Approved 10/1/07
HUMAN SERVICES
September 17, 2007
Minutes
Members Present: Curtis Hertel, Mark Grebner, Rebecca Bahar-Cook, Tim Soule and Board Chairperson Mark Thomas
Members Absent: Andy Schor and Mike Severino
Others Present: Jared Cypher and Dr. Sienko
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Hertel at 7:06 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the August 20, 2007 Minutes and August 20, 2007 Executive Session Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. SOULE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. GREBNER, TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 20 MINUTES AND THE AUGUST 20 EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Schor and Severino
Additions to the Agenda
2. Revised Information
Limited Public Comment: None
MOVED BY COMM. BAHAR-COOK, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
1. Health Department
c. Resolution to Authorize a 2007-2008 Agreement with the Michigan Department of Community Health for the Delivery of Public Health Services Under the Comprehensive Planning, Budgeting and Contracting (CPBC) Process
d. Resolution to Authorize an Agreement with the Shiawassee Community Mental Health Authority
e. Resolution to Authorize an Agreement with the Shiawassee Regional Education Services District
2. Capital Area Transportation Authority – Resolution Authorizing the Second Amendment to the Agreement with the Capital Area Transportation Authority Dated January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2010
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Schor and Severino
MOVED BY COMM. BAHAR-COOK, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Schor and Severino
1. Health Department
a. Discussion Item – Proposed Sanitary Code Amendment and Language of Proposed Sign to Refer Complaints of Alleged Food Borne Illnesses
Dr. Sienko explained that Comm. Schor contacted him regarding the food borne illness issue. Comm. Schor would like to amend the Sanitary Code to require restaurants to contact the Health Department when a patron becomes sick after eating in their establishments. Dr. Sienko stated amending the Code would require this Committee to hold a public hearing. Amending the Code would result in the Health Department having more complete information regarding the people who become ill from eating at a restaurant.
Dr. Sienko stated the proposed amendment language is contained in the agenda material. He then asked if this Committee would like to proceed with the amendment by first holding a public hearing. After a brief discussion, the Committee consented to holding a public hearing. Comm. Grebner stated the Michigan Restaurant Association, Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce and the Lansing Convention Center should be notified of the public hearing once the date has been determined.
CHAIRPERSON HERTEL DISCLOSED THAT THE MICHIGAN RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION HAS DONATED TO HIS CURRENT AND PAST CAMPAIGNS. THE LANSING AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MAY ALSO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO HIS PAST CAMPAIGNS.
BOARD CHAIRPERSON THOMAS DISCLOSED THAT THE LANSING AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HAS ENSORSED HIM IN PAST CAMPAIGNS.
COMM. BAHAR-COOK DISCLOSED THAT SHE HAS RECEIVED ENDORSEMENTS FROM THE MICHIGAN RESTAURANT ASSOSCIATION AND THE LANSING AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN PAST CAMPAIGNS.
b. Discussion Item – HIV Post-Test Counseling
Dr. Sienko stated if the Health Department encounters a patient who tests positively for HIV, that person has an obligation to inform each of his or her partners of this fact prior to engaging in a sexual act. The Health Department is committed to preventing the spread of HIV within our community.
The Department has asked patients to sign a form which acknowledges that a Department Counselor has informed them of their legal obligations and to also demonstrate that the Health Department has fulfilled its legal mandate.
Dr. Sienko stated that until last month, the Department has not received any complaints about the form. Media has recently questioned the use of this form. Now some people do not want to be tested for HIV. Dr. Sienko explained that the Health Department has eliminated the contract language in the form and it has been adjusted. HIV Counselors now sign a progress report to acknowledge that the appropriate information has been supplied to the patients. The patients receive information which describes their legal obligations to prevent the spread of HIV.
Comm. Bahar-Cook asked if the appropriate agencies have been notified of the above changes. Dr. Sienko indicated the agencies have been notified. Chairperson Hertel asked if the Department has spoken with the ACLU representative. Dr. Sienko stated he has not spoken with the representative; however, he worked with the County Attorney to determine which entities should be notified of the changes. He further explained that previous signed documents will be kept confidential.
Comm. Grebner suggested the Health Department summarize the law for distribution to the patients. The actual law should also be provided to the patients.
Comm. Bahar-Cook commended Dr. Sienko for responding to the concerns quickly. Chairperson Hertel stated the Department should publicize future changes for the benefit of the people who will be affected by such changes.
Announcements
Comm. Grebner stated Comm. Schor has raised some concerns regarding CATA in the past. Those concerns have been resolved. He then stated if any of the Commissioners have concerns regarding CATA, CATA is more than willing to discuss and resolve those concerns.
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff