Observer Report
Riley County-Manhattan Board of Health
Wednesday, December 2, 2009

This was the longest board meeting in my experience lasting from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM, though not entirely surprising as the agenda was completely devoted to various funding requirements. Mayor Bob Strawn was the only board member not present.
Health Department Administrator Charles Murphy reported on the HINI vaccination program. 4000 doses of the vaccine have been given at the Health Department since the middle of October. With inclusion of other providers such as Fort Riley, La Fene and Mercy Hospital approximately 11,000 doses have been given in the County to date. Vaccination clinics are being held in 18 schools in the County. Charles Murphy also stated that they now have enough doses to begin offering vaccinations to the general public.
The City Commission will have the first hearing on December 15th on an ordinance to require all regulated child care to be inspected. Assistant Administrator Suzanne Kufahl and Mindy Robbins, Child care Licensing Supervisor will attend the commission meeting and an informational meeting for providers will be held at the
Health Department on December 3, 2009.
Under New Business Charles Murphy requested that the Board approve a 1% salary increase noting that the City of Manhattan and Riley County is also awarding a 1% increase as is the State of Kansas. Part of the discussion noted the increased competition for medical staff and the higher salaries being offered in other institutions. In addition Mr. Murphy asked the board to approve the giving of bonuses from the grant received to administer the HINI vaccinations to those employees of the Health Department who went well beyond their usual workday to help with the vaccination program. Discussion included the suggestion that a policy should be developed to give “merit” recognition and that the word “bonus” not be used. The Board approved the request and also suggested that a full study of the salary situations be carried out in 2010.
Mr. Murphy requested that the Health Department be allowed to establish a Capital Outlay Fund under State Statute 65-204. County Counselor Clancy Holeman was present and reported that the statute did not permit such a fund. Discussion continued with board member Karen Mcculloh asking why such a fund was needed. Mr. Murphy stated that there were a number of needs such as expansion of the building and parking lot problems. It was suggested that a list be made of the needs and that a long range plan be developed. Mr. Murphy stated that it was important for the Health Department to have such a fund as they depend on grants which usually require matching funds and that the Department needs to have these funds readily available. Of historical interest Mr. Murphy noted that at one time the Health Department had a mil levy devoted to it like the library and other entities do now.
The Board approved the purchase of a 2010 Ford Fusion from Dick Edwards for $17,999 as the low bid,
Karen McCulloh asked about the suggestion she made to have the County IT staff also provide support to the Health Department. Mr. Murphy stated he had met with the county IT staff and concluded that it would require at least a half time person to be at the Health Department for this to be feasible.

Sue Cohen, Observer