Macon Reporter

Macon County Mental Health Board met Wednesday, Dec. 21.

Here are the minutes as provided by Macon County:

Minutes of the Macon County Mental Health Board December 21, 2016, 7:00 p.m. 132 S. Water St., Suite 604

Board Members Present: Mr. Rathnow, Ms. Hawkins, Mr. Alpi,

Ms. Seidman, Ms. Walker, Ms. Little

Board Members Absent: Mr. McRae, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Smith

Staff Members Present: Mr. Crowley, Ms. Shoemaker, Ms. Tangney,

Ms. Roettger

Call to Order

Mr. Rathnow called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and Ms. Tangney recorded the minutes. A quorum was present.

Approval of Minutes

1. Mr. Rathnow presented the minutes of the September 27, 2016 Board meeting. Asking

the Board for any changes or comments.

Board Action: (Ms. Little/Mr. Alpi) “To accept the minutes of the September 27, 2016 Board Meeting.” (Ayes=6, Nays=0) Motion carried.

Succession Committee – October 24, 2016

2.1-2.2 Mr. Rathnow explained the meeting consisted of discussing the closure of My Health Care Coordination at the end of the year, the resignation of staff that had been designated to fill the executive director position in an emergency, and the idea of creating a new position and exploring its financially feasible. Staff will prepare more detailed information and will present to a joint meeting of the succession committee members and the executive committee members.

Board Action: n/a

Policy Committee – November 28, 2016

3.1 Mr. Rathnow asked Ms. Walker to facilitate this discussion. Ms. Walker noted that the committee reviewed proposed revisions to the personnel policies that relate to the new Federal rules governing employee classifications and overtime pay. Ms. Walker asked Ms. Roettger to briefly recap the changes and asked Board members to voice any questions or comments.

Board Action: (Mr. Alpi/Ms. Hawkins) “To approve the proposed revisions to the personnel policies as presented to the Committee.” (Ayes=6, Nays=0) Motion carried.

4.1 Mr. Rathnow discussed with the Board the information provided to the committee regarding the impact of the loss of funding related to My Health Care Coordination on Board functioning and succession. The committee explored the possibilities of retaining Dr. Ida Hess in the role of Deputy Director. Staff presented information Dr. Hess’ background, experience and data regarding salary and overhead expenses. The committee discussed having the next executive director able to work with the current executive director for a period of time would make for a more uniform transition. The committee also reviewed comparative data form other 708 Boards regarding operational expenses and salaries.

Ms. Walker asked to speak with the Board without staff present. Once staff were excused, discussion regarding the implications and possible impacts on the Board took place. Board members requested and were provided with a copy of the Agreement signed by Mr. Crowley, Dr. Hess, and Board President Mr. McRae that had been presented at a Board meeting earlier this year; this was reviewed and discussed. Possible conflicts regarding personal relationships and professional roles were identified, and the question was raised regarding language in the Agreement that may conflict with the Executive Director’s responsibility to hire, fire, and discipline employees of the Board. Questions were also raised regarding the real need for someone in this position as well as the suggested salary for this person.

Board Action: (Ms. Little/Ms. Walker) “To table this agenda item until further review by the full Board.” (Ayes=6, Nays=0) Motion carried.

Executive Committee – December 19, 2016

5.1-5.2 Mr. Rathnow noted that after completing the performance and compensation review a two percent increase will be granted retroactively for fiscal year 2016.

Board Action: (Ms. Seidman/Mr. Alpi) “To grant the executive director a three percent increase retroactively for fiscal year 2016.” (Ayes=3, Nays=3 Ms. Little, Ms. Walker, Mr. Rathnow) Motion denied.

Board Action: (Ms. Little/Ms. Walker) “To grant the executive director a two percent increase retroactively for fiscal year 2016.” (Ayes=5, Nays=1 Ms. Seidman) Motion carried.

Budget & Finance Committee – December 16, 2016

Mr. Rathnow asked Ms. Little to facilitate this discussion. Ms. Little briefly discussed each financial statement and report with Board members soliciting comments and/or questions.

Board Action: n/a

Review of FY17 Proposed Budget

6.6 Ms. Little proposed not taking action on the FY17 budget changes due to the tabling of the Deputy Director position.

Board Action: (Ms. Little/Ms. Walker) “To table this agenda item until further review by the full Board.” (Ayes=4, Nays=2 Mr. Alpi, Mr. Rathnow) Motion carried.

Staff Report No staff report.

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.