HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-09-27-minutes-ph-study-session
Public Health Study Session
September 27, 2023
10:00 a.m.
Commissioners’ Conference Room
Meeting Minutes
Attendees:
Brett Wachsmith, Laura Osiadacz, Cory Wright (arrived at10:18am), Chelsey Loeffers, Mark Larson M.D,
Candi Blackford, Erin Moore
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m.
Citizen Comment (1 minute time limit)
There were no members of the public present.
Department Business
SmartGov and Point and Pay update
Erin Moore updated on the progress of the implementation of online permitting submittals. Part of this
process is switching up the mechanism for taking payment from the current credit card system to Point
and Pay. Initially, it was thought that each department could set up their individual accounts with the
Treasurer’s Office but have recently learned that this is not correct. We will need to set up one account
for Public Health, Community Development Services, and Public Works. The three departments have
met about this and have all discussed and resolved that there will be no issues and will proceed with one
account. Each department will have the ability to account for payments they take and should not be an
issue. Mrs. Moore also informed the board that the department is also moving forward with online
inspections and moving away from county developed program. The department is hoping for end-of-
year implementation.
Request to approve change in wage range for Medical Assistant position
The recent salary survey conducted by Cabot and Dow was unable to identify sufficient matches to the
Medical Assistant position to determine a median wage range. However, KCPHD must compete with the
local healthcare sector for staff in this position and currently pays less than KVH, as a comparative
example.
It has also been determined after over a year of implementing this position that the MA completes
similar tasks as the KCPHD Community Health Specialist position within the Communicable Disease
division, and in some cases carries a higher burden of responsibility due to the medical nature of
assigned tasks (providing vaccinations, providing medical advice during STI investigation, etc.). This
position requires prior training, certification, and ongoing continuing education, in addition to the
responsibilities listed in the job description. Below is the proposed wage range proposed:
After consultation with HR, KCPHD requests to benchmark the MA position to the Community Health
Specialist position. Once set to this wage range, any changes to the Community Health Specialist wage
range based on the Cabot and Dow salary survey recommendations would also be applied to the MA
position. KCPHD has sufficient budget to absorb this wage range adjustment for the remaining 2023
budget year, 2024, and beyond.
Current wage range:
Minimum Maximum
$3,100 $4,171
Proposed wage range:
Minimum Maximum
$4,495 $6,001
Approval was received from Brett Wachsmith and Laura Osiadacz on the proposed wage range increase
for implementation.
SSP and Harm Reduction Data update
Chelsey Loeffers presented the following data to the board as requested at last month’s meeting:
• 51 unique individuals served.
• 24,415 used syringes collected.
• 716 doses of naloxone distributed directly to SSP clients.
• 4 naloxone training courses delivered to community partners, with naloxone provided.
• 250 doses distributed to community members and partners at Overdose Awareness Day.
• Additional 72 doses provided to community partners.
• 158 referrals to community resources, including treatment.
Mark Larson M.D. added some history to the utilization of needles during the last few decades of drug
use and how the drugs of choice have changed in modes of administration.
Board of Health Feedback
Laura Osiadacz noted that it was a good meeting with good information presented. Brett Wachsmith
also noted that it was a good meeting.
There was discussion about James Donaldson resigning from the board and moving back to the west
side. Mrs. Loeffers noted that there are currently 3 applications for the current vacancy on the board
and they are set up to interview soon. After the current vacancy is filled the department will post for
the community lived experience/user of public health position. Mr. Donaldson will be able to attend the
October meeting and possibly the November meeting.
COVID19- Updated
Dr. Mark Larson updated that there is a new COVID-19 vaccine coming out and despite what is going
around on social media there are no plans for mandates of any kind. There may be recommendations,
but no plans for mandates. COVID numbers are increasing and there are outbreaks at a couple local
nursing homes and Dr. Larson noted that the local jail has good procedures for managing COVID. There
are some hospitals on the west side implementing their own procedures for masking when numbers are
high but is not sure if the local hospital will implement something similar.
Concluded at 10:48 a.m.
___________________________________
Cory Wright, BOCC Chair
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Candi Blackford, Clerk