Kendall County Times

Kendall County Board of Health met Aug. 20.

Here is the agenda provided by the board:

I. CALL TO ORDER

Ms. Kelly called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.

II. ROLL CALL

A quorum was declared by roll call.

Members present: Dr. Julie Conlin, Lynn Cullick, Karen Kelly, Bobby Richardson, Gabriella Shanahan and Brooke Shanley

Members absent: Dr. Gustafson, Dr. Gleason, Jay Demarco, Ann Mann, and Jordan Gash

Staff present: RaeAnn VanGundy, Executive Director/Public Health Administrator; Steve Curatti Assistant Executive Director, Melissa Creamer, Director of Community Action, and Ryan Carrie, Asst. Director of Community Action.

Guests: None

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Ms. Cullick moved to approve the agenda as presented. Ms. Shanahan seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously by voice vote.

IV. APPROVAL OF JULY 16, 2024, REGULAR MINUTES

Ms. Shanley moved to approve the July 16, 2024; regular minutes as presented. Ms. Cullick seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously by voice vote.

V. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS & VISITORS / PUBLIC COMMENT

Melissa Creamer, Director of Community Action, and Ryan Carrie, Asst. Director of Community Action.

No public comment.

VI. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMENTS

Ms. VanGundy shared the program brochure for the Kendall County Youth Academy Graduation Ceremony that was help last week. Ms. VanGundy stated that she is honored that the Health Department is part of this meaningful program.

Ms. VanGundy shared that tomorrow will be our 708 Mental Health presentation. KCHD will be asking for a second police social worker due to high caseload. This demand just speaks to the need for these community services.

Ms. VanGundy shared that during a meeting with county administration and the chair of Finance on our FY25 budget, they stated we should expect to see a 2.6% decrease in our premiums for healthcare benefits. This is based on the county joining the Intergovernmental Personal Benefits Cooperative (IPBC). This is welcomed news, and we appreciate the county administration for taking these steps and the Board approving our move to a cooperative.

Lastly, Ms. VanGundy shared that during the budget proposal meeting we went line for line looking at our budget and educating the new County Administrator on our grant funding. It was a great opportunity to discuss all the good work going on at the Health Department. We also discussed salary increases for FY25 as it relates to workforce retention and the current market for like positions.

VII. BOARD COMMITTEE & ADVISORY BOARD REPORTS

A. Finance Committee Update and Vouchers

Ms. Shanahan reviewed the minutes and updated the Board on the meeting of the Finance Committee. There were no questions on the vouchers.

Ms. Shanley moved to approve July vouchers totaling $167,995.20. Ms. Cullick seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously by roll call vote.

B. Approve Finance Committee 8/14/24 Minutes

Ms. Shanahan did mention the Comprehensive Health Protection Grant chart that was presented at Finance meeting. This chart was then shared with all board members. Ms. VanGundy stated that this chart helps to show the volatility of our grants from year to year. There were no questions on the minutes as presented.

Ms. Kelly moved to approve the Finance Committee 08/14/24 Minutes as presented. Ms. Cullick seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously by voice vote.

VIII. NEW BUSINESS

A. Community Action Plan 2025

Ms. Creamer and Mr. Carrie provided a power point presentation that pointed to salient themes of the Community Needs Assessment that is embedded within the Community Action Plan.

It began with reviewing needs assessment and community strengths. We then discussed family and individual needs that were reported, as well as community needs. Families report needing and maintaining affordable housing as the top priority, followed by needing assistance with utility bills. The community reports lack of access to public transportation as the top need, as well as limited access to mental health services.

Furthermore, the Community action Plan was reviewed where it was discussed how to meet the needs of those in underserved areas and the steps they have taken to meet that need. They reviewed work programs, youth initiatives, and innovative community and neighborhood-based initiatives.

Discussion took place around the need for increased energy conservation education to be a top priority to help those in need become more self-sufficient.

Mr Richardson moved to approve the CAP 2025 as presented. Ms. Cullick seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously by roll call vote.

B. Substance Abuse Services/Surveillance Report – National Survey on Drug Use and Health July 2024

Ms. VanGundy stated that she came across this survey and found the information very interesting as our request for substance abuse service have been way down post-pandemic. Ms. VanGundy shared an infographic pertaining to a recent national survey and the perceptions about substance abuse treatment. The top perceptions for adults 18 and older were as follows.

-74% thinking they should have been able to handle their alcohol or drug use on their own. 

-65.6% not being ready to start treatment

-60% not being ready to stop or cut back on using alcohol or drugs.

The Health Department will use the findings from this survey to inform their outreach to engage our community.

C. Rabies Update

Mr. Curatti reviewed current rabies surveillance in Kendall County. Mr. Curatti emphasized his presentation on bats, while recognizing other carriers. Kendall Cunty recently submitted a bat to the state lab that tested positive for rabies. We have not had a positive case since 2013. Rabies can be contracted via bite, scratch, or saliva from infected mammals and is 99% fatal if not treated quickly. Mr. Curatti also presented this important information on WSPY radio on 8.19.24.

IX. OLD BUSINESS

None.

X. ITEMS FOR BOARD DISCUSSION

A. NIPHC - LHPG Restoration Letter

B. Village of Oswego and KC Interns “Thank You”

C. Letter to Schools

D. Leadership Meeting Minutes

XI. EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

XII. BOARD MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS/UPDATES

Ms. Kelly shared that she attended Dickson-Murst Day at the Farm on Sunday and stopped the by the Health Department booth. Ms. Kelly enjoyed talking with Lauren Bellville and was happy to know the Health Department was at that community event.

XII. ADJOURNMENT

Ms. Cullick moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Dr. Conlin seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously by voice vote. The next meeting is September 17, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.

https://www.kendallhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ad_BOH_Minutes_08-20-2024.pdf