Indian River County Hospital District

Chairman’s Meeting: December 20, 2023

SUMMARY MINUTES
CHAIRMAN’S MEETING
Indian River County Hospital District Conference Room/ Zoom
December 20, 2023

TRUSTEES: Marybeth Cunningham Barb Bodnar Michael Kint (zoom) Paul Westcott
William Cooney Karen Deigl (zoom)

ABSENT: Kerry Bartlett

STAFF: Jennifer Peshke, Esq. Jennifer Frederick
Kate Voss Frank Isele
Dawn Carboni

ZOOM: Anne Posey Nancee Long
Miche D Bill Stengel Lisa Zahner Marie Andress

ATTENDEES: Ann Marie McCrystal Ann Marie Suriano Vicki Soule Rob Siedlecki Ceclia Stalnaker

Convene Meeting

Ms. Cunningham convened the meeting of the IRCHD Board of Trustees at 10:00 AM by welcoming those participating via Zoom and in person.

New Horizons Task Force- Frank Isele, Executive Director

Mr. Isele provided the Trustee with an update regarding the New Horizons task force and stated that they met on site with representatives from the organization on November 29th to outline recommendations from the final task force meeting. He reviewed those recommendations which included the finalization of FY 23-24 funding request; the plan for Hospital District ED to convene local stakeholders to ensure 24/7 coverage for the mobile response team in Indian River County; Ms. Carboni to complete an audit of New Horizons after 6 months, and lastly the Hospital District ED to convene treasure coast county leaders who fund New Horizons to get a sense of scope and long-term plan for providing mental health services. He further stated that Ms. Frederick has scheduled the first critical response team discussion meeting for January 8th.

Update on UF Transition- Frank Isele, Executive Director

Mr. Isele explained that the group met 3 times over the last 3 months, and it has been a fantastic collaboration. Most UF patients have now been or will be established with a new provider before the anticipated clinic closing date of December 29th. Additionally, he is pleased to announce that CCIRH has added capacity by expanding its services with contractor Amwell for the next six months, to ensure transition for many of the Medicare Advantage patients that they were having a difficult time placing with covered providers. In addition, the UF managers and staff will be staying in the area employed in a similar capacity, as their previous jobs. Mr. Isele expressed his gratitude to all those who participated in the collaborative group which included UF, Mental Health Association, Tykes & Teens, CCIRH, TCCH, WFH, VNA, McCabe Connections Center, New Horizons, Indian River School District, Suncoast Mental Health Center, Legacy Behavioral Health Center, PUR Health & Wellness, and New Season. Also, he stated that while UF has made sufficient attempt to notify patients of their closing and direct them to another provider, there will inevitably be some patients who will say they were never told UF was closing. Throughout Mr. Isele career he has overseen several clinic closures, and this does happen in some capacity, regardless of the many efforts in communicating the closure to the patients and the community. Mr. Westcott stated that he would like to know where the community is concerning ongoing capacity for behavioral health needs and would like the District to examine this more closely to see where there may be additional gaps that aren’t being addressed. There was also discussion concerning the utilization of interns to provide behavioral health services and how it has been helpful to the funded agencies to treat additional patients. It was stated that often those interns who are in the process of finishing their degrees will accept full time positions within the organization once they have graduated. The Trustees thanked Mr. Isele for his work with the collaborative group and were pleased with the outcome, given the short amount of time before the clinic was scheduled to close.

Update on Lease Agreement with VCOM- Robert Siedlecki, Esq.

Mr. Siedlecki, who addressed the board on behalf of Ms. Peshke who was out of town, provided an update concerning the discussions with VCOM and their intent to lease the Human Services Building. He stated that the parties recently met via Zoom and are still working on the details and benchmarks that would be included in the lease. During discussions it was suggested that the initial term would be a 10-year lease with an option to purchase after the 10-year term, contingent upon VCOM meeting certain benchmarks with regard to healthcare and performance. Mr. Siedlecki further explained that before entering into any purchase agreement with VCOM, Cleveland Clinic would have the right of first refusal to purchase the property. Mr. Westcott questioned if the District Trustees would have any interest assessing the potential long-term uses for the property. Additional he recommended that due to the recently proposed legislation targeting Special Districts, the proposed lease agreement should have language which would revert control of the property back to the District, should the District be dissolved through voter referendum. The Trustees asked for further clarification concerning the proposed legislation just mentioned and Mr. Siedlecki provided a brief update on the same. He explained that bill is currently just proposed legislation and has to be heard and approved in many additional committees before would be adopted into law. He further stated that District staff and he will continue to track the bill and provide updates to the Trustees when appropriate.

Ms. Cunningham also asked if there has been any additional information provided concerning the ethics training requirement, which was adopted in 2023. Ms. Voss indicated that they have been working with representatives from FASD concerning this matter but no additional information has been published concerning available curriculum for the ethics training. Ms. Voss further stated that she would follow up with FASD on this matter at the beginning of the year and provide an update to the Trustees when more information is available.

Update on Women’s Sober Living & Detox Center- Ann Marie Suriano

Ms. Suriano provided an update to the Trustees concerning the two special projects she has been working on. She first discussed her work with the collaborative group, to bring detox services to Indian River County. She stated that she and Mr. Isele recently met with Dr. Peter and Ms. Stalnaker at CCIRH to discuss potential space within the Hospital Campus, to house a detox center. Additionally, they discussed the role CCIRH could play in this area and Dr. Peter stated that they are committed to looking further into all options and partnering with providers to assist in administering the care. Currently they are committing to holding 4-6 beds at BHC and are looking into staffing and licensing requirements to provide medical detox. Further, Ken Cooper, with PUR Health indicated that he has explored being able to provide these services and will contact CCIRH to share any information he has gathered. Mr. Cooper also expressed to the group that the community also needs continued 28+ day services for those who need additional care before moving on to sober living or back into the community. Ms. Suriano stated that she is going to continue to work with Mr. Cooper on zoning and use issues with the City and County for property they currently own.

Next, she provided an update concerning the women’s sober living project and stated that they have made significant progress in this area and the group met again in December. She has been working with Denny Nystrom to identify appropriate property for women’s sober living and they were notified of a potential property that may be of interest centrally located in Vero Beach. She explained that the owner has acquired an appraisal, but as this property is not yet listed for sale and the owner and current tenant are working through disclosing a few internal matters, and she is careful not to share many specific details about the property. In her conversations with Ms. Peshke and Mr. Isele, they feel this opportunity fits with the mission of the District and provides an amazing property acquisition opportunity for the District to contribute in filling a great need within the community. Therefore, she is seeking approval from the Trustees to allow Ms. Peshke to prepare a non-binding Letter of Intent to allow the District to gather the due-diligence details that would be required to determine the ability to enter into a purchase contract for this property. There was Trustee discussion concerning purchasing an additional property and the potential of liquidation the parcel off 82nd Ave. The Trustees were open to further exploration of this idea, through a non-binding letter of intent. Ms. Bodnar made a motion to approve the same, which was seconded by Ms. Cunningham. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Westcott stated that he would also like to further explore the District options within the lease with CCIRH, to sell the parcel on 82nd Ave, and made a motion to approve the same. Ms. Cunningham seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Update on IRCHD Brand Refresh- Frank Isele, Executive Director

Mr. Isele stated that as the Trustees know, the District has been working on refreshing the IRCHD brand to raise awareness of the value of the District throughout the community. He explained that this brand refresh includes an updated logo and website. He introduced Ms. Dickens who serves as the District financial assistance and marketing specialist, and has been overseeing this project. She reviewed with the Trustees three potential updated logos, for their review and consideration. There was Trustee discussion about the rebrand and how best to move forward with launch and communication to the public. The Trustees also asked that an alternative black and white mockup of the logo be provided for their review and Ms. Dickens stated that she would provide the requested logos. Mr. Isele stated that he would like the Trustee to approve a final logo at tomorrow’s regular monthly meeting, so that they can move forward with the project.

Update on GlobeChek Services- Jennifer Frederick, Program Liaison

Ms. Frederick provided an update concerning GlobeChek and stated she was notified that the organization has secured a driver for the mobile globe and provided the Trustees with a schedule which outlines where the Globe would be available throughout the community. They are also working to create additional partnerships within the community and have reached out to representatives at the IRC School District and the IG Center. There was Trustee discussion and Ms. Frederick reviewed and clarified information regarding the reimbursement rates for the services being provided. Additionally, there was discussion concerning the referral process for patients who are seen through the Globe and need follow-up specialty care. The Trustees asked Ms. Frederick to verify with GlobeChek how patients are being referred to specialty care, to confirm that the process is fair, and patients are being given a choice as to where they seek follow-up care.

Update on Performance Review- Dawn Carboni, Internal Audit/Data Specialist

Ms. Carboni stated that District staff and the performance review team from BJM met via zoom on December 7th and the process is in good standing. The District staff has provided all the requested information and the operational report is 95% complete. She explained that there may be a few additional items which will need to be provided and a progress meeting is set for January 16th. Additionally, a draft report is still projected to be ready by the end of January. There was Trustee discussion concerning the performance review and how this process differed from a formal audit. Ms. Carboni reiterated that this was a review and not an audit, therefore there was not necessary the mentality that the District would pass or fail during this process. The main objective is to take a look at the Districts operations and efficiency.

Next, she provided the Trustee with an update concerning her internal audit process and stated that the first round of audit notices have been sent to the selected funded agencies. She also has now transitioned to the utilization of a secure electronic network which will provide a streamlined process of uploading the requested audit documents. All requested audit documentation are due back to her by the end of January and she will begin to conduct onsite visits starting in February. She further explained that one of the first audits she will be conducting is on CCIRH Partners in Women’s Health. Additionally, the Trustees requested that she provide them with an Audit schedule which outlines which agencies are being audited and the deadlines and deliverables being requested.

Other Business

Dr. Cooney addressed the board and stated that as a follow-up to communication sent to the Trustees by Mr. Isele, concerning Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, “Live Healthy“ initiative. He stated that many of the areas she is focused on are similar to the Districts initiatives and he requested Mr. Isele to continue to follow these efforts and provide the Trustees with updates when available. Mr. Isele agreed and stated that it is important that the Districts healthcare priorities are in line with the state of Florida and this is a great way to stay informed on the latest trends and initiatives.

Mr. Kint stated that he has heard the name PUR Health in a few of the updates from Ms. Suriano and requested some additional information about the organization, specifically what types of services they provide in the community. District staff indicated that they would schedule Ken Cooper, the CEO of the organization, to provide a presentation at an upcoming Chairman’s meeting, to address the board.

Public Comment & Adjourn

There was no further business and Ms. Cunningham asked for public comment. Ms. Soule stated that she has been to Tallahassee a few times this year to participate in the “Live Healthy” Initiative and would provide Mr. Isele with any additional updates she receives moving forward. There was no further public comment, and the meeting was adjourned at 11:30 am.

WILLIAM COONEY, M.D.

SEAT 7

William P Cooney M.D. is an orthopedic surgeon (retired) who has been a resident of Vero Beach since 2004. He practiced orthopedic surgery at Indian River Medical Center from 2006-2015 within the orthopedic practice of Prosports. He served on the IRMC Foundation for four years. Prior to this, he was a Professor of Orthopedics at Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota, Chair of the Division of Hand Surgery and Vice president of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. He served as the Vice Chairman of the Mayo Clinic Development Department. He has been President of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, Orthopedic Research and Education Foundation, Consultant at Shrine Hospital systems. He was editor in chief of the Journal of Orthopedic Surgery and co-editor of the Journal of Hand Surgery. He held grants in hand and wrist surgery sponsored by National Institute of Health (NIH) and Stryker Orthopedics and has over 250 publications in the field of orthopedic surgery, hand, wrist and elbow surgery and microsurgery- free tissue transfers. Within Indian River County, he has served as Chairman of the Board and President of the Hope for Families Homeless Center, Board of the Indian River Hospital Foundation, We Care and Whole Family Health Center medical practices.

Term:  1/23-12/24   |   1/24-12/29

Origination: Elected (2 OC)

Occupation: Retired Surgeon

Email: w.cooney@irchd.com

Address: 1705 19th Pl Suite G3, Vero Beach, FL 32960

KERRY BARTLETT

SEAT 6

Kerry Bartlett,  of Vero Beach, has more than 30 years experience in philanthropy, including as vice president of the VNA & Hospice Foundation; VNA chief advancement officer from 2001-2007; and executive director of the Indian River Community Foundation from 2008-2014. Kerry is the founder of The Bartlett Company, which focuses on nonprofit and philanthropic consulting. She also is a managing director for Carter, a Vero Beach company that specializes in advancing philanthropy worldwide. Kerry has spent more than 25 years in the nonprofit sector as a fund development professional and has particular expertise in annual funds, major gifts, endowment campaigns and legacy giving. Kerry is also known for creating and implementing effective donor-centered stewardship programs that build, maintain and strengthen nonprofits’ relationships.

Term:  3/21-12/22   |   1/23-12/26

Origination: Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis
Elected NOC

Occupation: Philanthropic Consultant/Managing Director

Email: k.bartlett@irchd.com

Address: 1705 19th Pl Suite G3, Vero Beach, FL 32960

KAREN DEIGL

SEAT 5

Karen has been President and CEO of Senior Resource Association, where she successfully advocates for older adults and their families, since 2006. In that role, she helps provide activities, education and services benefiting older and disabled adults in Indian River County. In addition, Karen provides oversight of the community mass transit system for residents and visitors of the county. As CEO, Karen is responsible for a $7 million operational annual budget and managing more than 100 employees. She ensures that fiscally sound and responsible solutions are created to provide healthcare and a better quality of life for all Indian River County residents. Karen earned a BS in Health Administration from Florida Atlantic University and an MHA from the University of Florida. She was elected to the Indian River County Hospital District Board of Trustees in 2016, and joined the Board in January 2017.

Term:  1/17-12/20   |   1/21-12/24   |   1/24-12/29

Origination: Elected 1 OC | Elected NOC

Occupation: President/CEO

Email: k.deigl@irchd.com

Address: 1705 19th Pl Suite G3, Vero Beach, FL 32960

PAUL WESTCOTT

SEAT 4

Paul Westcott has been a Board Certified Workers' Compensation Attorney since 1999. In addition, Paul has earned his certification from the Florida Supreme Court as a Circuit Civil and Family Law Mediator. Receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in both Economics and Political Science at Florida Southern College, he continued his education at Stetson University College of Law. He graduated from Stetson in 1988, having been a published member of the Stetson Law Review. Paul has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1988.  He began his practice in a combined civil litigation and transactional practice before serving as an Assistant State Attorney.  He began his career in Workers' Compensation with Rissman, Weisberg, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue & McClain P.A., where he handled Workers' Compensation cases at the trial and appellate levels.  In 1997, Paul opened the Ft. Pierce office of Hurley, Rogner, Miller, Cox, Waranch & Westcott P.A. handling workers' compensation cases at all levels throughout central and south Florida, while managing the operations of that office.  During his nearly 25 year career in Workers' Compensation, he lectured on a wide range of industry topics.


Term: 
1/23-12/26   |   1/21-12/24

Origination: Elected 1 OC 

Occupation: Attorney & Mediator

Email: p.westcott@irchd.com

Address: 1705 19th Pl Suite G3, Vero Beach, FL 32960

CHUCK MACKETT, M.D.

SEAT 3

Charles “Chuck” Mackett MD is a practicing primary care physician who has a long and storied career in military, academic and executive medicine. Dr. Mackett recently retired from Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital where he served for fourteen years as Chief Medical Officer, Chief of Staff and President of Indian River Medical Associates. Dr. Mackett serves on the Board of Directors of the We Care Foundation of Indian River County and the Mental Health Collaborative of Indian River County. He currently cares for patients at Treasure Coast Community Health. These experiences give Dr. Mackett a unique perspective regarding mental health, substance abuse, maternal-child care, care for veterans, preventive medicine and access to high quality medical care.

Dr. Mackett is a graduate with honors from the University of Notre Dame and is a graduate from the SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, NY. He is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society and earned his Master of Medical Management degree from Carnegie Mellon University. Dr. Mackett is trained in Aerospace Medicine and is board certified in Family Medicine and Geriatrics. He is a combat veteran, former Air Force Hospital Commander and flight surgeon who served in Germany, Haiti, Japan, Korea, Romania and Iraq. His many military decorations include two Legions of Merit, a Bronze Star Medal, a Defense Meritorious Service Medal and three Air Force Meritorious Service Medals. Dr. Mackett is an Outstanding Graduate of the Air War College.

A native of Upstate New York, Dr. Mackett and his family first moved to Florida in 1996 when he served as Fight Commander and Residency Program Director at Eglin Air Force Base before later serving as Medical Group Commander at Patrick and MacDill Air Force Bases. Dr. Mackett served as Associate Professor, Executive Vice Chairman of Family Medicine and Consultant in the International and Commercial Services Division at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center before returning permanently to Florida and Vero Beach in 2009.

As a Hospital District Trustee, Dr. Mackett plans to advocate for improved access to mental health services and access to affordable high quality primary and specialty care for all residents of Indian River County particularly mothers, children, the elderly, the underserved and veterans.

Term: 1/24-12/29

Origination: Elected NOC

Occupation:  Primary Care Physician

Email: c.mackett@irchd.com

Address: 1705 19th Pl Suite G3, Vero Beach, FL 32960

MICHAEL KINT

SEAT 2

Born and raised in Illinois, Michael was a Theatre and Speech Instructor at Lincoln College when he moved to Indian River County in 1984. He was the Director of Education for the Riverside Theatre for a decade, helping to build the Riverside Children’s Theatre and directing many productions. Michael is well known in the community for his 25 years of service at the United Way of Indian River County, 16 of those years as the CEO. He is very proud of his work with dozens of nonprofit agencies and his commitment to creating and strengthening community collaboratives. Michael was also an Adjunct Faculty member at Barry University for 20 years. He has served on many boards and committees over the years, including: Children’s Services Advisory Committee Needs Assessment, Chair of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program for many years, and he was a founding member of the Mental Health Collaborative, the Senior Collaborative of IRC and the IRC Executive Roundtable. As a Hospital District Trustee he is committed to serving all the citizens of our county. In particular, he hopes to see enhanced availability and affordability for behavioral/mental health for all in need.

Term: 1/23- 12/26

Origination: Elected 1 OC

Occupation: Retired CEO United Way

Email: kintm.irchd@gmail.com

Address: 1705 19th Pl Suite G3, Vero Beach, FL 32960

ALLEN JONES

SEAT 1

In 1973, Mr. Jones began a 27 year career with Merrill Lynch, eventually becoming a senior executive of the company, Senior executive positions included Chairman and CEO of Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company, serving on the Private Client Executive Committee and various other leadership roles including leading the effort to transition Merrill Lynch to a fee based rather than commission based business. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch, Mr. Jones’ professional career began in the United States Air Force from 1964-1968, achieving the rank of Captain. He then worked with Investment Company Dabbs, Sullivan, Trulock located in Little Rock, Arkansas rising to partner before the firm was sold and joining Merrill Lynch. Mr. Jones received his B.S.B.A in 1964 from University of Arkansas. He further completed advanced management courses at the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University, the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and Stanford University. His past community service efforts include serving on the Board of Directors for the John’s Island Club from 2008-2010; Board of Directors for the Indian River Medical Center from 2007-2010; Chairman of the Indian River Medical Center Foundation from 2006-2010; Board of Directors of the Bedens Brook Golf Club; Board of Directors of the Princeton Community Hospital from 1994-1999 and the Chairman of the American Health Association, in Houston, Texas.

Term: 1/24-12/29

Origination: Elected 2 OC

Occupation: Retired CEO

Email: a.jones@irchd.com

Address: 1705 19th Pl Suite G3, Vero Beach, FL 32960