Eastern Highlands Health District
Board of Directors Meeting
Coventry Town Hall – Annex
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Chair E. Paterson called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m.
Present: D. Cameron, E. Paterson, J. Stille, J. Elsesser, D. Walsh, M. Kurland, P. Schur, R. Fletcher (Alternate Seated)
Staff Present: R. Miller, Dr. Dardick, M. Remy
Absent: D. Cianci (Alternate), C. Johnson, C. Anderson (Alternate), L. Eldridge (Alternate), M. Hart, R. Skinner, S. Werbner, S. Chace (Alternate), T. Tully, Andover Appointee (Vacant)
Approval of February 21, 2008 Minutes: A MOTION was made by J. Elsesser, seconded by J. Stille, to approve the minutes of the February 21, 2008 meeting as presented. The MOTION was PASSED unanimously. J. Elsesser and R. Fletcher abstained.
Pubic Comment: None
Old Business:
1. Employee Cost Share and Payment in Lieu of Coverage (Item 3 – 2/21/08): R. Miller reported proposal was reviewed by personnel committee. Committee recommends approval. Proposal was based on survey results conducted of CT Health Districts and membership towns.
A MOTION was made my J. Elsesser, seconded by P. Schur to set the health district employee annual health insurance premium cost share at 11% for the PPO and 9% for the POS plans, effective July 1, 2008; and to set the annual payment in lieu of health insurance coverage for eligible employees at $1,000 for single; $1,400 for two-person coverage; and $1,700 for family coverage, effective July 1, 2008. The MOTION was PASSED unanimously.
New Business:
2. Resolution for Signature Authorization for Director: A MOTION was made by D. Walsh, seconded by J. Stille to adopt the Resolution Signature Authorization for fiscal year 08/09 as presented. The MOTION was PASSED unanimously. (See attached copy)
Town Reports:
Bolton – J. Stille reported a public hearing and informational meeting on sewers are scheduled. Hope to begin construction this summer.
Coventry - A discussion ensued regarding situation at Bidwell Tavern on April 14, 2008. J. Elsesser reported Senior Center will be opening on May 18th ; dedication of state wide Veteran War Memorial on May 17th ; application has been received for a seasonal ice cream shoppe; village clean up on Saturday, April 26th.
Scotland – D. Cameron reported still working on addition to school and working with Rob on issue related to use of biosolid pellets on corn fields across street from a resident’s house.
Director’s Report:
Hartford Courant FOI Request: R. Miller reported that The Courant requested and we provided inspection result data for all Class 3 and Class 4 establishments. This included schools and town senior centers. The Courant plans to make data available on-line to the public starting in May. By consensus of the Board, the Health District should charge nominal fee for data, pending review of FOIA statutes.
Staffing Changes: R. Miller reported C. Proctor our full time Environmental Health Inspector has left and J. McAllister’s (Senior Sanitarian) resignation is effective May 9, 2008. J. McAllister position posted already. C. Proctor’s position will be contracted out.
Norovirus Outbreak: R. Miller briefed the Board regarding the Health District’s involvement with an outbreak of Norovirus among UCONN students and some community members. EHHD played primarily a support role with DPH leading the epidemiological investigation and Manchester Health Department leading the environmental investigation. A discussion ensued regarding the confidentiality of information obtained during the investigation. Specifically, should the name of the food establishment in question been formally released?
R. Miller reported March 29, 2008 Pan Flu Drill at Windham Tech was successful. Function of drill was community triage.
Communications:
Dr. Dardick presented updated data on seasonal influenza rates.
R. Miller reported on free dental clinic at old Tolland High School.
Adjournment: A MOTION was made by J. Stille, seconded by J. Elsesser to adjourn the meeting at 5:50 p.m. The MOTION was PASSED unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert Miller
Recording Secretary