05/01/1991 BOH Minutes
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DANGEROUS DOG APPEAL HEARING
The New Hanover County Board of Health (NHCBH) met for a Dangerous
Dog Appeal Hearing on Wednesday, May 1, 1991, at 7:30 A.M. in the
New Hanover County Health Department Auditorium. Mr. Donald Blake,
Chairman, explained that the NHCBH is the designated Board to hear
appeals after a dog has been determined to be potentially dangerous or
dangerous by the Dangerous Dog Panel. Participants testifying in the
dog hearing were sworn in by Ms. Frances De Vane, NQtary Public.
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Mr. Ron Currie, Animal Control Director, stated the Animal Control
Dangerous Dog Panel (ACDDP) declared two dogs potentially dangerous on
March 26, 1991. He introduced Ms. Chloe Rivenbark, Animal Control
Officer, who investigated the dog complaints from the U. S. Postal
Service. Ms. Allison Yarbrough and Ms. Rhonda Mercer, owners of the
dogs, testified on behalf of their dogs. Postmen testifying were Mr.
Steve Cloud and Mr. Jerry Rhodes.
After hearing the above case, Dr. Marlene Rosenkoetter moved that the
Board of Health uphold the ruling of the ACDDP and recommended the two
potentially dangerous dogs attend obedience school. Upon vote, the
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Blake declared the ACDDP Appeal Hearing closed at 9:40 A.M.
BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING
Following the Dangerous Dog Appeal Hearing, Mr. Blake called the
regular meeting of the NHCBH to order at 9:45 A.M. on May 1, 1991, in
the Thomas Fanning Wood Library, New Hanover County Health Department.
Members Present:
Donald P. Blake, Chairman
Michael Goins, OD, Vice Chairman
John M. Coble
Robert G. Greer Marlene M.
Leslie Hall, Jr., PE
Julius F. Howard, RPh
John Leonard, DMV
Spiro Macris, DDS
Sheram Robinson
Rosenkoetter, RN, PhD,FAAN
Dr. Alan Thomas
Members Absent:
Others Present:
Robert S. (Bob) Parker, Health Director
Frances F. De Vane, Recording Secretary
Mr. Howard presented the invocation. Mr. Blake called for corrections
to the minutes of the meeting on April 3, 1991. The minutes were
approved.
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Recognition:
Mr. ~ Waters Receives Bastern District Public Health Associationll
(EDNCPHA) Individual Achievement Award
Mr. Blake recognized Mr. Waters, Vector Control Director, recipient of
the 1991 EDNCPHA Individual Achievement Award for 1991. He
congratulated and expressed his appreciation to Mr. Waters for his
dedicated service and imaginative accomplishments.
New Hanover County Health Department Receives Award From Wilmington
Rotary Club for Orthopedic Clinic
Mr. Blake displayed a plaque presented by the Wilmington Rotary Club
to the New Hanover County Health Department for their outstanding
service to the Orthopedic Clinic. Ms. Betty Creech, Community Health
Nursing Director, gave a brief history of the Health Department
Orthopedic Clinic which is sponsored by the Wilmington Rotary Club.
Departmental Focal:
Mr. Waters, Vector Control Director, presented a departmental focal on
the Encephalitis Outbreak in Florida.
Committee Reports:
Budget
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the County
to the New
Dr. Thomas, Chairman, Budget Commi t tee, reported tha t
Manager's Recommended FY1991-92 Budget is to be presented
Hanover County Commissioners on June 3, 1991.
Ms. Lynda Smith, Assistant Health Director, presented a report on the
budget cuts and position requests. She announced that the Budget
Committee will meet at 7:00 A.M. on June 5, 1991, for review of the
budget.
Unfinished Business:
Board to Hear Dangerous Dog Appeal
Mr. Blake referred the Board to a chart of Options for the Dangerous
Dog Law and Due Process. He requested their recommendation for this
process. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board that
further study of these options was necessary and that this item should
be placed on the June Board of Health agenda.
N.C. House Bill 852 and 903
Dr. Goins reported that House Bill 852 was introduced at the request
of the NHCBH by Representative Karen Gottovi, New Hanover County, tl
increase the legal age. for purchasing cigarettes and other tobacco
products from age 17 to 18. House Bill 903 was also introduced t
change the minimum age for buying tobacco products from age 17 to 18
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with a preemption statement which would prevent local governments from
regulating tobacco products in this area.
Dr. Goins moved that the NHCBH go on record as supporting House Bill
852 and opposing House Bill 903. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Smoking Pollution Control Ordinance (SPCO)
Dr. Goins, Vice Chairman, NHCBH, reported the Wrightsville Beach Town
Aldermen were receptive to conducting an informal poll on the SPCO
during the November election. Kure Beach will also consider an SPCO
informal poll or survey in November 1991.
Home Health Bad Debt
Dr. Goins inquired about the Home Health delinquent patient account.
Mr. Parker explained that the patient has made a partial paYment of
$150 on his outstanding balance. Plans for collection of this account
include a letter to client's daughter and further researching the
feasibility of third party paYment.
New Business:
Nursing Community's National Health Plan
Dr. Rosenkoetter distributed the Nursing Community's National Health
Care Plan, "Nursing's Agenda for Health Care Reform", to the NHCBH for
their review. This item will be placed on the June Board of Health
agenda.
Public Health Week
Ms. Denise Teachey, Heal th Promotions Director, gave a report on
Public Health Week, April 14-20, 1991. This successful week, with
Board of Health members and health department staff presenting public
service announcements and interviews on health features, concluded
with a Breast/Pap Smear Screening Clinic for 185 patients on April 20,
1991.
Animal Welfare Act
Dr. Rosenkoetter informed the Board of the lack of enforcement of the
Animal Welfare Act regarding "puppy and kitten mills." She stated
many animals are being abused and dying. She requested that the Board
write national legislators a letter endorsing the enforcement of this
Act.
Dr. Rosenkoetter moved that the NHCBH go on record as opposing "puppy
and kitten mills" and requesting enforcement of the United States
Department of Agriculture Animal Welfare Act. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED.
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NHCBH Agenda
Mr. Blake asked Board members to inform him of any items which they I
would like to be placed on the agenda for NHCBH meetings.
Smoking Pollution Control Ordinance (SPCO)
Mr. Blake introduced Mr. Jesse Hardwick, a citizen, who expressed
concern over the enforcement of the SPCO. Ms. Wanda Copley, Assistant
County Attorney, stated that the enforcement of the SPCO would be
through the Health Department and the Sheriffs Department. Mr. Blake
thanked Mr. Hardwick for his presentation.
Smithfield Hog Plant Proposal for Bladen County
Mr. Parker introduced Mr. Slaughter, Ci tizen/Environmentalist, who
expressed concern over the environmental impact of the proposed
Smithfield Hog Plant to be located on the Cape Fear River in Bladen
County. Dr. Macris recommended that the Board seek an environmental
impact statement regarding the proposed hog plant since the Cape Fear
River is the source of drinking water for Wilmington.
A motion was made to request an environmental impact statement
concerning the proposed Smithfield Hog Plant in Bladen County. Upon
vote, the MOTION CARRIED.
Comments:
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Board Members:
Mr. Blake and Mr. Hall reported they attended an excellent seminar
entitled, "Developing Leadership for Local Public Health Boards of
Health" on April 4-5, 1991 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Health Director:
Mr. Parker informed the Board that four dozen roses were delivered to
the Health Department on April 5, 1991 to "those out of the spotlight,
behind the scenes" from an anonYmous donor expressing his appreciation
to those staff members.
Mr. Parker gave a report on the EDNCPHA Annual Meeting held on April
24-26, 1991 in Wilmington. Mr. Blake welcomed the EDNCPHA members.
Mr. Parker invited Board members to attend a seminar entitled Basic
Responsibilities of Local Boards of Health at the Cape Fear Community
College on'May 22, 1991. Registration is $15.00.
Thanks to Ms. Wanda Copley, Assistant County Attorney
On behalf of the Board of Health, Mr. Blake expressed his appreciation I
to Ms. Copley, Assistant County Attorney, for her legal services
rendered to the NHCBH and Health Department.
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There being no further business, Mr. Blake adjourned the meeting at
11:00 A.M.
~~J.,~
Chairman, Board of Health
~2-9~
Robert S. (Bob) Parker (
Secretary to the Board
Approved: