Indian River County Hospital District

Special Meeting Minutes: April 14, 2020

SUMMARY MINUTES
SPECIAL BOT MEETING
Zoom Application
April 14, 2020
10:00 AM

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

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

OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Patricia Knipper Lundy Fields
Marie Andress Vicki Soule

Convene Meeting – Marybeth Cunningham, Chairwoman

Mrs. Cunningham convened the Special meeting of the IRCHD Board of Trustees at 10:00 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 stated that she spoke with Dr. Rosecrance and provided the Trustees with data concerning COVID-19 cases and treatment at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. Currently the hospital is operating at 44% occupancy and there are less than 100 patients visiting the emergency department each day.

Other Business-

Mrs. Suriano stated that Ms. Knipper submitted an amended request for funding concerning the VNA mobile unit. She asked Ms. Knipper to speak to the amended request. Ms. Knipper stated that VNA’s mobile health unit continues to serve the vulnerable populations across Indian River county. In response to immediate needs including partnering with the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, and to finding ways to reach the population during the COVID-19 pandemic, the VNA has incurred additional expenses. This includes managing an influx of people walking up to the mobile clinic seeking general information about available medical services, COVID-19 screenings; health education about COVID-19; and continuing to offer usual and customary services provided by the advanced practice registered nurses. She also clarified some misinformation that has been circulated about operations of the mobile unit. Currently the VNA plans to wave its $5.00 fee for a sick visit through June 30. This wavier of the fee is not permanent. As of March 12, the mobile unit suspended all physical exams, which is 30% of their business, because they are not bringing patients onto the mobile clinic. Instead they are referring those patients to both TCCH and WFHC. Additionally, VNA will absorb all costs for additional staffing required for nursing support for the mobile unit during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have also removed the funding estimate for additional staffing out of the revised funding request. Additionally, the $1,500.00 expense for banner signage has been eliminated from the revised request as well. Therefore, the total revised funding request estimate is now $11,523.07. There was further Trustee discussion and they thanked Ms. Knipper for the VNA absorbing the additional staffing cost. Mrs. Zudans made a motion to approve, which was seconded by Ms. Cunningham. The motion carried unanimously.

Mrs. Suriano stated that included with today’s meeting materials were communications between she and Mr. Shopland concerning New Horizons additional funding request. Mr. Shopland informed Mrs. Suriano that New Horizons was able to obtain funding from alternate sources for the iPads and has withdrawn their request from the District.

Mrs. Frederick stated that she has received one agency funding request for fiscal year 2020-2021. This request came from Hope for Families. The deadline for all funding requests is April 24th, but it was discussed that due to current circumstances surrounding COVID-19, that deadline will be extended to those who request an extension. Additionally, she notified all funded agencies that the budget workshop presentations have been cancelled. She will work with Mr. Jones and Mrs. Suriano on a process to review the applications and forward the same to the Trustees for consideration.

Mrs. McCrystal requested that the Trustees submit their volunteer hours to Mrs. Suriano to track and record. This information can be included within the District Annual Report to notify the community of the work the Trustees put forth on behalf of the taxpayers.

Mrs. Soule addressed the group and stated it was important to recognize that parents should still be taking their children to their well visits and the best time to attend those appointments in first thing in the morning, due to the office being just cleaned. Currently TCCH is taking emergency dental appointments only and behavioral health appointments are being conducted via telehealth. Additionally, they are still seeing patients in office for health and sick visits, while taking all necessary precautions.

Ms. Deigl spoke on behalf of the Senior Resource Association and stated that they continue to operate Meals on Wheels in the county. The service is now offered to anyone in need, not just those over the age of 65. Additionally, they are also delivering personal items such as paper goods, and cleaning supplies. They have been able to operate these additional services due to a grant from the United Way.

Adjourn- There was no public comment and the meeting was adjourned at 10:45 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