Indian River County Hospital District

Chairman’s Meeting: March 16, 2022

SUMMARY MINUTES
CHAIRMAN’S MEETING
Indian River County Hospital District Conference Room/ Zoom
March 16, 2022
10:00 AM

TRUSTEES: Marybeth Cunningham Allen Jones
Ann Marie McCrystal Barb Bodnar
Kerry Bartlett Karen Deigl

ZOOM: Pat Knipper Jim Starr
Samantha Mesena Jeff Pickering
Sabby Hightower Mike McGee
Marie Andress Kathy Hendrix

STAFF: Ann Marie Suriano Dawn Carboni
Kate Voss Jennifer Peshke, Esq.
Jennifer Frederick

ATTENDEES: Lundy Fields Bill Stengel
Manon Bone Michele Buldo
Kathy Jones

Convene Meeting – Marybeth Cunningham, Chairwoman

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

Narcan Training- Michele Buldo & Kathy Jones- Substance Abuse Free Indian River

Ms. Buldo introduced herself and Kathy Jones who were providing today’s presentation. Ms. Buldo provided an overview of what is currently happening in Florida concerning drug-related deaths. Rates have increased dramatically in the state and locally. Specifically, occurrences of fentanyl overdoses increased by 70%, and deaths caused by fentanyl increased by 81%. Also, overdoses in Indian River County have increased by 73% since 2020. Ms. Jones indicated that reversal reports from individuals administering Narcan are at 69% and that these overdoses are happening every day in the community. She further explained that individuals who administer Narcan to an unknown person suspected of having an overdose are protected by the Good Samaritan Law. Next, there was a discussion surrounding how opioids affect the brain and naloxone reverses those effects. There was also discussion surrounding the sign and symptoms shown in a person experiencing an overdose. The Trustees were shown a video that detailed how to administer a dose of Narcan nasal spray, which is safe for children and adults. Boxes with two doses of nasal spray were provided to all attendees. There was Trustee discussion and they thanked the women for the informative presentation. Ms. Jones offered the Trustees to share their contact information with other community organizations, so they could present this information and training to them as well.

VNA Building Project Update- Lundy Fields, CEO & Bill Stengel, Board Member

Mr. Stengel provided the Trustees with a historical review of the new building project which conceptionally began back in 2018 and was brought to the Trustees for consideration in 2020. There have been many workshops, meetings, and surveys that have taken place over the last few years, which have brought them to this phase in the process. He then presented the Trustees with images of the perspective building and grounds. Mr. Stengel explained that on February 26, the VNA Board passed a resolution outlining the project. In that resolution it outlined the following:

1. Unanimous VNA Board Approval- $21 million building (13% contingency);
2. Purchase of the Land Parcel that new Building would sit on, which is a prerequisite for proceeding;
3. Quiet Phase of $23-$25 million Capital Campaign to begin immediately;
4. Staged approval process: land, fundraising, construction contract; and
5. Phase 3 Expenses new $500,000 Design Development & Capital Campaign.

There was Trustee discussion and many of the Trustees were concerned to learn that the project moving forward was contingent on the purchase of the land, which is owned by the District. The Trustees were not aware of this contingency, nor had the VNA brought forth a proposal to purchase the land. There were also concerns about the District’s obligation to the taxpayer when selling any District-owned land. Mrs. Peshke addressed the board and stated that there are currently active lease agreements in place with CCIRH and VNA, which both have language giving the entity the right of first refusal to the property. Once this was discovered, the party’s legal counsel has been working to amend the agreements, with terms that are agreed upon by all. The goal is to provide the VNA with the right of first refusal and CCIRH with the right of first refusal if VNA decides to sell the property. Mrs. Peshke indicated that she needs time to research the matter of the District selling property and what requirements need to be met. She stated that she will have a report for the Trustees on the same next month for further discussion. In the meantime, it is clear that the VNA does wish to purchase the land, and the board needs to make some decisions on this matter so the VNA will know whether they can move forward with this project.

Strategic Visioning Update- Jim Starr- Carter Associates

Mr. Starr addressed the board and reviewed the final mission and vision statements that were chosen by the Trustees. Ms. Bartlett made a motion to approve the same, which was seconded by Mrs. McCrystal. The motion carried unanimously. Next Mr. Starr discussed the strategic priorities which are still being developed. He indicated that the strategic visioning committee and staff met separately to discuss and develop the same. They are also developing the key performance indicators which support the strategic direction initiatives. The last goal is to develop an action plan which will help support the overall strategic plan for the next several years. Lastly, he stated that he plans to meet again with the strategic planning committee and staff to finalize the key performance indicators for the strategic priorities. At next month’s Chairman’s meeting, the Trustees will discuss last steps and the approval of the final plan.

Other Business

Mr. Jones addressed the board and stated that interest rates are beginning to increase and the District’s investments with WaterWalker have yielded very low returns this fiscal year. Therefore, he is asking the Trustees for authorization to move some of those funds into alternative investment accounts to yield better interest rates. There was a brief Trustee discussion and Ms. Deigl made a motion to approve which was seconded by Mrs. Cunningham. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Jones stated that he would report on this matter further tomorrow evening during his Treasurer’s report.

Mrs. Frederick indicated she included an updated budget presentation schedule for the Trustees concerning the upcoming funding requests for fiscal year 22-23. She asked that the Trustees review the same and let her know if there are any conflicts. The funding applications are due to the District on March 25th and the first funding request presentation is scheduled for April 20th.

Mrs. Cunningham informed the board that Dr. Ralph Turner from CCIRH has accepted a new role as Senior Vice President at WellStar and President of WellStar Paulding Hospital in Hiram, Georgia. She stated that Dr. Turner was a great asset to CCIRH over the last 3 years and he will be missed.

Public Comment & Adjourn

Mrs. Cunningham asked for public comment and there was none. The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 AM

WILLIAM COONEY

SEAT 7

William P Cooney MD 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

Origination: Elected (2 OC)

Occupation: Retired Surgeon

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

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

Origination: Elected 1 OC | Elected NOC

Occupation: President/CEO

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

BARBARA S. BODNAR

SEAT 3

Barbara has practiced physical therapy, specializing in orthopedics and sports medicine, in her hometown of Vero Beach since 1981. She was an integral part of the sports medicine team at Vero Beach High School for 35 years. Barbara completed the reserve police academy training, and served with the Vero Beach Police Department from 1982-1989. Her volunteer involvement in the community includes serving on the City of Vero Beach Recreation Committee, Arthritis Association of Indian River County, and the Senior Good Life Games. She and her husband, Michael, enjoy spending their free time traveling in their RV and training their Labradors, Gunner and Chase, in K-9 performance events, including agility and dock jumping. Barbara is a lifelong resident of Indian River County, and received her degree in physical therapy from Chattanooga State College. Barbara 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

Origination: Elected 1 OC | Elected 1 OC

Occupation: Physical Therapist

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

MARYBETH CUNNINGHAM

CHAIRWOMAN - SEAT 1

Marybeth’s professional career encompasses 34 years of working for GM/Delphi in a variety of positions. Starting out as a traffic claims clerk, she worked her way through the organization, with roles in Purchasing, Engineering, and Quality and Reliability. She retired in 2009 as the executive director of Global Operations for the Packard Electric Division of Delphi. In this position, she was responsible for 94 plants in 33 countries. Marybeth has served on the board of directors for numerous non-profits, including Northeast Ohio Adoption Agency; United Way of Warren Ohio, where she served as chairman of the annual campaign for two years; Up with People; Head, Heart and Hands of Indian River Club; Indian River Community Foundation, and the Indian River Mental Health Collaborative. She earned her B.A. in Political Science from Albion College. Marybeth was elected to the Indian River County Hospital District Board of Trustees in 2014, and joined the Board in January 2015. She currently serves as Chair.

 

Term:  1/15-12/18   |   1/19-12/22   |   1/23- 12/24

Origination: Elected 1 OC | Elected  NOC | Elected NOC

Occupation: Retired Executive GM