SUMMARY MINUTES
SPECIAL BOT MEETING
Zoom Application
April 7, 2020
11:30 AM
TRUSTEES: Marybeth Cunningham Karen Deigl
Ann Marie McCrystal Tracey Zudans
Allen Jones Barbara Bodnar
Michael Wiess
STAFF: Ann Marie Suriano Jennifer Frederick
Kate Voss Jennifer Peshke, Esq.
OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Patricia Knipper Janet Begley
Marie Andress Vicki Soule
Convene Meeting – Marybeth Cunningham, Chairwoman
Mrs. Cunningham convened the Special meeting of the IRCHD Board of Trustees at 11:30 AM by welcoming those participating via Zoom. She reviewed the regulations for conducting a meeting remotely as outlined in Governor DeSantis’ Executive Order 20-69.
Update on COVID-19- Marybeth Cunningham
Mrs. Cunningham provided an update concerning impacts from COIVD-19 on the local community. She provided data with regard to those being tested and treated at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. Dr. Rosencrance indicated to her that the hospital currently has enough personal protective equipment for its staff. Additionally, they will continue with the agreed upon employee raises this month, and have offered housing for caregivers free of cost.
Review of Funded Organization Current & Anticipated Financial Needs- Ann Marie Suriano
Ms. Suriano stated that the District has received two funding requests from local agencies relative to the COVID-19 pandemic. The VNA has submitted a request in the amount of $33,500 for the purchase of 40,000 surgical masks for their care givers. Additionally, Ms. Knipper submitted a funding request of $38,023.07 which is inclusive of additional extraordinary salary expenses and equipment to operate the VNA Mobile Unit. There was further Trustee discussion and they asked Ann Marie to obtain additional information concerning the salary request, however Trustees did agree to fund the request for personal protective equipment and other items as required to continue using the mobile unit at the Walmart parking lot, during this time.
The second request came from New Horizons in the amount of $10,000 for the purchase of 20 iPads to provide telehealth services to their patients. There was further Trustee discussion concerning this request. The Trustees questioned the use and purpose of the iPads and if they were for patients and staff. Additionally, what safeguards were in place if the equipment were to be lost or stolen. The trustees asked Mrs. Suriano to follow up with Mr. Shopland to obtain further information before approving the funding of this request.
Mrs. Suriano stated that included with today’s agenda were a few additional updates from other funded agencies and how they were dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, she stated that no other funding requests relative to COVID-19, have been submitted at this time.
Budget Situation and Available Reserve Funds- Allen Jones
Mr. Jones provided the Trustees with a review of the District finances. The District accounts total approximately $12.6 million, with $7.6 million to be used for the remainder of the fiscal year. There is also approximately $1.5 million to carryover in reserves. Mr. Jones stated that the District is in sound financial condition to help assist with any extraordinary requests due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Mrs. Suriano referenced the remaining funds left in the current fiscal year budget for TCCH; WFHC; VNA; MHA; and We Care.
Mrs. Suriano discussed how the funded agencies’ March invoices were relatively average but both TCCH and WFHC expressed that patient volumes have decreased due to COVID-19 and there may be a cash flow issue. She believes that most agencies have applied for any government assistance grants to help with operations and payroll. Mrs. Suriano proposed that in April, fee for service funded agencies be paid on their last 5-month average. The Trustees agreed with her recommendation.
Upcoming Budget Process Discussion- All
Mrs. Suriano explained that due to the stay at home order issued by the Governor and the uncertainty of meeting in-person, the Trustees should discuss future plans on how to best conduct the review and discussion of the upcoming agency funding requests and budget workshops. The fiscal year 20-21 funding applications are due at the end of April, and the District has already received some requests to extend that deadline. There was further Trustee discussion concerning these upcoming meetings and it was decided that all budget presentation workshop meeting would be cancelled. Mrs. Suriano, Mrs. Frederick, and Mr. Jones will discuss and present a process for moving forward on how to best circulate and review these requests, for the Trustees. Additionally, it was decided that all funded agency semiannual reporting will be postponed until further notice.
Other Business-
The Trustees discussed the holding of future District meetings. It was decided that the Board will meet virtually every Tuesday at 10:00 AM, to discuss any new business and any funding requests relative to COVID-19. Additionally, the Regular Monthly meeting will also be held virtually on the third Thursday of each month, with a start time of 4:00 PM. Ms. Voss will continue to notify all funded agencies of the meetings each week, along with updating the District website with the same information. She will also maintain publishing the meeting notices in the legal section of the newspaper as required through the Sunshine Law.
Adjourn- There was no public comment and the meeting was adjourned at 12:45 PM
