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DeKalb County, Illinois |
Minutes of the
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BOARD
MEMBERS PRESENT: Fred Peltz, D.D.S., President; Glenda Pecka, R.N., M.S., Secretary;
Sonja Conway, Ph.D.; Mike Groark, J.D.; Carl Heinisch; Steve Kuhn, P.A.; Joe
Seneczko, D.V.M.; Brazilian Thurman, M.S.W.; Darrell Wiley, M.D.
BOARD
MEMBERS ABSENT: Katy Eaton, F.N.P.;
Photine Liakos, M.D.;
On
a motion by Mr. Kuhn, seconded by Dr. Wiley, the minutes of the Board of Health
meeting of January 23, 2001, were approved.
Motion carried.
Kathy
Stelford, President of TAILS Humane Society Board, introduced herself as the
director of Oaken Acres Wildlife Center. She
stated that DeKalb County currently operates a “bare bones” animal control
program with one animal control officer for DeKalb County’s 568 square miles.
Dogs are boarded in seven leased dog runs at Malta Veterinary Hospital.
She stated there is a need for more comprehensive services for the
changing DeKalb County. A
relatively new, but proven, concept is the animal control center which combines
the law enforcement aspect with that of the humane society, offering adoption
services, outreach programs and community education.
Ms. Stelford stated that animal control centers are recommended by the
Illinois Department of Agriculture, the agency that licenses such facilities.
She stated that the TAILS board is requesting endorsement of their
proposal by the Board of Health to build and operate an animal control center as
a public/private partnership between DeKalb County and the TAILS Humane Society.
Ms.
Stelford stated that this type of facility would help in the efforts to control
rabies since the enforcement of rabies licensing of dogs and cats is one proven
method of controlling the spread of rabies from the wild population to pets and
then on to humans. The registration
of dogs and cats also provides the best method of identifying strays and
returning them to their owners before they bite or become a nuisance to the
public at large. She stated that
the current use of police that are called in to assist one animal control
officer who cannot respond to the many complaints of strays is wasteful of law
enforcement resources. This, in
turn, should reduce the costly efforts of the Sheriff’s office and municipal
law enforcement in providing animal control services.
An
additional reason for endorsement, in addition to the public health and safety
issue and the inefficient use of police officers to respond to animal control
calls, is the cooperative alliances that will be formed with Safe Passage in
aiding victims of domestic violence with shelter for their pets and to DeKalb
County Hospice in offering a compassionate solution for the terminally ill
patient who cannot find a home for their pet.
George
Balster, Vice President of TAILS and Small Animal Director at Bethany Animal
Hospital, expressed his appreciation to the Board of Health and the Health
Department in their role in improving the health of the residents of the county.
He stated that the mission at this meeting is to present a vision or
concept to the Board for consideration. The
vision is to build an animal control center for DeKalb County, which will
include animal control services and adoption.
The group, TAILS, has been in existence for two years, and has had a
feasibility study conducted by a California consultant to determine the need for
a shelter in the community. Dr.
Balster presented the Board with a packet of information.
A sample of a petition was presented in support of the building of a
community-owned, multipurpose, state-of-the-art, centrally located and much
needed animal shelter by DeKalb County. He
reported that the document currently has 600 signatures.
A presentation by TAILS was held at Kishwaukee College on options and
adoptions of animals and compassionate and comprehensive alternatives for the
homeless animals of DeKalb County. A
copy of a letter to the editor from a number of DeKalb County veterinarians was
presented, expressing support of the TAILS initiative.
Dr.
Balster pointed out that, so far, 430 donors have contributed to the TAILS
fundraising efforts, which included a George Winston concert that brought in
$30,000. TAILS has taken in a total
of $87,000 in donations. $5,000 of
these funds were donated toward the spay/neuter program, which is a voucher
program for eligible families based on need.
Considerable education has been done in the schools.
The TAILS organization is currently working on land acquisition located
on three to four acres in a prime location in DeKalb, which involves a gift and
land swap. He reported that, once
this is accomplished, the group would begin a capital fund program for the
building.
Dr.
Balster stated that the current shelter is outdated and overcrowded, and the
current Animal Control Program provides only what is required by law.
In 2000, 129 bites were reported and 225 strays were picked up in DeKalb
County. However, with an emerging
urban community, animal control will be an even more needed service.
He added that Kane County is currently in the initial stages of
developing an animal control center.
Cary
Groth, Athletic Director at Northern Illinois University, stated that the DeKalb
County population is at nearly 90,000, a 14.2% increase from the previous year.
Communities experiencing the greatest growth are Cortland, Genoa and
Sycamore. It is projected that these changes will continue over the
next several years, and the largest growth will most likely be seen in the next
10 to 15 years. The Humane Society
estimates that DeKalb County has 35,000 licensable animals in approximately 600
square miles. The estimated
percentage of animals ending up at shelters is 3%, with a potential of 2,700
animals visiting shelters on an annual basis in DeKalb County.
Ms. Groth reported that tagging is needed to prevent disease and to
provide necessary resources and offer animal control services.
Society today expects a lot of services to be provided by taxes, and the
people that are moving into our county are used to services that protect them
and that provide services for their pets. Ms.
Groth stated that DeKalb County does not currently offer these services, and
this population needs to be accommodated in the near future.
She feels the County is headed for a disaster with the animal population
and the growing human population.
Dr.
Balster introduced Sheriff Scott, pointing out that this animal control center
could relieve law enforcement officials of some of the animal issues they must
deal with from time to time. Sheriff
Scott stated that 190 to 200 animal type calls are handled by his staff each
year, which includes stray dogs running at large, dog bites and dogs attacking
other animals. This number does not
include the City of DeKalb, City of Sycamore or some of the smaller communities.
Sheriff Scott reported that the Chiefs of Police of Cortland, DeKalb,
Genoa, Hinckley, Maple Park and Sycamore join him in endorsing the concept and
long-term goals of the TAILS organization because it allows for a more effective
and better trained response to dog and cat issues.
An animal-related call to the Sheriff’s Department may take the officer
anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours to handle.
This is a very time consuming and very frustrating issue for these
officers, and with many of the 190 calls, the officer is not in a position to
call the Animal Control Officer until a great deal of time has been spent on the
situation. Sheriff Scott quoted one small town Chief as saying, “They have
increasingly been getting calls/complaints about cats and dogs.
It takes their one car out of commission for an hour or two, and most
times, the officer uniforms are damaged and the car needs to be cleaned after
each use.” It is Sheriff
Scott’s opinion that the TAILS proposed plan of action would be helpful and
reassuring to the citizens of DeKalb County, while at the same time, reducing
the burden on local law enforcement.
Dr.
Balster stated that a major concern, as far as need, is doing a better job in
the area of rabies vaccination compliance.
Animal control officers believe that only one-half to two-thirds of the
dogs in DeKalb County are vaccinated.
TAILS’ suggestion is to add a rabies requirement for cats in addition
to that of dogs, as cats are a major host for rabies. The state to the west of Illinois had many cases of rabies,
while Illinois had 22 and DeKalb County had 2, with all these cases related to
bats. He feels that, as a matter of
public health, it is important that the county be committed to preventing human
exposure to rabies. With an
expanded staff, better compliance could be reached and quicker response times
obtained. Dr. Balster stated that
Winnebago County has a wonderful program, and the residents have a high level of
respect for the services. In TAILS
visits to many shelters and animal control programs, the most successful were
those combining government with the humane society.
He projects 2,400 animals coming through a shelter in a one-year time
period.
Dr.
Balster presented a breakdown of income from the sale of tags, municipal
contracts, adoption of dogs and cats and donations. He pointed out that no vehicle or office costs are included
in these expenses. Such a project
is labor intensive and the greatest expenditure would be for staff and building
upkeep. The current program
generates approximately $106,000, estimating 10,000 dogs vaccinated and
registered for rabies. Commitments
would need to be made to change the format for rabies registration and
vaccination and adding contracts for municipal contracts.
These are proven methods by other centers to generate revenue to cover
operating expenses.
Major
needs of the center were explained. A
donation of 3½ to 4 acres of land would be made. Per the feasibility study, the building would be between
8,000 to 10,000 square feet at $100 per square foot, which totals $800,000.
This facility would include 60 runs, 50 cat cages, an isolation area and
appropriate office space. A plan
for the allocation of space has been developed.
Dr. Balster reported that TAILS has had individuals in the construction
business offer to donate their time and efforts toward this project.
A capital funds drive will begin soon, and it is believed that 50 to100%
of the money can be raised through this means.
The cost of the building will depend on the type of facility constructed.
He pointed out that, for continuance of the animal control center, it
would be best if it were owned by the county and not by an organization.
It may be necessary for the County to issue a special purpose bond for
the remainder of the cost of the building.
Dr. Balster stated that TAILS could create an endowment fund to help run
the center. The organization also
wants a staff of which they can be proud and one that is trained to do a
specific job.
Dr.
Balster reviewed an outline of expenses, which were based on those of Winnebago
County, which is three times the size of the TAILS proposed operation.
Staff will include a director, manager, receptionist, two kennel workers
and two and one-half wardens totaling $192,000 in salaries, with $30,000
budgeted for animal care, food, and medications and $50,000 for repairs and
utilities, for a total of $272,000 per year in expenses.
Proposed
funds for the center include 50% from the sale of tags, 30% from municipal
contracts, 10% from the adoption of animals, and 10% from donations.
Different tag options were presented for dogs, unneutered dogs, cats and
unneutered cats. At $10.25 for a dog tag and $5 for cats, $203,000 would be
generated. If the fee could be
substantiated and the program accepted by the community as a good service being
provided, fees could increase to $15 for dogs and to $10 for the registration of
cats, which would generate $330,000.
The
payment by a town or village would be made by determining their percentage of
the county population as a whole. Dr.
Balster pointed out that this aspect would need to be marketed before the center
was started. Total income,
consisting of tags, municipal contracts, adoption, boarding fees and donations,
would generate between $338,000 to $505,000.
Any excess revenue would go towards decreasing the debt on the building.
In
summary, TAILS is sharing this information with the Board of Health for their
consideration and comments. Their
vision is (1) to ensure the public health of DeKalb County residents by doing a
better job of vaccination compliance and stray dog and cat and nuisance wildlife
control; (2) to combine the effects of governmental function and animal welfare
and adoption; (3) to provide new ideas for revenue to support an animal control
center; and (4) for TAILS to support this concept in a major way with land and
money. Dr. Balster stated that it
may be necessary for county government to use its power to build an animal
control center, but it could be an enterprise center with revenue covering
costs. He thanked the Board of
Health again for listening to their concerns and suggestions.
Mr.
Heinisch asked if this could become a “back door” way of supporting the
program by becoming a general tax liability for the county or dependent on the
real estate taxes of the community. He
feels it should be user pay, and added that he is sympathetic and supportive of
this concept. Dr. Balster responded
that the idea is that those owning animals would support it. He pointed out that this project would not materialize unless
the concept was presented with municipal contracts in place and a commitment to
a set amount of fees as far as licensure was concerned.
Dr.
Peltz pointed out that the literature states that TAILS is not associated with
the current DeKalb County Humane Society, and wondered how that organization
feels about this concept. He also
asked if this group would provide competition for the current shelter or if it
could drive them out of business. Dr.
Balster responded that the current organization has been invited to join this
group, adding that their feelings are not really known. One of the problems with the current shelter is that it is
out of the way and not located near population centers.
Dr.
Peltz stated that the current shelter has had fundraisers in the past, and he
wondered if they would continue to have fundraisers. He also questioned if there would be friction between the two
groups or if the current shelter would phase out while the TAILS group phased
in. Ms. Stelford responded that
there is a feeling of resentment that there is a new group attempting to develop
a center, but added that current shelter staff have been invited to meetings
several times but staff there are not sure what TAILS is proposing is
appropriate. She pointed out that
the current shelter is donation-based, and the TAILS concept is based on
generating revenue in many different ways.
She added that there is never a lack of dogs or cats to adopt.
Ms.
Groth pointed out that TAILS would also provide educational sessions in the
schools, as well as for the general public.
This will be a broad-based service-based program.
She added that a resident would not have to have an animal to receive
services. Dr. Wiley asked how many
staff are involved in the current shelter.
Ms. Stelford responded that credible numbers have never been received.
Ms.
Stefani, TAILS board member, reported that she previously served on the board of
the current animal shelter and resigned when the board was not given the
opportunity to vote on the TAILS concept. She
added that the TAILS board is very different from that of the current shelter in
that there is a lot of discussion and input from board members and the
community.
Ms.
Conway questioned the health of the animals at the current shelter.
Ms. Stelford stated that the shelter houses 260 dogs and 190 cats in one
year, with surrounding counties receiving the overflow from our county.
Unfortunately, they are also receiving the donations for taking these
animals. She added that one of the
veterinarians on the TAILS board has made statements of health concerns
regarding animals not being vaccinated at the shelter.
Ms. Groth described the shelter as inhumane, and not being a good
environment for the animals or for the people that work there.
Ms.
Stefani stated that the educational component that the educational committee
envisions encompasses many
different programs. One is the
concept that offers education to young people to help them understand and earn
respect for all living things, making them a more well-rounded citizen.
Dr.
Peltz asked what the TAILS program would do with stray animals.
Ms. Stelford responded that the group intends to have a separate portion
of the center for wildlife rehabilitation.
Nuisance wildlife will be released in an appropriate manner if they are
well or rehabilitated first if they are injured.
Ms. Stelford stated that most adult animals would be taken to Oaken
Acres. She has co-taught a class
with 23 to 25 participants training to be wildlife rehabilitators. 85 to 90% of the animal control center will be dogs, cats and
exotics, with NIU providing most of the exotics.
Dr.
Wiley asked if it was possible to tighten up on the vaccination of dogs and
cats. Dr. Balster stated that
statistics show there are a number of animals in DeKalb County that are not
vaccinated, adding that it is not possible for one animal control officer to
handle everything. Ms. Stelford
pointed out that these statistics include farm animals that are sometimes not
vaccinated. Dr. Wiley asked what
the consequence is if the dog is not registered.
Mr. Drake responded that there is a ticket procedure whereby the owner is
fined. Mrs. Grush stated that the
problem lies in finding the unregistered or unvaccinated dog.
Dr. Wiley asked if it were feasible to increase the percentage of
vaccinated animals. Mrs. Grush
stated that to substantially increase the number of dogs vaccinated and
registered would require something like a “door- to-door program” whereby
each home is visited to determine if an animal exists there and is not
registered. Dr. Seneczko stated
that cats are not required to be registered at this time and finds it incredible
that cats are not vaccinated as he has recently received several calls in
regards to cat bites.
Karen
suggested that an ad hoc committee be formed to meet and report back to the full
Board. Dr. Peltz stated that
another option would be that the full Board holding an extra meeting rather than
forming an ad hoc committee. Mrs.
Grush stated there is still a great deal of information that needs to be
gathered. She supports holding a
special meeting at some point after more information is received.
Mrs.
Grush stated that no new grant money has been received at this point, but she is
hopeful additional tobacco monies will be forthcoming.
The Department of Public Health budget includes $40 million for state and
local funding to prevent and reduce tobacco use.
The budget also includes an additional $10 million for local health
departments to be used to address health priority areas identified by local
needs assessment. She pointed out
that since tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable illness and death in
Illinois and the nation, addressing our identified local needs would be an
appropriate use of this money.
Mrs.
Grush pointed out that the employment of nurses continues to be a problem.
A meeting was held at Home Care today to develop a plan to cover staff
shortages this summer with planned vacations and one staff nurse going on
maternity leave in May. She stated that it could become necessary in the near future
to not accept all referrals. Mr.
Kuhn stated that it would be a major concern if referrals could not be accepted.
While he appreciates being proactive and looking ahead, there is no other
agency to pick up these patients in our community.
Mr.
Drake, director of Environmental Health, introduced Dan Berres, Animal Control
officer, and Pete Adrian, coordinator of the Solid Waste Management Program.
Mrs. Grush introduced Dr. Palmer, who has been Animal Control
administrator since 1984.
Mr.
Adrian presented the 2000 DeKalb County Recycling Rate Survey.
He stated that DeKalb County’s comprehensive recycling rate is 68%, the
percentage of all waste disposed of in DeKalb County.
He pointed out that one reason for the high recycling rate is because
there is a business in the county that recycles concrete and
construction/demolition debris. The rate without this material is 46%, which is still one of
the highest, if not the highest, rates in the state of Illinois.
Mr.
Adrian presented a chart comparing the waste recycled from 1995 through 2000.
The amount has been consistent over the past two years in the amount of
waste recycled and the volume of waste going to the landfill.
He stated that this report will go to the Planning and Regulation
Committee of the County Board as they are concerned about how much waste is
disposed of in the landfill and how much of that waste is out-of-county.
Mr. Adrian pointed out that DeKalb County has an agreement to not accept
more than 10% waste from out-of-county, with the rate this year at 8%.
A
chart showing the composition of the solid waste stream or commercial versus
residential recycling was presented with commercial recycling at 35.41%,
commercial waste at 28.61%, residential waste at 16.08%, and residential
recycling at 19.89%. A table was
also presented showing the final disposal locations for DeKalb County’s solid
waste, including DeKalb, Lee, Ogle and LaSalle County locations, as well as the
Winnebago Reclamation Service. Mr.
Adrian pointed out that residential recycling is doing quite well, with 92% of
residents in DeKalb County recycling to some degree. Mrs. Grush stated DeKalb County should be proud of this
recycling rate.
Mrs.
Baj, director of Home Care, stated that her main concern is staffing, adding
that she finds it scary that she is unable to hire nurses.
She is facing staff on summer vacations and one nurse on maternity leave.
Mrs. Grush feels that our agency is competitive salary-wise.
Mrs. Pecka pointed out that nurses are not signing on even with the offer
of large bonuses because they know the hiring organization must be short-staffed
and desperately in need of staff. Mrs.
Baj stated that Home Care has not offered sign-on bonuses because current staff
would resent such action. Dr. Peltz
asked if much money was being spent on advertising for nurses.
Mrs. Baj responded that she is unsure of the cost to date, but ads have
been running almost continuously this year.
Recently, ads were run in papers out of DeKalb County and ads may soon be
placed in Rockford papers. She
feels the best way to obtain new staff is through word-of-mouth that this is a
nice place to work and is a good job as far as the nursing profession goes.
Ms.
Conway asked if the agency had any involvement with NIU’s School of Nursing.
Mrs. Baj responded that she did speak with Kishwaukee College staff and
that the Home Care Program acts as a site for NIU students.
She pointed that most of these students, however, return to the city to
work. She added that the program is
unable to hire new graduates because of the independence required during their
home visits, and nurses must have one year of medical/surgical experience.
Mr. Heinisch stated that the TriCounty Community Health Center does more
with Kishwaukee College and NIU in terms of students participating in their
programs. Mrs. Grush pointed out
that TriCounty was designed to be a site for students.
Mrs.
Lux, director of Personal Health Services, reported that staff in Public Health
have been very stable for a long time and the programs have grown more slowly
than in Home Care. Currently, she
has two nurses relocating, a maternity leave beginning in July, two nurses
having surgery, a program coordinator and a case manager resigning and summer
vacations planned. She stated that
experience is required, but a new graduate could be hired.
She indicated that this has been done in the past and has worked out
well. Mrs. Grush stated that an
advertisement was run recently with no responses received.
All
grant programs have been reviewed by Department of Human Services staff, with
very, very positive reports received. She
is proud of the programs reviewed, which provides positive feedback that our
programs are good.
Mrs.
Zanellato, director of Health Education, stated that a fifth grader from
Kingston won the poster contest for the Tar Wars Program and placed third in the
state where the award was a 13” television. Her staff has been working with McDonald’s Corporation, and
table tents will appear in their restaurants in the next month that are geared
primarily to parents with a callback piece to see if the agency receives
responses. Ms. Zanellato added that
all division programs are very busy and going well.
Mrs.
Pecka stated that she has noted a real resurgence of smoking in younger people,
including the high school level, making it important to get the word out on the
dangers of smoking. Mrs. Zanellato
stated that the tobacco industry has documented that advertising costs have
increased to $10,000 per minute to recruit new smokers.
This makes it difficult for public health to turn it around, but there is
a great deal of research as far as tobacco use prevention that will help in the
future. Mr. Kuhn stated that the
news this evening addressed the issue that women have caught up with men on
smoking cancer rates with the biggest increase in young teenage girls.
Mrs. Pecka added that she sees four to five cases per day in acute care
centers with smoking-related illnesses.
Mr.
Kuhn stated that he was impressed with the numbers of the WIC caseload at 1,343.
Mrs. Lux stated that the caseload two to three years ago was 900 clients.
It has been possible to increase the caseload in WIC and be paid for it
even though the per client rate is the same as it was in 1992.
On
a motion by Mr. Heinisch, seconded by Mrs. Pecka, the Financial Statements of
January and February 2001 and the Claims for the months of February and March
2001 were approved. Motion carried.
Mrs.
Grush reported that the FY2000 audited financial statement would normally be
completed by this meeting, but has not been done because final instructions for
completion of the Medicare Cost Report have not yet been issued due to
implementation of the Prospective Payment System.
$1.1
million was budgeted in the Medicare – Home Nursing line item, and it is
expected that $1.3 million will be received.
Mrs. Grush stated a payback for the period 11-1-99 to 9-30-00 could be a
possibility this year. She
explained that, in 1999, costs were based on the new building and a number of
items going into the building. The
following year, the agency’s reimbursement rate is built on those costs.
As some were one-time costs, this past year’s reimbursement rate may be
higher than actual. She added that, in October when PPS was implemented, the
program received initial payments for its 130 patients. Every month since then, 30 to 40 patients have been admitted
so a large sum of money was received at that time.
A
total of $3.5 million is projected to be earned in the FY2000 budget, as
compared to the budgeted figure of $3 million and the revised budget figure of
$3.3 million. Mrs. Grush stated
that, assuming a substantial payback, the agency’s revenue should be at least
$3.3 million.
FY2000
expenses were 6% or $3.1 million above the budgeted figure.
This was due, in part, to the purchase of Home Care software and hardware
for approximately $100,000 from the Office Furniture and Equipment line.
Mrs. Grush pointed out that expenditures are very close to the revised
budget figure. She added that the
agency also paid the Social Security and IMRF for the Home Care Program staff,
which was not included in the original budget.
Revenue
comparisons from 1993 to 2000 were presented.
She pointed out that much more revenue was generated in Home Care in 1999
in Medicare and insurance due, in part, to the closing of Allen Home Health
Agency and Alpha Christian Registry no longer accepting home care patients.
Revenue,
expenses, and fund balance by year from 1982 through 2000 was presented.
Mrs. Grush stated that this reflects a projected fund balance of $1.5
million, and she is hopeful that the Medicare Cost Report will be finalized by
budget time so the actual fund balance will be available.
Mrs.
Grush stated that the compensation policies of both the County and the Health
Department provide for an annual Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA) given in
December and a merit increase in mid-year to eligible employees based upon
availability of funds. This
mid-year increase will be effective June 3, 2001.
She added that she feels comfortable in giving a 0 to 3 percent increase
this year to eligible employees.
Mrs.
Thurman moved to approve a 0 to 3 percent increase to eligible employees,
effective June 3, 2001, seconded by Ms. Conway.
Mr.
Kuhn asked if Home Care nurses would receive this increase since a salary
adjustment was approved for them at the November meeting, resulting in three pay
increases in one year. Mrs. Grush
stated that the nurses would begin falling behind again in terms of salaries if
this mid-year increase was not given to them.
Mr. Groark asked if the recent increase given was considered a market
adjustment. Mrs. Grush responded in
the affirmative, pointing out that it was to make the pay scale competitive with
the current market. She pointed out
that Home Care salary expenses were up about 30% for the first three months of
this year as compared to last year at this time. She feels today, financially, the agency has the funds to
give this increase and must do so to remain competitive.
Dr.
Peltz asked for an explanation of an “eligible employee.”
Mrs. Grush stated that the employee must have been hired by December 1,
be a permanent employee, and be evaluated by their supervisor who awards an
increase from 0 to 3% based on performance.
She stated that the majority of employees receive a 3% increase, with an
agency average of generally around 2.8%. If
an employee is at the top of their range, a 0 to 3% bonus is awarded.
The COLA given in December is based on this increase, which averages 4.5%
for an annual rate.
Motion carried.
Federal
regulations require that the Governing Board annually review the policies and
procedures of the Home Care Program and the Board of Health bylaws.
Mrs.
Grush announced that it is not possible to determine the cost per visit until
the Medicare Cost Report is completed, adding that it was difficult to obtain
numbers this year because of the new computer system. Statistics indicate that 1,215 more visits were made this
year than the previous year, an increase of 8%.
The number of patients served increased from 697 in 1999 to 825 in 2000.
She added that the majority of Home Care patients are referrals received
from the hospital and most are discharged because patients have met their goals.
A
summary of the medical record reviews, completed by the Audit Committee, was
presented.
Mrs.
Grush pointed out that one change in the Personnel Policies is that an
individual must be employed before December 1 and be eligible for permanent
status to be eligible for the merit raise given around June 1.
She stated that employees are terminated during the probationary period
if there are any serious doubts, but occasionally, the probationary period is
extended for up to three months. She
feels that these employees should be eligible for the merit increase at the end
of their extended probation.
An
addition in the area of Weekend Differential is the paying of time-and-a-half
for home visit-related time after-hours by the on-call weekday Home Health Nurse
and for visit-related time for Home Health Nurses during critical staff
shortages upon administrative approval.
In
the area of Weekend Differential, nurses assigned to work weekends and holidays
are reimbursed a differential set by the Board of Health.
The Animal Control Officer also receives a differential at a rate set by
the Board of Health for on-call work after normal working hours.
The
area of Travel and Expense Reimbursement was changed to clarify that the amount
paid to employees for mileage for use of the personal car is meant to cover such
things as gas, oil depreciation, insurance and deductibles related to a
work-related accident. Another
change is that travel reimbursement for staff responding as the result of being
on-call shall be portal to portal.
A
new policy presented, “Transfer to Inpatient Facility with Resumption of Care
or Discharge” is related to the institution of the OASIS assessment on all
patients and the Prospective Payment System (PPS). Mrs. Baj stated that, prior to PPS, the patient would have
been discharged when they entered the hospital, but now are placed on hold until
the end of their 60-day certification period.
At the end of the 60-day period, the patient is discharged if they do not
return to service.
No
changes were recommended to the Bylaws of the DeKalb County Health Department at
this time.
Mrs.
Pecka made a motion to accept the proposed policy recommendations, seconded by
Mr. Kuhn. Motion carried.
Mrs.
Grush stated that the agency received a small Breast and Cervical Cancer Grant
for DeKalb County. Every county in
the state has this program, and our agency is a subcontractor to Winnebago
County. This grant is being
implemented to provide breast and cervical cancer screening for low-income women
who do not have resources to receive a pap test or mammogram. Our agency will act as case manager of these clients, with
actual medical screening and services provided by other providers such as
TriCounty, Kishwaukee Community Hospital, Dr. Thornton and Dr. Baumgart.
She reported that mammograms will be done at Kishwaukee Community
Hospital (KCH). Reimbursement will
be based on Medicare rates for diagnostic procedures, but no funding is allotted
for treatment. There is a Bill
before the legislators to allow these low-income individuals to be covered under
IPA for follow-up. As case
managers, treatment could be located through some foundations that fund these
activities. There would be
agreements with those providing medical service, such as KCH that is doing the
mammograms, as well as Dr. Thornton and Dr. Baumgart.
A sample agreement, which has been approved by the States’ Attorney’s
office, was presented to the Board.
Mr.
Kuhn raised the concern about no funding available for treatment.
He pointed out that this population may have higher risks, since
historically, they have not had as much health care and that is why they are
targeted in this grant. He stressed
the need to encourage legislators to make funding available for treatment.
Mrs. Grush stated that she would write a letter on behalf of the Board of
Health. She added that, while she
has not had experience with this particular grant, every county in the state has
the grant and have been successful in finding resources for these individuals.
Mr.
Kuhn moved to pursue writing to state legislators to seek funding for treatment
of patients that are found to have pre-cancerous or cancerous conditions under
the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, seconded by Mrs. Thurman.
Motion carried.
Mrs.
Grush reported that it would not be necessary to bid out the new Animal Control
truck since it is being purchased under a government contract.
The Forest Preserve has expressed an interest in purchasing the current
vehicle for $4,000. Mr. Drake added
that the current box would also fit on the back of the new vehicle eliminating
the need to purchase a new one.
Newspaper
articles for the months of January and February included the certification of
Dr. Liakos by the orthopaedic board, the proposal by a Senate panel for
recruiting incentives for nurses, the honoring of smoke-free restaurants in
DeKalb County by the Board of Health, the release of a report listing the
progress and problems of early development in babies in the ‘90s, recognition
of National Nutrition Month, and the issue of poison prevention beginning in the
home.
Correspondence
included letters from Home Care patients expressing their thanks for the
services provided to them and their family members.
On
a motion by Mrs. Pecka, seconded by Mr. Groark, the Board of Health meeting
adjourned at 9:38 p.m. Motion
carried.
Glenda Pecka, R.N., M.S., Secretary
DeKalb County Board of Health
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