Health Committee

January 16, 2008 – 8:00 am

DRAFT MINUTES

 

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

Others present:          John Daniels, Chairman, County Legislature; Scott Schrader, County Administrator; Mike McKee, Legislator; John Troy, Legislator; 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; Evan Geibel, Cortland Standard; and Susan Morgan, Clerk of the Legislature. 

Ms. Tytler called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.

Mr. Cornell moved adoption of the minutes of the November 14, 2007 meeting; seconded by Ms. Price.  All members voting in favor; none opposed; minutes approved as printed.

Ms. Tytler announced that she had asked Ms. Price to be Vice Chair of the Health Committee.  Mr. Tagliente made a motion to make Sandy Price the Vice Chair of the Health Committee; seconded by Mr. Steger.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; Ms. Price appointed as Vice Chair of Health Committee

RESOLUTIONS:

MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

3.         Amend Budget, Mental Health Department, New York State Office of Alcohol & Substance Abuse Services – Mr. Tagliente moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Cornell.  Mr. Kilmer explained that this resolution was to amend New York State aid from last year to balance and close out the books.  Ms. Tytler requested that OMH be spelled out in the resolution (Office of Mental Health).  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

4.                  Amend Budget, Mental Health Department, Mental Health Association – Mr. Tagliente moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Cornell.  Mr. Kilmer explained that this has the same purpose as the previous resolution.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

1.                  Accept Funds, Health Department, Administration, American Cancer Society – Mr. Cornell moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Tagliente.  Ms. Gailor expressed that this was from the American Cancer Society out of the Binghamton area to cover services in this area.  She added that it pays a small portion of salary of the Health Educator.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

2.                  Authorize Agreement/Accept Funds, Health Department, Jacobus Center for Reproductive Health, State Grant – Mr. Tagliente moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Cornell.  Ms. Gailor stated that by the time notification regarding this grant was received it was too late to be put on the agenda last year.  She stated that funds have been earmarked.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

5.         Authorize Agreements/Accept Funds, Health department, Children With Special Needs (NYS Facilitated Enrollment Program) – Ms. Price moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Cornell.  Ms. Gailor explained facilitated enrollment to the Committee and how it assists individuals/families in obtaining health insurance and quality health care.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1.                  Horizon House – Mr. Kilmer explained that the state has audited Horizon House for operator’s certification and added that the most recent certification was granted in December and was only for six months.  He discussed the plan of corrective action being submitted and denied.  Ms. Tytler explained that the plan was not accepted because of issues with the facility itself.  She added that this is part of the overall County space problems and added that this should be put on the front burner because it is a hot issue and needs to be addressed.  Ms. Price asked for input in regards to where we go from here.  Ms. Tytler expressed that she is waiting for the study from Barton & Loguidice regarding space and moving Area Agency on Aging out of the building.  She suggested that New York State be notified and we explain the situation here in Cortland County and our attempts to improve the current space problems.  Mr. Tagliente inquired as to the number of square feet needed for Horizon House.  Mr. Kilmer expressed that he will provide that information.  Mr. Cornell explained that this should be brought to the attention of the General Services Committee.  Ms. Price stated that the Legislature needs to be proactive.  Mr. Kilmer stated that he has spoken with Brian Parker in regards to this and they have worked together to do the things that they could.  Ms. Tytler explained that the entrance is a problem.  She stressed the need to address this situation.  She also discussed pulling information together from the Ad Hoc Committee and send it on to General Services Committee.  Ms. Price explained the Health Committee needs to work together with General Services Committee and be proactive to address this problem.  Ms. Tytler suggested that anyone who is unaware of the site to contact Mr. Kilmer regarding a site visit.  Mr. Kilmer expressed that he would take anyone interested on a tour of the facility.  

2.         Community Services Board – Mr. Kilmer explained that the Community Services Board is set up to address issues in the community.  He further explained that the Board has three subcommittees that address Mental Health Issues, Office of Mental Retardation Issues and Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services.  He explained that they share needs and plans as to what is going on the community.  He explained the need to have two Legislative representatives on this Board.  He stated that the Board meets once a month and in addition to the Board meetings members are asked to sit on one of the three subcommittees.  Ms. Tytler explained that she and Mr. McKee have served in the past and now that she is Chairman of the Health Committee she will be serving on the Board of Health.  Ms. Wilcox expressed interest in serving. 

3.         Health Department Wait List – Ms. Gailor expressed that there are currently three children on the wait list.  She expressed that two are for specialized Occupational Therapy but are receiving Physical Therapy and speech.  She explained that those two children have been on the list since November.  She explained that the other child has been added to the list in January. 

4.         Mental Health Department Wait List – Mr. Kilmer expressed that there is no wait list for child services.  Mr. Kilmer expressed that he is in contact with the new Staff Psychiatrist and he is scheduled to start February 4, 2008.  Ms. Tytler inquired about the Nurse Practitioner.  Mr. Kilmer explained that Liz Finn was hired as a Nurse Practitioner and is doing great.  He stated that she hit the ground running and has made needed changes.  Ms. Gailor stated that Liz Finn came to Cortland County as a RN and furthered her education through the education programs the County provides.  She added that the County paid for her education and it is nice to see that she has come back to work for the County.  Mr. Kilmer further discussed the wait list for adult services and added that it is only about four weeks out and it is usually two months.  He explained that once they get through the “no shows” the wait time should be shorter. 

Ms. Tytler inquired about future meetings of Health Committee.  The consensus of the Committee was to have Health Committee meetings at 7:30 am on the second Wednesday of the month. 

Mr. Tagliente made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Cornell.  Ms. Tytler adjourned the meeting at 8:25 a.m.