Amended 2/25/08
HUMAN SERVICES
February 4, 2008
Minutes
Members Present: Andy Schor, Rebecca Bahar-Cook, Curtis Hertel, Tim Soule, Mike Severino, Steve Dougan and Board Chairperson Marc Thomas
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Jared Cypher, Dr. Sienko, Marcus Cheatham, Sue Hull, Randy Bell, Anne Smiley, Deb Bloomquist and others
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Schor at 7:00 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the January 14, 2008 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. BAHAR-COOK, TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 14 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Additions to the Agenda: None
Limited Public Comment: None
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
3. Health Department
a. Resolution to Authorize Service Contracts with Licensed Dentists for 2008
b. Resolution to Authorize a Second Year Grant from the Federal Department of Health and Human Services for the Compassion Capital Demonstration Program
c. Resolution to Accept an Additional Ryan White Part B Grant Award from the Michigan Department of Community Health to Expand the HIV Care Services
4. Ingham County MSU Extension – Resolution to Establish Two Part-Time, Temporary Recycling Workers in Partnership with the Mason High School Community-Based Instruction and MSU Extension 4-H Youth Development Programs
5. Human Services Committee
a. Resolution Honoring Linda Diepenhorst
b. Resolution Honoring Geraldine Washington
c. Resolution Honoring Jacquelyne Anne Baumchen
d. Resolution Honoring Judy Jager
e. Resolution Honoring Judith Williams
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. Capital Area District Library – Capital Improvement Plan
Ms. Hill stated the Plan grew out of strategic planning process in 2006. The most urgent identified need is a new facility and improved current facilities. The Library has seen over 100% increases in visits and circulation in the past seven years. The main building in downtown Lansing is much deteriorated. Some municipalities have let their facilities deteriorate while others have taken care of their facilities.
The Plan includes recommendations for five new buildings and the renovation and/or expansion of the current facilities. Ms. Hill stated the total cost of the Plan is $94 million. The Plan includes a partnership with Impression 5. This partnership would encourage youth to become involved in math and science.
The Capital Area District Library Board has voted to place a Millage on the ballot in August 2008. Ms. Hill stated the Board has hired a financial planner to determine the Millage rate.
Comm. Hertel asked why the Library Board determined to place the Millage question on the August ballot instead of the November ballot. Ms. Hill explained the August election is slightly smaller and this issue may stand out better. Comm. Dougan asked if the Library Board has approached East Lansing about becoming involved in CADL. Ms. Hill stated East Lansing is not interested in becoming a part of the District Library.
(Board Chairperson Thomas arrived at 7:10 p.m.)
The Committee held a general discussion about the Plan. Ms. Hill stated the downtown library is seen as the centerpiece; therefore, the cost for this item is slightly higher than the other amounts in the Plan. Chairperson Schor stated he is a frequent user of the Library. He asked if anyone has considered the impact the Millage would have on the tax payers. Chairperson Schor further stated he is disappointed that the study did not include any focus groups or random citizens regarding the higher Millage rates.
Ms. Hill stated the Library has conducted some polls. The polls have indicated approximately a 57% support for the Plan. A focus group will be consulted next month. Comm. Hertel stated the Library used focus groups early in 2007. Ms. Hill stated the Library has held several meetings with neighborhood groups to discuss their needs for the Library.
Comm. Hertel stated this community has a strong value for education. Including Impression Five in the Plan was a good decision as it will help to recruit young people to the area. Comm. Hertel further stated he believes the Millage will be successful in the August ballot. He asked Ms. Hill to let him know if he can assist in any way with this effort.
Comm. Dougan asked if the Plan will only go forward with the inclusion of Impression Five. Ms. Hill stated that is the case.
2. Interview – Community Health Center Board
The Committee interviewed Bridgette Jones for a position on the Community Health Center Board.
Chairperson Schor stated he will resign from the Community Health Center Board due to time constraints. Board Chairperson Thomas stated he is willing to serve on the Board.
MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. BAHAR-COOK, TO RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENT OF BRIDGETTE JONES TO THE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER BOARD AND TO ALSO RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENT OF BOARD CHAIRPERSON THOMAS TO THE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER BOARD. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3d. Health Department - Presentation – Dr. Dean Sienko, Capital Area Regional Health Information Organization
Dr. Sienko stated an important new development in our community is the formation of the Capital Area Regional Health Information Organization (Organization). The Organization could have a profound impact on health and health care in our area. It could reduce costs, improve quality and it may lead to innovation in the health technology sector.
Dr. Sienko stated his concern that the health of the public should be of paramount concern to the Organization when it begins doing business. Ingham County should be part of the governance of the Organization. Dr. Sienko further stated the Organization will request an investment from the County to assist in this effort.
Mr. Cheatham provided a power point presentation regarding the Organization. The United States spends 150% of what other countries spend on healthcare, however, the United States lags behind. Approximately 15% of the Country is uninsured.
The Organization will exchange all kinds of electronic data on patient care. The data includes medical records, laboratory reports, pharmacy information and images. Mr. Cheatham stated the information will be made available to physician offices. This information will improve efficiency and the quality of health care.
Dr. Sienko stated he saw this information exchange in Indianapolis , Indiana. Doctors can access patient information via computer. The information exchange will provide better coordination in health care for people.
Mr. Cheatham reviewed the funding structure:
$300,000 from major previews matched by State Medicaid
$ 75,000 from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
$ 1.4 million awarded from MiHIN for initial development activities
EMR Installation
Consultants have determined there is a market for this effort in this area. Annual operational costs for this effort are approximately $1.5 million. Requests for proposals will be issued for potential vendors. An investment analysis should be available in June. The Organization Board will be formed in August and the vendor will be selected in October.
COMM. HERTEL DISCOSED THAT HE WORKS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH.
Comm. Hertel asked if the goal of this effort is to have all private doctors, hospitals and free clinics to share information. Dr. Sienko indicated that is the goal of the Organization. Comm. Hertel stated Sparrow’s new system would fit into this effort. He then stated the biggest savings will be for insurance companies and Medicaid as medical tests will not have to be repeated. This should be a national effort in the future. Mr. Cheatham stated a town in Colorado had 80% to 90% participation in three years. Once the system is operational, it should be self sustaining.
Comm. Severino asked how practical this effort will be in this area. Dr. Sienko stated the local hospitals are interested in this issue. They have been at the discussion tables. He further stated he believes doctors will be comfortable using another doctor’s tests.
Board Chairperson Thomas stated he thinks the savings may be eaten up by the technology costs. Mr. Cheatham stated the Organization can be a big or a small technology. Additional products and services can be generated to sell to the hospitals. This effort will only provide services that make sense. Doctors and hospitals will make decisions regarding their medical records.
Board Chairperson Thomas asked who would be responsible for ensuring the technology works. Mr. Cheatham stated a vendor will be responsible for the technology. Comm. Bahar-Cook stated the County has been dealing with Court View problems. She cautioned the Health Department to move slowly on this matter. She further stated she understands the need to be proactive and to move forward.
Comm. Hertel stated the County needs to make this commitment. He then asked if insurance companies are willing to invest in this effort. Dr. Sienko stated an insurance carrier was at the discussion table a few weeks ago and expressed interest in the effort.
Comm. Severino asked if the Health Department is comfortable with its technology and with its staff having access to patient’s information. Dr. Sienko stated the Department has work to do in this area.
Comm. Dougan asked if emergency responders will have access to the information. Dr. Sienko stated it’s possible for emergency responders to have access to the information.
The Committee held a brief discussion regarding the funding aspects of this effort. Dr. Sienko stated service providers will supply part of the funding. Chairperson Schor asked if other counties are having this discussion. Mr. Cheatham explained the State selected Ingham County to lead this effort. The State is also reviewing how to help sustain this effort over time.
Chairperson Schor stated this Committee will discuss this issue further in the near future.
6. Commissioner Andy Schor – Resolution Authorizing an Appropriation from the 2008 Contingency Fund for Expanding Access to Health Care
Chairperson Schor stated this Committee should honor its commitment from last year. Staff has indicated that if the Committee wishes to honor this commitment, the funds would come from the contingency fund. Chairperson Schor asked the Committee for its thoughts on this matter.
Comm. Severino stated he could think of other uses for the contingency funds such as the Angel House. He further stated the Committee should wait a few weeks to settle other issues before making this determination. This is not an emergency situation.
Chairperson Schor stated he will place this item on the agenda for the first meeting in March.
(Comm. Soule left the meeting at 8:11 p.m.)
Comm. Dougan indicated the County has other issues to consider. Employee paychecks are decreasing due to healthcare costs. Post retirement healthcare is another large issue before the County.
Board Chairperson Thomas stated his initial reaction, in principle, is to support this effort. This should be a part of the normal budget process. Mr. Cypher stated the Ingham Health Plan is traditionally a part of the budget process. This Committee will discuss if it will fully fund the Plan in the 2009 budget.
Comm. Hertel stated this Committee should declare that it’s our goal to fully fund this item in 2010 and we should come very close to that level in 2009. Chairperson Schor stated he shares Comm. Hertel’s position.
Board Chairperson Thomas stated he would prefer to give staff direction on this matter during a Board Leadership meeting.
7. Board Referral – Letter from Jim Paparella, Capital Area Child and Family Services, Regarding Angel House Forensic Interviewer Position
Comm. Bahar-Cook stated she has been working with Mr. Paparella, Ms. Hull and the Controller to explore different funding opportunities.
Announcements: None
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff