Health Committee

May 7, 2008 – 7:30 am

Horizon House

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 ; Mark Suben, County Attorney ; Katrina Spicer, Secretary to County Administration ; Jackie Gailor, Director of Public Health; Mike Kilmer, Director of Administrative Services, Mental Health, Maureen Robinson, Horizon House, Mental Health Clinic; and Evan Geibel, Cortland Standard

Absent:                       Steve Dafoe

Ms. Tytler called the meeting to order at 7:28 a.m.

Mr. Cornell moved adoption of the minutes of the April 9, 2008 meeting and the April 24, 2008 special meeting; seconded by Ms. Price.  All members voting in favor; none opposed; minutes approved of both meetings as printed.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

 

RESOLUTIONS:

1.                  Authorize Agreements Health Department (Educational Institutions) – Ms. Price moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Cornell.  Ms. Gailor explained that this is a routine resolution regarding student internships.  She added that this is to go an agreement with the educational institution.  Ms. Tytler inquired as to how many interns become employees.  Ms. Gailor stated that a few do.  Mr. Kilmer added that he just hired an intern.  He further discussed that these agreements help with MSW recruitment.  Committee members discussed the internship program.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

Mr. Kilmer explained that he has received a call in regards to a Child Psychiatrist who may be interested in employment at the Mental Health Clinic. 

2.                  Authorize Agreements/Accept Funds Health Department/Administration (Community Partnerships for Tobacco Control Program) – Mr. Cornell moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Steger.  Ms. Gailor explained that this is a routine resolution regarding the tobacco grant and added that this covers two counties.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

3.                  Authorize Agreement/Accept Funds Health Department/Children With Special Needs Program (CSHCN NYS GRANT) – Ms. Price moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Cornell.  Ms. Gailor explained that this is for an annual grant and is in the budget.  She added this helps funds a part-time staff member.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

4.                  Create Temporary, Part-time Registered Professional Nurse or Public Health Nurse Health Department - Mr. Cornell moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Steger.  Ms. Gailor explained that this is to provide a nurse at Horizon House.  She further discussed the position and the difficulty of filling it at the bachelor level.  She explained that the position was for part-time at Horizon House and part-time in the Nursing Clinic.  She explained that she is looking to possibly bringing in a school nurse for the summer.  She explained that the position is doing well as far as the Horizon House responsibilities, mostly medication and prescription.  She added that the clinic portion of the position is not doing well.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

DISCUSSION:

Ms. Tytler stated that she would like to thank Mr. Kilmer for the work he did regarding the reception for Dr. Stepkovich.  She added that he did a very nice job and it was a wonderful reception. 

Ms. Tytler inquired about any planning being done in regards to a retirement celebration for Dr. Capanzano.  Committee members discussed doing something similar to the reception that was held in honor of Dr. Stepkovich.  Ms. Price was delegated to take the lead on this event.  Ms. Price requested that Mr. Kilmer assist her in planning this event. 

Mr. Schrader explained that there may be an opportunity of hiring a Child Psychiatrist.  He stated that he has a meeting with a potential candidate on Friday, May 9, 2008.

Mr. Schrader discussed a Memorandum Of Understanding that was done between the Community Services Board and the Mental Health Clinic a couple of years ago.   He added that this MOU pertained to the Community Services Director answering to the County Administrator .  He discussed drafting a new MOU to change the relationship.  Mr. Kilmer stated that this should be done now because of Dr. Capanzano retiring and a new individual coming in.  Mr. Schrader discussed reorganizing the Mental Health Clinic in order to better service the community.  Ms. Price discussed the Director of Community Service not needing to be a Mental Health Clinic Employee.  Mr. Schrader discussed Dr. Stepkovich having agreed to be the Clinical Director now and he also discussed a new Child Psychiatrist being hired and sharing some of that responsibility.  He further stated that there is a need to have one person bring it all together and added that he would like to discuss this with the Community Service Board.  Ms. Price suggested that while we are waiting, the county may consider hiring someone on a part time basis.  Mr. Schrader explained that he would like to discuss this with the State Mental Health Board.  Ms. Tytler wanted to make the committee aware that the salary of a Child Psychiatrist is likely to be in the area of $200,000 and further discussed the dire need for a child psychiatrist in the area.

Ms. Tytler introduced Maureen Robinson to the Health Committee and explained that she would be giving a tour of Horizon House to the members.  Ms. Robinson explained that Horizon House is a continued day treatment facility and the hours of operation are Monday thru Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.  She added that currently they provide services to approximately 57 individuals.  She also discussed the building being too small for the services they are trying to provide.  She discussed some of the groups they run.  Mr. Kilmer stated that the major issue the state has is with the facility itself.  He added that they are happy with the programs but not with the physical setup of the building.  He discussed the lack of confidentiality and the driveway are only two of the items the state is not happy with.

Ms. Tytler adjourned the meeting at 8:10 a.m.

Ms. Robinson led a tour of the Horizon House Facility.