Eastern Highlands Health District

Board of Directors Meeting

Coventry Town Hall – Annex

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Chair Elizabeth Paterson called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m. 

Present:  D. Walsh, D. Cameron, E. Paterson, J. Elsesser, J. Luiz, J. Stille, M. Kurland, P. Schur, S. Werbner, T. Tully

Staff Present:  R. Miller, J. Smith, M. Remy

Absent:  C. Anderson (Alternate), D. Cianci (Alternate), F. Daniels, L. Eldridge (Alternate), M. Hart, R. Fletcher (Alternate), S. Chace (Alternate), Andover Appointee (Vacant)

Election of Board Officers:  A MOTION was made by S. Werbner to elect E. Paterson as Chair, J. Elsesser as Vice Chair and J. Stille as Assistant Treasurer, seconded by D. Walsh.  The MOTION was PASSED unanimously.

Approval of October 16, 2008 Minutes:  A MOTION was made by J. Elsesser, seconded by J. Stille to approve the minutes of the October 16, 2008 meeting as presented.  P. Schur abstained.  The MOTION was PASSED unanimously.

Public Comment:  None

Old Business:  None

New Business

1. Proposed FY 09/10 Budget Presentation – Set Public Hearing Date:

J. Elsesser  reported the Finance Committee recommended to accept the proposed budget for the public hearing. 

R. Miller reported the proposed FY 09/10 budget decreases spending 7.9% from previous fiscal year, does not change member town contribution rate, and total spending is set at $728,900.

S. Werbner inquired if foregoing steps was considered vs. COLA.  He expressed concern with losing competitiveness on salary ranges.    R. Miller reported EHHD is slightly ahead of the curve with the salary ranges and wants to continue to advance staff steps to get to end point to avoid large salary line item increases in the future.

A MOTION was made by D. Walsh, seconded by D. Cameron to set a public hearing date of Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 4:30 p.m., Coventry Town Hall, Annex, to hear the public’s comments regarding the Proposed Fiscal Year 09/10 Eastern Highlands Health District operating budget and associated fee schedule.  The MOTION was PASSED unanimously.

2. Ratify Chatham Service Agreement:

R. Miller reported Executive Committee  authorized  Director to execute the agreement with Chatham Health District.  Salient agreement term includes:  EHHD to provide environmental health services, term ends at end of the fiscal year, tentative start date of January 20, 2009 , and reimbursement rate of $34.31/hour.  If executed it will significantly off set $22,000 deficit currently projected for this fiscal year.

A MOTION was made by J. Elsesser, seconded by D. Cameron to ratify the Health Directors authorization to execute the Agreement for Environmental Health Services by and Between the Eastern Highlands Health District and Chatham Health District with P. Schur changes detailed below.  The MOTION was PASSED  unanimously.

P. Schur suggested change in the agreement: IV. Description of Services.  1.  Administrative supervision for Chatham will be provided through the Chatham Director of Health.  Take out the first “Chatham.”   B.  6.  Conducted on-site septic system construction/installation inspections.  Change conducted to “conduct.”

Town Reports:

Bolton – J. Stille reported construction of sewer project should start this Spring.

Scotland – D. Cameron reported two lot subdivision approval.

Columbia – J. Luiz reported lake pumping ordinance, which would mandate certain regions in Columbia Lake area be pumped out every two years.

Coventry – J. Elsesser reported houses being torn down for Walgreens and possible re-opening of Bea’s Country Kitchen.

Directors Report:

3. Quarterly  Financial Reports and Projections for FY 08/09:

R. Miller reported that Finance Committee reviewed the quarterly reports and accepted the reports unanimously.  R. Miller reported Capital Nonrecurring Budget will have more activities on expenditure side as IT project continues to progress. 

4. Quarterly Activity Report:  No Discussion

Communications:

A discussion ensued regarding the thank you letter from the Boy Scouts of America regarding GI outbreak assistance, and DPH memo regarding Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act for All Public Pools.

Executive Session:  None

J. Stille made a MOTION, seconded by D. Walsh to adjourn the meeting at 5:30 p.m.  The MOTION was PASSED unanimously. 

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Miller

Secretary