MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
WORK SESSION
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Location: Timothy Smith Conference Room
Present: Linda S. Burt, Chair; Kenelm N. Collins, Vice-Chair;
Russell H. Sandblom, Clerk; Martin F. McDonald;
Sheila Vanderhoef, Administrator
Absent: Selectman David Schropfer
Also Present: Gail Hoffman, Chair, Eastham Human Services Advisory Committee
Henry Tuttle, Outer Cape Health Services, Inc., Executive Director
Dave Hale, Outer Cape Health Services, Chief Financial Officer
Selectman Burt called the meeting to order at 2:35 p.m.
No public information was offered at this time.
Ms. Vanderhoef stated that Ms. Hoffman, Mr. Tuttle and Mr. Hale were here today to participate in a discussion with the Board of Selectmen on the Outer Cape Health Services’ request for funding. Funding of $5,000 awards have, in the past, come from the Timothy Smith Fund with the Board of Selectmen’s approval. Last year, Ms. Vanderhoef notified Outer Cape Health Services that the town would have difficulty maintaining this level of funding. Mr. Tuttle is present here today to answer any questions regarding this matter and their FY 07 request for $10,000.
Mr. Tuttle noted that Outer Cape Health Services relocated to Eastham on Brittany’s Way in
April 2006. He said that they have a three-year lease and are settling in well.
Selectman Burt inquired as to why the request for funding was increased from $5,000 to
$10,000. Mr. Tuttle said that services are delivered to the public whether or not they
have health benefits. They have seen an increase in demand for services, and have expanded
their services in key areas such as behavioral health. The additions of other services are in the developmental stages (i.e., dental health - to be operational in approximately one year; Pulmonology; Podiatry and addition of some surgery services). Mr. Tuttle stated that they have seen a significant increase of patients during the summer, which include many foreign students. Selectman Sandblom asked if foreign students using their services contribute to their health care, and/or if they break even. Mr. Hale replied that students buy their insurance in their home country, take receipts and get reimbursed when back.
Mr. Hale also stated that in virtually all cases reimbursement is less than billing. Cost per visit is approximately $120.00 per visit per patient, and they are reimbursed approximately $85.00 from the State.
Mr. Tuttle noted that much is tied to history and tradition. He noted that Outer Cape Health Services is celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. He also emphasized the importance of a community health care network. Mr. Tuttle stated that at this point he has heard from Provincetown, Orleans, Wellfleet and Truro regarding funding.
Mr. Tuttle noted that although the funding amount received from Eastham has been traditionally $5,000, there is, in actuality, a net deficit of approximately $15,000 in cost for actual services. This is a scenario that is repeated in most of the towns served. Mr. Hale noted that approximately seventy five percent (75%) of their costs are for personnel which number approximately one hundred (100) employees, and not for building and/or materials. They are making an effort to expand their home-based care. They are also trying to create relationships with those served by providing some consistency for patients visiting their facility on a recurring basis. Mr. Tuttle also noted that Outer Cape Health Services does not have a substantial number of volunteers.
Selectman Burt asked why a member of Eastham is not presently represented in the Board of Directors for Outer Cape Health Services. Mr. Tuttle stated that perhaps there are no
vacancies. However, he noted that representatives from Eastham are welcome to serve on their
Board of Directors, and he will look into this further.
Mr. Tuttle said that Outer Cape Health Services serves an essential service, and that exhaustive analysis outlining density, behaviourial needs, etc. are underway. As mentioned, there is a great need for addressing psychiatric needs, and one indication of this need is that they are currently booked through December for these services. Mr. Tuttle was pleased to report that Outer Cape Health Services is moving toward obtaining a mental health license in 2006 in order to expand these services.
Ms. Hoffman wondered how many of the uninsured are from groups of individuals who have seasonal vs. year round resident status. The statistics provided by Outer Cape Health Services
are for year round residents, and include the uninsured, those receiving free care or those
who are on medicare. The demand in Eastham alone has risen by 12% in the last year. They are seeing a greater demand from individuals with little or no insurance each year, a trend which is of great concern.
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that when the Timothy Smith Fund was created, a committee at that time decided how those funds would be administered. Funds granted to Outer Cape Health Services have come from the “needy” portion of the Timothy Smith fund. At present, there are no monies left in this portion of the fund. Help to individuals in need of fuel assistance has been coming out of the educational portion of the fund.
Selectman Burt and Selectman Collins thanked Ms. Hoffman, Mr. Tuttle and Mr. Hale on behalf of the entire Board and the Town of Eastham for their services, expertise in these areas and for sharing their concerns with them.
Selectman Burt noted that a decision would not be made at this moment, as the Board of
Selectmen would like to think further on their request, to determine what amount would be
considered and where the monies would come from. The request before them today is for the current fiscal year (FY 07) and will be revisited as stated.
3:25 p.m. Council on Aging - Discussion Request - $1,205.00 - furniture
Selectman Collins noted that the request for $1,205.00 from the Council on Aging for office furniture has come before the Board of Selectmen today because requests from the C.O.A. Human Services Gift Fund must be approved by the Board of Selectmen.
Selectman Collins moved to approve the amount of $1,205.00 toward the purchase of
office furniture for the Outreach Office as presented.
Selectman Sandblom asked for a discussion on this motion. Selectman Sandblom recommended
exhausting other possible resources before approval for purchases of office furniture (i.e., surplus from state, schools, banks, etc.).
Ms. Vanderhoef noted that the desks presently in use at the Council on Aging are original desks from Taunton (state surplus). Town Hall has also accessed surplus furniture from the state and
banks to fulfill their needs for furniture as appropriate. In turn, Ms. Vanderhoef noted that when we have surplus items, the Board of Selectmen votes to auction off these items and takes cash in. We have no warehouse facility to house surplus items.
Selectman Sandblom seconded the motion. Approved 4-0.
OTHER BUSINESS
Continuation of discussion from Monday, September 18, 2006 Board of Selectmen’s Meeting regarding an Appointment to the Cape Cod Commission.
Discussion regarding an appointment to the Cape Cod Commission was taken up by the Board of Selectmen at their Monday, September 18, 2006 Board of Selectmen’s meeting. At that meeting, the Board of Selectmen interviewed both Ms. Joyce Brookshire and Mr. David Maynard as possible candidates. The Board of Selectmen concurred that before finalizing this appointment, they would like input from the Cape Cod Commission as to whether or not they could appoint two members (one primary and one alternate). The impetus for this request was that Ms. Brookshire had expressed that she would be away for some of the meetings, and they wanted to see if Mr. Maynard could be appointed as an alternate to fill in when necessary.
Ms. Joyce Brookshire, present at today’s meeting, stated that she would like to be appointed to the Cape Cod Commission, would bring commitment and a lot of experience to this position, and would update the Board of Selectmen as appropriate. However, Ms. Brookshire did want the Board of Selectmen to know, as she had previously stated, that she does travel to Florida on occasion, and might have spaces of time where she will be unable to attend meetings.
Ms. Vanderhoef, at the request of the Board of Selectmen, spoke with Ms. Margo Fenn of the Cape Cod Commission. Ms. Fenn indicated that she did not see a problem with an individual
missing some meetings. Anyone can go to the meetings, but only the appointed member may participate and vote.
Selectman Sandblom noted that two candidates are being considered. Mr. David Maynard would be available full-time and Ms. Joyce Brookshire would be available part time. Selectman Sandblom recommends that the individual with full time availability be appointed, and recommends that the part time individual fill in as necessary. Selectman Sandblom said that this is an important appointment, would be a good learning experience for a new member, and that he would prefer continuity in representation.
Selectman Burt noted that Ms. Brookshire was well qualified and would bring experience to this appointment. Selectman McDonald also noted that Ms. Brookshire brings a lot of experience to the table and has proven her ability to represent Eastham. Selectman McDonald stated that there is a lot going on with the Cape Cod Commission at this time, and recommend’s that Ms. Brookshire be appointed.
Ms. Brookshire noted that she would be more than happy to work with Mr. Maynard. Selectman Sandblom noted that we should encourage new people with new ideas to fill appointments, and take advantage of new people coming forward. He felt that Ms. Brookshire has done a great job, but maintains that this should be a full time appointee.
Selectman Burt noted that many individuals on committees go away for a couple of weeks.
Mr. Brookshrie said that she will probably be gone only three to four weeks this November, and is not sure about next Spring. Selectman McDonald said he felt certain that Ms. Brookshire would let the Board of Selectmen know if she were unable to fulfill this appointment honorably.
Selectman Collins added that he was certain Ms. Brookshire would keep the Board fully
informed.
Selectman McDonald made a motion to appoint Mr. Joyce Brookshire to the Cape Cod
Commission for a term to expire on April 24, 2009, and asked that the Cape Cod Commission be appraised of their decision. Selectman Collins seconded the motion. Approved 4-0.
Selectman Brookshire thanked the Board of Selectmen, and asked that they let her know how often they would like her to come before them with updates. Selectman Burt suggested receiving quarterly reports from Ms. Brookshire, and on an impromptu basis as necessary.
Flag Committee discussion:
Selectman McDonald requested an update regarding the formation of a Flag Committee for the development/creation of a Town of Eastham flag. Ms. Vanderhoef noted that she has been trying to get in touch with individuals regarding this effort. Other ideas were to contact the Visitor’s Tourism & Promotion Services Board, and to perhaps get in touch with local artists and/or go to the high school to tap into the students’ artistic talent.
All matters having been discussed, Selectman Burt made a motion at 3:55 p.m. to go into Executive Session for the purposes of discussion of litigation, and not to return to Public Session. Selectman Burt, yes; Selectman Collins, yes; Selectman Sandblom, yes; Selectman McDonald, yes.
Respectfully submitted,
Lorraine Speros
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