Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/06/1998 BOH Minutes 137 I Dr. Dennis L. Jackson, Chairman, called the regular business meeting of the New Hanover County Board of Health (NHCBH) to order at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 1998, in the Dr. Thomas Fanning Wood Memorial Conference Room, New Hanover County Health Department, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members Present: Dennis L. Jackson, DVM, Chairman William T. Steuer, PE/RLS, Vice-Chairman Thomas V. Clancy, MD Henry V. Estep Michael E. Goins, OD Robert G. Greer, County Commissioner Gela N. Hunter, Nurse Practitioner Wilson O'Kelly Jewell, DDS W. Edwin Link, Jr., RPH Anne Braswell Rowe 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: Dr. Thomas V. Clancy gave the invocation. I Minutes: Dr. Jackson called for corrections to the minutes of the April 1, 1998 New Hanover County Board of Health Meeting. The minutes of the meeting of April 1, 1998 were approved by the New Hanover County Board of Health. Recognitions: Mr. Rice introduced and welcomed the following new employee: New Employee Jeri Taylor, Clerical Specialist I, Community Health Mr. Rice recognized the following recipients of Service Awards given by the New Hanover County Commissioners: Service Awards Five (5) Years Ms. Kathy C. Bundy, Licensed Practical Nurse, Child Health I 15 Years Service Award Ms. Penny G. Raynor, Physician Extender, Community Health/Jail 138 On behalf of the Board of Health, Dr. Jackson welcomed Ms. Taylor and expressed appreciation to Ms. Bundy and Ms. Raynor, New Hanover County Service Award recipients, I for their years of public health service. Department Focal: "Recreational Coastal Water Testing" Mr. George H. Gilbert, Chief, Shellfish Sanitation Section, Division of Environmental Health, NCDENR, gave the departmental focal on the "Recreational Coastal Water Testing. " Beginning in the Summer of 1997, state public health officials began testing coastal recreational waters to ensure safe waters for swimming and water sports. During the tourist season, the Shellfish Sanitation Section tests 275 sites weekly. Signs are posted in unsafe coastal areas and local health departments and the media are notified of unsafe sites. Recreational waters are tested for fecal coliform, enterococcus, salinity, and temperature. After the first year of recreational sampling, changes will be instituted in the sampling frequency in estuarine waters and in the surf. New signs will be posted at wastewater treatment plant outfalls, large storm water discharges, marinas, etc. Mr. Gilbert explained the Health Director and/or the Environmental Health Director of health departments are the first to be informed of a swimming advisory. A discussion followed on treatment plants, pump station locations, and storm water runoff. Mr. Gilbert explained the closure of Hewlett's Creek is due to malfunctioning of pump stations and treatment plants. He advised the Division of Water Quality tests for pfisteria. Dr. Jackson thanked Mr. Gilbert for his presentation on the "Recreational Coastal Water Testing." I Committee Reports: Executive Committee Dr. Jackson, Chairman, Executive Committee, reported the Executive Committee met at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 1998. Items discussed are under New Business on the Board agenda. Environmental Health Committee Mr. Bill Steuer, Chairman, Environmental Health Committee, reported Mr. Link, Environmental Health Committee member; Mr. Rice; Ms. Lynda F. Smith, Assistant Health Director; and he attended a presentation to the County Commissioners on A Four-Year Environmental Analysis of New Hanover County Tidal Creek 1993-1997 by Dr. Michael A. Mallin, UNC-W, at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 1998. Mr. Steuer emphasized water quality is an important issue which must be addressed in New Hanover County. Mr. Greer informed the Board a report on the County Storm Water Drainage Study will be presented to the County Commissioners probably at their next regular meeting. Mr. Steuer announced the next regular meeting of the Environmental Health Committee will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 1998. I 139 I Unfmished Business: I I New Business: Nurses Day - Wednesday. May 6.1998 Mr. Rice announced today is National Nurses Day. He recognized and expressed appreciation to the Nursing Staff of the New Hanover County Health Department. An invitation was issued to the Board of Health to a nursing-memorabilia exhibit and to a reception to be held in honor of National Nurses Day for staff at 3:30 p.m. today in the Carl Thomas Durham Auditorium. New Business: Medicaid Maximization Funding Dr. Jackson announced the health department will receive additional revenue from a Medicaid Maximization payment ($250,075); a TANF Grant ($28,734); and Corps of Engineers Grant ($14,900). Dr. Jackson recommended from the Executive Committee the acceptance of the Medicaid Maximization Funding. He requested Mr. Rice present the budget proposals. Mr. Rice reiterated New Hanover County will receive an additional $250,056 Medicaid Maximization payment which is the second payment in a series. The first Medicaid payment was $60,492. The funds must be expended in the programs where earned. Mr. Rice presented proposed budget items for Medicaid Maximization Funds of $250,056. $17,000 to offset the budgeted $17,000 in Administration Budget/Other Improvements for the remodeling of the reception area. $50,000 to offset the budgeted in Administration Budget/Capital Outlay Equipment to upgrade to Human Soft Patient Care Management System. $183,065 to be budgeted in Administration/Other Improvements for the restructuri~g::O( =:::.:.:.:.:. existing space and for the purchase of supplies and furniture to facilitate space f~.;:¡:~::: '" medical records area. . . . . . ..' III ' . . . ...... .... .-. A discussion followed on the utilization of the Medicaid Maximization funds. Mr. Rice ~tåtëd::: =:: = =:: = =: the request and need for a medical records area, for a Medical Records Clerk, and fôt: ån: -::: = =:: =::: improved medical record system was evaluated and reviewed by the Nursing Directors and the Nutrition Director. :D, III ; Ms. Rowe requested the Board of Health be advised of the status of the Medicaid Maximization project. Dr. Clancy and Mrs. Estep concurred the identification of state monies and the directive of intention of expenditures would assist the Board in making decisions regarding budgetary items. Mr. Rice advised he will identify state monies by program and will inform the Executive Committee periodically of the utilization of the Medicaid Maximization funds and projects. 11 40 MOTION: Dr. Jackson moved from the Executive Board for the Board of Health to accept and to approve to budget the Medicaid Maximization Funds ($250,065) as presented, to keep I the Board of Health updated periodically of the other improvements and utilization of the funds, and to submit the request to the New Hanover County Commissioners for their consideration. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Dr. Jackson recommended from the Executive Committee the acceptance of TANF Grant funding to FY99 Budget. Mr. Rice explained TANF funds ($28,374) were received in FY98 but were not budgeted in FY 99. The health department is receiving the same TANF funding for FY99. The recommended budget includes a temporary LPN salary ($10,400); rental space for satellite clinics ($3,000); advertising ($500); and the purchase of pregnancy tests, contraceptive supplies, educational material, laboratory TF meter, and other incentives and supplies ($14,474). The expenditures and revenues for FY99 will be increased by $28,374. Mr. Greer stated he did not realize the health department and DSS were both involved in the T ANF Grant. Dr. Clancy inquired if this is a duplication of services and if the clientele is already in the patient system. Ms. Whitted expressed concern regarding people with immediate monetary needs for necessitates IE medicine and food. Ms. Hunter emphasized the mind set seems to be set on monetary needs when actually services should be focused on and should be rendered to middle income people and not just to the indigent population. Ms. Betty Jo McCorkle, Women's Health Care Director, explained the goal of the TANF Grant and the health department is to reduce the number of out of wedlock births and to reduce the I number of welfare recipients. It is a collaborated effort of the Health Department and the Department of Social Services. State title funds are available through DSS for monetary needs. A discussion followed on the generic title and the explanation of the T ANF Grant. Dr. Jackson requested Ms. Rowe, Chairman, and the Board of Health Budget Committee provide additional information regarding the T ANF Grant. MOTION: Dr. Jackson moved from the Executive Board for the Board of Health to accept and to approve to budget the FY 99 Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Funds ($28,374) as presented and to submit the request to the New Hanover County Commissioners for their consideration. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED. ~Aye ----1- Nays (Greer, Steuer, Whitted) Mr. Greer advised the County Commissioners voted to refer the revised proposal, "Project for Happier Lives, " prepared by Judge Gilbert H. Burnett, back to the Board of Health for study of the proposal changes. Corps of Engineers Grant Dr. Jackson recommended from the Executive Committee the acceptance of the Corps of Engineers Grant ($14,900). Mr. Rice reported the health department is receiving an additional $14,900 in revenue from the I Corps of Engineers for FY99. These funds will offset expenditures in the FY99 Vector ControllEnvironmental Health Budget Request. I I I 1411. MOTION: Dr. Jackson moved from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to accept and to approve to budget of the additional $14,900 in revenue from the Corps of Engineers to offset expenditures in the FY99 Vector Control/Environmental Health Budget Request and to submit the request to the New Hanover County Commissioners for their consideration. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Request for New Positions in Child Health Child Services Coordination Dr. Jackson recommended from Executive Committee the establishment of two new positions in the Child Health Child Services Coordination Program. Ms. Janet McCumbee, Child Health Director, presented a request to the Board for the establishment of two Child Services Coordination (CSC) positions in Child Health. She explained due to a 20% increase in the CSC caseload during the past year, the following two new positions are needed to provide the required CSC program services: Public Health Nurse 1(75%) Clerical Specialist 1(75%) Ms. McCumbee advised the above two new positions will be self-supporting by Medicaid reimbursement. Total projected expenditure and revenue increase for FY98 is $3,696 and for FY 99 is $48,060. MOTION: Dr. Jackson moved from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to approve the establishment of two new positions: a Public Health Nurse I (75%) and a Clerical Specialist I (75%) in the Child Services Coordination/Child Health Division to be supported by Medicaid funding and to submit the position request to the New Hanover County Commissioners for their consideration. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Computer System for Animal Control Services Dr. Jackson stated the Executive Committee recommended the approval for the county to purchase a Chameleon Computer System for the Animal Control Services Division. Total cost is $64,260 for the ideal package recommended by Mr. Bill Clontz, MIS Director. Dr. Jackson stated this recommended computer system is still under study. Due to the possibility of the total package ($64,260) not being funded and the need for further study of the Animal Control Services Division basic computer needs, Dr. Jackson requested the Board of Health consider the approval of referring the purchase of the new computer system to the County Commissioners. Dr. Jackson reported on Monday, May 4, 1998, Mr. Greer, Mr. Rice, and he went to evaluate the operation of the Orange County Health Department Animal Control Services computer system on Monday, May 4, 1998. He expressed there are variables regarding the utilization of existing computer equipment, computer needs, and the purchase and cost of the new computer system for the Animal Control Services Division. The actual costs are lower than the original estimates due to cutting some computer equipment to reduce costs. " Dr. Goins called for a vote on the recommendation from Executive Committee for the county to purchase the Chameleon Computer System at the cost of $64,260 for the Animal Control Services Division. 142 MOTION: Dr. Jackson moved from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to approve for the county to purchase the Chameleon Computer System for Animal Control I Services Division at the cost of $64,260. Upon vote, the MOTION DID NOT CARRY. -L Aye ~ Nays MOTION: Dr. Goins MOVED, SECONDED by Mr. Link for the Board of Health to approve for the County Commissioners to purchase and to make the decision regarding the purchase of the Animal Control Services computer system. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Board Members "Project for Happier Lives" Revised Proposal Dr. Goins asked for clarification of what occurred when Judge Burnett's "Project for Happier Lives" proposal was referred back to the Board of Health by the County Commissioners. Mr. Steuer advised the County Commissioners requested Judge Burnett make changes to his proposal and submit the revised document to the Board of Health for study. The new proposal ~ill include teenage boys. Mr. Rice asked for directive from the Executive Committee in this Issue. Mrs. Hunter stated she understands the directive from the Executive Committee was for the I health department staff not to be involved in the "Project for Happier Lives" proposal during working hours. Staff could participate in the project on their own time. Ms. Hunter emphasized the importance of the health department staff supporting and being in the planning stage of the project in order to have input. Ms. Hunter and Dr. Goins expressed concern over putting health department staff in a most uncomfortable position relating to this project. Ms. Rowe stated prevented pregnancies and the proposal could save county dollars. Dr. Jackson stated until the "Project for Happier Lives" project is approved by the County Commissioners, he believes health department staff time should not be spent. He thinks the first time the Board of Health voted on a misrepresented issue and now the Executive Committee will have an opportunity to revisit the rewritten "Project for Happier Lives" proposal. Mr. Rice reiterated the County Commissioners remanded the "Project for Happier Lives" proposal to the Board of Health and they requested the Board Health study and review the changes in a rewritten proposal. Ms. Hunter again expressed health department staff should be given an opportunity to support and furnish input in the planning phase of the proposal. Dr. Jackson announced when Judge Burnett completes the revised proposal, it will be presented to the Board of Health Executive Committee for their consideration. Board of Health Media Coverage Dr. Jackson suggested probably one Board member should represent the Board of Health with I the media. Ms. Rowe suggested Dr. Jackson, as Chairman, assume this responsibility. Mr. Link concurred with the concept that uniform information should be provided to the media. Dr. Jackson announced he will address this issue at the June 3 Board of Health meeting. I I I J.48 Health Director "Treasure Your Health" Health Fair at Independence Mall - April 18. 1998 Mr. Rice reported the "Treasure Your Health" Health Fair was held from 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. on April 18, 1998, at Independence Mall. Approximately, 1,800 shoppers participated at the Health Fair showcasing public health services to the community. The Health Department and WW A Y - TV were sponsors. There were 40 exhibits highlighting health services, 253 hypertension screenings, educational materials, entertainment, and prizes including a shopping spree. Columbus and Brunswick Counties participated in the celebration. Azalea Festival Services Mr. Rice reported during the Azalea Festival held on April 4-5, he visited the foodhandling booths. He commended the Environmental Health staff for their food safety inspections and professional strict but fair criteria in working with the foodhandling owners and operators. APHEXlPH Update Mr. Rice reported the AEIOU Committee met on April 14, 20,30, and May 4, 1998. To-date, the committee has identified 36 health department strengths. After the completion of the analysis of strengths, the AEIOU Team will address the opportunities to improve and submit a report to the Board of Health and staff. Mr. Rice stated the Board of Health members completed an abbreviated version of the Organizational Capacity Assessment Questions. The top five rated indicators were: 1. The health department has a clear and concrete mission statement that all staff is capable of stating and explaining in relation to their duties. 2. The local government unit uses the policy board and the health director in developing public policy which may impact public health. 3. The health department is regularly consulted by the local elected officials about aspects of local policy relating to health issues. 4. The health department is regularly consulted by local schools when setting health policy. 5. The health department director and policy board participate at both the state and local levels in governmental decision making which may have an impact on local health issues. New Hanover - Pender County Medical Society Presentation Mr. Rice reported he made a presentation to the New Hanover-Pender County Medical Society meeting held on April 15, 1998. - He also addressed the retired physicians of the medical society on April 30. Employee Appreciation Luncheon - Thank You Mr. Rice distributed notes of appreciation to the Board of Health from health department employees for the Staff Appreciation Luncheon held from of 12:00 p.m. - 1 :30 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 1998. He presented a note of appreciation to the Board from Mr. Coble, 144 Past Board of Health ChairmanlMember and President of the North Carolina Association of Boards of Health, for allowing him to again assist with the luncheon. Letters of Appreciation On behalf of the Board of Health, Dr. Goins requested letters of appreciation be sent to Mr. John Coble for his assistance with the Staff Appreciation Luncheon and to the New Hanover County Training Program and to New Hanover Regional Medical Center Wellness + Program, sponsors of the program following the luncheon held on April 9, 1998. Board members were requested to submit payment for the luncheon expenses. Budget Hearing Mr. Rice invited Board members to attend the County Commissioners Public Hearing on the Health Department FY Budget 99 on June 1, 1998. Environmental Health Food Rating Decision Mr. Rice informed the Environmental Health Division hopes to be selected by the Division of Environmental Health as one of seven pilot counties to participate in the new numerical rating grading system for foodhandling establishments. The pilot program will be for one year. The decision should be made on May 15. Performance Evaluation of Mr. Rice, Health Director Dr. Jackson advised the sixth-month performance evaluation for Mr. David E. Rice, Health Director, is due. Completed evaluation forms should be submitted to Dr. Jackson. Other Business: Adjourn: There being no further business, the regular business meeting of the Board of Health was adjourned at 10: lOa. m. Dennis L. Jackson, V. , Chairman New Hanover County Board of Health David E. Rice, M.P .H., M.A., Health Director New Hanover County Health Department Approved: I I I