11/03/1999
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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, November 3, 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
W. Edwin Link, Jr., RPH
Anne Braswell Rowe
Melody C. Speck, DVM
Gela N. Hunter, RN, Nurse Practitioner
Members Absent:
Philip P. Smith, Sr., MD
Estelle G. Whitted, RN
Others Present:
David E. Rice, Health Director
Lynda F. Smith, Assistant Health Director
Frances De Vane, Recording Secretary
Invocation:
Ms. Anne Rowe gave the invocation.
Minutes:
Mr. Steuer asked for corrections to the minutes of the October 6, 1999 New Hanover County Board of
Health meeting. The minutes of the October 6, 1999 Board of Health meeting were corrected and
approved by the Board of Health.
Recognitions:
Personnel
Mr. Rice recognized and congratulated the following New Hanover County Service A wards recepients:
Service Awards
Five (5) Years Service
Judy P. Evonko, Animal Control Supervisor, Animal Control Services
Ten (0) Years Service
Carol A. Drummond, Clerical Specialist I, Community Health
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Mr. Rice introduced the following health department employees:
New Emplovees
Deborah S. Goodwin, Public Health Nurse I, Child Health
Joyce A. Hatem, Social Worker II, Child Health
Diane M. Ihnat, Public Health Nurse I, Child Health
Carmen Y. Larkins, Clerical Specialist I, WIC/Nutrition
Mr. Rice welcomed a UNCW nursing student who was observing the Board of Health meeting. Mr. Link
introduced Ms. Sonya Nagy, Pharmacy Student Intern, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North
Carolina. On behalf of the Board of Health, Mr. Steuer expressed appreciation to the Service Award
recipients for their years of service and welcomed new employees and guests.
Department Focal:
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) and Quality Assurance
The department focal was not presented.
Committee Reports:
Executive Committee
Mr. Steuer, Chairman, Executive Committee, reported the Executive Committee met at 6:00 p.m. on
Thursday, October 21, 1999. Items are listed under New Business on this agenda.
Unfinished Business:
Generators/Hookups at Emer!!encv Shelters
Mr. Steuer summarized an October 28, 1999 meeting addressing generators/transfer switches for
emergency shelters. He reported Mr. Wyatt Blanchard, County Engineer, will schedule and lead the
effort for the installation of generators and transfer switches at four schools used as emergency shelters by
June 30, 2000. The schools are Trask, Johnson, Codington, and Eaton.
The Board of Health reviewed the generator action plan. It includes an engineer's estimate, the follow-
up on the County Commissioners' interest in purchasing generators, an assessment of the Board of
Education for their participation, the preparation of a generator lease package budget, and a follow-up on
the CP&L/W.K. Dickson meeting. Committee updates and summaries will be prepared and distributed.
Mr. Steuer advised a funding request for the generator expenses will be presented to the New Hanover
County Commissioners on November 15.
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Mr. Greer inquired whether the plan is to make power available to the whole school. Mr. Steuer stated it
will furnish power wherever it is needed in the facility. Mr. Rice advised Mr. Blanchard is studying the
feasibility of having newly constructed schools on line to furnish generator power. Mr. Steuer stated
permanent generators with hookups are needed at the four schools and in the plans for new schools. Dr.
Speck advised the Animal Control Services facility plans called for a generator; however, it was
eliminated to save money. She expressed this issue needs to be monitored to assure new schools are
equipped with generators during the construction stage.
The Board of Health requested Mr. Rice prepare a letter to the Superintendent of Schools, New Hanover
County Board of Education, regarding the feasibility of including generator equipment in the construction
plans for new schools used as disaster shelters. Mr. Steuer reiterated the need to provide generators in
schools with disaster shelters that will provide power to the entire school.
New Business:
Fundin!! for Healthv Carolinians - $10.000
Dr. Jewell recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to accept and approve
the New Hanover County Healthy Carolinians Task Force Grant Application in the amount of $10,000
from the N. C. Office of Healthy Carolinians. He introduced Ms. Janine Bilodeau, Chairperson, New
Hanover County Healthy Carolinians Task Force.
Mr. Rice explained the additional $10,000 will supplement the Model Assessment Grant ($17,375)
application previously submitted by the New Hanover County Health Department.
MOTION: Dr. Jewell moved from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to accept and
approve the New Hanover County Healthy Carolinians Task Force Grant Application in the amount of
$10,000 from the N. C. Office of Healthy Carolinians and to submit the grant request to the New Hanover
County Commissioners for their consideration. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UANMIOUSL Y.
Monthlv Financial Reportin!!
Dr. Jewell recommended from the Executive Committee the distribution of the Health Department
Monthly Summary Revenue and Expenditure reports to the New Hanover County Board of Health and for
the distribution of both the Monthly Summary and Program Revenue and Expenditure Reports to the
Executive Committee for their review.
Ms. Cindy Hewett, Business Officer, presented a health department financial summary monthly revenue
and expenditure report. She explained cumulative revenue and expenditure reports for each budgeted
program. The revenue reports included the type of revenue i.e. county, federal and state, fees and other
revenue with budgeted amount, revenue earned, and a remaining balance. The expenditure reports
included salary and fringe, operating, and capital outlay expenses with budgeted amount, expenditures,
and balance remaining. Ms. Hewett advised prior year revenue and expenditure totals are on the reports.
She stated the reports will be updated each month.
Mr. Greer asked Ms. Hewett to separate and show the Medicaid Maximization funds on the reports. Ms.
Hewitt stated these funds will be shown as separate funds on future reports. She advised current
Medicaid Maximization funds have not been received. Upon receipt of this revenue, the budget will
reflect the Medicaid Maximization funds.
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Ms. Lynda F. Smith, Assistant Health Director, informed the $192,000 Maximization funds are for the I
building renovations. Mr. Estep and Dr. Speck inquired about the omission of Animal Control Services
fees from the revenue reports. Mr. Rice advised these fees will be included in the June revenue reports.
Ms. Hewitt asked the Board of Health if they would like to receive both the summary reports and the
cumulative program revenue and expenditure monthly reports.
MOTION: Dr. Jewell moved from the Executive Committee for the Health Department Monthly
Summary Revenue and Expenditure reports to be distributed to the New Hanover County Board of Health
and for both the Monthly Summary and Program Revenue and Expenditure Reports to be distributed to
the Executive Committee for their review. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNNAMIOUSL Y.
CPT/ICD9 Codin!! (Billin!! for Services) - Information
Mr. Rice referred the Board to information from A Health Director's Guide to Preparing for
Implementation of CPT/ICD9 Coding. He advised the Local Health Directors have been attending
workshops and studying the issue of the implementation ofCPTIICD9 billing.
Ms. Hewett explained CPT/ICD9 coding is billing for services. A Health Department staff committee is
addressing the CPTIICD9 billing system. Ms. Hewett advised the Health Department is preparing to bill
third-party pays and must bill insurance companies. Issues being addressed include resources, training in
CPT/ICD9 coding, identification of services and codes, and components of established fees. Services
have been broken down into codes and fees and will be presented to the Board of Health. Ms. Hewett
stated eligibility and fee policies will need to be established.
Ms. Hewett announced beginning July 1,2000, Medicaid will be billed by CPTIICD9 codes. She stated
CPT billing is a different way of thinking regarding visits, programs, and charges for each service, and the
distribution of revenues from services. Mr. Rice stated the health department needs to get reimbursed for
services and be in line with the State Consolidated Contract. Ms. Hewitt reiterated the health department
will bill by CPT/ICD9 code and not by bundle.
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Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Grant
Dr. Jewell recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to accept and approve
the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Grant ($19,882).
Ms. Betty Jo McCorkle, Women's Health Care Director, reported the grant application for the N. C.
Triangle Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is titled Operation: Reach Women.
It identifies low-income women ages 30-64 in need of baseline cancer screening for breast and cervical
cancer and provides free mammograms, pap smears, and clinical exams. The Hispanic population is a
primary target for outreach and services. The total budget is $19, 882.
MOTION: Dr. Jewell recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to accept
and approve the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Grant Application in the amount of $19,882
and to submit the grant request to the New Hanover County Commissioners for their consideration.
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED.
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North Carolina Childhood Asthma Initiative Grant Application - $7.500
Dr. Jewell recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to accept and approve
the North Carolina Childhood Asthma Initiative Grant Application ($7,500).
Ms. Janet McCumbee, Child Health Director, explained the purpose of the grant is to improve the quality
of life for children with asthma, to have community-based programs to reach the large number of children
with asthma, and to address their asthma-related problems. The $7,500 grant supplements the
Community Lead Poisoning Prevention/Healthy Homes Initiative Grant and will serve more children.
She stated 7% of US children have asthma making it the most common chronic disease of childhood. In
New Hanover County 16.4% Medicaid children have asthma.
MOTION: Dr. Jewell moved from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to accept and
approve the North Carolina Childhood Asthma Initiative Grant Application in the amount of $7,500 and
to submit the grant request to the New Hanover County Commissioners for their consideration. Upon
vote, the MOTION CARRIED.
Amendment of Bvlaws - Article VII. Section 3
Dr. Jewell recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to accept and approve
a proposed amendment of Article VII, Section 3., of the New Hanover Board of Health Bylaws. He
advised the amendment may be presented to the Board of Health in November and voted on by a 2/3 vote
in December. .
Mr. Rice eXplained the Health Promotion Program is being placed under the Women's Health Care
Division of Personal Health. He stated he met with the nursing directors who were in agreement of this
reorganization to focus health promotion activities under Personal Health. The words Health Promotion
will be changed to Personal Health in the Board of Health Bylaws. Personal Health will expand and
include personal health and clinical activities.
Dr. Jewell presented the proposed revision of Article VII, Committees, Section 3., of the New Hanover
Board of Health Bylaws reflect this organizational change. The revision reads as follows:
Section 3. A Personal Health Committee composed of five members shall be appointed by the
Chairman in January. It shall be the duty of this committee to act as an advisor to the Board of Health
with respect to health promotion and disease prevention.
Mr. Rice advised the Board of Health will vote on the above amendment to the Board of Health Bylaws at
their December 3 meeting.
Nominatin!! Committee
Mr. Link, Chairman, Nominating Committee, submitted the following nomInees for the 2000 New
Hanover County Board of Health Chairman and Vice-Chairman.
Mr. William T. Steuer, Chairman
Dr. Wilson O'Kelly Jewell, Vice-Chairman
Mr. Steuer stated other nominations will be received and the officers will be elected at the December 1
Board of Health meeting.
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Comments:
Board of Health
Spay Neuter Pro!!ram
Dr. Speck reported statistics are proving that the increase in the adoption fee has not deterred the adoption
rate at the Animal Control Shelter. A list of veterinarians participating in the Spay/Neuter Program is
available and scheduling problems are being addressed. Mr. Steuer expressed his appreciation to local
veterinarians for their participation in the program.
Health Director
Hurricane Update - Floyd and Irene
Mr. Rice commended the Health Department staff for meeting their challenges and going the extra mile
for the community during the last three hurricanes. He stated he shared New Hanover County hurricane
experiences at the Health Director's Legal Conference on October 19, 1999, in Chapel Hill, North
Carolina.
Health Director's Le!!al Conference
Mr. Rice reported he presented an audiovisual presentation entitled the New Hanover County Health
Department: Response and Recovery - Hurricane Floyd at a Local Health Directors' Legal Conference in
Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Management Academv for Public Health - November 4-5. 1999
Ms. Hewett, Ms. Smith, and Mr. Rice will attend Phase II of the Management Academy for Public Health on
November 4-5, 1999.
American Public Health Association Meetin!! - November 6-11.1999
Mr Rice advised he will attend the Annual American Public Health Association Meeting on November 6-
II, 1999
United Way Campai!!n
Mr. Rice gave the Board members an opportunity to participate in the Health Department United Way
Campaign.
Christmas Doll Display
Ms. Smith displayed several dolls dressed by Health Department employees for needy children at
Christmas. The dolls will be displayed in the lobby of the Health Department and then returned to the
Salvation Army on December 3, 1999. They will be displayed during the Old Wilmington by Candlelight
Tour on December 4 and 5 at the Salvation Army Church.
Flu Shots for Board of Health - November 3
Mr. Rice announced flu injections will be offered to the Board members following the November 3 Board
of Health meeting.
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Christmas Party December 9
Mr. Rice reminded and invited Board members of the Health Department Annual Christmas Party to be
held on December 9, 1999, in the auditorium.
Other Business:
Community Draina!!e
Floodin!! and Draina!!e Problems
Dr. Jewell expressed concern about flooding at Cypress Tree Mobile Home Park that has not receded.
The residents of the community did not know how to protect themselves from the dangers of standing
waters. Dr. Jewell stated the residents need educational materials on how to protect themselves. Mr.
Steuer reported the television coverage was a pitiful site with water up to residents' steps and septic tanks
filled with water.
Mr. Rice advised Ms. Cathy Timpy, Environmental Health Specialist, and Ms. Beth Jones,
Communicable Disease Director, visited the mobile home community in Flemington on Highway 421.
The water quality was good and no septic repairs could be made until the water recedes. The staff went
from door-to-door distributing educational materials regarding water safety and the safety of septic
systems. Ms. Dianne Harvell, Environmental Health Director, is working with other county agencies that
will address the drainage problems and the safety of their water and septage systems. Press and media
releases have been furnished to the public regarding the dangers of standing water. Dr. Jewell reiterated
the importance of making educational materials accessible to the public before, during, and after a storm.
Mr. Steuer reiterated New Hanover County needs to prepare their facilities for disasters as soon as
possible.
Mr. Greer emphasized often citizens do not realize that county employees are called to work during a
storm. He commended the staff for going the extra mile to provide emergency services during disasters.
Adjournment:
Mr. Steuer adjourned the regular meeting of the New Hanover County Board of Health at 9: 17 a.m.
P~J£~
William T. Steuer, PEIRLS, Chairman
New Hanover County Board 0 ealth
David E. Rice, M.P.H.,M.A., Health Director
New Hanover County Health Department
Approved: December 1, 1999
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