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   |   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