1990-06-06 Special Meeting
98
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING WITH THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF
HEALTH, JUNE 6, 1990
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met with the
New Hanover County Board of Health on Wednesday, June 6, 1990, at
8:00 o'clock A.M. in the Auditorium of the Health Department
located at 2029 South 17th Street, Wilmington, North Carolina.
Members present were: Commissioners Robert G. Greer; E. L.
Mathews, Jr.; Nolan O'Neal; Vice-Chairman Jonathan Barfield, Sr.;
Chairman Fred Retchin; County Manager, Allen O'Neal; County eJ
Attorney, Robert W. Pope; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F.
Harrell.
Health Board Members present were: pascel S. Camak, D.D.S.;
Julius F. Howard, Catherine P. Vangellow; Amaryallis L. Rehder;
Donald P. Blake; Sheram A. Robinson; Dr. Michael E. Goins; Dr.
Alan E. Thomas; Dr. Marlene M. Rosenkoetter; and Dr. John L.
Leonard, Chairman of the Board of Health.
Chairman Retchin called the Special Session to order stating
the purpose of the meeting is to discuss the proposed Smoking
Pollution Control Regulation prepared and adopted by the Board of
Health.
INVOCATION
Dr. Marlene M. Rosenkoetter gave the invocation.
PRESENTATION OF PUPPET SHOW ENTITLED, "BE A GERM BUSTER"
Ms. Beth Day, Nurse Supervisor of the Health Department,
presented a puppet show being used in public schools to educate
children on the importance of washing their hands to prevent the
spread of germs. Participants of the show were Ms. Cynthia R.
Johnson, Ms. Mary Jo Newton, Ms. Juanita Richardson, Ms. Denise
Teachey and Annette Flewwellin.
PRESENTATION ON THE DANGERS OF SMOKING TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND
SAFETY OF CITIZENS
Dr. Alan E. Thomas, Dr. James W. Snyder, and Dr. Daniel
Gottovi commented on the dangers of smoking to the public health
and safety of citizens stating smoking is the leading cause of
lung cancer, heart disease, and infant mortality. Studies have
indicated that non-smokers exposed to passive smoking in the work
place are termed as "light smokers"; therefore, these persons
should be protected by adoption of a county smoking regulation.
The Commissioners were urged to adopt the proposed Smoking
Regulation as adopted by the Board of Health.
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DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED SMOKING POLLUTION CONTROL REGULATION
Chairman Retchin expressed concern for the proposed smoking
regulation totally banning smoking in New Hanover County and
stated the Commissioners feel the policy is too rigid and cannot
be accepted as written.
Commissioner O'Neal expressed concern for difficulty in
enforcing the proposed smoking regulation and the costs that
could be involved with litigation. He recommended encouraging
the General Assembly to enact statewide legislation that will
protect citizens from the health hazards of smoking.
Dr. Leonard stated much of the proposed smoking regulation
will be self-enforced.
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Dr. Thomas commented on the County Ordinance which imposes a
$500 fine for the sale of cigarettes to children under 17 and
stated no one has ever been taken to court, nor are signs posted
informing people of this regulation. He recommended enforcement
of the County Ordinance and urged the Commissioners to adopt a
smoking regulation that will protect the public health of our
citizens.
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Dr. Rosenkoetter requested direction from the Commissioners
as to what portions of the regulation are acceptable to the
Board. She recommended approaching the smoking issue with
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING, JUNE 6, 1990 (CONTINUED)
development of a policy acceptable to both boards,
educational programs on the dangers of smoking, and
proper signage in businesses and restaurants.
promote
require
A lengthy discussion was held on the proposed smoking
regulation and its impact upon restaurants, bars, and places of
employment as well as signage. Discussion was also held on the
importance of protecting persons from passive smoking,
particularly in the work place, and at the same time protecting
the rights of proprietors. It was agreed by all present that the
Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners should meet with
Assistant County Attorney, Wanda Copley, for development of a
policy that will be acceptable to the Board of Commissioners and
to the Board of Health.
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to the members of
the Board of Health for scheduling the joint meeting to discuss
the smoking regulation. He stated a smoking policy will be
prepared within the next week and forwarded to the Commissioners
and Board of Health for review and approval.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Retchin adjourned the meeting at 10:05 o'clock A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
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~b F. Harrell
Clerk to the Board
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