07/01/1998
I
I
I
155
Mr. William T. Steuer, Vice-Chairman, called the regular business meeting of the New Hanover
County Board of Health (NHCBH) to order at 8:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 1, 1998, in the Dr. Thomas
Fanning Wood Memorial Conference Room, New Hanover County Health Department, Wilmington,
North Carolina.
Members Present:
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
Anne Braswell Rowe
Estelle G. Whitted, RN
Members Absent:
Dennis L. Jackson, DMV, Chairman
W. Edwin Link, Jr., RPH
Others Present:
David E. Rice, Health Director
Lynda F. Smith, Assistant Health Director
Frances F. De Vane, Recording Secretary
Invocation: Ms. Gela Hunter gave the invocation.
Minutes:
Mr. Steuer asked for corrections to the minutes of the June 3, 1998 New Hanover County Board of
Health Meeting. The minutes of the meeting of June 3, 1998 were corrected and approved by the
New Hanover County Board of Health.
Recognitions:
Greer Family - Note of Appreciation
Mr. Rice distributed a note of appreciation to the Board of Health for their expression of sympathy
during the death of Ms. Louise Greer, Mr. Greer's Mother.
100% Smoke-Free Establishment Recognition
Mr. Rice recognized and congratulated The Sawmill Restaurant located at Monkey Junction as a
recipient of a 100% Smoke-Free Establishment Certificate. The Board of Health presents a framed
certificate of recognition to establishments for creating a 100% smoke-free environment.
Serving Safe Food Certification
Mr. Rice announced Serving Safe Food Certificates will be presented to foodhandling establishments
for participating in the Food Safety Education initiative sponsored by Cape Fear Community College
and the health department. He recognized Mr. Clarence Smith, Dean of Continuing Education, and
Ms. Jean Marsh, Safety Program Administrator, Cape Fear Community College. Mr. Rice advised
Cape Fear Community College performed the administrative duties and the Environmental Health
1
156
staff of the health department provided instructors for the four-hour food safety .wor~sh?p: Mr. Rice
displayed a Sèrving Safe Food Certificate mounted on a plague. He recogruzed mdlvlduals and I
presented certificates to participating foodhandling establishments.
McDonald's Owned/Operated by McAnderson's. Inc.. ofWilmiDgton
Mr. Rice introduced and recognized Mr. Dennis Anderson, Owner-McAnderson's Inc.; Tim Denny,
Vice President and Director of Operations, Mc-Anderson's, Inc.; Mr. Thetus Horrell, Area
Supervisor; and Mr. Tom Sheehan, Area Supervisor; ofMc Donald's.
Mr. Rice presented Serving Safe Food Certificates to the following McDonald's (nine locations):
#1 - 4301 Market Street
#2 - 6860 Market Street
#3 - 2543 Carolina Beach Road
#4 - 6976 Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach
#5 - 1415 Commonwealth Avenue
#6 - 2541 Castle Hayne Road
#7 - 822 South College Road
#8 - 2702 South College Road
#9 - 5210 South College Road
Mr. Anderson commended the Environmental Health Program of the health department for working
as partners with McDonald's to provide safe food for their customers.
New Hanover Regional Medical Center Food and Nutrition Department
Mr. Rice introduced and recognized Mr. Bob Juerjens, Director, and Mr. Phillip Andrews, Production
Coordinator, Food and Nutrition Department, New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC). He
presented a Serving Safe Food Certificate to Mr. Juerjens awarded to the NHRMC Food and
Nutrition Department for attending the food safety workshop.
Mr. Rice thanked the representatives from McDonald's and the NHRMC Food and Nutrition
Department for attending the food safety workshop and for stressing the importance of safe
foodhandling. Mr. Greer complimented the food service owners and mangers for volunteering to
attend the educational sessions. He suggested the Board consider making food safety workshops
mandatory .
North Carolina Department of Labor Safety Award
Mr. Rice displayed a Safety Award presented to New Hanover County Health Department for
outstanding work in accident prevention by the North Carolina Department of Labor. He praised
health department staff for winning the safety award for eight consecutive years.
Personnel
New Employee
Mr. Rice introduced the following new health department employee:
Caritza Henry, Clerical Specialist I, Women's Health Care
2
I
I
I
I
I
-'_57
Years of Service Awards
Mr. Rice commended the following employees for their years of service in the New Hanover County
Health Department:
5 Year Service Award
Sarah D. Smith, Clerical Specialist, Nutrition
10 Year Service Award
Martha S. Wright, Social Worker II, Women's Health Care
15 Year Service Award
Dianne Harvell, Environmental Health Director, Environmental Health
25 Year Service Award
Betty Creech, Public Health Nursing Director, Community Health
Mr. Steuer welcomed Ms. Henry and expressed appreciation to the above employees for their years of
public health service in New Hanover County.
Department Focal:
Mr. Ken Sholar, Vector Control Manager, Environmental Health, presented the department focal on
"Excellence With A Long-Reach", a mosquito control project. It was a combined effort of the Corps
of Engineers and the Vector Control Division to dredge a two-mile ditch on Eagle Island for drainage
to prevent mosquitoes hatch.
Mr. Sholar gave a video presentation illustrating the "long-reach" dredging mosquito control project
on Eagle Island. He emphasized mosquitoes must be stopped at habitat. He reported the State Port
(located across from Eagle Island) is the largest producer of mosquitoes. The mud from dredging of
the channel is deposited on Eagle Island. It cracks and creates a drainage problem and a mosquito
breeding environment. The Corps of Engineers rented a long reach excavator used to dredge and
dewater Eagle Island. The Vector Control staff completed the dredging of the ditch. The project took
two months to complete.
Mr. Sholar advised the mosquito control project on Eagle Island was a complete success. He
complimented the Vector Control staff for completing the project. He announced the North Carolina
Pest Management Division purchased and agreed to provide an excavator for use on Eagle Island to
prevent mosquitoes.
Mr. Steuer thanked Mr. Sholar for his presentation on "Excellence With A Long-Reach",
Committee Reports:
Executive Committee!:)
Mr. Steuer, Vice-Chairman, Executive Committee, reported the Executive Committee met at 6:00
p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 1998. Items discussed are under New Business on the Board agenda.
3
J 58
Environmental Health Committee
Mr. Steuer, Chairman, Environmental Health Committee, reported the Environmental Health I
Committee will met at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 1998. The Environmental Health
Committee is'stùdying Environmental Health fees.
Health Promotions Committee
Dr. Goins, Chairman, Health Promotions Committee, reported the Health Promotions Committee met
at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 1998, prior to the Board of Health meeting. The committee
discussed what other agencies are doing in Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Programs and discussed
plans to form a task force to strengthen and consolidate the efforts to reduce adolescent pregnancy.
Dr. Goins advised the Health Promotions Committee will focus on teenage pregnancy in October
during Teenage Pregnancy Week.
Unfinished Business:
New Business:
Project for Happier Lives
Mr. Steuer stated the Executive Committee voted on June 24th to recommend to the Board of Health
the approval of the Project For Happier Lives Grant Application revised by Retired District Judge
Gilbert Burnett. He advised at that time the Executive Committee members were probably not aware
the County Commissioners provided funding to Girls, Inc. for teenage pregnancy prevention I
initiatives. Mr. Greer advised both the City Council and County Commissioners approved funding to
Girls, Inc.
Mr. Steuer informed the Project For Happier Lives proposal does not request funding but is does
request health department staff time.
Ms. Rowe reported To The Contrary, a PES televised presentation showcasing the Adolescent
Pregnancy Prevention efforts of Girls, Inc., in Wilmington, North Carolina, was well done. Mr. Rice
informed the Board a copy of the video on Girls, Inc. is now available at the health department.
Dr. Clancy expressed the Project For Happier Lives Grant is a different approach and a novel
approach to reducing teenage pregnancy. He accentuated the grant does not ask for funding, it is a
trial for three years, and it merits consideration with nothing to lose and perhaps much to gain. Ms.
Whitted concurred with Dr. Clancy's endorsement of the grant proposal. Dr. Jewell expressed his
concern and opposition to the grant proposal due to incentives awarded for behavior.
MOTION: Mr. Steuer moved from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to approve the
revised Project For Happier Lives Grant Application to the Cape Fear Memorial Foundation
($96,000) and to the Community Health Improvement Program ($25,000), to analyze statistically and
to evaluate the results of the project, and to submit the Project for Happier ~ives Grant Application to
the New Hanover County Commissioners for their consideration. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED.
Vote: .....L Ayes
..J....- Nays (Mr. Steuer, Mr, Greer, Dr. Jewell)
I
4
I
I
I
1 Sq
Beaver Manage~ent Program
Mr. Steuer recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to accept and
approve the Vector Control Division of the Health Department administer the Beaver Management
Program in New Hanover County.
Mr. Ken Sholar, Vector Control Manager, reported beavers are moving aggressively and beaver
damage is significant in New Hanover County. He explained if New Hanover County is included in
the N. C. Beaver Management Assessment Program, private landowners may obtain an initial
assessment of beaver damage at no charge and be charged a nominal fee of$6.25 per hour plus cost of
equipment for up to 40 hours of additional services. Landowners now pay the commercial rate of
$50.00 per hour.
Mr. Greer reported the County Commissioners approved and adopted a Resolution to Participate in
the N C. Eeaver Management Assistance Program. Mr. Allen O'Neal, County Manager,
recommended referral of the administration of the local beaver management program to the Vector
Control Division of the health department.
MOTION: Mr. Steuer moved from the Executive Board for the Board of Health to accept and to
approve for the New Hanover County Health Department Vector Control Division to administer the
Beaver Management Program in New Hanover County. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Friends of Felines Representation
Mr. Steuer recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to approve adding a
Friends of Feline representative to serve on the New Hanover County Animal Control Services
Advisory Committee. He presented a letter to Dr. Jackson, Chairman, Board of Health (dated June
28, 1998), stating Ms. Carol Marie Smith was selected by Friends of Felines to serve on the Animal
Control Services Advisory Board
Mr. Greer inquired regarding the composition of the members of the Advisory Committee. He
advised page 50 of the New Hanover County Code does not specify anyone person, category, or
group must serve on the committee.
Mr. Ron Currie, Animal Control Services Director, explained Friends of Felines was organized in
New Hanover County two years ago. The organization benefits the cat population. They feed,
vaccinate, and neuter clusters of cats and return annually to repeat this process. Mr. Currie stated
Friends of Felines assists Animal Control Services with cat problems and helps reduce the number of
cats. Mr. Currie recommended the appointment of a Friends of Feline representative to the
committee. Nine members now serve on the Advisory Committee. If Ms. Smith is approved to
serve on the committee by the Board of Health, the committee will consist of ten members.
MOTION: Mr. Steuer moved from the Executive Board for the Board of Health to approve the
appointment of Ms. Carol Marie Smith, as a representative from Friends of Felines to serve on the
New Hanover County Animal Control Services Advisory Committee. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED.
Vote: ~ Ayes
~ Nays (Mr. Greer, Ms. Hunter)
5
160
School Health Nursing - $68.070 -2 Public Health Nurse I -10-Month Positio~s
Mr, Steuer recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to approve the
School Health Nursing Positions funded by the New Hanover County Board of Education:
Ms. Betty Creech, Community Health Director, reported the New Hanover County Board of
Education requested and will fund two (2) additional 10-month Public Health Nurse I positions for
1998-99 School Year. The request includes two (2) additional Public Health Nurse I positions,
salary and fringe, and operating expenses ($68,070). The additional Public Health Nurses will work at
Lakeside School and in two middle schools,
Mr. Greer asked if in the future the Board of Education will continue to fund the positions. Ms.
Creech expressed based upon the Board of Education's history, their request, and the need for School
Health nurses, she believes they will fund the positions annually.
MOTION: Mr. Steuer moved from the Executive Board for the Board of Health to approve the
addition of two (2) Public Health Nurse I positions and to budget the School Health Program $68,070
for the positions and for operating expenses funded by the New Hanover County Board of Education
and to submit the request to the New Hanover County Commissioners for their consideration. Upon
vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Reclassification-Maternity Care Coordination (J\1CC) Public Health Nurse I Position to a Social
Worker II Position
Mr. Steuer recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to approve the
reclassification of a MCC Public Health Nurse I position to a Social Worker II position.
Ms. McCorkle presented a request for the reclassification of a vacant MCC Public Health Nurse I
position to a Social Worker II position for better use of services. She advised there is an increasing
number of social needs which will be met by the reclassification of the positions. Medicaid
reimbursement funds the position.
MOTION: Mr. Steuer moved from the Executive Board for the Board of Health to approve the
reclassification of a Public Health Nurse I position to a Social Worker II position in the Maternity
Care Coordination Program and to submit the reclassification request to the New Hanover County
Commissioners for their consideration. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Rice thanked Ms. Creech and Ms. McCorkle for their presentations of grant proposals during
their vacation leave.
Community Health Improvement Program (CHIP) Nutrition Grant Proposal for Weighing
Table ($1.507)
Mr. Steuer recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to approve the CHIP
Nutrition Grant Proposal for the Weighing Table in the Nutrition Division.
Ms. Carol Bottoms, Nutritionist, explained a regular scale weighing up to 30 pounds and is only 15
inches long. The pediatric weighing table will weigh up to 130 pounds and is 45 inches long. It will
fit special needs children, will assure accurate measurements, and will be available to the Nutrition
Division and other health department divisions. A scale of this type is not located in the health
department.
6
I
I
I
I
I
I
161
MOTION: Mr. Steuer moved from the Executive Board for the Board of Health to approve the
CHIP Nutrition Grant ($1,507) to purchase a weighing table to facilitate more accurate measurements
in the Nutrition Division and other divisions of the health department and to submit the grant proposal
to the New Hanover County Commissioners for their consideration. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Project ASSIST Grant Application - Benefits of Clean Indoor Air ($3.200)
Mr. Steuer recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to approve
Project ASSIST Grant Application - Benefits of Clean Indoor Air.
Ms. Denise Houghton, Health Promotions Director, stated the purpose of the Project ASSIST Grant
Application is to present a Clean In Door Air Workshop with the support of Brunswick and New
Hanover County Health Directors, Environmental Health personnel, and restaurant owners. Speakers
will focus on the benefits of clean indoor air. Local smoke-free restaurant owners will speak on their
proven results. Project ASSIST funds from the Community Health Division, North Carolina
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), will be available on July 1, 1998.
MOTION: Mr. Steuer moved from the Executive Board for the Board of Health to approve the
Project ASSIST Grant Application ($3,200) to present a workshop entitled Eenefits of Clean Air - It's
Not Just a Health Issue Anymore! for restaurant owners in New Hanover and Brunswick Counties
and to submit the grant request to the New Hanover County Commissioners for their consideration.
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Dr. Clancy inquired about the Board of Health Smoking Control Regulation which will require
restaurants to have separate ventilation systems by Year 2000.
Application for HIV /STD Risk Reduction Grant - $50.000
Teen Health Educator/Prevention Coordinator
Mr. Steuer recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to approve
Application for HIV /STD Risk Reduction Grant which includes a Health Educator position.
Ms, Beth Jones, Communicable Disease Director, presented an HIV /STD Risk Grant Application to
present HIV /STD risk reduction education to adolescents. The $50,000 grant request will provide
salary and fringe for one (1) Health Educator/Prevention Coordinator and will provide operating
expenses for the project. An evaluation process will determine the effectiveness of TAP to reduce the
risky behaviors of adolescents. Funding for the grant is from the HIV /STD Prevention Care Section,
Division of Epidemiology, N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
MOTION: Mr. Steuer moved from the Executive Board for the Board of Health to approve the
HIV/STD Risk Reduction Grant Application ($50,000) to hire one (1) Health Educator/Prevention
Coordinator to develop, implement, and monitor the Teen AIDS Prevention (TAP) project and to
cover operating expenses, and to submit the grant application to the New Hanover County
Commissioners for their consideration. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
FY1998-99 Adopted Budget Changes from Recommended Budget
Mr. Steuer requested Mr. Rice present the changes in the County Manager's Recommended Fiscal
Year 98-99 Budget for the health department.
7
162
Mr. Rice referred the Executive Committee to a memo with reVlSlOns from the FY98-99
Recommended Budget versus the FY98-99 County Commissioners Adopted Budget. He summarized I
two positions (1 Business Officer/Administration and 1 Health EducatorlHealth Promotions) were
approved with a delay in hiring of six months (January 1999). Capital items were reduced $18,131
with the deletion of the boat the Vector ControllEnvironmental Health Budget.
Mr. Rice presented graphs illustrating the New Hanover County Health Department Expense and
Revenue Budgets. The budget totals were as follows:
Expense Budget
Revenue Budget
FY 98 Modified
FY 99 Requested
FY 99 Recommended
FY 99Adopted Budget
$7,641,633
$8,164,104
$8,162,723
$8,191,052
$3,326,667
$3,353,766
$3,665,603
$3,716,426
Mr. Rice compared FY 98 Modified and FY 99 Requested, Recommended, and Adopted Expense and
Revenue Budgets. He expressed his appreciation to Mr. Allen O'Neal, County Manager and to the
County Commissioners for their assistance and consideration during the budget process.
FY 1998-99 Patient Fee Scale and Federal Poverty Guidelines
Mr. Steuer recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to approve the FY
.1.9~~-99 Patient Fee Scale and Federal Poverty Guidelines.
. .. ......... .......,
'.:-.':>.:::-.::)4t;.:~mith, Assistant Health Director, presented the 1998-99 Maternal and Child Health Sliding Fee
... .:-.~.,:-:-:- . . or Child Health and Women's Health Clinics to the Board of Health. The revised scale is
me ...:. .., .' a:upon the latest Federal Poverty Guidelines and is used in Family Planning, Maternal Health,
III : :: :: :. :'.: :': ~l~:f.Iealth, and Children's Special Health Clinics which charge patient fees.
II S , :: :: : :. : ~ : ~ ~ ö~:i ~ N : Mr. Steuer moved from the Executive Board for the Board of Health to approve the
adoption of the 1998-99 Maternal and Child Health Sliding Fee Scale to be incorporated in the New
Hanover County Health Department Fee Policy retroactive to July 1, 1998 and to present the revisions
to the fee scale to the New Hanover County Commissioners for their consideration. Upon vote, the
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
I
Board Members:
Appreciation to New Hanover County Board of Commissioners (NHCC)
Dr. Clancy thanked Mr. Greer, Vice Chairman, NHCC, and expressed appreciation to the New
Hanover County Commissioners for their acknowledgment, understanding, and support of health
department projects and for the funding of the budget.
Health Director:
APEX/PH Update
Mr. Rice informed the AEIOU Team identified 60 strengths of the New Hanover County Heath
Department. A report on the Health Department Strengths was presented to the employees at the staff
8
I
I
I
I
1():1
meeting- on Thursday, June 11, 1998. Mr. Rice gave a summary of an Organizational Capacity
. Assessment Analysis of Organizational Strengths/Opportunities for Improvement. He reported all 60
strengths have been met. The AEIOU Team currently is addressing 32 opportunities to improve.
1998 Public Health Legislative Conference and Legislative Action Resource Manual
Mr. Rice reported Dr. Clancy, Ms. Rowe, Ms. Smith, Ms. O'Brien, Laboratory Director, and he
attended the 1998 Public Health Legislative Conference held on June 9, at the Raleigh Hilton, in
Raleigh, North Carolina. A copy of the Legislative Action Resource Manual was furnished to the
Board.
New Laptop Computer and Projector
Mr. Rice demonstrated a new laptop computer and projector. The projector will benefit all health
department divisions. Mr. Rice expressed appreciation to the Board of Health for approval of the
funding to purchase the equipment.
Environmental Disaster Planning and Response Workshop
Mr. Rice reported an Environmental Disaster Planning and Response Workshop was held on June 3 -
5, 1998, in the health department auditorium. Ms. Alicia Pickett, Registered Environmental Health
Specialist, and Mr. David Weaver, Assistant County Manager, were presenters.
Care to Collaborate "EXPO"
The Care to Collaborate "EXPO" was held on June 4, 1998, at the Coastline Convention Center.
Exhibits displayed services of regional agencies.
NCALHD VISIONING PROJECT
Mr. Rice stated the North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors Visioning Project
recommendations are in draft stage.
Festival Latino
Mr. Rice related the Health Department Staff participated in Festival Latino held on Saturday and
Sunday, June 20-21, at Hugh McRae Park, in Wilmington, North Carolina. Ms. Susan Little, Public
Health Nurse, coordinated staff activities and exhibits for the festival. Mr. Rice stated the First
Festival Latino was quite successful.
Health Department Web Page
Mr. Rice advised a Health Department Web Page is being planned. A Web Page Committee has been
appointed. Mr. Rice requested permission to feature a picture of Board members and a short narrative
about each member on the Web Page.
MOTION: Dr. Goins MOVED and SECONDED by Mr. Greer to feature the Board of Health on the
New Hanover County Health Department Web Page with a picture of and a short narrative on Board
9
164
Health members. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
I
Pictorial Display
Ms. Smith reminded Board members to see the pictorial display located in the foyer of the health
department receptionist area. Pictures are displayed of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Members
of the Board of Health; Medical Consultant; Health Director, Assistant Health Director, and the
Management Team of the New Hanover County Board of Health.
Dangerous Dog Determination Hearings Report
Mr. Rice referred the Board to the Dangerous Dog Determination Hearings Report for cases heard by
the Animal Control Advisory Committee Dangerous Dog Panel from April 1998-June 1998.
Other Business:
Health Department Ramp
Ms. Smith invited Board members to view the ramp and the new automatic doors installed at the
General Clinic entrance of the building. The front entrance of the health department will be closed
until the end of July. A ribbon cutting is planned at the completion of the new ramp at the front
entrances of the health department.
Dr. Jewell asked if there were concerns regarding fire exits during the ramp construction. Ms. Smith
confirmed the nearest exits are properly marked.
I
Fort Fisher Ferry Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS)
Mr. Rice reported on June 24 Dr. Jackson brought concerns to the Executive Board about the hazards
of environmental tobacco in the lounge of the Fort Fisher Ferry. He referred the Board to a letter to
Dr. Jackson sent to Mr. Jerry Gaskill, Director of Ferries, North Carolina Department of
Transportation, regarding the ETS he experienced in the Fort Fisher Ferry lounge, This letter was
written on behalf of the Board of Health.
Adjourn:
There being no other business, the regular business meeting of the Board of Health was adjourned at
9:05 a. m.
Approved:
I
10