Health District Task Force Findings and Recommendations

Minutes for the meeting of 4 November 2004:

The meeting was called to order at 5:07 PM in the New Canaan Town Hall Board Room.

Members Present:

Ms. Betty Karkut Ms. Cheryl Jones Ms. Jeanette Olmstead-Sawyer
Mr. James Cole Dr. Edward Tracey, MD Mr. John Laird
Mr. Richard McQuaid Ms. Carol McDonald Mr. Tim Callahan, MPH
Dr. David Reed, MD, MPH

Thomas G. Berstene, Facilitator

Missing was Mr. Ken Lalime, who was unable to make the opening meeting.

Guests: Ms. Judy Neville, Mr. Alex Knopp and Mr. Bill Gerrish

Dr. David Reed gave some brief opening remarks and welcoming everyone to New Canaan. The group then went around and introduced themselves to the rest of the team.

Ms. Judy Neville, First Selectwoman for New Canaan and Mr. Alex Knopp, Mayor for Norwalk both gave brief opening remarks and presented the team with its charge. This was followed by a brief statement of support was made by Mr. Bill Gerrish on behalf of Dr. Galvin, Commissioner of Public Health for Connecticut.

The group then reviewed the Agenda and due to obligations by members of the team, jumped ahead to item 7 and set the dates and times for the remaining meetings.

· All meetings will be held on Thursday’s at 5 PM to 7 PM.
· The meetings will alternate between New Canaan and Norwalk. Directions to the meeting location will be emailed to all members prior to the meeting.
· The dates for the remaining meetings are as follows:
o December 2nd in Norwalk
o December 16th in New Canaan
o January 13th in Norwalk
o January 27th in New Canaan
· A back up (snow date) meeting was scheduled for February 3rd.
· At or by the January 13th meeting the dates will be set for the two meetings with the respective town representatives.

Upon completion of setting the dates, times and locations, the team reviewed the Team Charter and the remaining information in their binders.

· Concern was raised about liability protection such as that granted to elected boards and commissions and municipal employees. Bill Gerrish will look into this issue and report back to the team.
· A question was raised about confidential information. The team will be using aggregate data for the most part and information that is already a part of public records such as budget data. The team will not be discussing individuals as a part of this study.
· It was explained that the team members would be receiving additional information at each meeting (hence the large binders) and if they would like any additional information to please ask.
· The is no “homework” for the team members. Dr. Reed, Mr. Callahan or the facilitators will do all work required prior to each meeting.
· Noted was a page missing from the binder containing the remaining member’s information. This page will be provided at the next meeting by Tim.

Action Steps for the next meeting:

· Bill Gerrish is checking into the liability issue.
· Tim Callahan is preparing the missing page of member information
· Tom Berstene is preparing a checklist based on the legislation supporting the formation of Health Districts. The checklist will be used by the team to ensure they have reviewed all aspects of the project.