08/04/1999
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Mr. William T. Steuer, Chairman, called the regular business meeting of the New Hanover County Board
of Health to order at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 4, 1999.
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
Ms. Bunnie McClure, Assistant County Finance Officer
Frances De Vane, Recording Secretary
Invocation:
Ms. Whitted gave the invocation.
Minutes:
Mr. Steuer asked for corrections to the minutes ofthe July 7, 1999 New Hanover County Board of Health
meeting. The minutes of the July 7, 1999 Board of Health meeting were approved.
Recognitions:
Personnel
Mr. Rice recognized Mr. Anthony Williams, Animal Control Services Shelter Attendant, who is an
employee with four years of service. Mr. Rice introduced the following health department employees:
New Emplovees
Patricia A. Hochwalt, Public Health Nurse, Community Health/School Health
Teresa Y. Stanley, Public Health Nurse, Community Health/School Health
Mr. Steuer welcomed Mr. Williams, Ms. Hochwalt and Ms. Stanley.
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Department Focal:
Public Swimmine: Pool Proe:ram
Ms. Susan Wright, Environmental Health Specialist, gave the department focal on the Public Swimming
Pool Program of the Environmental Health Division. She explained the N. C. Department of
Environment Health and Natural Resources Public Swimming Pools Regulations were adopted in 1992.
Prior to the state regulations, New Hanover County regulated public swimming pools under the New
Hanover County Board of Health Swimming Pool Regulations. Seasonal pools are permitted each season
and inspected twice a season. Year-round pools are permitted annually and inspected four times a year.
The Environmental Health staff checks the public pools for water quality, chemical storage, filtration and
safety equipment, suction hazards, deck area, fencing, and sanitary facilities for safety. There are 321
public swimming pools that require permitting and inspecting visits.
Ms. Wright advised public pool requirements must be met prior to and during construction, and after the
completion of construction. All commercial pool operators must be certified pool operators.
Dr. Speck asked about the availability of the same pool services for private pool owners in the county.
Ms. Wright stated private pools are not inspected. Ms. Harvell stated it would be difficult to provide the
private pool inspection services. Mr. Rice inquired whether public pools have capacity guidelines, and
Ms. Wright clarified public pools do have capacity requirements based upon size (square footage) of the
pool and the depth of water in the area ofthe pool.
Committee Reports:
Executive Committee
Mr. Steuer, Chairman, Executive Committee, reported the Executive Committee met at 6:00 p.m. on
Tuesday, July 27, 1999.
Unfinished Business:
Generators/Hookups at Emere:encv Shelters
Mr. Rice gave a status report on securing generators/hookups for disaster shelters. He referred the Board
to a memo (August 2, 1999) he received from Mr. Dan Summers, Emergency Management Services
Director, that included fourteen action items. The completed actions include the review of schools for
equipment placement; review of expense estimates for transfer switches and the request for funding; a
request for county schools to assist with power cord pass throughs, and an order for additional lights,
cords, supplies, and fans for the disaster shelters.
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Mr. Rice expressed a great deal of progress has been made on emergency efforts; however, a lot still
needs to be accomplished. Items listed in the referenced memo as in process include securing a
deployment services contract for county owned equipment; monitoring of generator hookups at new
schools and securing bids and additional technical specifications for the remaining schools; monitoring of
the FEMA Grant Applications for additional transfer switches; and improving deployment of existing
supplies to disaster shelters.
Mr. Rice reported Mr. Wyatt Blanchard, County Engineer, and Mr. Dan Summers, Emergency Services
Director, are to secure an electrical contractor to hook-up large generators in disaster shelters. He
stated Mr. Summers met with the Health Department Management Team and gave a status report on
securing temporary generators and improving conditions at emergency shelters. Other incomplete items
include scheduling a meeting to address generator equipment hook-ups with CP&L, county officials,
health department staff, and a local contractor (recommended by Mr. Blanchard) to address generator
equipment hook-ups at the disaster shelters; re-checking of generators and perform preventive
maintenance; and the scheduling of a deployment
Mr. Rice stated the staff has pursued scheduling a meeting with representatives from CP&L, Emergency
Management, and others involved in the generator equipment hook-up process. Mr. Steuer reiterated
CP&L has to pull the primary cables in order for a local contractor to a connect large 400 kW generator at
the shelter sites. Mr. Greer inquired if two generator hook-ups @ $75,000 are installed at two schools,
would the Board need to pursue a meeting with CP&L to pull the cables to hook-up larger generators.
Mr. Steuer explained the process for hooking up larger generators is safe if done properly. He expressed
he does not see spending the money for temporary generator provisions every few years. Ms. Creech
advised the cords on the shelter floors have presented problems. Mr. Steuer recommended pursuing the
scheduling for the generator meeting with CP&L. Dr. Speck expressed her appreciation to Mr. Steuer
for his opinion as a Professional Engineer. She suggested the Board endorse scheduling the proposed
meeting.
Mr. Steuer reported the surplus generator for Animal Control Services needs both repair parts. Mr. Greer
asked about the status of the installation of the generator parts. Mr. Steuer advised a decision has not
been made regarding the feasibility of repairing or trading the surplus generator.
It was the consensus of the Board of Health to pursue the scheduling of a meeting with CP&L officials
to address generator equipment hook-ups in the disaster shelters.
New Business:
Breastfeedin!!: Week Proclamation
Mr. Steuer recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to approve the
Breastfeeding Week Resolution as presented.
Ms. Nancy Nail, Nutrition Director, announced August 1-7, 1999, is being recognized as Breastfeeding
Week. Governor James B. Hunt has signed a Breastfeeding Week Proclamation to recognize this week in
North Carolina. She expressed breastfeeding creates a healthy environment and benefits mothers and
babies.
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MOTION: Mr. Steuer moved from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to accept and I
approve the New Hanover County Board of Health Resolution In Support of World Wide Breastfeeding in
New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNAMAMIOUSLY. (Attachment #1 -
New Hanover County Board of Health Breastfeeding Resolution is incorporated and is made a part of the
minutes.)
Animal Control Services Operations Proposal
Mr. Steuer recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to approve the Animal
Control Services Operations Proposal.
Mr. Steuer reported the Animal Control Services Task Force met several times to address methods to
improve the Animal Control Services License Fee process and the computer system. The Task Force
recommends the proposed one-stop licensure service to generate revenues. It will be located at the
Animal Control facility.
Mr. Rice requested the Board review the Animal Control Services Operations Proposal. The license and
fee proposal includes a request for the addition of two positions for Animal Control License Fee activities
and a request to shift delinquent account collections to a private sector collection agency. The budget
request is for $46,500 to cover salaries/benefits and general operating expenses. The salary request is for
two Accounting Technicians II positions.
Mr. Rice reported Mr. Kemp P. Burpeau, Deputy County Attorney, advised (July 29, 1999 memo) the
proposed collection procedures using Animal Control personnel and an outside collection are consistent I
with the New Hanover County Code; therefore, an ordinance change is not necessary.
Dr. Speck eXplained when the delinquent license notices were issued; she was serving on the Animal
Control Services Advisory Committee. She stated she studied the present licensing system. Dr. Speck
emphasized the proposed Animal Control Services License Fee system is needed as well as the two new
Accounting Technician positions to complete the process. Mr. Steuer concurred and advised Animal
Control Services revenues show a decrease and the implementation of the new licensing process and the
computer system should generate additional revenue.
MOTION: Mr. Steuer moved from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to accept and
approve the a request for two new Animal Control Services Accounting II positions to process license fee
activities and a request to authorize the shift of delinquent account collections to a private collection
agency and to submit the Animal Control Services request to the New Hanover County Commissioners
for their consideration. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNAMIMOUSL Y.
New Hanover County Board of Health Rules Governin!!: Bodv Piercin!!: Establishments and
Practitioners
Mr. Steuer recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to accept and approve
the final draft of New Hanover County Board of Health Rules Governing Body Piercing Establishments
and Practitioners.
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Mr. Greer inquired about last month's revision to the body piercing regulations regarding not allowing
animals in body piercing establishments. Mr. Rice read the approved revision to Section 5011
Requirements for Premises, Subsection (t), of the draft of the Rules Governing Body Piercing
Establishments and Practitioners in New Hanover County, North Carolina, which read: No animals of
any kind shall be allowed in the procedure room of a body piercing establishment except a service
animal used by persons with disabilities (i.e. seeing eye dogs).
Mr. Rice referred the Board to a written request from Ms. Kathleen Russell, Attorney, representing
Inverness Corporation, a large manufacturer of professional ear piercing equipment. The Inverness Ear
Piercing System is FDA-regulated and the service is provided with a gun and without the use of needles.
Mr. Rice explained the request is for the exemption of ear piercing from the draft of the Rules for New
Hanover County Board of Health Rules Governing Body Piercing Establishments and Practitioners. Ear
piercing is exempted in the National Environmental Health Association Body Art (NEHA) Model Code.
Ms. Hunter inquired regarding the location and definition of ear piercing. Mr. Link explained after careful
consideration the Environmental Health Committee recommended denying the exemption request from
Inverness Corporation to change the draft of the rules for body piercing. He advised an ear piercing gun
tears the cartilage of the ear lobe and the needle is a better technique with less risk. Dr. Speck inquired if
the risk is high enough to consider having rules differ from the NHA Code. Mr. Estep asked if rules in
other counties differ from the NEHA Code. Mr. Link informed other counties and states are inconsistent
with the NEHA Mode Code. Mr. Steuer explained the Executive Committee researched and decided to
deny the exemption request from Inverness Corporation to change the draft of New Hanover County
Board of Health Rules Governing Body Piercing Establishments and Practitioners.
Mr. Rice reported he spoke with Ms. Russell regarding her concerns with the Board's draft of Rules
Governing Body Piercing Establishments and Practitioners. Ms. Russell advised it is Inverness
Corporation may take legal action regarding the rules exemption. Mr. Rice advised Mr. Kemp Burpeau,
Assistant County Attorney, will súpport the Board of Health's decision to exempt ear piercing from the
body piercing regulations.
Ms. Whitted expressed concern regarding changing and wearing gloves, sanitation procedures, and the
spread of communicable disease in the ear piercing process. Mr. Link advised Section 5003 of the body
piercing rules addresses the frequency of changing of gloves and other sanitation procedures.
MOTION: Mr. Steuer moved from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to accept and
approve the final draft of New Hanover County Board of Health Rules Governing Body Piercing
Establishment and Practitioners in New Hanover County, North Carolina, effective September 1, 1999.
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNAMIMOUSLY.
Comments:
Board of Health
Rules Governin!!: Bodv Piercin!!: Establishments and Practitioners
Dr. Smith and Mr. Link commended Ms. Harvell and her staff for the display of professionalism and the
professional resources in the development of the New Hanover County Board of Health Rules Governing
Body Piercing Establishments and Practitioners. Mr. Steuer recognized and thanked the Board of Health
Environmental Health Committee for their work in the regulation process.
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Animal Control Services
Mr. Steuer reported progress continues on the development of an Animal Control Services Spay Neuter
Program for animals adopted from the shelter. Staff is attending meetings of local veterinarians to
address this issue. Dr. Speck thanked Mr. Steuer, Mr. Rice, and Ms. McNeil for their assistance with the
Spay Neuter process and for attending the meetings. Ms. McNeil stated Animal Control Services is
striving to decrease the animal population in New Hanover County and to get input from local
veterinarians regarding the Spay Neuter Proposal.
Health Director
Skin Cancer Awareness - Julv 6-9.1999
During the first week of July the Health Promotion staff participated in a Skin Cancer Awareness project
of the North Carolina Cancer Control Program. The goal of the project was to provide education and
prevention strategies on sun exposure for children age 4 to 7 years. Mr. Rice informed representatives of
the Coastal Care of New Hanover Regional Medical Center, the American Cancer Society, Wilmington
Health Access for Teens (WHAT), and the Health Promotion staff visited Carolina, Kure, and
Wrightsville Beaches to distribute education materials and incentives about sun safety. The successful
beach endeavor is featured in an article in the County Connection on page 5.
Treasure Your Health Dav - Julv 8.1999
Mr. Rice advised July 8, 1999 was Treasure Your Health Day for approximately 100 children. The
festive event provided valuable health information, health department activities, and a tour of the health
department. The Wilmington Police Department participated in Treasure Your Health Day.
Annual Report Team
Mr. Rice announced the next edition of the Health Department Annual Report will be distributed in
November. The deadline for the FY1998-99 Annual Report is Friday, August 13, 1999. Ms. Denise
Houghton, Health Promotion Director, and the Annual Report Team are working with Ms. Julie Macey,
Coastal Area Health Education, to get a professional report format.
Animal Control Services
Mr. Rice reported he is reviewing the Animal Control Services Advisory Committee Policy and
Procedures including appointments, length ofterms, and rotation of terms of office on the committee.
Mr. Steuer thanked Ms. Bunnie McClure, Assistant County Finance Director and Animal Control
Services Task Force Member, for her efforts to address Animal Control Services issues and to improve
Animal Control services in our community.
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NHCHD Policy and Procedures Manual
Mr. Rice announced the New Hanover County Policy and Procedure Manual was distributed to personnel
of the health department. The manual contains an Introduction and Implementation, Code of Ethical
Conduct, Confidentiality, Customer Service Statement, Gifts and Favors, Personnel- Vacancies, Political
Activity, and Workday - Workweek Policy and Procedures. Additional policies will be included as
available.
Mana!!:ement Academv for Public Health
Mr. Rice, Ms. Lynda Smith, Assistant Health Director; and Ms. Cindy Hewett, Business Officer; will
attend the UNC Management Academy for Public Health from August 8 - 13, 1999, at UNC @ Chapel
Hill. Mr. Rice stated this nine-month process is a great opportunity and is intensive training that will be
offered to management staff next year.
Association of North Carolina Boards of Health Meetin!!:
The Association of North Carolina Boards of Health will meet on August 13-14, 1999, at the Hampton
Inn in New Bern, North Carolina. Dr. Smith and Mr. Estep advised they may plan to attend the
Reception and ANCBH Meeting. Mr. Rice eXplained expenses would be paid for attending Board
members.
Other Information
Mr. Rice referred the Board to information in their folders including a letter from Safe Kids, a letter to
Mr. Steve Vosnock regarding an Environmental Health Appeal to Board of Health, a letter of appreciation
to Vector Control from Mr. and Ms. W. S. Funderburg; a Communicable Disease Epidemiology
Newsletter, and a monthly Animal Control Services Advisory Committee Report.
Other Business:
Safety Seat Belt Grant Application
Mr. Rice presented a request to process a Safety Seat Belt Grant Application. He explained Ms Denise Houghton,
Health Promotion Director, will initiate the grant process if the Board endorses the grant request.
It was the consensus of the Board of Health to approve the processing of the Safety Seat Belt Grant Application.
Letter of Appreciation to Vector Control from Mr. and Ms. W. S. Funderbur!!:
Mr. Steuer requested Mr. Rice read the above letter. The letter from Mr. and Ms. Funderburg thanked the
Vector Control staff for their mosquito control efforts. It stated the folks at the Mosquito Control office
are professionals, courteous, and helpful at all times. They are always welcome on our property. Mr.
Steuer commended the Vector Control staff for their mosquito control services covering the county.
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TAP Grant Application
Ms. Rowe inquired about the status of the Teen Aids Prevention (TAP) Grant Application. Mr. Rice
advised the TAP Grant Application was submitted to the Cape Fear Memorial Foundation.
Adjourn:
Mr. Steuer adjourned the regular meeting of the New Hanover County Board of Health at 10:35 a.m.
illiam T. Steuer, PEl S, Chairman
New Hanover County Board of Health
~
David E. Rice, M.P.H., M.A., Health Director
New Hanover County Health Department
Approved: September 1, 1999
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Attachment #1
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NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH RESOLUTION
IN SUPPORT OF WORLD WIDE BREAST FEEDING WEEK
IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY
WHEREAS, children are our number one priority. They are our future and we owe them the
opportunity to lead healthy and prosperous lives; and
WHEREAS, breastfeeding is a healthy, natural food source for infants that provides them an
ideal balance of nutrients and a high degree of immunity against infection and allergies; and
WHEREAS, breastfeeding is recommended by the United States Surgeon General and the
majority of health care professionals. Breastmilk is the world's only non-polluting, renewable
baby food source, and it contains the best possible nutrients for infants to become healthy and
strong adults; and
WHEREAS, breastfeeding creates a smarter, healthier and happier community; and
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WHEREAS, this year's theme is "Breastfeeding: Education for Life";
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the New Hanover County Board of Health recognizes
August 1-7,1999, as "BREASTFEEDING WEEK" In New Hanover County, and encourages
our citizens to recognize the environmental and health benefits to mothers and babies in our
County by promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding.
Adopted the day of August 1999.
£/~ (/ ~
William T. Steuer, Chairman
New Hanover County Board of Health
(SEAL)
ATI~~
I Secretary to the Board of Health