07/10/1996
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Dr Dennis 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, July 10,1996, in
the Carl Thomas Durham Auditorium, New Hanover County Health Department,
Wilmington, North Carolina.
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Members Present:
Dennis L. Jackson, DVM, Chairman
W Keith Elmore, Vice-Chairman
Mary Lou Alford, RN
Thomas V Clancy, MD
John M. Coble
Mary King Dean
Michael E. Goins, OD
Spiro J Macris, DDS
Mark A. Veenstra, PE
Estelle G. Whitted, RN
Members Absent:
Robert G. Greer
Others Present:
,........ Robert S. (Bob) Parker, Health Director
Frances F De Vane, Recording Secretary
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Invocation:
Dr Spiro Macris gave the invocation.
Minutes:
Dr Jackson called for corrections to the minutes of June 5, 1996 The minutes were
corrected and approved by the Board of Health.
Recognitions:
Mr Parker recognized the following health department employees:
New EmDlovees:
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Vivian C Purifoy, Public Health Nurse I, Child Health (Not Present)
Barbara M. Coy, Public Health Nurse II, Women's Health Care
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Department Focal:
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Think TB (Tuberculosis)
Ms. Cynthia S. Johnson, Public Health Nurse, presented a department focal entitled Think
TB. She presented a brief history of Tuberculosis. Since 1943 TB has been a treatable
disease and is now a curable disease. The number of TB cases has increased since
1983. The objectives of the NHCHD TB Program include TB prevention, education, and
treatment.
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Committee Reports:
Budaet Committee
Mrs. Dean, Chairman, Budget Committee, advised the Board that Budget Program Review
Reports must be completed by August 1 She announced that Dr Jackson and the
Executive Committee have decided to dedicate the August Board of Health meeting to a
work session for the Budget Program Reviews submitted by the Budget Committee.
Ms. Lynda F Smith, Assistant Health Director, reported that the New Hanover County FY
1996-97 Budget was approved and adopted by the County Commissioners on June 17,
1996. She presented a summary of Personnel and Capital Requests which were approved _
in the health department budget. New personnel positions approved were:
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(1) Environmental Health Program Specialist
(1) Animal Control Services Officer
(1) Ombudsman (Public Health Nurse II)
(1) Tuberculosis Public Health Nurse I
(1) Animal Control Services Clerical Assistant
A Public Health Nurse I position in the Tuberculosis Program was reclassified to a Public
Health Nurse II A Health Educator II position received a salary upgrade. Ms. Smith
explained that the Environmental Health Program Specialist and the Animal Control Clerical
Specialist positions were approved, but funding for these positions was to be found in the
existing FY 1996-97 budgeted amount. The total funded for additional personnel requests
for Salary/Fringe was $166,252.
Mr Parker informed the Board that the General Assembly did not give New Hanover
County the authority to have an Ombudsman position.
Ms. Smith reported that the approved Capital Requests in FY 1996-97 Health Department
Budget includes the requested computers and software, portable radios, one (4) wheel
drive truck in Animal Control Services, one (4) wheel drive truck in Vector Control, a copier,
and a desk. The total amount approved for Capital Outlay requests was $154,209
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Environmental Health Committee
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Mr Coble, Chairman, Environmental Health Committee, reported that the Environmental
Health Committee met at 6: 15 p.m. on Monday, July 8, 1996. Items discussed have been
placed on the Board agenda.
Executive Committee
Dr Jackson, Chairman, Executive Committee, reported that the Executive Committee met
at 6:10 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 1996. Items discussed have been placed on the Board
agenda.
Unfinished Business:
Final Environmental Health Fee Schedule
Mrs. Dianne Harvell, Environmental Health Director, presented the final Environmental
Health Fee Schedule for fees charged in the Soil and Water Program. She explained the
Board of Health and County Commissioners approved this fee schedule which was phased
in over a three-year period with a 33% fee increase each year Mr Parker stated the user
fees cover the costs of new construction and home building and were adopted to make
- Environmental Health Soil and Water Program self-sufficient.
........ Environmental Health - Sewaae Spills
Mr Coble informed the Board that there is no notification system for the public regarding
sewage spills. He explained that a sewage spill from a county line occurred prior to the
July 4th weekend at Pages Creek. The public being unaware of the spill continued to utilize
the creek for recreational activities.
Mrs. Dianne Harvell, Environmental Health Director, stated that the Water Quality Division,
Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources, was notified and investigated
the sewage spill; however, the health department and public were unaware of the Pages
Creek sewage spill. Mr Parker advised that the state does provide backup water testing
for coliform bacteria reading. If the Board approves, the health department will develop
policies and procedures to notify the public of sewage spills.
Mr Coble recommended from the Environmental Health Committee for the Board of
Health to develop a system to notify the public of a significant sewage/effluent failure when
it reaches a body of water utilized for recreational purposes.
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MOTION: Mr Coble, Chairman, Environmental Health Committee, moved from the
Environmental Health Committee, for the Board to develop a system to notify the public
of a significant sewage/effluent failure when it reaches a body of water used for recreational
purposes. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
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Public Hearina - Renewal of NPDES Permit (Bridgeoortl
Mr Coble encouraged Board members to attend a Public Hearing to be held at 7 p.m. on
Thursday, August 8, 1996, in the New Hanover High School Cafeteria regarding the
renewal of the NPDES permit to discharge wastewater at Bridgeport into the Northeast
Cape Fear River at Castle Hayne. DEHNR and New Hanover County Engineering are
investigating the cause of high fecal coliform water samples from wastewater discharge at
Bridgeport into the Northeast Cape Fear River
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Chanae in Health Deoartment Fees and Fee Scales - New Medicaid Rates
Mr Parker presented the new Family Planning Fee Medicaid rates effective July 1, 1996
pending approval of the Board of Health and New Hanover County Commissioners.
MOTION: Dr Goins moved and Mr Coble seconded for the Board of Health to approve
the proposed changes in the Family Planning Fee Schedule to be incorporated in the
NHCHD Fee Policy retroactive to July 1, 1996 Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED
UNANIMOUSLY
Mr Parker presented the changes to the Laboratory Fee Scale. He stated that fees for
coliform bacteria in water and pregnancy tests were deleted from the schedule.
MOTION: Mrs. Whitted moved and Dr Goins seconded for the Board of Health to approve -
the changes in the Laboratory Division Fee Schedule to be incorporated in the NHCHD Fee
Policy Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY -
New Business:
Friends of Felines Reauest for Exemotion from Pavment of Countv License Fee
Dr Jackson recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to
approve and recommend to the County Commissioners for Friends of Felines to be
exempted from payment of county license fee. He stated that this practice will be reviewed
semiannually by the Animal Control Advisory Board and sunset for a full review every three
years. He stated as a Public Health issue he sees this as beneficial.
Dr Clancy inquired regarding the objectives of Friends of Felines. Mrs. Donna Neal, Chair,
New Hanover County Animal Control Services Advisory Committee, introduced Ms. J<ay
Joyner, Chair, Friends of Feline. She explained that Friends of Felines catches feral cats
and transports them to veterinarians for rabies immunizations and altering (spay/neuter).
Veterinarians perform these services free of charge for Friends of Felines. The cats are
set free after having their ears notched and clipped indicating their rabies vaccination. Dr
Jackson reiterated that this is a Public Health issue which could have a positive impact on
the spread of rabies. Dr Clancy asked if Friends of Felines plans to report these services
to Animal Control Services and if the cats get licenses. Ms. Joyner stated that Friends of
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Felines will prepare a six-month report which will be sent to Animal Control Services. Mrs.
Neal stated that the Pilot Program will be reviewed and evaluated on a six-month basis to
see if it reduces the spread of rabies and the number of cats.
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MOTION: Dr Jackson, Chairman, Executive Committee, moved from the Executive
Committee, for the Board of Health to approve and recommend to the County
Commissioners for Friends of Felines to be exempted from payment of county ($9) license
fees. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Public Health Nurse Lanev Hiah School
Dr Jackson recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to
approve and recommend to the County Commissioners a new Public Health Nurse position
to be funded by the New Hanover County Board of Education. Mr Parker advised the
Board that this request is in accordance with the plan to transfer Board of Education school
nursing positions to the health department as they become vacant. The Public Health
Nurse will fill the Laney High School vacant nursing position.
MOTION: Dr Jackson, Chairman, Executive Committee, moved from the Executive
Committee, for the Board of Health to approve and recommend to the County
Commissioners the approval of a new School Health Nurse position for Laney High School
- to be funded by the Board of Education. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED
UNANIMOUSLY.
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Animal Control Ordinance
Dr Jackson recommended from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to
approve a revision to New Hanover County Ordinance, Chapter 3, Animals and Fowl,
Article I, Section 3-6, Impounding Animals, Subsection I) Animals imoounded oursuant to
iudicial orocess or administrative seizure. He stated this amendment to the ordinance will
give Animal Control Services the authority to terminate impounded animals and reduce
county costs.
MOTION: Dr Jackson, Chairman, Executive Committee, moved from the Executive
Committee, for the Board of Health to approve and recommend to the County
Commissioners the revision of New Hanover County Ordinance, Chapter 3, Animals and
Fowl, Article I, Section 3-6, Impounding Animals, by the addition of a new subsection, to
be designated Subsection I) Animals imoounded oursuant to iudicial orocess or
administrative seizure. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
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Comments:
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Board Members:
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Budaet Proaram Reviews
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Mrs. Dean advised the Board that it would be helpful for them to go back to the Budget
Committee's Mission Statement after reviewing the Budget Program Reviews in August.
National Association of County and City Health Officials INACCHOI and National
Association of Local Boards of Health (NALBOHI Annual Meetinas
Mr Coble reported that he and Mr Parker attended the NACCHO and NALBOH Annual
meetings from June 12-15 in Bellevue, Washington. North Carolina had the largest
delegation. He informed th!,! Board that he learned that the county could save money if
they did not renew their membership with the NALBOH.
MOTION: Mr Coble moved and Mrs. Dean seconded for the Board not to renew
membership in the NALBOH. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Board of Health Trainina on June 18. 1996,
Mrs. Alford reported that she and Ms. Lynda Smith attended the Association of North
Carolina Board's of Health Training and Services Update held on June 18, 1996, at the
Onslow County Health Department in Jacksonville, N. C Ms. Smith reported that this
session focused on the importance of certification and other Public Health issues. She
presented audio visuals and expressed her appreciation to the Board of Health for all
their services to Public Health and the community
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Health Director:
Political Candidates to Board of Health Meetinas. Auaust. September. and October
Mr Parker advised the Board that he had discussed with Dr Jackson the idea of inviting
political candidates to the Board of Health meetings in August, September, and October
to address Public Health issues. Questions could be prepared for the candidates. Dr
Jackson informed the Board that the Executive Committee decided to let the Board of
Health decide whether they would like to extend an invitation to political candidates to
participate in the Board meetings.
Mr Coble expressed that he thought it was a great idea to prepare questions for political
candidates regarding Public Health issues. He stated he wondered if the Board of Health
meeting was the proper place for this and suggested that the Board may desire to work
through the League of Women Voters which has a forum for this.
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Other Business:
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Hurricane Bertha
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Mr Parker reported that the Health Department has an emergency plan which can be
activated if Hurricane Bertha becomes a threat to New Hanover County He stated
Animal Control Services will shelter animals. Environmental Health and nursing staff will
be on call and work if emergency shelters are opened. Mr Parker and Ms. Smith will
be at the Emergency Operations Center
United Way Camoaian
Mrs. Beth Jones, United Way Coordinator for New Hanover County, invited the Board
to join the health department in their United Way Campaign. The health department, a
pacesetter organization, will hold their campaign from July 29 through August 9 The
county goal is $33,750 and the health department goal is $4,000
Health Promotions Committee
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Mr Parker announced that the Health Promotions Committee meeting scheduled on July
26 has been canceled and will be rescheduled on either July 29 or 30 The definite date
will be announced.
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There being no further business, the regular meeting of the Board of Health was
adjourned at 9:27 a.m.
D~J
Dennis L. Jackson, Cha rman
New Hanover County Board of Health
[)~~ W~
Robert S. (Bob) Parker, Health Director
New Hanover County Health Department
Approved:
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