06/04/1997
I
"I
,
I
4J
Mr. Keith Elmore, Chairman, called the regular business meeting of the New Hanover
County Board of Health (NHCBH) to order at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 1997, in
the Carl Thomas Durham Auditorium, New Hanover County Health Department,
Wilmington, North Carolina.
Members Present:
W. Keith Elmore, RPh, Chairman
Mary King Dean, Vice-Chairman
Mary Lou Alford, RN
Thomas V. Clancy, MD
Michael E. Goins, OD
Robert G. Greer
Dennis L. Jackson, DVM
Anne Braswell Rowe
William T. Steuer, PE, RLS
Estelle G. Whitted, RN
Members Absent:
Wilson O'Kelly Jewell, DDS
Others Present:
Lynda F. Smith, Acting Health Director
Frances F. De Vane, Recording Secretary
Invocation:
Mrs. Mary Lou Alford gave the invocation.
Minutes:
Mr. Elmore called for corrections to the minutes of May 7, 1997. The Board of Health
approved the minutes.
Recognitions:
Staff Recognitions
Ms. Smith recognized the following health department employees:
Five (5) Year Service Award
Cherie D. West, Clerical Specialist I - Community Health
Ten (10) Year Service Award
Alfreda P. Gee, Social Worker II - Women's Health
42
Fifteen (15) Year Service Award
Patricia D. McSwain, Public Health Nurse II - Community Health
I
Twenty (20) Year Service Award
Catherine L. Stukes, Community Health Assistant - Community Health
New Employee
Evelyn Bowden, Public Health Nurse I - Community Health
On behalf of the New Hanover County Board of Health, Mr. Elmore congratulated the
recipients of the Service Awards and welcomed Ms. Bowden to the health department.
Department Focal:
Waste Water Systems Design Options
Mr. Harold Kelly, Soil Scientist, Environmental Health, and Ms. Cathy Timpy,
Environmental Health Specialist, presented the department focal on Waste Water Systems I
Design Options.
Ms. Timpy gave an overview of the types of wastewater systems in New Hanover County.
Mr. Kelly gave a slide presentation focusing on the approach to and the repair of Figure 8
Island septic systems following the hurricane of September 1997. Board members were
invited to participate in a field trip to observe wastewater system options.
Mr. Elmore thanked Mr. Kelly and Ms. Timpy for their presentations and visual examples
of Waste Water Systems Design Options.
Committee Reports:
Budget
Mrs. Mary Dean, Chairman, Budget Committee, reported she presented a Budget
Resolution to the Executive Committee on May 27. She explained the budget resolution
is to ensure the Board of Health will continue to be involved in the health department
existing budget process.
Mrs. Alford suggested the word county be deleted from the Budget Resolution submitted 1-
to the Executive Committee by Mrs. Dean. Eliminating the word county the resolution
would refer to the health department budget process and not the New Hanover County
I
I
I
-",
(-r-'
budget process. (Revised Budget Resolution - Attachment #1)
MOTION: Mr. Elmore, Chairman, Executive Committee, moved from the Executive
Committee for the Board of Health to adopt the Budget Resolution deleting the word
county from the Budget Resolution submitted by Mrs. Dean. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the adopted Budget Resolution (Attachment #1) is incorporated as a part of the
minutes.
Mr. Elmore stated that Mrs. Dean, Ms. Smith, and he attended the County Commissioners
Meeting on Monday, June 2. At the Commissioners Meeting, Mr. Elmore thanked the
Board of County Commissioners on behalf of the Board of Health for their consideration
of the health department budget.
Dr. Clancy reiterated he has a problem with the deletion of the Health Promotions Health
Educator position, and he believes the position should be established due to the benefits
of injury prevention and the effect of trauma.
Executive Committee
Mr. Elmore, Chairman, Executive Committee, reported the Executive Committee met at
6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27. Items to be discussed are under new business.
Health Promotions
Dr. Goins, Chairman, Health Promotions Committee, reported the Health Promotions
Committee met on Tuesday, June 2.
Mr. Greer stated on Monday, May 19, the County Commissioners adopted the Personal
Watercraft Safety Ordinance to place limits on personal watercraft usage from Carolina
Beach to Mason's Inlet. Currently 486 Figure 8 Island residents are petitioning to be
governed by this ordinance and an amendment to the ordinance is on the next
Commissioners Agenda. He explained the rules prohibit water scooters from traveling
no more than 5 miles per hour within 25 feet of the marsh. New Hanover County is the first
North Carolina county to adopt personal watercraft safety regulations.
Dr. Goins stated the passage of the Personal Watercraft Safety Ordinance is in essence
a county injury prevention initiative and is commendable and provides a safer environment
for our tourists and citizens. Dr. Clancy concurred the ordinance will help prevent injury,
mortality, and morbidity.
MOTION: Dr. Goins moved from the Health Promotions Committee for the Board of
Health to send to the New Hanover County Commissioners a letter of appreciation for their
support and adoption of the Personal Watercraft Safety Ordinance on behalf of injury
prevention. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
f!ð
Dr. Goins stated the Health Promotions Committee also addressed the Handgun
Awareness Campaign. Mrs. Houghton, Health Promotions Director, is requesting a I
speaker from the Center to Prevent Handgun Violence in Washington, D.C. to speak at
an Injury Prevention Press Conference in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Mrs. Houghton invited the Board to participate in an Injury Prevention Videoconference
to be held from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on June 12, 1997, at the Coastal AHEC and to be
sponsored by the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control and the University of
North Carolina Injury Prevention Research Center.
Unfinished Business:
Rabies Task Force Recommendations
Dr. Jackson, Chairman, Animal Control Services (ACS) Rabies Task Force, reported the
Rabies Task Force met three times and completed their charge to study the policies for
adopting animals from ACS and euthanization of all animals that lack a history of current
rabies vaccination. He presented the Rabies Task Force Recommendations for ACS
Rabies Control and Adoption Procedures to Executive Committee on May 27, 1997.
Dr. Jackson recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to accept
and approve the recommendations from the Animal Control Rabies Task Force and to I
adopt the following: (1) Suggestions for Rabies Control and Adoption Procedures, (2)
Animal Adoption Contract, and (3) Examination Checklist for Pet Adoption Consideration.
The Board decided to review each of the above three Rabies Task Force
recommendations separately. Dr. Jackson advised the Rabies Task Force consulted
Kemp Burpeau, Assistant County Attorney, for legal advice.
Suggestions for Rabies Control and Adoption Procedures
Dr. Jackson presented the Suggestions for Rabies Control and Adoption Procedures to the
Board. He explained under the existing adoption policies unvaccinated cats and dogs
cannot be considered for adoption from Animal Control Services. This generated
complaints from local veterinarians, the media, and the public. The new proposed
procedures are to keep some of these animals from being destroyed and to allow these
animals to be eligible for adoption.
Mrs. Alford advised a duplication is listed in Sections A and 0 in the Adoption Procedures;
therefore, she recommended Section 0 be eliminated from the procedures. It was the
consensus of the board to delete Section D of the procedures.
Dr. Goins expressed if the new policy is adopted, we are asking the Board of Health and I
New Hanover County to accept no responsibility for the exposure of rabies.
~
I
I
I
:::lb\
The Board reviewed an Animal Adoption Contract and an Examination Checklist for Pet
Adoption Consideration for ACS. Dr. Jackson stated that with the waver of liability the
county would relinquish all liability if an adopted animal is diagnosed rabid and would
accept no responsibility for the exposure of rabies. Dr. Jackson stated the waiver is
similar to one used in Brunswick County and the Assistant County Attorney feels it would
be defendable. The checklist is copied verbatim from Gaston County.
Mr. Elmore stated the current adoption procedure is animals must have a current history
of rabies vaccination before adoption. Under the new procedure animals without this
history will be considered for adoption when people turning in their pets sign a statement
of their knowledge their animal has not been exposed to rabies, people adopting a new
pet must sign a waiver of liability relieving the county of liability if the animal becomes
rabid, and new pet owners must get their new pet vaccinated within three (3) working days
and must complete rabies vaccination series.
Mr. Steuer suggested that since the local veterinarians requested the revision of our
existing adoption procedures, the Board should obtain a written statement of endorsement
from the veterinary association. Dr. Jackson stated all area veterinarians with the
exception of two had been consulted during the development of the new procedures and
he would obtain a letter of endorsement from the veterinary association. Dr. Clancy
expressed it is essential to obtain this letter of endorsement prior to the establishment of
the adoption procedures.
MOTION: Dr. Jackson moved seconded by Mr. Steuer for the Board of Health to
approve and adopt the Rabies Task Force Recommendations for Animal Control Services
Adoption Procedures contingent on a letter of endorsement from the local veterinary
association. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED.
~ Aye
---º- Nay
-L Abstained (Dr. Goins)
A copy of the adopted Animal Control Services Adoption Procedures (Attachment #2) is
incorporated and is made a part of the minutes.
Rabies Control Recommendations
Dr. Jackson presented rabies control measures to the Board which include asking state
legislators to authorize oral bait vaccinations for wildlife, asking local veterinarians to assist
by increasing the number of reduced fee vaccinations clinics, and providing more public
education regarding the importance of rabies vaccinations among the pet population.
Dr. Jackson advised that a statewide effort to provide oral bait rabies vaccination to wildlife
would be beneficial, is protective, and is expensive ($1.50 per dose).
46
Mr. Greer stated he is in favor of more vaccination clinics through local veterinarians but
he opposes any reduction of fees dictated to local veterinarians. Dr. Jackson advised that
these reduced fee clinics are held annually especially for people without transportation
and that the Board of Health is not dictating a reduced fee to the local veterinarians.
Mr. Elmore and Mrs. Whitted endorsed informing the public of adoption procedures through
local media. Mr. Steuer reiterated he is concerned about the response to rabid animal
reports and also the real problem is there are more adoptable pets than people to willing
to adopt the animals.
MOTION: Dr. Jackson moved seconded by Mr. Steuer for the Board of Health to
approve the Rabies Task Force Recommendations for Rabies Control which include
asking state legislators to authorize oral bait vaccinations for wildlife, asking local
veterinarians to increase the number of reduced fee vaccination clinics, and providing more
public education on the importance of rabies vaccinations. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Elmore thanked Dr. Jackson for serving on the Rabies Task Force.
New Business:
News Articles
Mrs. Dean expressed not needing news articles sent to her since she reads the daily
paper. Ms. Smith inquired if the Board members find the monthly distribution of news
articles beneficial. It was the consensus of the Board for Ms. Smith to discontinue the
distribution of booklet of news articles to the Board.
Mrs. Alford expressed her appreciation to Ms. Smith for her excellent job as Acting Health
Director.
Cape Fear Memorial Foundation Grant Applications
Mr. Elmore reported the Executive Committee reviewed the Cape Fear Memorial
Foundation Grant Applications listed below for the Board of Health's consideration.
Community Awareness and Education Project - $7.000
Mr. Elmore recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board to approve the
Community Awareness and Education Project to focus on increasing referrals to Child
Service Coordination (CSC), to make CSC more visible in the community, and to expand
more health services to children. The grant will be funded by the Cape Fear Memorial
Foundation.
I
I
I
I
I
I
''7
Lt
Mrs. Alford complimented Mrs. Janet McCumbee, Child Health Director, on the
Community Awareness and Education Project Grant for a job well done. Mrs. McCumbee
explained the grant was written by Ms. Katrina Slagle, Public Health Nurse, Child Health.
MOTION: Mr. Elmore recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board to
approve the Cape Fear Memorial Foundation Community Awareness and Education
Project Grant Application for $7,000. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Maternity Care Coordination - Colorful Children's Books - $50.753
Mr. Elmore reported the Executive Committee voted to present the Cape Fear Memorial
Foundation Maternity Care Coordination (MCC) - Colorful Children's ($50,753) Grant
Application without recommendation to the Board of Health for their consideration.
Mrs. Betty Jo McCorkle, Women's Health Director, announced the MCC - Colorful
Children's Books Grant was written by Ms. Page Tootoo, Public Health Nurse. She
advised the grant will furnish books to encourage patients to make contact with the MCC
Coordinator, to attend MCC clinics, to help patients change undesirable nutrition and
lifestyle habits and produce healthier babies, and as an educational tool to teach patients
to be better and healthier parents.
Mrs. Rowe inquired why there was no recommendation to approve the grant from the
Executive Committee. Dr. Jackson expressed the Executive Board did not oppose the
grant but decided to bring it before the Board with no recommendation. He stated the
grant appears to entice people to accept no responsibility rather than to teaching them to
take responsibility. Mrs. Dean and Mr. Greer concurred with Dr. Jackson. Dr. Goins
voiced in support of the staff initiative to affect a positive outcome for the patients and
thanked the staff for their preparation of the grant application.
Mrs. McCorkle stated the incentive and distribution of the books will provide and display
nurturing skills, will provide education to patients and their families, and will establish a
better rapport with MCC patients.
Dr. Clancy endorsed the Cape Fear Memorial Foundation funded grant and stated that the
cost to taxpayers for one baby in a neonatal intensive care unit for a month is two or three
times greater than the $50,753 grant request which is no cost to taxpayers.
MOTION: Dr. Goins moved seconded by Dr. Clancy for the Board of Health to approve
the Cape Fear Memorial Foundation Maternity Care Coordination (MCC) - Colorful
Children's Books Grant Application for $50,753. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED.
~ Aye
~ Nay Mrs. Dean ,Mr. Greer, Mr. Steuer
48
Communicable Disease Fee Changes
Mr. Elmore recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board to approve the I
following new Communicable Disease fee changes in the health department fee
schedule:
MMR $35
Rabies (Pre Exposure 65
Varicella (Chickenpox) 50
Administration Fee 5
Completion of TB Screening Form Fee 5
MOTION: Mr. Elmore moved from the Executive Committee for the Board to approve and
to adopt the new fees listed above for the Communicable Disease Division and for the
approved fees to be incorporated in the New Hanover County Fee Policy. Upon vote, the
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Comments:
Board Members:
Health Director Search Committee
I
Mr. Elmore announced the Human Resources Department deadline for applications for
Health Director was on May 16, 1997. The Search Committee will meet and review
applications submitted by the Human Resources Department.
Acting Health Director:
Introduction of Elizabeth Barnes. Intern Student from Chapel Hill
Ms. Smith introduced Ms. Elizabeth Barnes, Intern Student, from the University of North
Carolina @ Chapel Hill.
House Bill 213: Control of County BoardslHuman Services Sponsored by
Representative Nichols
Ms. Smith informed the Board that House Bill 213: Control of County BoardslHuman
Services sponsored by Representative Nichols did not get out of committee in the North
Carolina General Assembly. The Association of North Carolina Boards of Health and the
North Carolina Local Health Directors Association are keeping an eye on legislation in case
this should surface as an amendment to other legislation.
I
1.0
-.- < j)
Personal Wellness Profile Executive Summary
I
Ms. Smith presented a summary of the Personal Wellness Profile Executive Summary for
Health Department WellPlus+ participants provided by New Hanover Regional Medical
Center Wellness Services. She explained that 56 employees participated and had
received individual wellness profiles covering health risks and suggestions for lifestyle
changes which would improve health and increase life expectancy.
Association of North Carolina Boards of Health - Leadership Institute IIAcademyat
the Beach"
Ms. Smith informed Board members of the Association of North Carolina Boards of Health
- Leadership Institute, "Academy at the Beach" to be held at - Wilmington - October 10-
11, 1997. She stated more information regarding registration would come later and would
be given to each board member.
Blood Drive
Ms. Smith invited Board members to participate in the New Hanover County Blood Drive
which will last two more days.
I
Actions by County Commissioners
Ms. Smith advised the Board the New Hanover County Commissioners approved the
following health department issues on April 21, 1997:
Animal Control Services Ad Hoc Committee Recommendations
Three Partnership For Children Smart Start Grant Applications
Animal Control Services Trust Fund Revision
National Association of Local Boards of Health Annual Conference
Ms. Smith invited Board of Health members to attend the Fifth Annual Conference of the
National Association of Local Boards of Health to be held on June 25-28 in Braintree,
Massachusetts.
Other Business:
I Appreciation to Lynda F. Smith. Acting Health Director
On behalf of the Board of Health, Mr. Elmore thanked Ms. Smith for her serving efficiently
and effectively as Acting Health Director.
50
Board of Health Direction for Grants
Mrs. Beth Jones, Communicable Disease Director, requested for the Board of Health to
provide health department staff with direction in terms of grant writing. She stated a great
deal of time is spent writing grants and if the Board would give ideas and areas to pursue,
it would be beneficial to staff and to the Board.
Adjournment:
There being no further business, the regular business meeting of the Board of Health was
adjourned at 10.20 p.m.
wé~~ainnan
New Hanover County Board of Health
l~<.- :b ~"'~~
Lynda . Smith, Acting Health Director
New Hanover County Health Department
Approved:
I
I
I
I
I
I
}--1
,j;
Attachment #1
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
BUDGET RESOLUTION
IN ORDER TO FULLY ENGAGE THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH IN
THE BUDGET PROCESS,
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED THAT THE BOARD CONTINUE ITS INVOLVEMENT IN THE
FORMATION OF THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT BUDGET AS WAS DONE IN THE YEARS
1996-1997.
Adopted June 4, 1997, by the New Hanover County Board of Health.
Signed: eA~
W. Kei Elmore, RPh, Chairman
New Hanover County Board of Health
I
II
I
-n
J-.:; .-)
Attachment #2
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
RABIES CONTROL AND ADOPTION POLICY AND PROCEDURE
Adoption Program
A. Allow adoption of any dog or cat that has had no opportunity for exposure to rabies,
including puppies and kittens.
Have people turning in animals sign a statement that animal has to their knowledge
not been exposed to any rabid animal or wildlife. Included in this statement will be
a section requesting animal's vaccination history.
B.
Vaccinate all pets that have potential for vaccination that are 3 months or older within
3 working days after adoption.
Require rabies vaccination of kittens and puppies at 6 weeks, 9 weeks and 12 weeks
of age, with the first vaccination within 3 working days after adoption. At the time
of the 12 week vaccination, the owner will then obtain a rabies tag and be required
to purchase the county license.
C. Use of an adoption contract releasing the county from any liability arising from the
adopted animal contracting any contagious condition.
Adopted June 4, 1997, by the New Hanover County Board of Health.
Signed: ~
W. ith Elmore, RPh, Chairman
New Hanover County Board of Health