Board of Health - December 6, 2024
The regular Meeting of the Board of Health of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, was held in person at City Hall Commission Chambers at 12:00 p.m., on Friday December 6, 2024.
The Board members present or absent during roll call were:
Present: Jayme Steig, PharmD; Avish Nagpal, MD; Kayla Nelson, DNP, APRN, FNP-C; Lyn Telford, MSN, RN, CPHQ (Chair); Bernie Dardis; Jim Kapitan
Virtual: John Strand
Absent: Grant Syverson, MD; Nyama Dei, MPH
Others: Jenn Faul, LCSW; Holly Scott; Larry Anenson Jr., PhD, RN; Suzanne Schaefer, BSN, RN; Melissa Perala; Doug Murphy, MBA, BSMS; Grant Larson, RS, EHP; Kim Vance, LRD, RD: Jan Eliassen; Brenda Derrig, PE: Nancy Morris; Michael Redlinger; Tim Mahoney, MD; Pam Grothman, RN; Brandi Deutsch, SHRM-CP; Greg Schildberger
Announcements: None.
Approval of Agenda: Mr. Steig moved the agenda for approval. Ms. Nelson seconded this motion. This motion was declared carried.
Approval of Meeting minutes: Mr. Dardis moved the minutes for approval. Mr. Strand seconded this motion. This motion was declared carried.
North Dakota State University (NDSU) Public Health Association:
NDSU Public Health Association began their presentation by describing the history and accomplishments of public health in North Dakota each decade since its inception prior to North Dakota officially becoming a State. Examples include establishing a maternal child health program, appointing the first State Health Officer, funding comprehensive community-based approaches, and many more initiatives. Students from the association also focused on the future of public health by pointing out the needs, such as the need for more surveillance and population reporting, mental health challenges, access to quality health care and more. Department staff and board members ask the group of students about their main interests and intriguing finds throughout their education and training.
Health Officer Report:
Due to the absence of the Health Officer, Chair Ms. Telford requested for Board Members to review the presentation prepared by the Health Officer offline.
Strategic Plan Update:
Ms. Faul begins her discussion by providing the most recent history of the strategic plan progress and the outlook for the next planning cycle. Ms. Faul continues to report on the completed and ongoing tasks to fulfill these objectives. Some examples of the work the various divisions from the department have worked on include increasing internal and external collaboration, additional funding for specific efforts, and plans to gather and share data publicly. Ms. Telford notes her previous discussions with Ms. Faul regarding data sharing. Mr. Steig shares his appreciation for the value of collaboration and is interested in the next strategic plan update. Following a request from Mr. Steig, Ms. Faul shares the next steps for the plan.
Budget Update:
Ms. Perala provides a budget update to the board noting that revenue and expenses will be near target. Ms. Perala also notes some budget adjustments will be made from now until year end or later. Mr. Steig is curious to know what factors drive overtime and Ms. Perala notes that there are various reasons why staff have received overtime this past year, but the main reason is due to staff turnover. Ms. Nelson questions Ms. Perala about the temporary/seasonal portion of the department’s budget and it is noted that it is for various positions, primarily Harm Reduction positions such as Winter Warming, additionally employee military deployments.
Public Comments: None.
Approve next year’s BOH schedule:
The recommended schedule for the 2025 Board of Health is displayed to board members and staff. Ms. Faul and Ms. Telford agree quarterly meetings are efficient. Ms. Faul notes the meetings could be set up in a quarterly manner to report on the previous quarter’s progress and tasks. Mr. Steig shares his concerns about the ability to make quorums, especially during warmer months. Ms. Nelson moved this item for approval. Mr. Nagpal seconded this motion. This motion was declared carried.
Next Meeting: January 10th, 2025.
Adjourn at: 12:45 pm.