MINUTES OF THE
DUKES COUNTY HEALTH COUNCIL
Regular Meeting of December 21, 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 December 21, 2000.
Meeting called to order at 8:15 a.m. with 15 of the 16 people needed for a quorum based on 30 members.
Members Present: *Ex Officio
Cynthia Mitchell, Chairman Sarah Isenberg
Arthur Wortzel Patty Begley
Sandra Lothrop* Kevin Burchill
Carol Borer* Kathy Logue
Sharon Clauss-Zanger Bud Macy
Murray Frank Lorna Andrade
Chris Knowles Ned Robinson-Lynch
Tad Crawford Maureen Kelly
Patty Blakesley Jane Cleare
Also Present:Marsha Smolev Charles Silberstein Alan Hirshberg
Absent: Michele Lazerow Jacque Cage Bob Sawyer Fred Rundlet
Matt Poole Sarah Kuh * Peter Strock Marguerite Bergstrom*
Elizabeth Norcross Joan Creato Dennis Hoak Karen Kukolich Les Holcomb Cathy Brennan Else Membrezo
Sherrill Butterfield Katherine Colon
Alan Hirshberg presented his work on the Health Provider Shortage Designation. The HPSA designation would provide increased reimbursements and the ability to forgive student loans. Dr. Hirshberg indicated that there are no downsides to applying for this designation, and only a small window of time in which to do so. Carol Borer Moved to prepare a letter of support for HPSA designation. Chris Knowles Seconded the Motion. Discussion followed. Ned Robinson-Lynch asked that the record show that there was a “minor collision” due to a past application. He stressed that people be aware that the other application was made 7 or 8 years ago and would show different numbers. The Vote to support the letter was Unanimous.
Cynthia Mitchell read a letter from Ron Tolin asking that the DCHC support the MC Tobacco Control Program for a smoke free Martha’s Vineyard. Arthur Wortzel Moved to endorse the Program. Patty Begley Seconded the Motion. Discussion followed about impacts of such a program. Cynthia Mitchell stated that the concern of the DCHC was health, not financial or other implications. The Vote to support the MV Tobacco Control Program was Unanimous.
Murray Frank updated the DCHC on the Lighthouse Grant. Charlie Silverstein explained that the Foundation will receive funds from the fiscal agent on the Cape, and pay Chris Zadeh, the new Director on the Island. Chris Zadeh has accepted the position and will begin January 1, 2001. Cynthia Mitchell noted that the Hospital had been willing to be the conduit for funds. She thanked the Hospital for its cooperation. A Foundation learning project that is moving along is the attempt to develop a health curriculum model. Joy Robinson-Lynch is pursuing funding to develop a proposal.
The Chronic Illness Committee is planning to have tabulations of the Survey in the first part of January. The numbers will be brought to the Data and Funding Committee before the January 25th meeting of the DCHC. Chairman Mitchell commended Jane Cleare for so successfully distributing the Survey.
Murray Frank reported, on behalf of the Data and Funding Committee, that the grant application to Farm Neck was turned down since they don’t fund the same group two years in a row. $20,000 from UMASS Medical School has come through to expand the Access Program. Murray Frank said the DCHC will be looking to the County to take greater responsibility for this program, especially since past support, such as the MV Endowment Fund, will not be available. Also mentioned was the County’s Supplementary Budget, and the fact that the DCHC wants to be part of the budget process next year. Arthur Wortzel is working to reach ministers to develop a proposal for a grant from the Faith and Action Initiative sponsored by the Robert Johnson Foundation.
Jane Cleare thanked VNA for the Portuguese translation of the Survey Material. Sarah Kuh’s report was distributed.
Patty Blakesley asked that the Minutes of November 30, prepared by Peter Strock, be amended to include her name as present. Tad Crawford Moved to accept the Minutes with that Amendment. Chris Knowles Seconded the Motion. The Minutes were Accepted even though there was no quorum at this time.
Tad Crawford distributed and reviewed the Treasurer’s Report. Arthur Wortzel Moved to Accept the Treasurer’s Report. Chris Knowles Seconded the Motion. Chris Knowles stated that it was good to include obligations and voiced his concern about meeting them, should enough money not be generated. He asked what was the obligation of the County to meet obligations of the DCHC. Cynthia Mitchell explained that the grant-supported position does not involve the County. It’s the Steering Committee that is responsible for that position. Chairman Mitchell added that there is no commitment on behalf of the County for the Island Health Plan except some consultant fees for JSI, and that Chris Zadeh is aware of his need to seek funding for his job and the Business Plan.
Carol Borer explained that the County funds Sarah Kuh’s position, but the rest of the Access Program is grant-funded. Ned Robinson-Lynch voiced concern about the liability of unemployment insurance and also liability from disgruntled employees. Discussion followed.
The County Manager asked about Chris Zadeh’s compensation and office space. Cynthia Mitchell explained that money was transferred from local funds in the Lighthouse Grant to his salary. Mr. Zadeh’s office will be in the Islander building. Chairman Mitchell stated that the landlord is helping with renovations and wants the DCHC to have right of first refusal for space in that building. Tad Crawford reported that Chris Zadeh’s salary will be $90,600 ($70,000 grant line, $20,000 from the Enrollment Assistant line.) Also received, were funds from UMASS Medical School to support an Enrollment position. Mr. Zadeh receives no benefits, and works as a 1099. Discussion followed about how roles of DCHC members will change once Mr. Zadeh is on board. Ned Robinson-Lynch suggested
being explicit about roles, so there is no confusion. Chairman Mitchell will evaluate Chris Zadeh, as he is responsible to her.
Patty Begley voiced concern that the membership of the DCHC is not being engaged. She believes there is a serious problem. Chairman Mitchell suggested outreach.
Tad Crawford mentioned vacancies on the Board. Chairman Mitchell added that the DCHC needs to put staggered terms on the Agenda.
The meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marsha Smolev
Executive Assistant
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