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05/01/1991 BOH Minutes I I I 93 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. / 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. 94 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 I 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 I I I 95 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. 96 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: I 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. I I I 97 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: