BOARD OF HEALTH MINUTES

North Haven, CT

March 25, 2010

4:30 PM

In attendance: A. McClure; J. Donaldson; B. Scott; P. Marone; A. Sofair (by telephone); M. Rochow;

L. DeNegre; C. Goldberg; L. Balch, ex officio; D. Culligan, staff; M. Heq, student, member of the public.

Not in attendance: J. Sabshin; T. Gersdorf; D. Cofrancesco;  A. Levison; V. Masi; L. Haddad; S. Faris.

President McClure called the meeting to order at 4:45pm and declared a quorum. She reported she followed-up with C. Wysocki from the State Association of Local Boards of Health (SALBH) and that they (SALBH) would like a representative from the QVHD Board on their board. After discussion, Board members decided that they would like to have C. Wysocki come to a meeting to explain more about the State Association and its benefits.  A. McClure requested that L. Balch contact C. Wysocki and invite her to a future QVHD Board meeting.  

MINUTES: The minutes from the December meeting were accepted unanimously, motion by J. Donaldson, seconded by M. Rochow, with the following corrections: correct the spelling of the name Scott (from Scoot) line 2 in the minutes section, and correction of the word “use” to “used” in the H1N1 paragraph under the financial report section.

FINANCIAL REPORT:

L. Balch reported:

·         The state per capita funding came in $57,000 higher than expected in the approved budget.

·         Fees and licensing revenue are projected to be approximately $13,000.00 lower than budgeted.

·         There are three sources of funds for Public Health Emergency Planning (PHEP), some of which was not anticipated in the budget, such as the reimbursement for the H1N1 vaccine. The money from the H1N1 campaign will generate approximately $109,000 after expenses which will just about cover the projected deficit for this year.  

·         The HERR grant line item, used for lead poisoning prevention, includes additional lead funding received due to regulatory change which entails increased staff activities.  

·         Salaries, FICA and pension for two staff (L. Fox and D. Culligan) are totally grant-funded. Allocations to the respective line items are made quarterly.

·         QVHD may need a new roof, as some shingles blew off in the last storm. An Insurance agent is coming out to look.

·         L. Balch noted that words “Tuition Reimbursement” are missing from the line items, but the budgeted amount noted is correct.

Following L. Balch’s report, Board members raised the following questions:

B. Scott: “Will new national health insurance bill affect QVHD?” L. Balch responded that it is too early to tell, but the issues that have been discussed to date will not.

P. Marone: “Did QVHD actually receive $58,816 in fees for February?” L. Balch responded: yes, this represents the annual food service license renewals.

J. Donaldson: “Is it possible to have a supplemental report to the financial report that more clearly shows how grant funds are received and allocated?” L. Balch responded: an expanded spread sheet will be presented at next month’s Board meeting.  

A motion to place the financial report on file was made by C. Goldberg, seconded by L. DeNegre and accepted unanimously.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

PERSONNEL: L. Balch requested a meeting prior to the next Board meeting.  

SCHOOL BASED HEALTH CENTER: The Advisory Committee met in March. D. Culligan reported:

·         A gift of $900.00 was received from the Rotary Club of Hamden. These funds are to be used for students without health insurance for medications and lab tests not covered by the State lab. The Rotary Club of Hamden continues to be a great supporter of the SBHC.

·         The Governor’s Mitigation Budget has recommended a $13,000 cut for this current year and a $13,000 cut for the next year. At this time, it is unclear if this cut will occur. Services at the SBHC will have to reflect cuts in the funding.

·         A new APRN has been offered and accepted the position, but as of yet has not been credentialed. C. Federici, the APRN who started with the SBHC and subsequently went to work in Branford, has been coming in one day a week to see medical patients. 

FINANCE COMMITTEE

P. Marone presented the draft budget for FY 2011 and made the following comments about it:

·         Revenue to QVHD is projected to go down, due to the economy.

·         Salaries and benefits are about 80% of the budget.

·         $63,384 of the reserve has been put into this budget.

·         Revenue dollar amounts for state per capita, grants and fees are “guesstimates” as it is unclear if these funds will be received, in what amounts and when.

·         This budget reflects an elimination of two SAN I positions.

·         This budget reflects a change in health plan options, to be negotiated with the union, although management will change as soon as possible.

·         There are no increases for union salaries in this budget.

·         There is a 3% salary increase for management, still to be discussed.  

L. Balch noted:

·         Cash assets for the district are about $135,000. It is recommended in state statute that 25% of the budget be held in reserve.

·         Union negotiations still need to occur. QVHD is looking at a 3-5 planning strategy for future staffing levels and qualifications based on need.

·         At full staff as of today’s level, the proposed new medical insurance plan would save $90,000.

·         A public hearing on the final proposed FY 2011 Budget will be held at 5:30 PM on April 22, 2010. Board members will receive the final draft prior to the next Board meeting.  

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

HEALTH ED REPORT:  D. Culligan reported:

·         The H1N1 campaign resulted in just under 7,000 persons vaccinated in 71 clinics. Many good citizens of this health district volunteered their time which contributed to the success.

·         QVHD will be participating in upcoming spring events including two earth days and a kid’s fair in southern Hamden. H1N1 vaccines will be offered at the earth days.

·         Due to the current financial situation, Qvhd-Tips, the family health letter, will pilot digital distribution with the next issue.

·         The FY 2009 annual report was distributed. Questions will be answered after Board members have had a chance to review it.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT:

L. Balch reported:

·         QVHD’s H1N1 clinics were effective and well received.   

·         The success of the school located H1N1 clinics in the Mass Dispensing Area (MDA#20) was a result of intense planning and school district administrative support/ cooperative-efforts.  School staff assistance was appreciated.

·         Intra-town coordination for the H1N1 control and vaccination campaign was excellent, and QVHD had supportive services from Emergency Preparedness, PD, FD, school districts and the administration throughout MDA#20.

·         The H1N1 virus is unpredictable. At this time, there is little flu activity of any kind in CT, although the southern states have been seeing an increase in H1N1 flu. Australia has also seen its first case this season. QVHD will continue to offer the H1N1 vaccine. H1N1 will be made available at Earth Day activities in Hamden and Bethany in which QVHD is scheduled to participate, and is QVHD is prepared to hold additional clinics if an increase in local disease or demand is noted.

·         It is anticipated that next year’s seasonal flu vaccine will include the H1N1 strain.

At 6:10 p.m., a motion to adjourn was made by M. Rochow, seconded by B. Scott and voted unanimously.

The next QVHD Board meeting will be held on April 22, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. at the District office. A public hearing on the budget will be held at 5:30 p.m. on April 22, 2010 the District office.

Minutes prepared by: D. Culligan, QVHD staff