MINUTES OF THE
DUKES COUNTY HEALTH COUNCIL
Regular Meeting of July 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 Dukes County Health Council held on July 27, 2000.
Meeting called to order at 8:12 a.m.
Board Members Present:
Cynthia Mitchell, Chairman Fred Rundlet
Arthur Wortzel Patty Begley
Elizabeth Norcross Katherine Colon
Carol Borer* Kathy Logue
Sharon Clauss-Zanger Jacque Cage
Murray Frank Michelle Lazerow
Sarah Kuh * Ned Robinson-Lynch
Tad Crawford Maureen Kelly
Peter Strock Lorna Andrade
Bob Sawyer Bud Macy
Karen Kukolich Les Holcomb
Marsha Smolev, Executive Assistant
Patty Blakesley, Island Elderly Housing
Tina McMichael, VNA
Dan Munoz
*Ex Officio
Absent:
Matt Poole Dennis Hoak Else Membrezo Steve Bernier
Sandra Lothrop* Jane Cleare Joan Creato Sarah Isenberg
Cathy Brennan Kevin Burchill Marguerite Bergstrom*
Sherrill Butterfield Chris Knowles
Cynthia Mitchell began the meeting by introducing Tina McMichaels, VNA Director, and announcing that the Board will ask the County Commissioners to formally appoint her to the Health Council. Dan Munoz, a medical student, was also introduced. The next meeting will be August 24th. Arthur Wortzel Moved to Approve the Minutes of June 22, 2000. Tad Crawford Seconded the Motion. Carol Borer Moved to Amend the Minutes to delete a statement by Murray Frank. Bob Sawyer Seconded the Motion. The Vote was four “aye” to four “nay.” Kathy Logue, Lorna Andrade, Karen Kukovich, Patty Begley, Les Holcomb, and Jacque Cage abstained. The Motion to Amend failed. The Minutes were approved as written.
Tad Crawford reported that the Health Council has reconciled its finances with the County, and for the first time, there is a total history of cash in, cash out. The Treasurer’s Report shows a balance of $46,565.34, which matches the County to the penny. The Treasurer’s Report also listed additional Funds pledged, including the FY 2001 County Appropriation of $10,000. The Treasurer then added that the Health Council is counting on additional funding from the County in support of the Access Program and the Health Plan. Tad Crawford stressed the importance of spending money earmarked for specific projects as designated by the donor, not for other purposes. He intends to take Steve Bernier’s records and convert them into Quicken from which he will be able to run more flexible
financial reports.
Murray Frank thanked Treasurer Crawford for his work. Cynthia Mitchell added that the Treasurer’s Report serves as a management report. Arthur Wortzel Moved to Accept the Treasurer’s Report. Michele Lazerow Seconded the Motion. The Vote passed Unanimously.
Sarah Kuh asked about funds for the Dental Program. Fred Rundlet reported that the Wampanoag Tribe donated its $3000 to the Access Program.
Cynthia Mitchell reported that the Coordinating Committee Nominated officers. Ned Robinson-Lynch reviewed the proposed slate:
Chair – Cynthia Mitchell
Vice Chair – Murray Frank
Treasurer – Tad Crawford
Clerk – Kevin Burchill
Ned Robinson-Lynch added that Kevin Burchill, being absent, would have to be consulted before being added to the slate. Kathy Logue Moved to Accept the slate of officers. Lorna Andrade Seconded the Motion. Discussion followed. Michele Lazerow was concerned about absences. Peter Strock asked if attendance would be a problem for Kevin Burchill. Arthur Wortzel, Patty Begley voiced concern about Kevin Burchill’s attendance. Cynthia Mitchell reminded the Council that Kevin Burchill informed the Board that attendance would be a problem while he commutes in July. Chairman Mitchell said the terms are for two years. **(see footnote) The Vote to elect this slate (excluding Kevin Burchill until he is consulted) was Unanimous.
Cynthia Mitchell said that Patty Blakesley is being nominated to take the slot vacated by Steve Bernier, and Tina McMichael, to take Kate O’Neil’s slot. Both nominees accepted their nominations. Cynthia Mitchell so Moved the nominations. Lorna Andrade Seconded the Motion. The Vote was Unanimous. Carol Borer will submit the names to the County Commissioners for appointment.
Cynthia Mitchell began the Coordinating Committee’s Report by saying that rather than taking Minutes, she would try to include information from Coordinating Committee meetings in these Minutes. The Coordinating Committee met twice,
**The County Manager reviewed the DCHC Bylaws. Coordinating Committee terms are one year terms.
July 11 and July 18 from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. in the Howes House. (meeting on the 11th started at 8:00 a.m.) The Committee discussed the Treasurer’s Report, that
the Wampanoag Health Center offered the DCHC its share of Dental funds from DPH. The CAP Grant was the highlight of the Data and Funding Report. Murray
Frank reported that the CAP application made the first cut. Discussion followed. Cynthia Mitchell reported that the County Budget FY2001 was discussed at the meeting of the 11th with County Manager, Carol Borer, present. Chairman Mitchell said it was her understanding that the County Commissioners, having already granted $10,000 to the DCHC, will look favorably upon their request for $30,000 to complete Phase III of the Health Plan and $36,000 to fund ½ of the Access Program. The funds, she continued, will be from a Supplemental Budget.
The County Manager said $30,000 was discussed for the Island Plan, but she did not recall discussing the $36,000. Commissioner Sawyer said he believed the County Commissioners felt committed to the Island Health Plan and would look favorably upon funding the $30,000, but he did not recall discussion about $36,000. Tad Crawford clarified that support for the Access Program was to be achieved by making Access Program Director a part-time County employee. He then stressed the importance of working carefully with the County to lay the groundwork needed to secure County funding. Commissioner Sawyer agreed.
Chairman Mitchell completed the Coordinating Committee Report by saying the Committee discussed: nominating Patty Blakesley to the DCHC, the Dental Clinic, the County Ad Hoc Committee.
Carol Borer reported that the County extended Sarah Kuh’s Contract for 4 months. Discussion followed. Cynthia Mitchell asked about the status of the Coordinator becoming an employee of the County. The County Manager said she was examining the possibility. Jacque Cage reported that she met with Carol Borer and they were making progress on this issue. Murray Frank added that the funds for the additional 4 months come from money raised by the Health Council, not the County. Ned Robinson-Lynch said he was personally uncomfortable with the tenor of the discussion, that Sarah Kuh’s position was being discussed while she was present. He asked that these matters be discussed in another forum and apologized for this discussion. Sarah Kuh said she understood why the discussion
was taking place. Kathy Logue added that Sarah Kuh is doing an outstanding job and the discussion is not about Ms. Kuh, but the position. Cynthia Mitchell asked Sarah Kuh to describe her program for the newcomers.
Fred Rundlet encouraged the Council, the County Commissioners, Sarah Kuh, to sit down with the State so they can understand exactly what she’s doing. Mass Health has a big budget, and Fred Rundlet believes the State should be doing more for the Vineyard.
Sarah Kuh reported on discussion at a networking meeting about 82 mini grants. Ten hospitals received outreach money. She agrees with Fred Rundlet, that the Island should be getting more. Jacque Cage added that school systems are also getting Access money, and perhaps Vineyard schools and programs should approach the State as one group. Discussion followed. Murray Frank reported that the $15,000 the DCHC received from the State was in the top range of funding. Kathy Logue said the Vineyard schools have not been interested in seeking these kinds of funds. Perhaps the DCHC could offer some leadership. Discussion continued about possibly including the Superintendent of Schools and the Principal of the High School on the Council. Michele Lazerow agreed it would be a good idea to
approach the Schools. Les Holcomb said most outreach programs tied to school systems have school based health clinics. Murray Frank reported on a new RFP from the American Academy of Pediatrics on which Michael Goldfein, M.D. is working. Fred Rundlet reiterated that the State needs to know what’s happening here.
Chairman Mitchell mentioned that Tad Crawford has been asked to sit on the County Ad Hoc Committee as the Health Council Representative. Commissioner Sawyer added that the Committee is just forming, so he doesn’t yet know about the time frame. Cynthia Mitchell distributed a Memo of Intent from Barnstable County on Health and Human Services, that designates the Advisory Council as the “policy making group.” The Advisory Council hires and evaluates a Health and Human Services Coordinator and advises the County Commissioners on Health and Human Services issues. Chairman Mitchell suggested adopting something like this. Michele Lazerow questioned the need for an Ad Hoc Committee since the County already has the DCHC. County Commissioner Sawyer explained that the County has put
more money into Health and Human Services than ever before. To expand Health and Human Services, there needs to be a plan. Rather than having the County Commissioners do it, this Committee of all elements of the health community that have County ties, will be involved. Michele Lazerow said this was a duplication, since there is a Health Council. Commissioner Sawyer said the Health Council has a mission that’s only part of the picture of the Health and Human Services.
Carol Borer explained there will also be representatives from the DCRHA, Elderly Services, Veterans Services, Handicapped Affairs, the Sheriff’s Offices, to ensure a broader spectrum than just health issues. Arthur Wortzel asked for more definition about the role of the Health and Human Services Department. Commissioner Sawyer said the Ad Hoc Committee will decide this. Discussion continued. Carol Borer said there has been a Health and Human Services Department, but there has not been money in it. Les Holcomb suggested that the County issue a RFP for a planning grant for health and affordable housing. Lorna Andrade suggested if the County Department has been sleeping, revitalize it with funds and activate THIS group. Patty Begley said, “We are the department!” Tad
Crawford reviewed the evolution of the DCHC and suggested adding representatives from the areas not included now on it.
Peter Strock said the DCHC has guarded its independence, that the County has a more global agenda. He suggested that it’s time for the Council to ask to be included, to ask for some respect. He suggested if the Ad Hoc Committee will have an open give and take, then the Council should support the County Commissioners and tell them when and if they’re not right. Ned Robinson-Lynch asked if the County is interested in advice from the HC. Carol Borer answered, “absolutely,” Ned Robinson-Lynch said he agreed with Peter Strock. Discussion continued. Carol Borer said she would try to schedule the first meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee before the August 24th meeting of the DCHC.
In summary, Cynthia Mitchell said the outcome of the Ad Hoc Committee will be for the County to relate to the universe of Health and Human Services on the Island. It could broaden what’s already in the HC, or it could have a different outcome.
There was discussion about an alternate to Tad Crawford to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee while the Treasurer is away. Commissioner Sawyer said the County Commissioners will appoint an alternate.
Chairman Mitchell reported that the Committee for Emergency Medical Services met 4 –5 times. She added that the DCHC was told last spring that it would have input into this Committee. Discussion followed. Murray Frank said that he represents West Tisbury, and Patty Begley represents Tisbury, not the HC and that he believes the Health Council has no presence on the Committee. He presented the two opinions that are being discussed by the Committee:
to support Emergency Services provided by the Hospital
not automatically give this to the Hospital and get the best for the town’s money. Maybe do a scope of services and a RFP and find a vendor.
Murray Frank said the second idea was proposed by Warren Doty and that he supported Mr. Doty’s proposal that would include funding free care. The two opinions will be brought before the Selectmen. Tad Crawford said he would like there to be a presentation before the HC, so the Council could weigh in its opinion. Fred Rundlet added there’s a third point of view, that no emergency rooms make money and the hospital has an obligation to share its short and long-term financial plans.
Cynthia Mitchell asked Commissioner Sawyer if he agreed the Council was told it would have input. Commissioner Sawyer responded by explaining that it was understood during the Intermunicipal Agreement process, that people wanted broader representation than just Commissioners and Selectmen, so the “or designee” was added. Tad Crawford said he recalled Commissioner Sawyer saying there would be ample opportunity after the first phase of the Agreement to have input. Commissioner Sawyer reminded the Council that this is for a one-year contract.
Kathy Logue recalled the West Tisbury Town Meeting, and said her sense was that the town said it would support a Committee so people could think about it. The Town did not vote to just give money to the Hospital. Michele Lazerow believed Oak Bluffs, at its Town Meeting, was in favor of more than just giving money to the Hospital. Peter Strock asked if it’s appropriate for the Council to ask the Committee to present options to the DCHC. Cynthia Mitchell responded yes. Peter Moved that the whole Health Council formally request the Committee for Emergency Medical Services to send someone to present to the Health Council the alternatives being considered by the Committee. Tad Crawford Seconded the Motion. Peter Strock rephrased his Motion with input from Ned Robinson-Lynch to include “and consider the Council’s verbal or written comments as a possible alternative to the options as stated.” The Vote was Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 10:10 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marsha Smolev
Executive Assistant
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