Kankakee Times

Iroquois County Public Health Department Board of Health Finance Committee met July 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Dr. Phillip Zumwalt, President

Ms. LuAnn Armantrout, Secretary

Ms. Jolene Foster

Mrs. Brenda Burnett

Dr. Rodney Yergler

Mr. Lyle Behrends

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Dr. Aravind Reddy, Vice President

OTHERS PRESENT:

Mr. Eric Ceci, ICPHD Administrator

Mr. Tyler Robinson, ICPHD

Ms. Rachel Nelson, ICPHD

Mr. John Shure, Iroquois Co. Chairman

Ms. Kate Mueller, ICPHD

Mr. Cody Fredrick

Mrs. Danielle Walls, ICPHD

Mr. Daniel Walls

Mr. Scott Anderson, ICPHD, EMA

Mrs. Judy McCann, ICPHD

Mr. Paul Ducat, Iroquois Co. Vice Chairman

Mr. Derick Carlson

Mrs. Tina Crider-Honeycutt, ICPHD

Mr. Roger Bard

Ms. Hester J. Hursh, MD, FACOEM

Mrs. Carla Prizy

Mr. Joe Prizy

Ms. Carla Waters, Times Republic

Mrs. Chelsea McCray, ICPHD

Mr. Neil Stevens

Mrs. Alissa Stevens, ICPHD

Ms. Rachel Nelson, ICPHD

Ms. Gina Greene Mrs. Beth Keller, ICPHD Mr. Doug Geiger

CALL MEETING TO ORDER: Dr. Zumwalt, President, called the Iroquois County Public Health Department Board of Health meeting to order at 6:00 PM on Monday, July 22, 2024, in the Iroquois County Board Room. Roll call was taken.

APPROVE AGENDA: Mr. Lyle Behrends made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Motion seconded by Dr. Rodney Yergler and was approved by voice vote.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: ICPHD Director of Nursing, Rachel Nelson, spoke about her experience at the Iroquois County Public Health Department. She explained her concerns about staff leaving as a direct result of the administrator. Rachel concluded by sharing her experience regarding a lead case that was not properly handled.

ICPHD Vision and Hearing Technician, Alissa Stevens, spoke about her inability to work under the current administrator. She explained her concerns have dated back to November of 2022 and that previous staff have raised similar concerns in their respective exit letters. Alissa concluded by stating that there are staff qualified to be interim administrator and asked the board to consider all options in making their decision.

Roger Bard spoke briefly as an introduction to Dr. Hester J. Hursh, MD, FACOEM. Roger listed many of Dr. Hursh's credentials and experiences as a licensed physician, hand surgeon, and medical professional for over 60 years. Roger concluded by submitting her resume to the board of health.

Dr. Hester J. Hursh, MD, FACOEM, explained that she submitted her resume when the administrator position was open but ultimately did not receive any reply. Hester concluded by adamantly offering her support to the Iroquois County Public Health Department as a professional resource.

Iroquois County Board Vice Chairman, Paul Ducat, thanked the board of health for supporting ICPHD staff. He concluded by offering his continued support and urged the board of health to move on towards a better future.

EXECUTIVE SESSION 5 ILCS 120/2(c): THE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, AND COMPENSATION OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES: At 6:11 PM, Lyle Behrends made a motion to enter into executive session. Motion seconded by LuAnn Armantrout and was approved by voice vote.

At 7:30pm, Lyle Behrends made a motion to exit executive session and resume normal session. Motion seconded by Jolene Foster. Roll call was taken.

POTENTIAL ACTION TO TERMINATE THE ADMINISTRATORS CONTRACT: Lyle Behrends made a motion pursuant to article 3 paragraph E of the employment agreement dated May 6, 2024. A certified letter will be sent to Mr. Eric Ceci notifying him that his employment will be terminated in 90 days without fault or any specific cause. Motion seconded by Dr. Rodney Yergler and was approved by roll call vote: Aye - Dr. Phillip Zumwalt, Lyle Behrends, Dr. Rodney Yergler and LuAnn Armantrout. Nay - Jolene Foster and Brenda Burnett

OLD BUSINESS: N/A

NEW BUSINESS: N/A

ADJOURNMENT: At 7:32 PM, Dr. Rodney Yergler made a motion to adjourn. Motion seconded by LuAnn Armantrout and was approved by voice vote.

https://irocounty.webfoot-designs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/July-22-Special-Meeting-2024-Minutes.pdf