HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-11-09 Hospital Development Commitee MinutesHospital Development Committee Meeting
November 9, 2005
Town Hall Conference Room
Members & Guests
HDC Town Residents: r
Chairman Bruce Cerullo r") cr
Vice Chairman Nelson Burbank
HDC Liaisons:
John Daly (Commissioners of Trust Funds)
Andrew Grimes (FINCOM - arrives 7:30pm)
George Hines (Board of Selectmen)
Neil Sullivan (CPDC)
Selectmen:
James Bonazoli (arrives 7:30pm)
Ben Tafoya 9PP
Town Staff: L
Bob LeLacheur
Chairman Bruce Cerullo called the HDC meeting called to order at 7pm.
On a motion by Hines seconded by Burbank the minutes of September 28, 2005 were
approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On a motion by Hines seconded by Sullivan the minutes of
November 2, 2005 were approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Bruce gave a quick overview of the Committee's progress to date for Selectman Ben
Tafoya, and then opened up the meeting for discussion. George Hines mentions he
wanted to give his perspective at the BOS meeting, and that he will write up his thoughts.
He believes the definition of needy should be broadened, so there could be a better use of
the trust funds. If the current criteria of needy stood, the status quo on the program side
would continue, and the HDC would be done in its work.
Nelson Burbank wanted to form a sub-committee, consisting of the police chief,
superintendent of schools; director of elder services and others that could identify for the
HDC what areas need help in Reading. Neil Sullivan added that clergy should be
involved, and Nelson agreed.
Ben spoke of a report done in the past by human services. George recalled the document,
and said it was very broad (beyond healthcare).
John Daly summarized from the Commissioners' view point as follows: The original plan
was bricks & mortar - the answer from the HDC was `no'. Now the issue is how to spend
the money, about $150k/year if interest only was spent.
Bruce listed these three open issues for the HDC:
• Select `needy' versus `all'
• Re-define the members of this group; add more healthcare expertise
• Decide if a needs assessment was appropriate; if so, was Nelson's model the right
one, or should we hire someone
Bruce reviewed these topics, and asked each member of the group to state their opinion in
order to make sure the HDC was agreed:
• Build a hospital - No unanimous.
• Other bricks & mortar - Bob LeLacheur reminded the HDC of the question posed
by the Trust Fund Commissioners at their last meeting. Mike Sachs of Melrose-
Wakefield was rumored to be interested in this. Bruce spoke to him several times,
and shared his conclusions with the HDC that Mike might be interested in renting
an existing facility, but surely would not be building anything. John recalled the
hospice center request, which the Commissioners' took a serious look at, but it
was built before they could decide to help fund it. The group than voted a
unanimous No to this use of funds.
• Protect the principal, subject to an emergency usage provision - Yes unanimous.
Nelson asked if the program was doing a good job in pointing help towards the needy.
John detailed the procedure, and responded yes they were. Nelson then stated that he
would wish to preserve the services already provided by the trust funds. Bob pointed out
that a formal procedure should now be developed for spending the funds, since it would
be a more permanent use, and not a temporary one until a hospital was built. He added
that every existing expense should be subject to continuous scrutiny, as defined by this
formal policy. He asked what the HDC would do if violations were found. Bruce replied
that, as a venture capitalist in this field, it was his experience that no grey areas are
allowed. The rules must be strictly adhered to. John said that in the past, Beth K. kept her
eye on things. He did tell of one time when a lot of money was spent on `alert buttons'
for seniors to wear. They were handed out in large volumes regardless of financial means.
When the commissioners discovered this, they halted the practice.
Bonazoli & Grimes arrive.
Bruce reviews the Reading Response definition of `needy'. John state that definition
should be broadened to the `moderate needy'. George would like the definition
broadened beyond the `financial needy'. He states that every program should be subject
to an annual renewal process.
Neil asked if the HDC funds are drawn upon in an emergency basis - would the Town be
obligated to replenish the funds at a future date. Nelson agreed that it should.
Bruce stated that he never tried to interpret the words in the original wills, and allowed
that if the definition of needy were to be broadened, this approach would have to change.
James Bonazoli wants the approach to broaden so that more residents are helped. He told
some anecdotes from his just-concluded Nurse Advocacy meeting. Bruce asked if both
income and assets should be used in this definition. The majority agreed that it should,
given the existence of reverse mortgages. George proclaimed that the HDC's work is
done, and that he would be forwarding his suggestions to the BOS.
Neil said a case-by-case approach should be used instead of strict rules. Nelson added
that we need to hear from field experts. He mentioned examples of teachers buying
breakfast for some children in the Town. Ben asked how are the trust funds expenditures
decided. John responded that every few years they hire a nurse, and that the Town takes
care of the transportation. Bob asked if there was any oversight to the suggestions by this
nurse. Particularly in light of the lack of formal policy, this relationship should be
carefully evaluated. Ben asked if Reading Response would continue to be funded. Bruce
responded to the evaluation of the nurse's duties by detailing two avenues of inquiry to
pursue: 1) what is their rate schedule for services, and how does this compare to the
Medicare reimbursement rate; and 2) `creep' - watch initial service, and then monitor
add-on services.
Bruce added that the HDC in his view is at a clear point where further medical and social
expertise is needed. The re-organized HDC needs to decide how much the budget can be,
and then how to allocate these funds. James inquired as to if the trust funds would accept
future donations. John stated an enthusiastic `yes'. George said we should rename it to
the Healthcare Trust Fund, since no hospital will be built. Also in a future cy pres
agreement should be the formal policies and procedures that were mentioned earlier.
Bruce summarized by saying the new expertise the HDC needs is a healthcare attorney; a
healthcare executive; and a healthcare policy expert. He states a strong desire to see the
trust fund `marketed' and grown with future donations. Nelson agrees.
On a motion by Hines, seconded by Grimes, the meeting of November 9, 2005 adjourned at
8:20pm by a vote of 6-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary