- Receive and Consider Nominations for Southern Nevada District Board of Health Officers for FY 2010-11; Make Recommendations to the Southern Nevada District Board of Health on July 22, 2010 for the Following Positions: Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary
Chair Giunchigliani noted committee members should have received copies of nomination forms, which are also available on the website. The full list of nominations received includes:
Chair:
Kathleen Boutin (received three nominations)
Linda Strickland (received four nominations)
Tim Jones (received one nomination)
Donna Fairchild (received two nominations)
Jim Christensen (received one nomination)
Chris Giunchigliani (received two nominations)
Vice Chair:
Chris Giunchigliani (received four nominations)
Tim Jones (received one nomination)
Donna Fairchild (received three nominations)
Linda Strickland (received two nominations)
Jim Christensen (received one nomination)
Secretary:
Lawrence Weekly (received two nominations)
Tim Jones (received two nominations)
Linda Strickland (received two nominations)
Jim Christensen (received one nomination)
Member Weekly motioned to nominate Kathleen Boutin for Chair; Chris Giunchigliani for Vice Chair; and Lawrence Weekly for Secretary.
Member Fairchild expressed concern over the nomination of Member Boutin as Chair citing she has been on the Board of Health for less than one year and that during that time she has missed one-fourth of the meetings; Member Fairchild referenced Chair Giunchigliani’s comments in a previous meeting that attendance at Board meetings is very important. Member Weekly noted his respect for her comments but noted that when serving in local government elected officials serve on numerous boards and may miss meetings from time to time. He said that both he and Chair Giunchigliani have resigned from various boards in order to serve on other boards. He said he himself has missed various meetings due to conflicts with other board meetings; however he if had a leadership position on the health district board he would ensure his attendance at the meetings. He said he believes Member Boutin will serve as needed.
Member Fairchild stated that Member Boutin has not had experience serving as an officer and with her limited time on the Board she is not fully familiar with the health district and its operations. She said the Board chair needs to have knowledge of the health district and the services provided to the community. Member Weekly said that others holding leadership positions previously have had no experience. He said that due to the possible changes in the district’s financial circumstances an elected board member should be the chair.
Chair Giunchigliani noted that Member Strickland would serve well as chair; however Member Boutin is a former district employee with a firm knowledge and awareness of the inner workings of the district. She trusts her experience with the district will serve her well as chair. Chair Giunchigliani also said that her lack of attendance was due to her daughter’s illness. She said if attendance becomes a problem it is a problem that can be dealt with at that time.
Member Jones asked if Member Boutin has expressed a willingness to make herself available at the meetings. Chair Giunchigliani said she is making other arrangements in regard to her children.
Member Fairchild referred to Chair Giunchigliani’s three years of leadership on the Board and suggested that others be given the opportunity to serve as well. Chair Giunchigliani said she is open to suggestions; however she feels that by serving as vice chair she would be available to Member Boutin to assist in the transition process and be able to mentor. She also said with pending local elections in July the composition of the Board could change.
Chair Giunchigliani indicated a motion was on the floor and asked if there were additional discussion.
Member Strickland thanked those that had nominated her for office and expressed her appreciation for the vote of confidence. She noted at the time she was selected to serve as vice chair she had no knowledge of the inner workings of the health district such as Member Boutin; she agreed that the person chosen to be the chair should have knowledge of the inner workings. She said she would serve if selected.
Member Jones agreed that it can be important to have a grasp on the inner workings of the health district; however he felt that a community focus is also important – knowledge of the operations should not be the prime criteria in selecting a chair.
Member Fairchild recognized Member Strickland’s service as vice chair and noted the excellent job she had done. She said she should have the opportunity to serve as chair. She noted it has long been tradition to progress through various leadership offices prior to becoming chair. This allows the new chair to appreciate and understand both the Board and the health district, as well as serve as a leader. Member Strickland has done a fine job and should be given the opportunity to serve if she is interested.
Member Strickland expressed her understanding of this notion. She said that she did not submit any nominations but appreciates the opinions of others on the Board.
Chair Giunchigliani suggested seeing how a vote would play out as this was only a first round discussion.
Member Fairchild expressed further concern that no at-large members were included in the nomination to serve as an officer. She stressed this was not a fair representation of the Board.
Chair Giunchigliani said this was more philosophical at this point. She indicated that officers should duly represent those who put them in office as elected officials, and only elected members of the Board should be voting on fees, budgets and financial matters as the elected members have a responsibility to their constituents. She said that she is not worried about the lack of non-electeds holding a position as officer.
Chair Giunchigliani seconded the motion made previously by Member Weekly and called for a vote.
