Indian River County Hospital District

Chairman’s Meeting Minutes: February 14, 2018

SUMMARY MINUTES
Chairman’s Meeting
Indian River County Hospital District
Hospital District Conference Room
February 14, 2018
10:00 AM

TRUSTEES:

Marybeth Cunningham

Allen Jones
Ann Marie McCrystal

Tracey Zudans

Karen Deigl

Barbara Bodnar

Dr. Michael Weiss

STAFF :

Ann Marie Suriano

Jennifer Frederick

Kate Voss

Jennifer Peshke, Esq.

OTHER ATTENDEES:

Matt Reiser

Michelle Genz

Gerri Smith

Vicki Soule

Kathy Orton

Kathy Hendrix

Myra Weiss

Ryan Bass

Janet Begley

Convene Meeting – Marybeth Cunningham, Chairwoman

Mrs. Cunningham convened the monthly chairman’s meeting of the IRCHD at 10:00 AM by welcoming those in attendance. Mrs. Cunningham stated that there is a change to the agenda and Ms. Handley and Mr. Jacoby would be presenting after Mrs. Peshke.

Recommendation of Valuation Firms- Jennifer Peshke, Esq.

Mrs. Peshke stated that she submitted a memo to the board summarizing the valuation firms that were interviewed and outlined the recommendation for the retention of a firm to move forward with the process of obtaining an independent opinion on behalf of the District which would confirm that the anticipated transaction with Cleveland Clinic is fair for the District to enter into. She explained that on January 10, Mrs. Suriano, Mrs. Cunningham and she interviewed five firms to conduct this review. The firms were recommended to them by the District’s special transactional counsel GrayRobinson and Juniper Advisory. Mrs. Peshke stated that the group is recommending the District retain the firm of Stout Risius Ross, LLC and asked for a motion to approve the recommendation. Mrs. Cunningham made the motion, which was seconded by Mrs. McCrystal. There was Trustee discussion concerning this matter and Mrs. Zudans stated that she felt this process deserved an RFP and that she wanted to be involved in this process of interviewing the firms. Mrs. McCrystal stated that she felt comfortable with the fact that the Chairman, District legal counsel, and executive director conducted these interviews and due diligence on the five firms and trusts that the group brought forth this best recommendation for the process. Ms. Deigl, Mrs. Bodnar and Mr. Jones echoed Mrs. McCrystal’s comments. There was further Trustee discussion surrounding the fact that this firm is free of conflicts and has no ties to Indian River County or Indian River Medical Center. The motion carried with Mr. Jones, Mrs. McCrystal, Mrs. Bodnar, Ms. Deigl, and Mrs. Cunningham for the motion and Mrs. Zudans against. Dr. Weiss was not present for the vote. It is noted for the minutes that Mrs. Peshke clarified to the board in response to Mrs. Zudans request for an RFP that neither the Florida Statutes, not the District Special Act require to the District to issue an RFP to retain a contractor of this nature.

Tax Law Impacts on Indian River County- Emily Handley, CPA & Kip Jacoby, CPA

Mrs. Cunningham stated that she was asked by a public member what affect the new tax law would have on the District and the County. She asked that our accountants provide a short presentation on the same. Mr. Jacoby stated that the tax rates have been adjusted and lowered and there still is the graduated rate scheme, along with the bottom tax rate schedule at 10%. Historically, there was a deduction calculated pursuant to the number of individuals in the household, referred to as the standard deduction. He discussed what a deduction would look like now for a family of four whose income is 150% below the federal poverty level. He explained that with the new tax law, there is around 115% increase in a refund. Additionally, he discussed charitable deduction which has slightly changed and now an individual who is making a substantial contribution may now claim 60% of their income. He feels that this change will not affect the charitable contribution in Indian River County. Mr. Jacoby also stated that the penalty for not having health insurance has been repealed and the Trustees discussed the possible negative effects that may have by causing an increase of uninsured individuals.

Update on Community Needs Assessment- Jennifer Frederick, Program Liaison 

Mrs. Frederick stated that the IRS requires all federal qualified health agencies and not-for-profit hospitals to perform a community health needs assessment every three years. She explained that she has contacted all the agencies that participated in the collaborative community health needs assessment back in 2015, to see if they would be interested in participating again. She has heard back from TCCH and IRMC, who have agreed to participate. Additionally, she has reached out to the Health Council of Southeast Florida, who conducted the last assessment, to see if they would be willing to facilitate this process. Ms. Deigl also provided Mrs. Frederick with the contact information of Barbara Allen at SRA and Ms. Allen will be putting together a proposal for review. The Trustees recommend that Mrs. Frederick reach out to Sebastian River Medical Center to participate as well, since they are under new leadership.

Approval of Federal Poverty Guidelines- Jennifer Frederick, Program Liaison 

Mrs. Frederick stated that she is seeking approval of the 2018 Federal Poverty Guidelines. These guidelines are issued by the Department of Health & Human Services and updated yearly. She asked for a motion to approve which was made by Mrs. Zudans and seconded by Mrs. McCrystal. Mrs. Soule addressed the group and stated that for a family size of one, the 150% threshold is equal to $8.75 an hour at a 40 hour a week job, which most individuals do not have and is not a livable wage. She encouraged the Trustees to look at extending the District guideline to 200% or higher to capture those individuals who are above the 150% level. There was further Trustee discussion and they stated that this discussion should take place during the budget funding period in April. Mrs. Frederick stated that the agencies were asked to collect the data that would capture those up to 200% and that information will be reviewed during the budget presentations. The motion carried.

Trustee Public Speaking Schedule- Ann Marie Suriano

Mrs. Suriano stated that as part of the strategic plan, there was discussion about the Trustees conducting some public speaking engagements to educate the public about the District and its importance to the community. She is working with the consultants at Jarrard to put together a PowerPoint presentation that outlines the Districts history and funding efforts in the community. The document is in draft form currently but she invited the Trustees to review the same and submit any changes or additions to the presentation.

Trustee Open Discussion-

Mrs. Cunningham stated that an opportunity to visit Cleveland Clinic Weston has been extended to the District Trustees and IRMC Board of Directors. There was discussion as to what day at the beginning of March would be best for the Trustees. They agreed on March 5 for the visit and Mrs. Cunningham stated that she would discuss the same with Juniper and District staff would follow up with the Trustees as to travel arrangements and logistics.

Public Comment-

Mr. Ryan Bass, community member, stated that he feels the if the Trustees are to conduct public speaking engagements that they should take public comment by submitted questions only and refrain from floor discussion. He further stated that there needs to be a consistent message as to who the Districts consultant is for the partnership process, since Juniper is retained by IRMC. Mrs. Bass asked if Juniper was the District’s consultant. Mrs. Peshke stated that Juniper has been retained by IRMC and is paid by IRMC, however Juniper views the community of Indian River as their client for this transaction and will work to make the best deal possible for the community.

Adjourn- The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 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