QUINNIPIACK VALLEY HEALTH DISTRICT

BOARD OF HEALTH MINUTES

North Haven, CT

May 28, 2009

4:30 PM

Attendance: A.McClure; D.Cofrancesco; J.Donaldson; S.Faris; C.Goldberg; A.Levison; M.Rochow; B.Scott; L.Balch, ex officio; D.Culligan, staff; J. Silvestri, staff.

Not in Attendance: L.DeNegre; T.Gersdorf; L.Haddad; P.Marone; V.Masi; A.Sofair

President McClure called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m. and declared a quorum present.  President McClure noted that two Board members were not in attendance due to illness. Also noted is the alternate vacancy on the Board from the town of Woodbridge. President McClure read aloud the memo to the District Board Members regarding Appointment to the Governors Council for Local Public Health Regionalization with Executive Order No. 26. There is one Board member who expressed interested. A copy was provided for further consideration.

President McClure noted that the East Shore Health District is publicizing the restaurant inspection results to the public and suggested further discussion take place concerning this potential at QVHD. 

Minutes:

A motion to accept the April, 2009 minutes was made by D.Cofrancesco, seconded by S.Faris and passed unanimously.

Financial Report:

The financial report for the period ending April 30, 2009 was reviewed. L.Balch commented as follows: Target is 83%; Revenue is 89%; Expense is 80%. QVHD is currently experiencing a cash flow shortage, however this is similar to the same time period last year and should resolve. L.Balch also noted that the lead grant money seems to be posted incorrectly. She will verify the posting of these funds with the bookkeeper. A motion to accept the financial report was made by C.Goldberg, seconded by B.Scott and passed unanimously.

L.Balch reviewed the Merrill Lynch account and transferred the money into two CD accounts which are FDIC insured, as requested by the Board.

Committee Reports:

School Based Health Center: report was provided by A.Levison. Enrollment is down this year. The Advisory Committee suggested more marketing of the program. Reimbursements from third party revenue are approximately $23,000. The policy manual was reviewed and 3 new policies were added: Vaccine/PPD testing notification to primary care physicians (PCPs), notification of certain services to PCPs and administration of HPV and HAV vaccines. A state site visit is expected by the end of the school year. J.Donaldson informed the Board that the school system has a computer program which translates English to other languages. D.Culligan said she would note that information in the policy manual.

By Laws:

Copies of the 2006 By Laws were distributed to C.Goldberg and D.Cofrancesco for committee review and update.

Administrative Reports:

Health Education Report by D.Culligan:

Most of the month has been focused on Novel H1N1 influenza and on the Emergency Preparedness drill. In addition, D.Culligan attended the regional senior health fair. She presented a display and distributed literature on fall prevention and food safety which was well received.

Directors Report by L.Balch:

Resolution: To authorize L.Balch to enter into agreement with Southern Connecticut State University on behalf of Quinnipiack Valley Health District for the placement of interns at QVHD.  A motion to accept was made by J.Donaldson, seconded by M.Rochow and unanimously approved.

The State of Connecticut requires an annual review of audit services. L.Balch recommended that the current auditor, Michael Federico of Federico & Sette, who has been with QVHD for many years be reappointed for the next fiscal year.  The Board discussed the advantages of retaining the same auditor vs bringing in someone new. A motion was made by J.Donaldson to continue with the current auditor and was seconded by D.Cofrancesco and was unanimously approved. The Appointment of Auditor Notification form will be returned to the State indicating this as required.

L.Balch attended a meeting about the Governors appointment of a committee to study regionalization of public health departments. She is considering participation on the committee.

L. Balch noted that resolutions that authorize her to sign contracts for grants are required annually. M. Rochow made the following motion:

Be it resolved that the Board of Directors certifies that Leslie A. Balch is the Director of Health for the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, 1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473, and that on 05/28/2009 is authorized to make, execute and approve on behalf of QVHD, any and all contracts or amendments thereof with the State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health on behalf of said organization to operate: 1) A school based health center 2) A Health Education/Risk Reduction (HERR) program 3) the State Per Capital grant 4) an Emergency Planning grant and 5) any other contracts or amendments thereof.

The motion was seconded by L. Haddad and passed unanimously.

L.Balch reviewed the status of the Budget:

• There has been no finalization of the State per capita grant, Emergency preparedness funds or HERR funds (lead program.) As of October 1^st, the two of the management positions will be eliminated if funds are not restored for these grants at approximately the same level.
• 2 programs will be eliminated as of July 1, 2009: childhood immunization (options available are the Hill Health Center, Dixwell Avenue for immunization and primary care or the MotherCare Van),  and cholesterol/glucose screening. The decision was based on low penetration, high cost/participant, and high immunization rates for District children. The need will continue to be monitored for 1 year. Cost-effective programs with greater outreach will be designed if need is identified. 
• If necessary for budget purposes, Union members will be approached for re-consideration for concessions.

L.Balch reported on the regional Emergency Preparedness drill held on 5/19/09. She noted and thanked the two QVHD Board Members that participated (D.Cofrancesco and L.Haddad.) The drill tested QVHDs ability to dispense medications in a timely manner to all MDA #20 towns for distribution to critical staff. Overall, L. Balch was pleased with the outcome of the drill.

L.Balch reviewed information about Novel H1N1 flu (swine):

• Physicians are following guidelines, testing those hospitalized, in direct contact with a confirmed case or with other severe cases.
• CDC info getting out to the residents, physicians, and the media via press releases and web site information.
• QVHD is communicating with school superintendents and CEOs of towns.
• To date, there have been 2 confirmed cases in District. QVHD continues surveillance for clusters and increased incidence.
• C.Goldberg requested that the Board Members receive e-mails of notices.

L.Balch attended meeting at DPH to identify and discuss local health department training needs to respond to wood smoke complaints.

Motion to adjourn was made by A.Levison, seconded by J.Donaldson and voted unanimously. Meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m.

The next meeting is scheduled for June 25, 2009 at 4:30 p.m.

Minutes prepared by:

J.Silvestri, QVHD staff