Indian River County Hospital District

Regular Monthly Meeting Minutes: April 16, 2020

AGENDA
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT
Regular Monthly Meeting
Zoom Meeting
April 16, 2020 @ 4:00 p.m.

TRUSTEES: Marybeth Cunningham Allen Jones
Ann Marie McCrystal Barbara Bodnar
Karen Deigl Dr. Michael Weiss
Tracey Zudans

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

PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Saver Jeanene Shepard

Convene Meeting – Marybeth Cunningham, Chairwoman

Mrs. Cunningham convened the regular monthly meeting of the Indian River County Hospital District (“IRCHD”) at 4:00 p.m. Ms. Cunningham asked for those who intend to speak during the meeting, to identify themselves before speaking. Ms. Zudans Provided the invocation for the meeting.

Consent Agenda-

Mrs. Cunningham asked for a motion to approve the Chairman’s Meeting Minutes dated March 18; Regular Monthly Meeting Minutes dated March 19, and an April disbursement of $1,168,439.52. Mrs. McCrystal made the motion, which was seconded by Ms. Bodnar. The motion carried unanimously.

Chairman’s Report- Marybeth Cunningham, Chairwoman

Mrs. Cunningham indicated that she wrote a note to County Administrator Jason Brown after reading a news article which stated that the County was contemplating opening up operations in the next few weeks. She had concerns that they had not discussed these plans with Cleveland Clinic and asked that Mr. Brown include Dr. Rosencrance in any decision making regarding the same. Mr. Brown indicated that the article was misleading and that the County has no plans to reopen in the coming weeks. He also stated that he had intended on including Dr. Rosencrance and public health officials in discussion surrounding a plan for reopening. Additionally, Mrs. Cunningham indicated that CCIRH submitted its annual report to the District, in accordance with the lease agreement. All questions regarding the report should be submitted to Mrs. Suriano for follow up.
District Counsel Report – Jennifer D. Peshke, Esq.

Mrs. Peshke provided her report and stated that she received and reviewed the annual report from CCIRH. She has also reviewed the Districts fiscal year 2019-2020 audit. She continues to track any new executive orders passed by the Governor in accordance with COVID-19 and the District operating in compliance with Sunshine Law requirements.

Financial Statement Review – Allen Jones, Treasurer

Mr. Jones provided the financial statement review and stated at the end of March there was approximately $11.4 million in the bank and investment account. Year to date, the investment account has generated approximately $65,000 in interest, but interest rates have now fallen due to the pandemic. All interest funds are in government guaranteed deposit banks and are immune to economic impact from the corona virus. The District is expected to receive an additional $1 million in tax revenue this fiscal year. Therefore, the District is in a position to finish the year with excess reserves. As a result, the District may assist those funded agencies it supports should their volumes continue to decrease and expenses rise, due to COVID-19.

FY 2020-2021 Budget Process- Allen Jones, Treasurer

Mr. Jones explained that this year’s budget process has been amended to avoid formal presentations by agencies for the renewal of funded programs currently supported by the District. Trustees will be given an opportunity to raise questions and issues with any requests, and have them addressed as necessary. For new agencies that have submitted a funding application, an opportunity for a formal presentation will be given at the Trustees’ discretion. He further reviewed the timeline for receipt of the funding applications, review of the same, and proposed meeting dates. The Trustees instructed Mrs. Frederick to contact all funded agencies to see if they will require an extension in submitting their fiscal year 2020-2021 funding request.

Executive Director Report- Ann Marie Suriano, Executive Director

Ms. Suriano stated she received communication from Dr. Saver regarding the operations of We Care. Since We Care was not deemed an essential service, they were asked to cease operations for person to person care. They stopped in person visits mid of March, but Dr. Fountain has conducted some telephone services for patients who had previously scheduled appointments. We Care is still anticipating a decrease in volumes and the Health Department has been able to repurpose the We Care employees to assist the Health Department with COVID-19. Therefore, We Care will now reduce the salary expense billed to the District by 50%. Further, she spoke with Ms. Soule and received an update concerning the operations of TCCH. TCCH has reduced their staff and temporarily closed some of their clinics. They have chosen to keep the Gifford Health Center location open and will continue to provide services at that location. Lastly, she asked the Trustees to consider a more proactive approach concerning funding for needs associated with COVID-19. It has been discussed that while agencies are seeing lower volumes due to COVID-19, it is anticipated that volumes will increase dramatically once the stay at home orders are lifted and people begin to seek health care treatment once again. This may also produce more acute care patients. Additionally, those with chronic conditions may have become more ill due to not seeking treatment while quarantined. It was further discussed that telehealth may play a more vital role in providing care to patients. Therefore, with these issues in mind, and the uncertainty of reimbursement rates from insurance and Medicare, it is important to support our funded health agencies through this new environment. There is $500,000 in the District reserves that could be used to support these agencies. There was further Trustee discussion concerning future funding efforts.

Other Business-

Mr. Jones addressed the board and stated that he is proud of how effective this board has been in assessing the needs of this community. The board successfully completed the Cleveland Clinic transaction as well as the transformation of the Gifford Health Center, along with the expansion of the VNA Mobile Unit. He thanked the Trustees for their work and dedication.

Public Comment-

Mrs. Sheppard Clinical Director at MHA, thanked the Trustees for their support. She stated that their walk-in clinic remains open and they are also conducting telehealth services. MHA will continue to support Indian River county through this pandemic and is able to do so with the support of the District and other funders.

Adjourn- The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 PM

Respectfully Submitted,

Ann Marie McCrystal
Secretary

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