Board of Health - October 11, 2024 Minutes
Special Meeting: October 11, 2024
The Special Meeting of the Board of Health of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, was held in person at City Hall Commission Chambers at 9:00 a.m., on Friday October 11, 2024.
The Board members present or absent during roll call were:
Present: Jayme Steig, PharmD; John Strand; Kayla Nelson, DNP, APRN, FNP-C; Lyn Telford, MSN, RN, CPHQ (Chair); Grant Syverson, MD; Jim Kapitan
Virtual: Avish Nagpal, MD
Absent: Bernie Dardis; Nymal Dei, MPH
Others: Jenn Faul, LCSW; Holly Scott; Larry Anenson, Jr., PhD, RN; Suzanne Schaefer BSN, RN; Melissa Perala; Doug Murphy; Grant Larson, RS, EHP; Kim Vance, LRD, RD; Jan Eliassen; Brenda Derigg, PE; Nancy Morris; Michael Redlinger; Tim Mahoney MD, Pam Grothman, RN; LeDora Wohler; Rachael Johnson, BSN, RN; Carissa Raeen; Jordan Joshua; Beth Wiegman, PHR, SHRM-CP, IPMA-SCP; Brandi Deutsch, SHRM-CP; Katie Ettish
Announcements: No announcements.
Ms. Telford requested introductions from the board members as well as the staff present from the department. Roundtable introductions were given by the present members.
Approval of the Agenda: Mr. Syverson moved the agenda for approval. Ms. Nelson seconded this motion. This motion was declared carried.
Approval of the meeting minutes: Mr. Steig moved the minutes for approval. Ms. Nelson seconded this motion. This motion was declared carried.
Ms. Telford provided a reminder of the open meeting laws regarding special meetings as well as the Board’s role in public health for the community.
Operational Budget Reduction
Ms. Telford requests an update from the department regarding the recent changes to the health officer’s role. Ms. Telford also notes that prior to the previously scheduled Board meeting, herself and Ms. Nelson discussed with Director Faul some of the force and operations reductions. Ms. Faul begins by discussing her conversations regarding the current contract as well as the recent history of the health officer contracts. Ms. Faul notes that the current contract is in partnership with North Dakota State University (NDSU) to provide a faculty member to act as a health officer. Ms. Faul notes some of the terms of this contract, including the note that the current contract does not cover the full umbrella of the department, specifically the Harm Reduction Program not being covered. Ms. Faul continues by stating she had a conversation with the current health officer to discuss terminating the partnership with NDSU and to reduce the hours of the program. Ms. Faul notes that previous conversations among department management led to carefully reviewing this contract in August during its annual review. Ms. Faul notes that this conversation with the current staff member, Dr. Tracie Newman, did not occur until the week prior to this meeting. Mr. Syverson requests Ms. Faul to discuss the specific composition of these conversations. Ms. Faul notes that those conversations occurred with the management team, who are present at the meeting. Mr. Syverson asks Ms. Faul if she thought it would be helpful to discuss this matter with the Board and Ms. Faul states she did have some discussions with Ms. Telford and Ms. Nelson during a previous conversation. Ms. Faul continues by noting that this prompted the need to compare to other Midwest local public health units of like size since it is difficult to compare other local public health units throughout the state considering Fargo Cass Public Health is the largest agency. Ms. Faul notes the hours and compensation vary. Ms. Faul provides specific details of conversations as asked for by Mr. Syverson, Ms. Nelson and Ms. Telford. Mr. Mahoney provides more context for the current contract and the employment process for contract positions following questions from Ms. Nelson. Ms. Telford asks about the recent budget process and what it looked like across the city following concerns she has received. Mr. Mahoney and Mr. Redlinger provide context to the process. Ms. Nelson questions the education composition of the current staff and Ms. Faul provides a recently requested list of staff credentials. Mr. Mahoney and Ms. Faul continue to speak on the recent budget process. Ms. Faul discusses the composition of the health officer’s position current responsibilities in comparison to previous contracts following questions from Mr. Syverson and Ms. Nelson. Ms. Nelson asks Ms. Faul if salaries of other positions were looked at after she provided salary dollars from similar fields in different agencies and regions. Ms. Faul notes that various services of the department are regionally based across several counties unlike other local public health units.
Public Health Strategic Plan
Ms. Telford requests a copy of the strategic plan and asks about the planning cycle. Ms. Faul provides information regarding the status, outlook, and main strategic areas of the plan. Ms. Faul further discusses how the work being done by the department now and in the future will support these areas. Ms. Telford, Ms. Vance, Mr. Anenson and Ms. Perala discuss how the Women Infant and Children (WIC) program is funded and how WIC staff can provide services from other divisions of the department. Mr. Steig requests this plan be continually evaluated. Mr. Strand shares his appreciation for the Board and for the staff. Ms. Nelson and Ms. Telford share concerns.
Public Comments:
Erin spoke on the reduction in operations.
Kayla Carlson about the reduction in operations.
Next Meeting: December 6, 2024
Adjourn: 10:10 a.m.