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
