July 2022 Board of Health Meeting - Minutes

1. Call to Order
   The Chair, G. McNamara called the Regular meeting to order at 4:08 pm.
2. Agenda Approval
   Motion: That the agenda be approved.
   CARRIED
3. Announcement of Conflict of interest – None
4. COVID-19 Update (Dr. S. Nesathurai)
   Dr. Nesathurai provided a brief update on the status of COVID-19, noting that we are in period of increased disease activity, with increasing cases, higher percentage positivity, and outbreaks. Some have characterized this as the “7th wave” of COVID-19.  The reality is that we are going to have to live with COVID-19 and there will be periods of increased and decreased activity, which essentially means:

   • Regular vaccinations
   • Access to antiviral medications
   • Allocating the right hospital space and resources based on demand
   • Maintaining physical distancing and washing your hands regularly
   • Accepting risk with certain activities, i.e. indoor dining and large events/gatherings

   The Province has increased vaccination eligibility for individuals aged 18-59 for second boosters, i.e. the fourth COVID-19 vaccination, and we have approximately 100,000 people in our region who are eligible to receive their fourth shot.  Approximately 25,000 people in the 18-59 age group have not received any vaccine, and about 25,000 over the age of 60 have not received their fourth dose. Although 35% of individuals are up to date with their vaccinations, many received their last dose at least 6 months ago and there is the concern of weaning immunity.

   We are also experiencing a strain on health care resources, and there are things that each of us can do to mitigate this risk to the community, recognizing that we may see greater activity with COVID-19 come the fall. 

   Motion: That the information be received.
   CARRIED

5. Approval of Minutes
   1. Regular Board Meeting:  June 16, 2022
   2. Audit Committee Meeting:  March 25, 2022
      Motion: That the minutes be approved. 
      CARRIED
6. Business Arising
   1. Board of Health By-laws (N. Dupuis/L. Gregg)
      1. Borrowing Policy

         N. Dupuis said that the Borrowing Policy is being brought to the board for review. This is a new policy and will be brought back with other by-laws for approval.

         L. Gregg walked through the key aspects of the policy.  We have identified that the policy review period will be every 2-3 years, or more frequently if appropriate.  If any borrowings are required under the policy, those borrowings would be brought to the Board for approval and any changes would be according to best practices.

      2. User Fee Policy
         N. Dupuis said that the User Fee Policy is being brought to the board for review.  The policy will be brought back with other by-laws for approval.

         L. Gregg walked through the key aspects of the policy. We have identified that the policy review period will be every three years, or more frequently if appropriate.
         Motion: That the information be received.
         CARRIED

7. Consent Agenda
   1. INFORMATION REPORTS - None
   2. CORRESPONDENCE – None 
8. Resolutions/Recommendation Reports
   1. Registered Charity Status (N. Dupuis)
      N. Dupuis advised that the WECHU previously looked at the opportunity to achieve Registered Charitable Status.  Our legal counsel has reviewed this opportunity and there are a number of advantages for us to achieve this designation.  There are grants, donations and certain funding that we currently are not eligible to receive, however we would be if we achieved Registered Charitable Status. Potentially, obtaining this status would increase our financial reporting responsibility by having to file an Annual Registered Charity Information Return. 

      M. Ferrari asked if there are other health units who have achieved this status and if the WECHU could draw upon their experiences.  L. Gregg said that we do not know the exact number of health units who have achieved Registered Charitable Status, but that there are a number of them who have been able to take advantage of some significant cost savings, i.e. subscriptions for software licensing and property tax rebates.

      T. Bailey would like a report on how Registered Charitable Status is being handled by other health units with this designation. G. Kaschak asked if the WECHU did obtain Registered Charitable Status would this provide the ability for people to donate and would the WECHU provide tax receipts.  N. Dupuis said that asking the public for donations is not the WECHU’s intention of achieving Registered Charitable Status, but to take advantage of some significant savings.

      R. Maich supports this concept but noted there is a Canada Revenue Agency Income Tax Application Rule that notes Voting Members be paid, and to ensure that there are no tax implications.  N. Dupuis asked if the Board would like Administration to amend the proposed Motion.  R. Maich said that it would not be necessary to amend the Motion since the WECHU is still in the investigative stages, and would be happy to second it.
      Motion: That the Board of Health approve that WECHU Administration proceed with the process of investigating and applying for Registered Charity Status.
      CARRIED

   2. 2021 Annual Audited Financial Statements (L. Gregg)
      L. Gregg presented the annual Audited Financial Statements to the Board for approval for the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit for the year ended December 31, 2021.

      L. Gregg presented the annual Audited Financial Statements to the Board for approval for the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit programs funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services for the year ended March 31, 2022.  L. Gregg highlighted the key elements for the Board.
      Motion: That the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health approve the Annual Audited Financial Statements of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit for the year ended December 31, 2021, and the Annual Audited Financial Statements of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services Program Initiatives for the year ended March 31, 2022.
      CARRIED

9. New Business

   1. CEO Quarterly Report (April 2022 – June 2022) (N. Dupuis) 
      N. Dupuis noted that the WECHU is still operating in emergency response mode and our operations have shifted to meet the needs of the organization. One item to note is an insurance claim for an item that was stolen from the health unit, and there were no other issues to report.
      Motion:    That the information be received. 
      CARRIED

10. Committee of the Whole (CLOSED SESSION, in accordance with Section 239 of the Municipal Act)
    The Board moved into Committee of the Whole at 4:45 pm
    The Board moved out of Committee of the Whole at 5:58 pm
11. Next Meeting: At the Call of the Chair, Thursday, August 11, 2022 – Via Video
12. Adjournment
    Motion:  That the meeting be adjourned.   
    CARRIED

    The meeting adjourned at 6:00 pm.

RECORDING SECRETARY: L. Damphouse