10/09/1996
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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, October 9, 1996,
in the Carl Thomas Durham Auditorium, New Hanover County Health Department,
Wilmington, North Carolina.
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
Robert G Greer
Spiro J Macris, DDS
Mark A. Veenstra, PE
Estelle G. Whitted, RN
Members Absent:
Robert S. (Bob) Parker, Health Director
Frances F De Vane, Recording Secretary
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Others Present:
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Invocation:
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Mrs. Mary Lou Alford gave the invocation.
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Minutes:
Dr Jackson called for corrections to the minutes of August 14, 1996. The minutes were
approved by the Board of Health. The Board of Health meeting schedule for September
11, 1996, was canceled due to the after effects of Hurricane Fran.
Recognitions:
Mr Parker introduced and welcomed the following new health department employees:
New Emplovees
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Beverly K. Bass, Public Health Nurse I, Women's Health Care
Bea Bolton, Graduate Student Intern, WIC
Patsy R. Farrow, Clerical Assistant, Animal Control Services
Pamela Overstreet, Environmental Health Specialist, Environmental Health
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Mr Parker recognized the following individuals for their years of service in the New
Hanover County Health Department:
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Ten (10) Year Service Award
Lynette Fennell, Clerical Specialist, Women's, Infants, and Children (WIC)
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Fifteen /151 Year Service Award
Sharon Neuschafer, Administrative Assistant I, Environmental Health
1996 United Wav Campaign
Mr Parker praised Mrs. Beth Jones, Communicable Disease Director, Chairman, New
Hanover County Employees 1996 United Way Campaign, for her leadership of a most
successful campaign. County United Way contributions were $39,872.66, a 22% increase
from 1995 surpassing the county's goal of $33,750. Mrs. Denise Houghton and Mrs. Nikki
Todd, Co-Chairs, Health Department United Way Campaign, Health Department United
Way Committee, and staff were applauded for their notable campaign with contributions
of $5,00666 exceeding the health department goal of $4,300
On behalf of the New Hanover County Board of Health, Dr Jackson congratulated Mrs. ....
Jones for her achievement as Chair of New Hanover County United Way Campaign and
Mrs. Houghton and Mrs. Todd, Co-Chairs, and the Health Department staff for an -II
outstanding United Way Campaign.
Public Health Awards
Mr Parker announced that health department staff and the NHCHD received prestigious
awards at the North Carolina Public Health Association (NCPHA) Annual Meeting held
October 18-20, 1996, at the Adams Mark Hotel, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Dr Jackson, Mr Parker, and Ms. Lynda F Smith, Assistant Health Director, recognized
and congratulated award recipients and displayed award plagues given to the following:
Individual Public Health Awards
Betty Jo McCorkle - Maternal and Child Health (MCH)
Outstanding Achievement Award, MCH Section
North Carolina Public Health Association (NCPHA)
Robert S. (Bob) Parker - Reynolds Award, NCPHA
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Bobby Waters - James M. McDiarmid Award
HIV/STD Control Section, NCPHA
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Susan Weaver - Socia/ Work Outstanding Achievement Award,
Social Work Section, NCPHA
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Health DeDarbnent Awards
North Carolina Public Health Month Certificate of Achievement,
Public Health Month Committee
Baby Bootie Award, North Carolina/South Carolina Perinatal Association
On behalf of the Board of Health, Dr Jackson complimented Mr Parker, recipient of the
Reynolds Award, and health department staff for their receipt of the achievement awards.
Department Focal:
Aerial "Altosid" - 30 Dav MOSQuito Control
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Mr Ken Sholar, Manager, Vector Control, presented the department focal on Aerial
"Altosid" - 30 Day Mosquito Control. His slide presentation focused on Eagles Island
mosquito breeding, larvaciding, and control. Aerial Altosid spraying via helicopter is a one
year Pilot Project which has been successful in controlling the breeding of mosquitoes.
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ReQuest for MOSQuito SDravinQ in Columbus County
Mr Parker informed the Board he has received a request via the Department of
Environment, Health and Natural Resources for NHCHD Vector Control to spray for
mosquitoes in Columbus County Columbus County does not have a Mosquito Control
Program. A case of Encephalitis has been diagnosed in Columbus County Projected
reimbursement to NHCHD for expenses for proposed mosquito spraying in Columbus
County was $582.39
MOTION: Mr Coble moved and Dr Goins seconded to allow the NHCHD Vector Control
Program to spray for mosquitoes in Columbus County with reimbursement of expenses to
New Hanover County Vector Control Program. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY
Committee Reports:
Executive
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Dr Jackson, Chairman, Executive Committee, reported that the Executive Committee met
at 6.15 p.m. on Monday, September 9, 1996. Items discussed have been placed on the
Board of Health Agenda.
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Environmental Health
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Mr John Coble, Chairman, Environmental Health Committee, reported that the
Environmental Health Committee met at 6'15 p.m. on Monday, October 7, 1996
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Hanbv and Wilminaton Beach Water Samples
Mr Coble informed the Board that water samples were recently collected by the
Environmental Health staff in Hanby and Wilmington Beaches. The Laboratory's analysis
of these water samples showed coliform contamination. A discussion followed regarding
the health effects of failing and inadequate septic tank systems on Wilmington and Hanby
beaches in New Hanover County
Mr Coble recommended from the Environmental Health Committee to schedule a meeting
with the Mayors of Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, Dr Jackson, Mr Parker, and Mrs.
Dianne Harvell, Environmental Health Director, to address the public health impact of the
failing septic systems and water sample results.
MOTION: Mr Coble moved from the Environmental Health Committee for the Board of
Health to approve the arrangement of a meeting with the Mayors of Carolina Beach and
Kure Beach, Chairman of the Board of Health, Health Director, and Environmental Health
Director to discuss the health effects of the failing septic systems and contaminated water ~
sample results of the ocean outfall pipe at Hanby Beach and to seek a resolution. Upon
vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY .......
New Hanover County and Wilmington Wastewater Svstems Operation
Mr Coble informed the Board fOllowing Hurricane Fran that numerous failures of
wastewater systems in New Hanover County and in the City of Wilmington were not
reported to NHCHD Mr Parker reported that due to wastewater systems failures,
sewage was spilling into surface waters, and presented a public health concern and
problem. Concerns were expressed that reports of wastewater system failures are not
being promptly reported to the health department by the City of Wilmington and New
Hanover County The city agreed to notify the health department of sewage spills in
New Hanover County The city and county are responsible for notifying appropriate
health department personnel when a spill occurs.
MOTION: Mr Coble moved from the Environmental Health Committee for the Board of
Health to request reports of all wastewater system failures within New Hanover County for
the past five years from the City of Wilmington, New Hanover County Engineering, and the
Department of Environmental Management. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY .-.-
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Vision Software. Inc. Certificate of OccuDancv and No Sewaae Treatment Permit
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Mr Coble reported to the Board that the Environmental Health Division after notification
by the Castle Hayne Community Steering Committee learned that Vision Software, Inc.,
received a Certificate of Occupancy without an approved sewer system.
MOTION: Mr Coble moved from the Environmental Health Committee for the Board of
Health to send a letter to New Hanover County Building Inspections and New Hanover
County Engineering requesting explanation of how a Certificate of Occupancy for Vision
Software, Inc., was granted by New Hanover County Inspections and New Hanover County
Engineering when sewer is not operational; and how the situation will be resolved. Upon
vote, the MOTION DID NOT CARRY (Note: Motion failed because response had already
been received.)
Memos Reaardina Sewer Service to Vision Software. Inc.
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On October 9, 1996, the Board received memos addressing the sewer service to Vision
Software, Inc., from Wyatt Blanchard, County Engineer Mr Coble explained that it states
the county entered into an agreement through the state to help provide for the location of
Vision Software, Inc., as an individual expansion project. The county's agreement was to
provide sewage treatment. However, Vision Software, Inc., was issued a Certificate of
Occupancy with the intention of allowing initial low amounts of wastewater to collect in a
manhole and be pumped and hauled until an adequate sewage treatment system was
functioning. A pump and haul permit was not secured from the state as required. No
untreated wastewater was discharged from Vision Software, Inc.
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MOTION: Mr Coble moved and Dr Goins seconded for the Board of Health not to
accept the written response as justification for the Certificate of Occupancy for Vision
Software, Inc., issued by County Engineering. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY
City of Wilminaton and New Hanover County Wastewater Svstem Failures
Mr Coble again reiterated his concern regarding the wastewater system failures which
result in sewage flowing into the surface waters in the City of Wilmington and New Hanover
County These failures occur frequently and create a real public health concern.
Mr Greer pointed out sewage problems are county-wide. He reported that the problem
around Bradley Creek should be relieved when the Northside Treatment Plant is enlarged
and sewage will be rerouted. There is a need to establish a City/County Water Authority
to oversee the water/sewer operation.
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Dr Clancy suggested that the city and county meet to discuss the wastewater sewer
systems. Mr Coble expressed concern over the lack of accountability concerning sewage
spills in the area. He stated he supports a plan to consolidate the City/County Sewer
Systems. Mrs. Dean and Mr Coble suggested that the Board of Health pass a resolution
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supporting unification of the city and county water and sewer services.
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MOTION: Mr Coble moved and Mrs. Dean seconded for the Board of Health to adopt a
resolution to request that the City of Wilmington expediently join with New Hanover County
to unite all City and County water and sewer services and to present the resolution to the
City Council prior to their meeting on Tuesday, October 15, 1996. Upon vote, the
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (Attachment #1 - Copy of Resolution: United City
and County Water and Sewer Services is incorporated and made a part of these minutes.)
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Health Promotions
Mrs. Mary Lou Alford, Chairman, Health Promotions Committee, reported that the Health
Promotions Committee met on Tuesday, August 20, 1996. Childhood injury prevention
projects were discussed which include Safe Kids, Learn Not to Bum, and Buckle Up Kids.
The Health Promotions Committee is to gather more information and statistics on these
injury projects to support the need for additional injury prevention resources.
Dr Clancy suggested for a department focal to be planned concerning the injury
prevention projects. He stated injury is a significant public health problem and media
coverage for these Health Promotions projects could disseminate the facts to the
community He stressed the need for an additional Health Educator in the Health
Promotions Division. ....
Dr Jackson requested that the Health Promotions Committee study the above projects _
further and report back to the Board their findings including statistics.
Recognition:
Dr Jackson welcomed to the Board of Health meeting Mrs. Ann Allen, Professor, and two
Community Health Nursing Classes, University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
Unfinished Business:
Field TriD to NorthChase Sewaae Treatment Plant
Mr John Coble reported Mr Wyatt Blanchard, County Engineer, arranged a tour of the
NorthChase Sewage Treatment Plant for the NHCBH. The tour of the operation of the
treatment plant was informative and gave those attending a better understanding of the
facility
New Business:
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Invitation to Join New Hanover County PartnershiD for Children Board of Directors
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Dr Jackson referred from Executive Committee an invitation for Mr Parker to accept
membership on the New Hanover County Partnership for Children Board of Directors.
MOTION: Mr Coble moved and Dr Clancy seconded to allow Mr Parker in his capacity
as Health Director and other Health Department personnel to participate on the New
Hanover County Partnership for Children Board of Directors provided there is no expense
to the health department. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
North Carolina Nurses Association Emeraencv Reference ReDort
Mrs. Mary Lou Alford gave a summary of the North Carolina Nurses Association (NCNA)
Emergency Reference Report which was passed by the NCNA House of Delegates at the
NCNA Convention on October 20, 1995 She presented recommendations to the Board
that should be a part of new alliances in the delivery of Public Health Nursing Services.
She presented facts which pertain to the changes in the fields of Public Health, health and
nursing professions. Mrs. Alford stressed the importance of awareness of the differences
in the structure of Public Health and Public Health Nursing to the Board.
r Animal Control Issues
_ Dr Jackson reported the NHCBH Executive Committee met and approved the following
recommendations including additions and/or revisions to New Hanover County Code,
Chapter 3 (Animals and Fowl) and recommended the adoption of two new fees associated
with Dangerous Dog Appeals and CatslDogs Breeders Permit. He explained that after
reviewing the budget, these modifications are needed to reduce current medical costs, to
increase pet owners' responsibility, and to produce revenues to cover expenditures. The
Animal Control Advisory Committee has approved these recommendations.
MOTION: Dr Jackson moved from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to
recommend to the County Commissioners the revision to the New Hanover County Code,
Chapter 3, (Animals and Fowl) Section 3-17, to reduce the holding period of strays from
five (5) business days to three (3) business days as required by North Carolina State Law
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
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MOTION: Dr Jackson moved from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to
recommend to the County Commissioners the revision to the New Hanover County Code,
Chapter 3, (Animals and Fowl) Section 3-27, to require dog owners to pay an "appellant
fee" if they decide to appeal a dangerous/potentially dangerous dog ruling. Upon vote,
the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
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MOTION: Dr Jackson moved from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to
recommend to the County Commissioners the addition to the New Hanover County Code,
Chapter 3, (Animals and Fowl), to add a new requirement for pet owners to secure a
"breeding permit" from Animal Control Services. Said "breeding permit" must be obtained
no later than three business days following the birth of the litter The fee for the permit shall
be established by the Board of Health. This article does not impose any restrictions upon
what animal is bred or the frequency of such breeding. Upon vote, the MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
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Dr Jackson explained that one of the purposes of the above recommendation is to require
pet owners to be more responsible for the breeding of their pets.
Dr Jackson recommended from the Executive Committee that the following Animal Control
Services new fees be established for the above revisions.
Dangerous Dogs Fees - Appeals
Breeder's Permit Fees - Cats/Dogs
$25 00
$1000
MOTION: Dr Jackson moved from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to
recommend to the County Commissioners the establishment of a new Animal Control
Services Fee for Dangerous Dogs "Appellant Fee" in the amount of $25 00 to be
incorporated in the NHCHD Fee Policy Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED ....
UNANIMOUSLY
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MOTION: Dr Jackson moved from the Executive Committee for the Board of Health to
recommend to the County Commissioners the establishment of a new Animal Control
Services Fee for a "Breeder's Permit" in the amount of $1000 to be incorporated in the
NHCHD Fee Policy Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Child Fatalitv Prevention Team Year End Report (1995-96)
Mrs. Janet McCumbee, Child Health Director, summarized the Child Fatality Prevention
Team Year End Report (1995-96). She reported the New Hanover County Child Fatality
Prevention Team (CFPT) completed their first year There were 21 New Hanover County
child death reports for 1994-95 Causes of death included SIDS, accidents, perinatal
conditions, birth defects and other causes. General recommendations for prevention of
child deaths were, bike helmets, baby buckles (seat belts), smoke detectors, more
education and communication with DSS, hospital staff, and families.
Comments:
Board Members:
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Appreciation to Health Department Staff
Dr Goins stated he would like to say thank you to the health department staff for their
services during Hurricane Fran. Mr Elmore expressed that he is continually impressed
with the health department staff and their services and achievements. He thanked Mr
Coble and the Environmental Health Committee for their services. Mr Coble added that
the Environmental Health staff has put in yeoman's work during Hurricane Fran and he
expressed his appreciation to them for their capabilities and dedication.
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Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Task Force
Mr Greer announced he is serving on the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Task Force
which was established by the North Carolina General Assembly He noted this area of the
nation is an high incidence area for both Heart Disease and Strokes. The Task Force will
focus on lifestyles and diet for prevention. This is a Public Health issue which may involve
the Board of Health in the future.
Letter of Appreciation to Staff
Dr Jackson asked Mr Elmore to assist Mr Parker in the preparation of an appreciation
letter to health department staff for their assistance and support during the hurricane. Mr
Elmore agreed to assist with this letter
Association of North Carolina Boards of Health (ANCBH)
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Mr Coble issued an invitation to the Board to the ANCBH Board of Directors Retreat on
Friday and Saturday, November 8 - 9, at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort, Wrightsville
Beach, North Carolina. A reception will be hosted by Mr Coble at 6.30 p.m. on Friday
night at Trail's End Steakhouse Restaurant and will be followed by a Dutch dinner The
Board meeting will be held at 10'00 a.m. on Saturday at the Blockade Runner Resort.
Health Director:
Community Health Improvement Proaram (CHIP)
Mr Parker advised the Board of the Community Health Improvement Program (CHIP), a
well ness-centered outreach program developed by New Hanover Regional Medical Center
(NHRMC). A grant of $1.3 million is available. Activities will be designed to promote better
health. Health concerns identified in the Regional Health Needs Assessment will be
targeted. Mr Parker plans to communicate with Mr Hobbs, President, NHRMC, regarding
this issue.
Letter to Governor Hunt
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Mr Parker referred the Board to a letter he wrote to Governor Hunt referencing two Wake
Forest students who were killed in an automobile accident.
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Inner City Rabies Clinic
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Mr Parker announced a free Inner City Rabies Clinic will be held from 12 Noon until
4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, at Five-Points Community Center, Wilmington, North
Carolina. He expressed his appreciation to veterinarians who participate in this free clinic.
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Private Wells Water Testing
The health department Laboratory has performed bacteriological water testing for private
wells. During the first week of water analysis (September 25-28), 182 samples were
tested, and there was a 26% positive rate for total Coliform and 4 5% positive rate for
Fecal E. Coliform. The Laboratory will discontinue these services effective October 11,
1996, at 5:00 p.m.
Public Health and Hurricane Fran - Slide Presentation
Mr Parker invited Board members and guests to stay for the Public Health and Hunicane
Fran slide presentation immediately following the business meeting of the Board.
Other Business:
Executive Committee Meetina
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Dr Jackson announced there will be an Executive Committee Meeting atter the slide
presentation.
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Adjournment:
There being no further business, the regular business meeting of the Board of Health
was adjourned at 10'00 a.m. The slide presentation ended at 10'17 a.m.
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New Hanover County Board of Health
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Robert S. (Bob) Parker, Health Director
New Hanover County Health Department
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Approved.
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Attachment #1
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RESOLUTION
ofthe
New Hanover County Board Of Health
Whereas, the discharge of untreated wastewater to the soil or surface waters of New
Hanover County is a serious threat to the public health;
Whereas, malfunction ofthe systems serving citizens in the unincorporated areas and
in the City of Wilmington is a chronic problem;
Whereas, more efficient design, operation and maintenance of these systems would
be possible under the authority of a single management entity;
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NOW, THEREFORE, THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
resolves to respectfully request that the City of Wilmington expediently join with New
Hanover County to unite all City and County water and sewer services.
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Adopted this the 9th day of October, 1996
New Hanover County Board of Health
Dr. Dennis L. Jac
ATTEST:
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Frances Devane, Secretary to the Board
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