MONMOUTH COUNTY REGIONAL HEALTH COMMISSION NO. 1 REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, February 24, 2015

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1 CALL TO ORDER: MONMOUTH COUNTY REGIONAL HEALTH COMMISSION NO. 1 REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, February 24, 2015 President Roman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. He then led the Regional Board of Health in the salute to the flag. President Roman next read the Open Public Meeting Act Statement. ROLL CALL: Brielle Jim Langenberger, Fair Haven Theresa Casagrande, Little Silver Les Mathis & Tim Sullivan, Monmouth Beach Joseph Nardone, Ocean Twp Vinnie Buttiglieri, Sea Bright Dr. Margaret Fisher, Shrewsbury Borough Paul Roman, Spring Lake Heights Len Giles, Tinton Falls John Mack, Wall Twp Keri Pagnoni Upon completion of the roll call, the Secretary reported that a quorum was present. ABSENT: Boro of Highlands, Boro of Red Bank, Boro of Rumson, Boro of Sea Girt, Boro of Spring Lake, Boro of West Long Branch OTHERS PRESENT: David A. Henry Secretary/Health Officer, James J. Kinneally III, Esq., Margaret Blair, Esq., Heather Frketich, Office Coordinator, Mike Kowal, Sr. REHS and Union Steward, Pat Hanlon, Administrative Assistant, MPHC Welcome to the new Tinton Falls Borough Commission Alternate Colleen Connolly of OEM/Cert Coordinator and former captain of the borough s First Aid Squad Thank you received from Commissioner/MCRHC Treasurer Liz Finnerty for a get-well fruit basket. She continues to recuperate at home from a recent surgery. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: OPEN SESSION: John Mack motioned to approve the Open Session Minutes of February 10, 2015, seconded by Dr. Fisher. VOTE: All in favor with the exception of Brielle who abstained as he was not in attendance. Page 1 of 9

2 CLOSED SESSION: Dr. Fisher motioned to approve the Closed Session Minutes of February 10, 2015, seconded by Les Mathis. VOTE: Unanimous by those present this evening who were in attendance: T. Casagrande, L. Mathis, J. Nardone, V. Buttiglieri, M. Fisher, P. Roman, L. Giles, J. Mack, K. Pagnoni Abstain: Jay Amberg not present this evening President Roman offered brief remarks on an article from the Link (a Long Branch paper) that had appeared in the January 15, 1942 Daily Record in which Edwin F. Stewart, HO declared the need for a Contagious Disease Hospital to serve shore communities. COMMUNICATIONS: MCRHC Free Rabies Clinic Schedule Spring 2015 (handout) HEALTH OFFICER S REPORT: The Health Officer reported on: The February 2015 Health Officer s Report (for January activity), the January 2015 Conferences & Meetings, January 2015 CDRSS report, the January 2015 Public Health Nursing report, the 4 th Quarter 2014 Vital Statistics and the December financial reports were previously mailed/ ed. Mr. Henry reported on: Pre-accreditation work is continuing with various Gaining Ground workshops/webinars working toward widespread staff participation. 20 out of 93 NJ local health departments pursuing accreditation. NJ Health Officers Executive Committee recent meeting tobacco control division being combined with Office of Wellness local health departments not being given clear direction regarding rulings on e-cigarettes, smoking, or cigar bars. NJ GASP is subcontractor of State Health Department also calls in complaints to LHDs putting the LHD in an uncomfortable situation with enforcements. Careful not to get involved in actions that could lead to a lawsuit we need to be supported Future trend - expanding COALITIONS in all towns (similar to Shaping Red Bank) and locating community leaders in the absence of future grant money No updates on a Regional ANIMAL CONTROL SHELTER - (member towns currently subject to high costs for contracts. Associated Humane Society currently better rate than SPCA. Page 2 of 9

3 HEALTH OFFICER S REPORT (continued): Reconfirmation (copy of December 9, 2013 letter from former Attorney Birdsall provided) that all MCRHC towns (member & contract) fall under MCRHC s Ordinances with the exception of the Vending Machine Licensing Ordinance # 4 wherein towns can choose to license their own. Dr. Giles motioned to accept the Health Officer s report, seconded by Dr. Fisher. VOTE: Unanimous AUDIT COMMITTEE: No Report. CFO REPORT: No Report TREASURER S REPORT: Presented by President Roman in the absence of Liz Finnerty, Treasurer. He briefly reviewed the Statement of Accounts for period ending January 31, The Treasurer s Report was accepted as presented. BUDGET & FINANCE COMMITTEE: PAYMENT OF BILLS: A quick inquiry as to employee mileage was answered by Mr. Henry. It was being paid in the instance of an employee using personal vehicle to drive directly to a seminar/workshop from home. Dr. Giles motioned to pay the February 2015 bills in the amount of $37, The motion was seconded by Theresa Casagrande. Fair Haven Yes Shrewsbury Boro Yes Monmouth Beach Yes Tinton Falls Yes 10 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 Abstain Page 3 of 9

4 OPERATIONS COMMITTEE: No Report GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE: No Report HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE: Patricia Hanlon is present as the result of receipt of a RICE notice. Her preference is for discussion involving her position to take place in Open Session. Michael Kowal, Union Steward is also present. Following a voiced concern, Attorney Kinneally advised that the Commission could not call a Closed Session prior to the Open Session in this case where the employee had been riced and stated her preference for Open Session discussion. Ms. Hanlon has distributed a description/report to explain her position and events following the layoff of the former Epidemiologist in December 2013 that have strongly affected her workload and job responsibilities. She states the Commission had been aware of this layoff during the last contract negotiations which left her all the work in the department as well as the task of assisting the new Health Officer s transition. Personnel Chair Mathis did not comment specifically on any job responsibilities, but did refer to a term that appears in many job descriptions as other duties as assigned. Les Mathis pointed out that Pat Hanlon has not had any change in base salary and no change in title. Her position remains Administrative Assistant. The Organization Chart handed out at the February 10 th meeting is incorrect. Not far into her comments, Human Resource Chair Les Mathis firmly stated that this was not meant as a negotiating session and that no action will be taken on this matter outside of Union Negotiations. It is the Commission s desire to hire a labor attorney before continuing with contract negotiations. Kowal/Hanlon were under the impression that this is not a union matter. Towns have responded to a request for labor attorney references and President Roman mentioned a timeframe of approximately 10 days to work up an agreement with an individual that will be proposed for approval at the March 24 th MCRHC Board of Commissioners meeting. It was clearly stated and repeated by both Commissioner Mathis and President Roman that this organization and the Consortium recognize and thank Pat for her outstanding work history at MCRHC/MPHC and will work toward a reasonable conclusion. The document provided by Mrs. Hanlon will be passed on to the Labor Attorney chosen by the Commission. Mike Kowal will refer the information back to the Local 97 Union Rep. Pat Hanlon and Mike Kowal exited the meeting. At 6:29 pm Theresa Casagrande motioned to enter Closed Session to discuss three items: Union Contract Negotiations, Litigation for Personnel Matter and Health Educator Contract (Professional Services). The motion was seconded by Dr. Fisher. VOTE: Unanimous Page 4 of 9

5 HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE (continued): Mike Kowal, Pat Hanlon and Heather Frketich exited the meeting. motioned to exit Closed Session at 6:57 pm, seconded by. Mrs. Frketich rejoined the meeting Reviewed by the MCRHC attorney, Dr. Fisher motioned to approve a resolution awarding a contract for health education services to Connie Polonsky, MPH, CHES not to exceed $10, It was seconded by Les Mathis. Fair Haven No Shrewsbury Boro Yes Monmouth Beach Yes Tinton Falls Yes 9 Ayes, 1 Nays, 0 Abstain OLD BUSINESS: A copy of the current CONTRACT FOR IT SERVICES with Internetworx of Hamilton, NJ was provided by the Bookkeeper and reviewed by President Roman. Heather Frketich pointed out that it is not a January - December agreement. It has historically been based on a block of 20 hours. 8 hours remain on the contract that began in October When a new agreement is required, the rate is subject to change. Ad hoc GRANTS REVIEW COMMITTEE volunteers still being requested MIDDLETOWN CONTRACT no change at this time. The existing staff and existing fees will remain. Possible reopened discussion down the line. NEW BUSINESS: A resolution was presented to follow the procedure for Public Sale of Capital Property in regard to the MCRHC 2003 Dodge Caravan Minivan VIN #1D4GP25323B Les Mathis motioned to approve the Resolution for authorization of sale/auction of the 2003 Dodge Caravan, seconded by Vinnie Buttiglieri. Page 5 of 9

6 NEW BUSINESS (continued): Fair Haven Yes Shrewsbury Boro Yes Monmouth Beach Yes Tinton Falls Yes 10 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 Abstain In the case of the discontinuation of the Tomahawk Live Traps rental program previously sponsored by the MCRHC, the Commission authorized the Health Officer to release/divide the traps between the Consortium towns that might need them. No roll call required. A resolution was presented for the lease/purchase of 1 new Ford Police Interceptor utility vehicle for staff use. NJ State Cooperative Purchasing System Contract # The lease not to exceed 4 years allows for purchase of same vehicle at end of lease term (not to exceed $1.00) Total vehicle cost is $26, There are budgeted funds to cover the 48 month lease option in The Commission questioned why this particular type of vehicle is proposed. The Health Officer explained to the Commission the need for an all-wheel vehicle able to transport various equipment used by the staff. Mr. Henry stated that he did not want to repeat previous practice of drawing from surplus, but to obtain a vehicle of great quality that would have a longer life. Several of the current MCRHC fleet vehicles have been experiencing maintenance and recall issues on a regular basis. Commissioner Nardone questioned if purchase ($25,700) instead of lease would be a better idea to save interest? Commissioner Casagrande responded No, as appropriated funds in the 2015 budget ($8,000) allow only for the one year lease amount. This needs to be a budget line item. Transfer between lines can officially take place only at certain times of the year. The Health Officer spoke to future vehicle plans, reiterating that the fleet is aging and the fact that there are no extra vehicles new vehicle, new vehicle and new vehicles Theresa Casagrande suggested earlier long range budget planning going forward. She also expressed that any debts or commitments would be left to remaining towns if Commission makeup changes. Commissioner Casagrande motioned to approve the resolution for lease/purchase of a new Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle, seconded by Dr. Fisher. Page 6 of 9

7 NEW BUSINESS (continued): Fair Haven Yes Shrewsbury Boro Yes Monmouth Beach No Tinton Falls Yes 9 Ayes, 1 Nays, 0 Abstain FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES: A brief mention that annual Financial Disclosure Statements will be a priority for Commissioners in the near future. Information regarding this online process will be sent out to all MCRHC associated LGOs by Peg Huie, Administrative Assistant as soon as it is available. CULTURE OF QUALITY IMPROVEMENT: Dave Henry explained his vision of this term associated with the Accreditation process. Having the entire organization always looking, changing, updating, improving and building quality into all processes. A good deal of this is accomplished with staff brainstorming sessions, plan-do-study-act and storyboards. Even though we are a service industry, durability and reliability standards still apply. Examples of recent MCRHC Quality Improvement decisions: 24 hour answering service taken over by HO cut costs, and overtime from unnecessary call-outs and retail food fee schedule changes to assist towns with health department costs/fees. A performance management workshop scheduled for March 10 th to determine standards and measures that will set and raise the bar bringing everyone to highest standards. Baselines will be reviewed annually. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: None PRESIDENT S REPORT: President Roman requested the Commission to memorialize two wording changes (illustrated in a handout) to a section of the Commission Policy Manual that have been determined to be current practice since the July 23, 2013 (Manual approval vote) &, September 24, 2013 (verbal agreement of correction to wording in Section VII. Committees - C. Committee Responsibilities 5. Governance Committee Correction 1) First sentence should read: The Governance Committee shall consist of three annually elected Commission Officers and one at large member. Page 7 of 9

8 PRESIDENT SREPORT (continued): Correction 2) Related to the makeup of the Governance Committee there had been the following approved deletion: Remove sentence The Secretary shall be an ex-officio member. Les Mathis motioned to approve the abovementioned wording changes originally verbally requested in September The motion was seconded by Dr. Giles. Fair Haven Yes Shrewsbury Boro Yes Monmouth Beach Yes Tinton Falls Yes 10 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 Abstain The role of the Governance Committee is to annually review the policy manual. Any Commission member can make change proposals. CURRENT NEWS: New Orleans new citywide ban on smoking (including bars & casinos). President Roman thanked the Commission for addressing the public at the last meeting concerning mobile vendor fees. MCRHC 80 th ANNIVERSARY The Health Officer was interested in gathering ideas about celebratory events (ideas such as speakers, booklets, letterhead insignia, dinner, etc) that can be held to mark this milestone in (1936 Incorporation) While there wasn t any immediate interest in forming a committee to work on this event, there was brief mention of possible proclamations and press releases,a brief discussion of bringing forth some of the history of the MCRH, and a possible event in Tinton Falls, the host municipality to the MCRHC. A few words began in relation to HEALTH OFFICER S EVALUATION and LETTER OF AGREEMENT Dave Henry had signed off on a RICE notice delivered to him for the previous meeting. At 7:47 pm Theresa Casagrande motioned to enter Closed Session for the purpose of discussion of a Personnel matter, seconded by Vinnie Buttiglieri. Page 8 of 9

9 PRESIDENT S REPORT (continued): Heather Frketich exited the meeting. motioned to exit Closed Session at 7:58 pm, seconded by. Heather Frketich rejoined the meeting. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm on a motion by Theresa Casagrande, seconded by John Mack. VOTE: Unanimous Next Regular Meeting of the MCRHC #1 Commission will be held on Tuesday, MARCH 24, 2015 at 6:00 P.M. at the Regional s headquarters located at American Red Cross building 1540 West Park Avenue Suite # 1, Tinton Falls, New Jersey. Respectfully submitted, David A. Henry SECRETARY Page 9 of 9