SUMMARY MINUTES
CHAIRMAN’S MEETING
Indian River County Hospital District Conference Room/ Zoom
January 15, 2025
10:00 AM
TRUSTEES: Chuck Mackett William Cooney Michael Kint Paul Westcott
Allen Jones (via Zoom)
ABSENT: Kerry Bartlett Karen Deigl
STAFF: Dawn Carboni Jennifer Frederick
Kate Voss Frank Isele
Jennifer Peshke, Esq. Kaytlin Dickens
ZOOM: Anne Posey Vicki Soule Marie Andress Kim Jeansonne
Lisa Zahner Chuck Brooks Cecelia Stalnaker Pat Knipper Nancee Long Ginny Blossom
Wayne Creelman Barb Bodnar
ATTENDEES: Lauretta Farrell Ann Marie McCrystal
Stuart Kennedy Lynn Gallagher
Marybeth Cunningham
Convene Meeting
Dr. Cooney convened the meeting of the IRCHD Board of Trustees at 10:00 AM by welcoming those participating via Zoom and in person. He also welcomed Mr. Jones and Dr. Mackett as new board members.
Discussion on District Publications
Dr. Cooney began the meeting with a discussion addressing the recent media coverage the District has received and possible responses to those reports. He stated that one option would be to publish a letter to the editor in TC Palm or purchase ad space in 32963 with a letter to the community providing insight and information regarding the District and its mission and operations. Mr. Isele addressed the board and stated that it is important that the message remains focused on the Districts impact and who we are as an organization. He also recommended that the District look into the option of contracting with an external communications person who can help respond to records requests and public inquiries. He asked for the board’s permission to investigate these options and bring back information to the board on the same. There was Trustee discussion, and many were not in favor of expending tax dollars to purchase an ad and felt that the District should not be responding to options or articles that are perceived as negative. It was also discussed that there may be other potential ways of disseminating information to the public. Dr. Mackett also recommended that the District Trustees and staff look into public affairs training so that they can be better equipped to manage communications to the public. Mr. Kint further stated that any communications to the media or public from the District should be vetted by all Trustees for their approval.
Trustee Officer Elections Process Discussion
Dr. Cooney stated that he provided the handouts included in the meeting packet which were materials that addressed the process of choosing a chairman for the board and qualifications of the individual which should considered when nominating the same. Additionally, Ms. Peshke provided the Trustees with an overview of the process for tomorrow’s officer elections, which she will oversee as the parliamentarian for the District. She stated that this process is briefly outlined in the District Bylaws and is conducted by utilizing Roberts Rules of Order. She stated that the process begins with floor nomination by voice vote and historically she has called for a second on the nomination which is good practice but not required. All persons wishing to nominate or self-nominate will have the opportunity to do so, however the voting will begin with the first nomination that is heard. She further explained that Robert’s Rules requires a majority approval and a majority for a board of seven is at least four votes. Therefore, if the first nomination receives a majority vote, the election process is completed. If the first nomination does not receive a majority vote, the board moves on to the next nomination and a vote is taken on that nomination. There was Trustee discussion, and everyone confirmed that they understood the process. Ms. Peshke further stated that a person may decline a nomination by rising and verbally state that they have declined the nomination. It was also discussed that the board would not participate in ballot voting due to a potential conflict with Sunshine laws.
Mr. Jones addressed the board and recognized Mr. Kints success as Treasurer and stated that he does not wish to fulfill that role, which he served in past years on this board. Additionally, Dr. Mackett stated that due to him recently taking he seat on this board, it would not be appropriate for him to serve as board chairman.
Dr. Cooney asked for public comment and Ms. McCrystal questioned whether a person attending via Zoom would have their vote counted. Ms. Peshke clarified and stated that a person who is attending via Zoom does have their vote counted, however their participation in the meeting does not constitute a physical quorum of the board.
Other Business
Mr. Kint addressed the recent announcement that Suncoast Mental Health was closing its organization due to financial reasons and asked District staff to provide additional clarification on this matter. Mr. Isele stated that the organization announced its closing effective February 14, 2025. Suncoast provided services to four counties and 250 patients in Indian River County will be affected by this closure. Since the announcement he and Ms. Frederick have been working to pull the local mental health providers to together to discuss how best to continue a continuity of care for the community. A meeting is scheduled for next week and CCIRH, Tykes & Teens, The Mental Health Association and Mental Health Collaborative have already pledged their support. Ms. Frederick further stated that the Wellness Without Walls program, which the District was providing financial support to, will still continue and there will be further discussions on how best to reallocate the funds which were originally budgeted to Suncoast
Mr. Westcott stated that he appreciated staff providing the draft funding guidelines for the upcoming budget cycle for FY 25-26. He would like the District to have further thought and discussion as to what programs the District is funding and if there is overlap or funding programs outside of the District scope. Mr. Isele stated that staff have been working diligently on this and plan to have further conversation with the District funded agencies so they are not blindsided by the changes.
Public Comment & Adjourn
Dr. Cooney asked for public comment and there was none. The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 AM.
