Peoria Standard

Peoria County Board of Health met January 9.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

Members Present: Ms. Groves-Allison, Dr. Trachtenbarg, Dr. Na’Allah, Ms. Sullivan, Ms. Simpson, Ms. Williams, Rev. Duren

Members Absent: Dr. Hippler, Dr. Armmer, Dr. Anderson, Ms. Harant, Mr. Baker

Staff Present: Gene Huber, Public Health Administrator 

Monica Hendrickson, Epidemiologist 

Emily Connors, Director of Human Resources 

Brian Gulley, Director of Finance 

Kristin Grubb, Compliance Coordinator 

Melissa Hall Adamson, Director of Community Health Policy & Planning/Assistant Administrator 

Meredith Littell, Assistant Director of Infectious Disease 

Wil Hayes, Director of Environmental Health 

Dr. Bishop, Director of Dental 

Jean Bellisario, Director of Infectious Disease

Others Present: Elliott Murray, League of Women Voters

Item 1 – Call to Order

Meeting was called to order at 6:04 pm by Ms. Groves-Allison.

Item 2 – Pledge of Allegiance

Item 3 – Comments from the Public

There were no comments from the public.

Item 4 – President’s Comments

Ms. Groves-Allison stated that six Board of Health members’ terms expire in 2018; assuming all six members want to remain on the Board, she and Ms. Huber discussed requesting a one year extension with the County Board Chair for two of those members. This would result in a more even staggering of terms with four expiring in 2017, four in 2018, and four in 2019. Ms. Groves-Allison stated that the attendance information for 2016 was included in the packet for members to review in determining if they want to remain on the Board when their term expires. She asked members to let her or Ms. Huber know.

Rev. Duren entered the meeting at 6:08 pm.

Item 5 – Consent Agenda Items

A motion was made by Dr. Trachtenbarg to approve the consent agenda items. Motion was seconded by Ms. Sullivan. Motion carried (7, 0).

Item 6 – Administrator Comments 

In the first item of business, Mr. Gulley summarized the Financial Services Report. Ms. Huber stated that the reporting period being approved is 12; the agenda listed the reporting period of 11 which was incorrect. In response to a question regarding if the agency will come in under budget for FY16, Ms. Huber stated that she anticipates the deficit amount to be half of what was budgeted. A motion to approve the Financial Services Report was made by Ms. Simpson. Motion was seconded by Dr. Na’Allah. Motion carried (7, 0). 

In the next item of business, Ms. Huber stated that the County Board will be voting on a Voluntary Retirement Incentive (VRI) early retirement plan at its meeting on January 12th. She stated that while the Health Department is not part of the County’s general fund, if passed the VRI would be offered to all County employees. The goal of the VRI is to offset potential layoffs, which are being done to help get the general fund back in line. Ms. Huber stated that 40 positions need to be eliminated to right the County’s general fund; however, no layoffs will be done at PCCHD. She added that there are 15 PCCHD employees that quality for the VRI if it is approved. The VRI would offer $10,000.00 cash, which is taxable, and $10,000.00 in a Health Savings Account, which is not taxable. Ms. Huber stated that any non-general fund agency that has an employee take the VRI would have to pay the cash amount out of its own budget. She added that she anticipates filling any positions vacated due to the VRI. In response to a question regarding the criteria to qualify for the VRI, Ms. Huber stated that employees must meet IMRF (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund) requirements for retirement. Ms. Williams stated that County wide there are 170 employees eligible for VRI, with 78 of those in the general fund.

Item 7 – Old Business 

A motion was made by Dr. Na’Allah to approve the 2017 Personnel Policy changes as suggested by the State’s Attorney’s Office. Motion was seconded by Ms. Simpson. Ms. Connors stated that the following sentence needs to be removed from both bullet points under Education Assistance: “In the event of involuntary termination no repayment will be required.” In response to a question regarding how OSF credits would be repaid, Ms. Huber stated that the State rate amount would be used. Motion carried (7, 0).

Item 8 – New Business 

Ms. Williams stated that she heard on the news this evening about lead testing being done in water at schools and daycares. There was discussion regarding pending legislation about this issue. Mr. Hayes stated that PCCHD does not do lead testing of water and he is unsure if IEPA or IDPH would have a lead role for such testing. Ms. Huber stated that staff will look into this for more information.

Item 9 – Executive Session 

At 6:30 pm, a motion was made by Rev. Duren to enter Executive Session to discuss the Public Health Administrator’s evaluation. Motion was seconded by Ms. Sullivan. Motion carried (7, 0).

At 6:54 pm, the Board returned to regular session. 

Item 10 – Adjournment 

Being no further business, a motion was made by Ms. Simpson to adjourn the meeting. Motion was seconded by Dr. Na’Allah. Motion carried (7, 0). 

Meeting adjourned at 6:55 pm.

http://www.peoriacounty.org/download?path=%2Fcountyboard%2FCommittee_Agenda_and_Minutes%2F2017%2FFebruary%2F28+-+County+Health%2FCounty+Health+Agenda+2-28-17.pdf