Rural Health Community Systems, Inc.

 
Minutes
July 9, 2008
 

Thanks and appreciation was expressed to the meeting host, Mike Sprague for hosting the meeting at his home and for preparing a delicious lunch for the partners.
 
Present:
Eileen Schmidt
George Bliss                        
Everett Ferguson
Tim Wixom
Tim Marshall
Nan Hammes
Mike Sprague
Staff:  
Betty Wattenberg
Art Jones
Excused:
Al Lewis
Candi Thompson
Bob Rajsky
Gary Whiteman
Absent:
American Red Cross
 
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Nan Hammes at 10:45 AM
Everett moved, George second to approve the notes from the June meeting (no quorum) that were distributed electronically.  Motion approved by partners.
Everett moved, George second to approve the minutes of the May meeting distributed electronically.  Motion approved by partners.
 
POLICY, REGULATORY, OR LEGISLATIVE ISSUES
The Network Consultant presented the survey currently being conducted by the State Office for Rural Health.  The survey is asking that key issues as viewed by the responders be identified and ranked in importance.  Discussion took place regarding the many issues impacting EMS in the county.  Partners agreed to rank issues based on the 7 key issues identified in the 2006 Strategic Plan.  It was also suggested that since some categories are listed but EMS is not included to identify this in a note to go along with the survey.
            During the discussion financial concerns for the EMS agencies were discussed.  Partners suggested that the network could develop a presentation on the rules and regulations regarding billing for presentation to the EMS agencies.   This will be further investigated.
 
STRATEGIC PLAN PROGRESS
The partners reviewed the many initiatives the network has identified, proposed to the squads and undertaken to respond to the seven key issues identified in the 2006 Strategic Planning process (see attached list); the partners also reviewed a list compiled by the network of issues negatively impacting EMS.  Partners agreed to continue efforts to address the key issues and incorporate initiatives were possible to address the list developed by the partners.
 
NYSARH CONFERENCE
The 2008 New York State Association for Rural Health Conference will be held in Corning this year.  The partners of the network are eligible to attend the conference since the network is a member of NYSARH.  As soon as registration information is received it will be distributed to the partners.  Registration is required.
 
NYSARH EMS COMMITTEE
Through efforts of this network the EMS issues have been elevated to a state association level.  NYSARH has established an EMS committee of which the network consultant, the network coordinator, and a professor from the University of Buffalo are co-chairs.  Several conference calls and a meeting of the co-chairs have taken place to help focus and form the committee.  The first “in person” committee meeting will take place in Syracuse on July 23.  Representation will be from across rural New York State.
 
EQUIPMENT ~ PROJECTOR
The coordinator researched projectors and prices, with the assistance of Tim Marshall and George Bliss.  A new projector has been ordered through Davenport and Taylor at a cost of $795.00.  Delivery date is unknown as of now.  This purchase is to replace the old unit which has become unreliable. (Turns off without warning and won’t restart for days).
 
EMS YOUTH CORPS GRANT PROPOSAL
The network has submitted a grant application to the Southern Tier Central Appalachian Regional Commission for an EMS Youth Corps/EMS agency mentoring grant. (See attached summary of grant)  The network is still in the running for the grant and has been contacted for additional information to support the application.  The time frame for the grant, if approved is 2009.
 
PARTNER ATTENDANCE AT NETWORK MEETINGS
Article IV
“Cooperative Network” (Board of Partners)
Section IV:             Removal 
                Members are removed from the Board of Partners by quorum vote.  Three unexcused absences during any given fiscal year will equal a self-removal from the Board.
 
The Partners again discussed the attendance requirement for the network organizations.  The by-laws contain a requirement for attendance (see above) at network meetings.   The Coordinator of Network Initiatives has developed a spreadsheet tracking attendance.  The majority of the Partners have been extraordinary in their regular attendance over the last ten years.  They attend month after month year after year and have proved to be of great value.  The merit and consequence of their participation shows in the objectives the network has been able to accomplish.    The Network Consultant will review the attendance record and contact delinquent partners.  The purpose of the contact will be to determine their intent and interest in continued participation with the network. 
 
COORDINATOR OF NETWORK INITIATIVES
Please refer to attached report.
 
Being no further business to conduct, and with an excellent lunch of BBQ brisket, salads, and lemon meringue pie waiting (thanks to the culinary expertise of Mike Sprague) the meeting was adjourned at 12:12 PM
 
Respectfully Submitted
Arthur J. Jones
Acting Secretary
 
NEXT MEETING
September 3, 2008, 9:30 AM
Public Safety Building on Rumsey St. Ext.
Bath, New York