Sangamon Sun

Hancock County Health and Miscellaneous Committee met May 5

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The meeting was called to order at 6:26 p.m. by committee chairman Harry Douglas. Members in attendance included Mark Harrison, Michelle Merritt, Steve Finney, Joe Boyles, Josh Turner, and Mark Menn. Steve Lucie was absent. Visitors included Aaron Feagain, Jessica Croy, and Jeff Totten.  

Ms. Croy introduced herself as the new administrator of the health department. She has been employed there for 15 years this July. The last board meeting was April 24. They would like to appoint Alice Dean to the Board of Health. Ms. Croy passed out a biography of Mrs. Dean. Ms. Merritt moved to appoint Alice Dean to the Board of Health, Mr. Finney seconded. The dental center opened in January. It is opened Monday through Wednesday and in June it will be open Monday through Thursday 8-5. Ms. Croy left at 6:33 p.m.

Mr. Feagain discussed total runs for the months of March and April. His budget was discussed. He is 100% staffed as of now. He has 2 going through paramedic school and will be done in December. There are 5 more going to school in 2026.  He has a list of surplus. He would like a sign for the new building. Mr. Feagain would like to hire a moving company to move the EMS to their new building. He is not sure of the cost.  He is entertaining the idea of getting a new refrigerator for the new building. It is in his budget. Homestead Lumber is liquidating their appliances. The new EMS building will not be done by the end of May. There are things that are out on order. Ryan Jacquot has given them 10 extra days, until June 10.

He has an employee requesting FMLA. This required further certification by a physician. They were to get paperwork back to Mr. Feagain by 23rd but has not. He will have them start over again if needed. He has 2 employees who have ADA certified animals. They have requested to be able to bring them to work for psychiatric support. As long as it provides an action to the employee it is allowable in any public entity. The states’ attorney and Bellwether have been notified and are investigating this.

There was lengthy discussion regarding a hardship case that he has. The patient had been transferred to Peoria twice. He was told to have the 2 insurance companies get together and come up with a resolution.

Mr. Douglas asked for a voice vote for the motion to the appointment of Ms. Dean. All members present voted aye.

Ms. Merritt motioned to declare the list from Mr. Feagain as surplus and take to sealed bid. Mr. Boyles seconded the motion. All members present voted aye.

Mr. Feagain has a couple of new policies and procedures he would like to add regarding shift coverage responsibilities. This has been run by the union and they agree. Motion to approve the policy change was made by Mr. Finney, seconded by Mr. Boyles. All members present voted aye.

Mr. Totten would like to look at some of the surplus that Mr. Feagain has. He went over the ESDA report. He has a mailbox at the office instead of a p.o. box.  

Negotiations are still underway with Memorial Hospital transfers. 

Motion to approve the bills was made by Ms. Merritt, seconded by Mr. Harrison. All members present voted aye.

Ms. Merritt made a motion to recess until June 2, 2025.  Mr. Boyles seconded the motion. All members present voted aye.  Meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m.

https://hancockcounty-il.gov/agendas-minutes/