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 Minutes Archive |
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Board of Health
Minutes
CALHOUN COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING MINUTES
190 East Michigan Avenue, Suite A100, Battle Creek, MI 49014
Date: May 19, 2003
PRESENT
| Board of Health |
Larry Anderson, Chairperson |
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Jean Cook-Hughes, Vice Chairperson |
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Byron McDonald |
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Ben Miller, County Commissioner |
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Dr. Jeffrey R. Mitchell |
| Health Department |
Heidi Oberlin, Health Officer |
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Kathy Ferguson, Finance Officer |
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Ted Havens, Environmental Health |
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Brigette Reichenbaugh, Administrative Assistant |
| Calhoun County |
Greg Purcell, County Administrator |
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Jim Latham, County Finance Director |
- Larry Anderson called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m.
in the Public Health Department conference room, George W. Toeller
Building, 190 E. Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan.
- Larry Anderson moved to approve the agenda; seconded by
Ben Miller. Approved unanimously.
- Public Comment – None.
- Consent Agenda:
Moved to accept by Larry Anderson, seconded by Jeffrey Mitchell.
Approved unanimously.
- Resolutions
Resolution 14-2003 Approval of Agreement Amendment No. 3
with Battle Creek Community Foundation for the Minority Health
Partnership.
Heidi explained that this is simply an extension of the agreement
due to an oversight by the Battle Creek Community Foundation of
allocated state funds. Jeffrey Mitchell asked if the Calhoun County
Board of Health has any responsibilities. As an advisor of the
Minority Health Partnership, Heidi has a responsibility to be the
liaison with the Calhoun County Board of Health. Larry recommended
that Priscilla Barnes update the Calhoun County Board on the Minority
Health Partnership program.
Larry Anderson moved to accept; seconded by Jean Cook-Hughes.
Approved unanimously.
Resolution 15-2003 Approval of the recommendation that the
Board of Health formally approve Amendment No. 2 with the Michigan
Department of Community Health for the period October 1, 2002 through
September 30, 2003.
The amended contract incorporates the original contract with the
Michigan Department of Community Health. Amendment reflects extra
funding for our Bioterrorism Emergency Preparedness ($7,422) and a
reduction for MIHAS funding ($64,456) (previously informed of).
Revised Calhoun County Department of Public Health budget will be
presented next month to the Calhoun County Board of Health and the
Board of Commissioners.
Ben Miller moved to accept; seconded by Jeffrey Mitchell. Approved
unanimously.
Resolution 16 Approval of the amended contract with
Burnham Brook for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2002 and ending
September 30, 2003.
Due to a 2.7% budget cut, Burnham Brook has passed their cut onto
us, however extended the contract from six months to one year.
Jeffrey Mitchell moved to approve; Ben Miller seconded. Approved
unanimously.
Resolution 17 Approval of the amended contract with
Calhoun Intermediate School District (CISD) for Network for Young
Children Nursing Services, effective May 1, 2003 and ending September
30, 2003.
Heidi summarized the resolution and the program and explained that
the nursing component is not a mandatory piece of the contract. The
resolution involved decreasing the staff in order to carry forward
funds for a similar program proposed by the Governor that would begin
October 1, 2003. However, this program beginning October 1, 2003 has
not been finalized.
Byron McDonald had several questions regarding contract results.
Number of referrals, service area, actual number served, etc. Health
Department staff will gather and provide evaluation data to the Board
at the next meeting. Strength of the Network for Young Children is due
in part to the collaboration between the program, hospitals (Oaklawn
and Battle Creek Health Systems), and the Public Health Department.
Jeffrey Mitchell moved to approve. Byron McDonald seconded.
Approved unanimously.
- Finance Report
Along with Public Health Department financial statements through
April 30, 2003, Kathy Ferguson included a combined financial statement
for the Nursing Clinic of Battle Creek.
Ben Miller asked several questions regarding the Nursing Clinic
Dental Services’ ($11,355) net loss. Questions that arose were: Where
is the funding to turnaround the $11,000 current net loss? Why are we
doing dental services when we are in deficit, and have struggled with
this program in the past? Kathy and Heidi explained that Cheryl has
spent a lot of time working on the dental program, increasing
relationships with private dentists and looking for additional ways to
provide dental services due to high demand; this has added to program
costs for salaries and benefits. Now that dentists have been found,
Cheryl can concentrate on other tasks. Thus, the amount of her salary
and benefits going to this program is greatly reduced for the rest of
the FY. Senior Millage funding reimburses the program at a set fee
($900 for dentures, and $115 for extractions) which is intended to
cover all expenses relating to the program, with the exception of
administrative overhead. When we run out of money the program stops,
and a waiting list is established. Kathy felt that by year end, the
program would only show a small loss (the administrative overhead
dedicated to the program).
The Nursing Clinic currently shows an excess of revenues over
expenses. Kathy and Heidi felt that this would be spent by year end,
and the program would end the year with a zero balance. Funding
sources include $60,000 from Battle Creek Health System, along with
private donations, Medicaid, program fees, and federal grant dollars.
Another $63,000 was carried forward from last year, representing
federal grant dollars that were to be spent in this FY for
reorganization and improvements. They explained that Health Department
staff had been reassigned to the Nursing Clinic rather than being laid
off due to state funding cuts. Also, new billing software, computers
and printers need to be purchased, and network connectivity needs to
be established with the County network.
Ben Miller also asked about the actual vs. budgeted figures for
vehicle maintenance and utilities including gas and electric. It
seemed that budgeted numbers were not realistic as compared to last
year’s actual expenditures. Regarding budgeted utilities, both the
Northside and Marshall clinics were expected to close in December and
instead Northside moved in early April and Marshall continues to
operate. This increased utility costs compared to expectations. It
also appears that vehicle maintenance and some utility costs were
underestimated. Kathy indicated that these estimates would be changed
with the next budget adjustment in June.
- Other Business
West Nile Virus
Ted updated the Board on the West Nile Virus. He stated that we are
preparing for a potential outbreak of mosquitoes within a week due to
the amount of rain received recently. Environmental Health staff
presented West Nile Virus information and material order forms to the
cities and communities within Calhoun Co. The large amount of
materials ordered through the county resulted in a quantity discount.
Environmental Health will continue monitoring calls received from
the public regarding death of birds. Monitoring these calls will
identify areas to concentrate on and specifically treat for West Nile
Virus. Specific larvicide will be used in these areas and monitored
closely. Catch basins will also be used and are very effective. Expect
a very good decrease in the mosquito population.
Several communities will do larviciding themselves, whereas we will
assist others. The procedure has been explained to those communities
choosing to self-larvicide. Environment Health will continue
monitoring all areas.
A public awareness program including brochures, media, etc. has
been implemented. According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture,
we are ahead of the game. A question was raised about spraying
larvicide for mosquitoes. Due to the high cost and potential health
risks, we will not spray at this time. Individuals also can purchase
materials for mosquito.
Jean asked about treating “swamp” mosquitoes vs. “yard” mosquitoes.
Ted explained that “yard” mosquitoes are not the same as “swamp”
mosquitoes. Larvicide to destroy the mosquito with WNV will not
eliminate all mosquitoes. “Yard” mosquitoes carry the WNV.
In regards to larviciding packets available to the public, Nancy
Mullett is reviewing the fee amendment process.
Greg Purcell informed the Board that due to budget restraints, the
City of Battle Creek couldn’t afford to participate in a West Nile
Prevention program. However, with efforts and assistance from the
Public Health Department, the City of Battle Creek will participate in
a WNV prevention program.
Water Supply Program
The water supply program was recently reviewed by the State. It was
determined that our program has one of the lowest violations within
the State of Michigan for a water supply program. Ryan Tetrault
oversees the Type II program and has done an excellent job.
Hazardous Waste Collection
Hazardous Waste Collection: Credit should go to subcontractor and
Bob Overly. The program is funded through Solid Waste Program
Committee from tipping fees the haulers pay when they dump solid waste
at the C & C Landfill.
Staff Updates
Heidi announced that an epidemiologist, Amy Latham, was hired and
will start June 2. Amy is a graduate of Kalamazoo College and is
completing her graduate studies at Yale University. She will also be
Calhoun’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator.
Heidi updated the Board on the Prevention Specialist two-year
assignment program The Health Department made the final round to
recruit a prevention specialist sponsored and paid for by the Centers
for Disease Control including fringe benefits and salary. The CDC
staff felt that we have a very good chance. We will find out later
this month. If chosen, the Prevention Specialist will begin in
September working with the Minority Health Partnership as the project.
Board Business
- Bylaws: A copy of the current bylaws was enclosed with the Board
meeting materials. Larry suggested that the Board review the current
bylaws. Byron suggested that all thoughts and potential changes be
put together in a memo for the Board to review prior to the next
meeting. Suggested changes will be discussed as an agenda item at
the next Board meeting.
- Governance process
A Consultant was contacted and we are looking to begin
facilitating in June.
- Senior Millage/Prescription:
Should have recommendation by senior millage committee. The
understanding is that surveys were conducted with the
people/communities in Calhoun County through forums. This resulted
in a spread between keeping the program as it is and changing the
program. The slight majority is for keeping the program as it was.
Let’s keep program there without a means test and offer a
prescription card with reimbursement decreased from 15% to 10%.
However, this decision is not set in stone.
The Senior Millage Allocation Committee is looking for ways to
provide additional programs without eliminating current program.
Larry asked the questions “Do we want to take a position? If so,
what type?”
Consensus at this time is to not take a position until more
information is presented.
- Adjournment
Time: 9:15 a.m.
Larry Anderson requested a motion for adjournment at 9:15 a.m.
Jeff Mitchell moved; Byron McDonald seconded. Approved unanimously.
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Several photos included in this 
