Gailor stated that this is being monitored and added that the level were never high enough for a risk but remains a concern.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

DISCUSSION/REPORT:

Grants – Ms. Gailor explained that the New York State Budget Bill was passed last week regarding Health Department grants and the grants have been cut two percent.  Ms. Gailor explained that in most instances spending can be reduced by two percent.  She further stated that state aid reimbursement will be reduced by two percent.  Ms. Tytler inquired about the impact this will have on personnel and request Mr. Schrader’s input.  Mr. Schrader explained that he expected a two percent reduction in TANF and Medicare.  He further stated that the loss would be approximately $100,000 to $200,000 across the county.

Wait-List – Ms. Gailor explained that in September there were five people on the list waiting for Pre K services.  She added that now the school districts have told the Health Department that they can not find the families.  She explained that there is one child in Cincinnatus waiting for special program services but is still receiving services in EI.  She further explained that there is a child in Cortland waiting for services.  She added that the child was receiving services at the Rackers Center and the services were stopped at the direction of the family.  Ms. Gailor explained that now the mother would like the child back at the Rackers Center .  Ms. Gailor explained that there is an opening in Family Enrichment.  Ms. Price expressed her concerns in regards to not being able to find a child in need of services.  The committee discussed the struggle to find families and the schools tracking them.  Ms. Gailor explained that the there are twelve children waiting for Occupational Therapy services in EI and seven waiting for special instruction.  She added that additional Occupational Therapy may be available through Cortland Regional Medical Center in another month or two. 

MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

RESOLUTIONS:

5.                  Amend Budget, Mental Health Department, Catholic Charities – Ms. Price moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Steger.  Mr. Kilmer explained that Catholic Charities has had changes in their fiscal department and have now audited their 2006 books.  He stated that they found $6,700 still owed to them from Cortland County .  Mr. Kilmer added that the county had never been billed and never paid them.  Ms. Tytler inquired as to why they are auditing their 2006 books now.  Mr. Kilmer stated that this is not unusual and added the 2003 OHMH Books are just being audited.  Ms. Tytler inquired as to how this is handled at the County.  Mr. Schrader discussed and explained that essentially it is an expense out of the county’s pocket.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

DISCUSSION/REPORT:

Horizon House - Mr. Kilmer inquired if the Health Committee was interested in Maureen Robinson attending the next meeting and providing the committee with a general update in regards to Horizon House.  Ms. Tytler inquired if the members of the committee were interested in having the meeting at Horizon House.  The consensus of the Health Committee was to hold the May meeting at Horizon House and requested that Mr. Kilmer make arrangements with Horizon House to accommodate this.  Ms. Price stated that Human Services Committee would start a bit later that day to accommodate those Legislators on both committees.  Ms. Price and Ms. Tytler agreed to change the time of the Human Services Committee meeting to 8:45 am. 

Dr. Charles Capanzano – Personal Report – Dr. Capanzano announced his retirement and that his last day of work will be June 16, 2008.  He distributed a copy of a letter addressed to the Co-Chairs of the Cortland County Community Services Board dated April 8, 2008.  Dr. Capanzano explained and discussed the letter with the Health Committee.  Additionally, he stated that he is proud of the success the Mental Health facility has provided over the years.  Ms. Tytler expressed her gratitude and the gratitude from the Health Committee, Legislature and community for the services and leadership in mental health programs provided by Dr. Capanzano over the years.  The Health Committee applauded Dr. Capanzano and thanked him for his work and dedication to the Mental Hygiene Services in Cortland County .  Mr. Tagliente thanked Dr. Capanzano for his continued perseverance that has made the mental health programs a success.  Dr. Capanzano stated that it is important to know and understand that money can be saved if services are provided.  He thanked everyone for their kind words.  Ms. Price stated that Dr. Capanzano did a fine job and wished him the best.  Ms. Tytler requested that Dr. Capanzano, along with Mr. Kilmer and Mr. Schrader, keep the Health Committee aware of the transition plans at the Mental Health Clinic.  Dr. Capanzano stated that he would provide any assistance needed for the transition. 

Mr. Cornell made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ms. Wilcox.  Ms. Tytler adjourned the meeting at 8:31 a.m.