Indian River County Hospital District

Regular Monthly Meeting: September 19, 2019

MINUTES
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT
Regular Monthly Meeting Minutes
September 19, 2019
Immediately following Final Budget Hearing

TRUSTEES: Marybeth Cunningham Michael Weiss
Karen Deigl Tracey Zudans
Barb Bodnar

VIA PHONE: Allen Jones

EXCUSED: Ann Marie McCrystal

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

OTHER ATTENDEES: Michelle Genz Myra Weiss

Convene Meeting – Marybeth Cunningham, Chair

Ms. Cunningham convened the regular monthly meeting of the IRCHD at 5:30 PM by welcoming those in attendance. Ms. Zudans provided the invocation for the meeting and Dr. Weiss led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Consent Agenda- Marybeth Cunningham, Chair

Ms. Cunningham asked for a motion of approval of the Regular Monthly meeting minutes dated August 15, and a September disbursement of $933,103.93. Ms. Zudans made a motion to approve which was seconded by Ms. Deigl. The motion carried unanimously.

Ms. Cunningham stated that the District Trustees and We Care Foundation Board held a joint meeting to discuss the sublease between TCCH and We Care, and We Care’s funding request for FY 2019-2020. The group came to an agreement concerning the sublease and are still working out the details of how the funds will be disbursed. She will provide an update once the matter has been resolved.

District Counsel Report – Jennifer D. Peshke, Esq.

Ms. Peshke stated that following the Board’s selection of TCCH to operate the Gifford Health Center, she has worked with District staff on various matters related to the transition. She also is working with Dr. Saver to complete the sublease between TCCH and We Care. She continues to receive and reviewed information regarding the District’s upcoming budget hearing meetings and have responded to questions from Trustees, as they have arisen pertaining to various matters the District is handling at this time.

Financial Statement Review – Allen Jones, Treasurer

Mr. Jones stated that the District remains in very sound financial condition. As the District approaches the end of the fiscal year, they have received most all of the tax revenues for the year. As of August 31, the bank accounts in total have a little over $6,992,000, less this month’s expenditures of $933,000, leaving a net balance of about $5 million. Assuming the District continues to spend approximately $1 million a month, the District will finish the fiscal year with about $4 million in the bank. This amount will leave the District well prepared to operate as normal during October and November, before the 2020 tax revenues begin to be received.

Further, Mr. Jones explained that in recent years, the board elected to maintain minimal reserves. In the current fiscal year, because of the potential changes involving the Cleveland Clinic transaction, the board voted to increase those reserves, to assume the transaction might not happen. However, the transaction did occur as expected and thus the result is the District’s spending is declining and will leave us with higher reserves than normal. For the upcoming fiscal year, the Trustees observe there is a substantial unmet county need for healthcare for the uninsured and under-insured and they agreed to expand the definition of those eligible for Hospital District support to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline an increase from 150%. In doing this, the District decided to maintain higher reserves than normal for the upcoming fiscal year, to be certain funding is sufficient for the changes that will occur. Lastly, Mr. Jones will be making a recommendation to the Trustees in the coming months, to take an appropriate portion of those reserves and invest them, consistent with fiduciary laws governing treatment of taxpayer funds.

Gifford Health Center Advisory Committee Update- Tracey Zudans, Trustee

Ms. Zudans provided an update concerning the Gifford Health Center Advisory Committee She stated that the bi-weekly meeting was held today and was very productive. Mr. Ralph Turner and Mr. Warren Fuller of Cleveland Clinic Indian River spoke to the group about the CCIR financial assistance policy. Additionally, they have finalized their choice for the community member at large position in Gifford. This person would be a resident of Gifford and or Wabasso, and work directly in the community as a liaison of information. The committee decided on two representatives, Dale Dawkins and Johnny May Perry. Additionally, LaDonna Williams has been hired by TCCH as a community health educator and she will work closely with the community representatives. Further, TCCH held the ribbon cutting for the reopening of the Gifford Health Center on Friday and there was an excellent turn out. On November 2nd there will be a resource fair at the Gifford Youth Achievement center, and many health agencies in the community will be participating. Lastly, TCCH notified the committee that the pharmacy at Gifford Health center will open on October 1st, which is earlier than anticipated.

Executive Director Report- Ann Marie Suriano, Executive Director

Ms. Suriano stated that District staff is currently working on a learning agenda relative to the strategic plan. She intends to have educational presentation on population health, and Florida Medicaid. Additionally, Ms. Suriano stated that she completed the Mental Health First Aid Clinic, which was very informative. As part of the learning agenda, the Trustees will have opportunity to also attend the Mental Health First Aid Clinic. This will take place sometime in early 2020.

Program Liaison Report- Jennifer Frederick

Ms. Frederick provided her report and stated that earlier in the year the District Trustees approved some adjustments to the financial assistant policy. One of these changes was the increase from 150% of the poverty level to 200%, which will go into effect on October 1. In an effort to keep all the providers informed regarding the policy changes, she held a meeting for them to discuss those changes and answer any questions. Additionally, she is working with Ms. Peshke on the agency funding agreements which outline the terms of funding for the fiscal year. The funding agreements and will now also include, specific metrics to be reported on.

Public Comment- There was no public comment.

Adjourn- The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 PM

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