04/07/1999
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Mr. William T. Steuer, Chairman, called the regular business meeting of the New Hanover County
Board of Health (NHCBH) to order at 8:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 7, 1999, in the Conference Room,
of the Animal Control Services Division, 220 Division Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina.
Members Present:
William T. Steuer, Chairman
Wilson O'Kelly Jewell, DDS, Vice-Chairman
Henry V. Estep, RHU
Michael E Goins, OD
Robert G. Greer, Vice-Chair, County Commissioners
Gela N. Hunter, RN, Nurse PractItIOner
W. Edwin Link, Jr., RPH
Anne Braswell Rowe
Philip P. Smith, Sr., MD
Melody C. Speck, DVM
Estelle G. Whitted, RN
Members Absent:
Others Present:
David E. Rice, Health Director
Lynda F. Smith, Assistant Health Director
Frances F. De Vane, Recording Secretary
Invocation: Ms. Anne Rowe gave the invocation.
Minutes:
Mr. Steuer asked for corrections to the minutes of the March 3, 1999 New Hanover County Board of
Health Meeting The minutes of the February 3, 1999 Board of Health meeting were corrected and
approved
Recognitions:
Personnel
Mr. Rice introduced the following new health department employees:
New Employees
Andrea Carson, Health Educator, Women's Health Care
Kris M. Creger, Nutritionist I, Nutrition
Jennifer H. Grainger, Animal Control Officer, Animal Control Services
Service Awards
Mr. Rice recognized and congratulated the following New Hanover County Service Award recipient:
Five ( 5) Year Service
Kimberly Carder, Clerical Specialist, Communicable Disease
Mr. Rice welcomed Ms. Ketsie Kellum and Ms. Wendy Wolonick, student nurses trom the University
of North Carolina @ Wilmington. He recognized Mr. Mark Boyer, Public Information Officer for New
Hanover County. On behalf of the Board of Health, Mr. Steuer welcomed new employees and the
UNCW nursing students, and commended the health department Service Award recipients.
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Department Focal:
Euthanasia Video
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Mr. Ron Currie, Animal Control Services Director, welcomed the Board of Health to the Animal
Control Services Shelter. He thanked the Board for addressing the process of euthanasia that is
stressful for staff Mr. Currie recognized Dr. Audrey Mizerahi, DVM, Director, and Ms. Martha
Raynor, Shelter Manager, of the New Hanover Humane Society. Mr. Steuer stated the purpose of the
department focal is to give the Board of Health a better understanding of the euthanasia process, to
present the number of unwanted animals killed by injection, and to address the euthanasia issue.
Ms. Jean McNeil, Acting Animal Control Services Director, presented the department focal on
Euthanasia. She showed two videos on the Process of Euthanasia. The first video on the Euthanasia
Process in Guilford County was televised by Sheriff B.J. Barnes, Guilford County Sheriff, on a public
government access television channel
The second video was on the Euthanasia Process at the New Hanover County Animal Control Services
Shelter. Ms. McNeil explained the process for animals entering the Animal Control Shelter She
advised they killed 70% of the 4,712 animals entering the shelter last year. The Animal Control Shelter
has a spay-neuter policy. Ms. McNeil stated spay neuter is the greatest solution to the unwanted pet
problem. Spay neuter appointments are made for animals leaving the shelter with a veterinarian
Dr. Smith inquired about the percentage or number of animals adopted from the shelter. Mr. Currie
responded last year there were approximately 3,000 animals were euthanized. He stated 50% of the
animals at the shelter are turned in by their owners.
Mr. Steuer suggested Animals Control Services show the video to pet owners turning in unwanted pets
to educate people on the shelter's euthanasia process. Mr. Currie suggested making the video available I
to educate the public on what happens to these unwanted pets.
Mr Rice reported that Ms. McNeil was appointed Acting Animal Control Services Director on March,
1999. Mr. Steuer thanked Ms. McNeil for the department focal on the Process of Euthanasia.
Committee Reports:
Executive Committee
Mr. Steuer, Chairman, reported the Executive Committee met at 6:00 p.m on Tuesday, April 6, 1999
Items are listed under New Business on the Board of Health Agenda.
Unfinished Business:
Generators/Hookups at Emergency Shelters
Mr. Greer reported the status of an FEMA Grant Application to FEMA to provide generators/hookups
for emergency shelters in New Hanover County is unchanged.
New Business:
Community Health Improvement Project (CHIP) Dental Health Fund
Mr. Steuer recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to approve the CHIP
Community Dental Funds ($20,000).
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Mr. Greer asked if and how the health department would receive funding. Dr. Goins advised the
$20,000 funding will replace School Health dental funding ($14,359) which the state plans to eliminate
on June 30, 1999. Expenditures will be for dental care for children without dental insurance. Services
provided will include emergency, preventive and long-term dental care. Mr. Rice advised if the
$20,000 allocation is not expended, they will carry forward the remaining balance to FYBudget 2000-
2001 for a two-year period.
MOTION: Mr. Steuer moved from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to accept and
approve the CHIP Community Dental Health Funds ($20,000) and to submit the $20,000 budget
amendment to the New Hanover County Commissioners for their consideration. Upon vote, the
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Health Fee Policy Change - Women's Preventive Health Services
Mr. Steuer recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to approve the
Women's Preventive Health Services fee changes (due to Medicaid rate changes) The Board reviewed
the recommended revisions to the fee policy.
MOTION: Mr. Steuer moved from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to accept and
approve the Women's Preventive Health Services fee changes (due to Medicaid rate revisions) to be
incorporated in the New Hanover County Health Department Fee Policy and to submit the fee changes
to the New Hanover County Commissioners for their consideration. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Temoorary Aid To Needv Families (TANF) Funds
Mr. Steuer recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to accept and
approve the change to the TANF Budget to establish a 50% Social Worker II position to reduce out of wedlock
pregnancy in the TANF population. He explained TANF funds budgeted in FY1997-98 have changed
Budgeted expenditures have significant restrictions must focus on selected prevention actIvities.
Ms. Rowe stated T ANF funding is to reduce teenage pregnancy in needy families. Ms. Betty Jo McCorkle,
Women's Health Care Director, explained the goal is to decrease the numþer of Department of Social Services
clients and to reduce out of wedlock pregnancy in the TANF population. The total budget is $28,374 (Salary
and Fringe $19, 721, Operating Budget $8,653). The funding provides a 50% Social Worker II position from
the Division of Women's and Children' Health, Department of Health and HunIan Services.
MOTION: Mr. Steuer moved from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to accept and
approve the change to the TANF Budget to establish a 50% Social Worker II position to reduce out ofwed1ock
pregnancy in the TANF population and to submit the budget request to the New Hanover County Commissioners
for their consideration. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Danl!erous Dol!IPotentiallv Danl!erous Doe Ordinance Revision - Mr. Andrew Olsen
Mr. Andrew Olsen, Assistant County Attorney, reviewed the Dangerous DogIPotentially Dangerous Dog
Ordinance Revision. He explained the intent of the revision was to fme tune the sections and to minimize the
changes of the ordinance and yet to be consistent with the state dangerous dog law.
Mr. Olsen summarized the proposed changes to the New Hanover County Code, Chapter III' Animals and Fowl,
Article II; Dangerous DogIPotentially Dangerous Dog Ordinance. Except the recommended changes Chapter III
will remain unaltered. He presented the following revisions to the ordinance:
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Section 3-25 Definitions
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A change of definition of a dangerous dog to distinguish dangerous from potentially dangerous and a
change in committee stipulations to delete unnecessary verbiage
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Section 3-26 Exclusions
~ A heading change from Applications to Exclusions to better define the provisions of the article
Section 3-27 Procedure
~ Provision made for definite documentation of owner notification of dog being investigated for
dangerous/potentially dangerous dog
Note: Owner may be notified, but they may choose not to respond. Investigation will proceed without
owner input (documentation verified).
~ Allowance made for dangerous dog to appeal (Old ordinance did not allow appeal of dangerous dog
decision)
~ Stipulation on appeal for either potentially or dangerous dog determination
~ Increases appeal time from three (3) to ten (10) days
Section 3-28 Procedure
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~ Gives right of choIce to committee or board making decision on restrictions for dog owner
~ Reemphasizes time frame of forty-eight (48) hours for dog owner to respond to transfer of ownership
~ Requires new owner coming into possession of dangerous/potentially dangerous dog to notify AnImal
Control Services
Note: Allows ACS to better follow up on a dog, verify dog's location, and give explananon to a new
owner of restrictions on new pet
Section 3-29 Procedure
~ Gives ACS the right to seize dogs in violation of the dangerous dog ordinance if a violation is observed by
an officer or an affidavit is secured
~ Gives the committee or board options other than euthanasia
~ Places greater responsibility on the dog owner
Mr. Olsen referred the Board to the ordinance definitions of dangerous and potentially dangerous dog, an I
inflicted bite, and on a killed or inflicted severe injury. A discussion followed on the right of a pet owner to
appeal to Appellate Court and on the provision to increase the time for appeal from three (3) to ten days. Mr.
Olsen expressed the staff felt the change in the appeal process will be fairer to everyone.
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Dr. Speck referred to a recent animal abuse incident in BrunsWick County. She stated she would like to prevent
an incIdent of this type in New Hanover County. She asked in a similar sItuation if a search warrant is difficult
to obtain, if AnImal Control Services can get a search warrant, and inquired about the search warrant procedure
in AnImal Control Services. Mr Steuer requested Dr. Speck address thIs issue with the Animal Control
Advisory Committee and report back to the Executive Committee of the Board of Health.
Mr. Steuer recommended from the Executive Committee the approval of the Revision to the Dangerous
DogIPotentially Dangerous Dog Ordinance. Mr. Greer stated he approves the ordinance as presented and
reviewed by Mr. Olson, Assistant County Attorney.
MOTION: Mr. Steuer moved from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to accept and
approve the revisions to the New Hanover County Code, Chapter III: Animals and Fowl, Article II: Dangerous
DogIPotentially Dangerous Dog Ordinance and to submit the revision to the New Hanover County
Commissioners for their consideration. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Steuer thanked Mr. Olsen, staff, and those involved in the Revision of the Dangerous DogIPotentially
Dangerous Ordinance.
Other Business:
Healthv Carolinians Resolution
Mr. Steuer recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to approve a
Resolution in Support of Healthy Carolinians.
Mr Rice reported the Brunswick County Commissioners adopted a Resolution In Support of Healthy Carolinians
Goals. He read the resolution that supports the proposed legislation for the continued growth and funding of
Healthy Carolmians Task Forces and inItIatives in most North Carolina counties. Mr. Rice stated the Healthy
Carolinians Program needs funding for the support of their goals and programs to improve health indices
Mr. Estep asked what is the Healthy Carolinians organization? Ms. Lynda F. Smith, Assistant Health
Director, advised several years ago New Hanover County was one of the first communities to organize
a Healthy Carolinians Year 2000 Committee and to receive certification from the Governor's Task
Force. The committee consisted of county, hospital, and health care officials. She stated no funding
is available to support the goals of Healthy Carolinians. The resolution is in support of legislation to
provide funding for Healthy Carolinians.
MOTION: Mr. Steuer moved from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to accept and
approve a Resolution in Support of Healthy Carolinians and to submit the resolution to the New
Hanover County Commissioners for their consideration. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY. (Attachment #1 - Resolution in Support of Healthy Carolinians is incorporated as
a part of these minutes.)
Comments:
I Board of Health
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Appreciation to Ron Currie. Animal Control Services Director
On behalf of the Board of Health, Dr. Goins thanked Mr. Currie for his years of dedicated services to
Animal Control Services and to the community. He commended Mr. Currie for his problem solving
skills, his assistance to pet owners, his ability to deal with the public, and for his positive attitude
toward the aspects of Animal Control Services Mr. Greer expressed his appreciation to Mr. Currie for
his services and performance as Animal Control Director. A round of applause followed in recognition
of Mr. Currie and of his services to New Hanover County.
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Healthy Carolinians Resolution
Mr. Greer suggested in the future the Board of Health should be better informed on exactly what they
are asking for and better informed of the cost involved. He stated the Healthy Carolinians Resolution is
an example. He felt more information regarding the organization and the cost would have been
beneficial. The Board of Health concurred with Mr. Greer's request and Mr. Steuer stated they will
provide more information on future requests
Health Director
NHCHD WEB Page (Http://www.co.new-hanover.nc.us/hlth/hlthmain.htm)
Mr. Rice announced the New Hanover County Health Department Web Page is now on the Internet. I
The web page displays pictures of the Board of Health members.
Environmental Epidemiologist Presentation to Staff
Mr. Rice reported on March 12, Dr. Nkuchia M'ikanatha, DrPH, Project Manager, CDC, gave a
presentation on Epidemiological Investigations: A Global Perspective to the health department staff
Dr. M'ikanatha, a former Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Chief Detective conducted a field
investigation on a virus outbreak in Reno, Nevada.
Budget Meeting with New Hanover County Manager. March 15. 1999
Mr. Rice attended a budget meeting with Mr. Allen O'Neal, County Manager, on March 15, 1999 to
review new position and capital outlay requests. On May 3, 1999, the County Manager's
recommended budget will be returned to the health department. The New Hanover County
Commissioners will approve the New Hanover County Fiscal Year Budget 1999-2000 in June 1999.
Needs Assessment Planning Committee
Mr. Rice attended the Needs Assessment Planning Committee meetings on March 11 and 23, 1999
The committee represents New Hanover Regional Medical Center, UNC@Wilmington, DSS, Mental I
Health, Coastal AHEC, Coastal Carolinians Health Alliance, law enforcement divisions, and other
human service organizations. The needs assessment process will be a collaborative effort involving of
community agencies. Focus groups will identify the needs assessment process and data.
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Tobacco Settlement Bill Signed
Mr. Rice reported Governor James B. Hunt, Jr., signed the Tobacco Settlement Bill on March 17,
1999. They will make distribution of funds in Phases I and II and estimates follow:
PHASE 1-
General Assembly Appropriations (over 25 years)
50% $2.3 MillIon
Non-profit corporation created in Consent Decree to provide economic
assistance to tobacco dependent and economically affected communities
25% $1.5 Billion
Trust Fund to benefit tobacco growers, allotment holders,
tobacco producers, and tobacco related employees
25% $1.15 Billion
Trust Fund to benefit health
PHASE II -
National Trust Fund (over 12 years)
$1.9 Billion
Tobacco growers and allotment holders
Position Description Ouestionnaires (PDO) - Pay and Classification Study
Mr. Rice reported every health department employee is currently preparing Position Description
Questionnaires for the New Hanover County Pay and Classification Study. The 20-page completed
questionnaires are due to the Human Resources Department on April 20, 1999.
AEIOU Update
Mr. Rice gave an update on the actIVItles of the AEIOU Committee actlVItles. The Internal
Communication Committee conducted a survey. Recommendations from the study include improving
flow of information (voice maille-mail), listening, and listening via supervisor and team leader. The
Internal Evaluation Committee met with Dr. Bruce Fried and Dr. Vaughn Upshaw, School of Public
Health, UNC@Chapel Hill, to develop evaluation tools. The Public Information Committee (First Gap)
is focusing on community needs and involvement strategies.
Public Health Month Activities - Cooks Needed
Mr. Rice Public Health Month celebrations include the following:
April1 -3:00p.m.
April 9 - 2:00 p.m.
Apnl 10
- General Staff Kickoff of Public Health Month
- Presentation on Public Health Hot Buttons to General Staff
by A. Dennis McBride, M.D., MPH, State Health Director
- Azalea Festival Parade
- New Hanover County Health Department Employee Float
- Dr. McBride on NHCHD Employee Float to raise visibility of
Public Health
- Staff Appreciation Luncheon sponsored by the Board of Health
Apri114 - 12 noon
Mr. Rice explained the Health Department float will be # 178 in the Azalea Festival Parade. The float IS an
employee project to market Public Health to the community. Employees are funding the cost of the float. No
county tax dollars are being spent for the float. Mr. Rice asked for volunteer cooks for the Staff Appreciation
Luncheon given to staff by the Board of Health members.
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Other Business:
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Vector Control Boat
Mr. Steuer reported an Alumaweld 19-foot boat has been ordered for Vector Control Program in the
Environmental Health Division. The boat is being shipped May 15, 1999.
Spay Neuter Policy - Martha Raynor. Shelter Manager. New Hanover Humane Society
Mr Steuer recognized Ms. Martha Raynor, Shelter Manager, New Hanover Humane Society. She
presented a request for the Board to consider a mandatory Spay Neuter Policy at the New Hanover
County Animal Control Services Shelter. Ms. Raynor reported the Humane Society has a mandatory
Spay Neuter Policy. Dr. Audrey Mizerahi, Veterinarian, performs the spay/neuter process at the
Humane Society on every adopted pet.
Ms Raynor emphasized the current Animal Control Services Shelter Spay Neuter Policy is weak, since
the adopted pet is not sterilized before leaving the shelter. An Animal Control Services staff makes an
appointment with a veterinarian to spay or neuter the adopted pet and often the pet owner does not
keep the appointment. Ms. Raynor explained the Humane Society tried a similar policy that failed.
Mr. Estep inquired about current euthanasia and spay neuter procedures. Ms. McNeil stated she I
supports the mandatory Humane Society Spay Neuter Policy; however, due to staff shortage (6
officers and 500+ dog bites), rotating work schedules, and other priorities; the spay/neuter procedure is
provided at the Animal Control Services Shelter. They would need additional staff providing spay or
neuter services at the shelter as provided at the Humane Society. Animal Control Services gives a
$45.00 certificate to pet owners for spay or neuter of an adopted pet. Mr. Currie stated it costs $95 a
day to keep an animal at the shelter. The pet adoption charge is $45.00 with pet sterilization at the
Humane Society.
Dr. Speck stated the Board needs to address and identify solutions to improve the spay neuter efforts
and rate and to encourage obedience training for pets. She emphasized irresponsible pet owners are
responsible for unwanted pets.
Mr. Steuer requested Dr. Speck and the Animal Control Services Advisory Committee study spay
neuter efforts and animal welfare issues including efforts to reduce the number of animals killed at the
Animal Control Services Shelter. He asked Dr. Speck to report their recommendations to the Board
of Health.
Invitation to Celebration - North Chase Sewer Interceptor Project Completion
Mr. Greer invited the Board members to a celebration for the completion of the North Chase Sewer
Inceptor Project at 2:00 p.m. today, April 7) 1999. He advised they started the project in June 1998 I
and it is to take wastewater from the North Chase/Castle Hayne area to the treatment plant on North
23rd Street.
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New Hanover County Board of Health - 120 Years Old on June 14. 1879
Mr. Rice reported on June 14, 1999, the New Hanover County Board of Health will celebrate 120
years of public health service in our community.
Invitation to Annual Pet Adopt-a-thon
Ms. McNeil extended an invitation to the Board to attend the Animal Control Services Annual Pet
Adopt-a- thon on Saturday, May 1, 1999, from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday, May 2, 1999,
from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Animal Control Services Shelter, 220 Division Drive, Wilmington,
North Carolina. Activities will include a dog show, contests, pet tattoos, a Rabies Clinic, and the
Sheriff's K-9 Unit.
Tour of Animal Control Services Facility
Ms. McNeil conducted a tour of the Animal Control Services Shelter.
Adjourn:
There being no other business, Mr. Steuer adjourned the regular meeting of the New Hanover County
Board of Health at 9:45 a.m.
dJY~ ~
William T. Steuer, P /RLS, Chairman
New Hanover County Board of Health
David E. Rice, M.P.H., M.A., Health Director
New Hanover County Health Department
Approved: May 12, 1999
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Attachment #1
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH RESOLUTION
IN SUPPORT OF THE HEALTHY CAROLINIANS GOALS
IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY
WHEREAS, there is no ongoing funding to support the Healthy Carolinians initiative in individual
counties; and
WHEREAS, there is a lack of significant progress to formalize collaboration between all the
necessary partners in most North Carolina counties; and
WHEREAS, the Healthy Carolinians Goals are deemed worthwhile and beneficial to the citizens of
the State of North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, achieving the goals of Healthy Carolinians will improve health indices leading to
longer, healthier more productive lives for our citizens; and
WHEREAS, one dollar spent in preventive medicine methodologies such as Healthy Carolinians
results in anywhere from three to ten dollars saved from treatments averted; and
WHEREAS, many fledgling Healthy Carolinians Task Forces may wither on the vine without solid,
ongoing funding; and
WHEREAS, the proposed legislation would provide the basis for continued growth and stabilization
of the needed collaboration that will bring the Health Carolinians effort to fruition,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the New Hanover County Board of Health wholeheartedly
supports the proposed legislation and urges New Hanover County's state legislative delegation to
support it, and any other public health organization or association to support it as well.
Adopted the 7th day of April 1999.
~c0~
(SEAL)
William T. Steuer, Chairman
New Hanover County Board of Health
AT~
Secretary to the Board of Health