MINUTES OF THE
DUKES COUNTY HEALTH COUNCIL
Regular Board Meeting of APRIL 27, 2000
I certify, that to the best of my ability to record and recall, these are the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Dukes County Health Council held on April 27, 2000.
Meeting called to order at 8:00 a.m.
Board Members Present:
Cynthia Mitchell, Chairman Fred Rundlet
Patty Begley Arthur Wortzel
Christopher Knowles Elizabeth Norcross
Carol Borer Bud Macy
Else Membrezo Karen Kukolich
Kate O’Neil Sherrill Butterfield
Sarah Isenberg Murray Frank
Sarah Kuh * Lorna Andrade
Tad Crawford Carol Borer *
Jane Cleare Michelle Lazerow
Bob Sawyer Ned Robinson-Lynch
Sharon Clauss-Zanger Jacque Cage
Les Holcomb Dennis Hoak
Steve Bernier
Pat Fairchild, Consultant
Marsha Smolev, Executive Assistant
Sandra Lothrop *, Associative Commissioner for Affairs concerning
Handicapped Persons
Absent:
Peter Strock Maureen Kelly *Ex Officio
Matt Poole Kevin Burchill
Cathy Brennan Joan Creato
Katherine Colon Kathy Logue
Marguerite Bergstrom *
Cynthia Mitchell called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m., welcoming new members and mentioning that Marguerite Bergstrom, the County’s Associate Commissioner for Affairs Concerning the Elderly, will be an Ex-Officio member of the DCHC.
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April 27, 2000
The Treasurer, Steve Bernier, requested a year’s sabbatical. Cynthia Mitchell thanked him for his hard work, and stressed that he will be welcome back when he wishes to return.
It was announced that the Secretary of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, Lillian Glickman, is planning a visit to the island. The date of the visit, originally 5/17/00 will probably be changed.
Carol Borer reported that the County Commissioners, at their meeting of April 26, 2000, appointed the recommended members to the DCHC. Letters announcing appointments will be mailed from the County Manager’s Office. Mr. Sollitto will be asked to attend the May 27, 2000 DCHC meeting to swear in the members. Discussion followed about the size of the Coordinating Committee. Efficiency of a 5 member Committee was mentioned, as was the loss of the Hospital CEO and the Director of MVCS (when there are only 5 members.) Fred Rundlet explained that he favors a Committee of 7 this year, when there are so many important issues facing the Council. Arthur Wortzel stressed that it is important for Coordinating Committee members to remember that they represent the Health Council, not the bodies that
brought them to the DCHC.
Carol Borer said she would like to see the DCHC take advantage of the members who voiced an interest in serving on the Coordinating Committee. New involvement would be a good idea.
Discussion continued. While 7 members make the Committee more cumbersome, it also adds diversity. Patty Begley questioned the idea that more members would be better. There seemed to be agreement that the Coordinating Committee requires a significant amount of time and involvement. People need to attend, if they take the position!
Bob Sawyer Moved that the DCHC increase the size of the Coordinating Committee to 7 members. Michelle Lazerow Seconded the Motion. There was one vote in opposition, 3 abstained. The Motion Passed.
The text of the Annual Meeting presentation by Alan Sager, was distributed. Judith Kurland also spoke at the Annual Meeting. Members of the DCHC spoke highly of her views on wellness. Michelle Lazerow asked that the Council members not forget Judith Kurland’s message, as the Council concentrates on issues of insurance. Fred Rundlet said the Annual Meeting reflected his ideas: an integrated system of healthcare on the island will be less costly, and there needs to be a method of financing that system.
Cynthia Mitchell reported on the Statewide Ballot Initiative. It appears there are stumbling blocks and reservations about it.
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April 27, 2000
Arthur Wortzel made a Motion to Accept the Minutes of March 23, 2000. The Motion was Seconded by Tad Crawford, the Minutes Accepted as written.
Murray Frank reported from the Data and Funding Committee that the DCHC received a $32,500 matching grant from the Alpha Center. He thanked Jacque Cage for her help with this project.
(Pat Fairchild arrived at 9:05 a.m.)
Cynthia Mitchell reported that the DCHC made its first formal departmental Budget (FY2001) request, $76,000, from the County. Cynthia Mitchell mentioned that the Council raised $200,000 from outside sources, thus proving itself worthy of County support. Fred Rundlet stressed it’s important to value health, as we do other island necessities (airport, for example.)
Carol Borer explained there is a significant amount of money for Health Services in the FY2001 Budget. She is asking for $50,000 to fund a Health Access Coordinator. Bob Sawyer reminded the Council members that communities have to commit to health care. All 6 towns have approved the Intermunicipal Agreement for Emergency Medical Services.
Cynthia Mitchell stated that the Council needs to review the Chronic Illness Survey. Carol Borer reported that the Veterans Administration has agreed to access the Vineyard Hospital for VA clinic services. Ned Robinson-Lynch reminded everyone that Congressman Delahunt was instrumental in this collaborative effort. Cynthia Mitchell will invite Veterans’ Agent, Hank Decoteau to attend a DCHC meeting to describe these services.
Sarah Kuh distributed her monthly report. There is still no news on whether Early Childhood Programs will be able to absorb the Children’s Diary. Cynthia Mitchell thanked the PR Committee for producing the Annual Meeting and associated literature.
Pat Fairchild reported on the second draft of the CAP Grant. The draft includes: mission, principles, values, and 5 goals. There will be a steering committee of 14 members: 7 signatories from the Cape, 4 from the Vineyard, and 3 from Nantucket. Two issues still in discussion are: how to distribute the money, and who will submit the application.
Discussion followed about the meaning of signing the grant, giving up some sovereignty, working regionally. Fifteen percent of the Grant money may be spent on direct services. The rest is for infrastructure.
Pat Fairchild said she needs:
Assign people to serve on subcommittees
Define who can act on your behalf (as signatory)
Decide on the Vineyard’s objectives regarding primary care
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April 27, 2000
Carol Borer asked Pat Fairchild and the DCHC to come to the County Commissioners’ Meeting, May 17, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. for one hour. Since this is a significant initiative, and the County Commissioners appoint the DCHC, they should be brought up to date about the Grant and the need for signatories. Lillian Glickman’s meeting with the DCHC will be postponed, so the members of the DCHC can attend this meeting. Discussion followed. Pat Fairchild agreed the County Commissioners “need to be onboard.” Carol Borer reiterated that this is a regional issue. The County Commissioners need information about it.
Cynthia Mitchell Moved that she, Murray Frank, Ned Robinson-Lynch, Chris Knowles, and Kevin Burchill be designated to speak on behalf of the Council during this process. The Motion was Seconded by Jane Cleare. The Motion passed unanimously.
Phase II was updated. Access to primary care doctors is being explored, with the focus on: finances, health, hours.
Jane Cleare reported on the Chronic Illness Subcommittee. Distribution of the Survey is difficult, as is getting it back.
The Meeting adjourned at 10:09 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marsha Smolev
Executive Assistant
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