08/06/1958
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REGUIAR MONTHLY Mr.:ETING BOARD OF HEALTH
HELD IN OFFICE OF BOARD
AUGUST 6, 1958
Present: Dr. James M. Hall, Jr., Chairman; Mayor James E. L. Wade, Dr. J. C. Knox,
Dr. James H. Smith and Mr. H. N. Roland.
Motion was made by Hr. Roland, seconded by Dr. Knox, that the minutes of the last
meeting be approved without being read; copies having been sent to the Board
members. Carried.
Two letters from Mr. J. C. Wessell, Jr. Attorney, addressed to the Consolidated
Board of Health concerning the Harbor Island sanitary situation were read by Chairman
Hall. No action was taken on these letters. Mr. Bob Kermon, a resident of Harbor
ISland, was present and briefly expressed his feelings regarding the sanitary problem
of Harbor Island and the Board's responsibility and limitations in this matter.
Mr. Lassiter, Sanitary Engineer, gave a tentative report of the bacterial quality
of a few samples of water taken from the Lagoon at Wrightsville Beach and mentioned
some counts taken from storm drainage water some years ago. A survey of water polution
in the Sound area is now under way. Mr. Lassiter stated that he does not know when
the survey figures will be available. Some of the Board members suggested that he try
to secure from Mr. Willis the results of such tests that had already been completed.
After much discussion relative to the Harbor Island situation, a motion was made by
Mr. Roland, seconded by Mayor Wade, that sanitation problems at Harbor Island and
other places in the County be handled on an individual basis and if, after ascertaining
the facts, a nuisance existed that legal action be taken against the individual property
owner. Carried.
The Health Officer reported that the appropriating authorities had failed to provide
a salary item in the 1958-1959 budget for employment of an attorney for the Board of
Health. After a discussion it was decided that any case where it l~S necessary to
have legal representation that an attorney be employed on a fee basis and paid from the
contingent fund.
Mr. Roland reported that the Board of Education at their regular meeting had discussed
the recent regulations submitted to them for their approval requiring all children to be
immunized against polio before entering the first grade of any school in New Hanover
County, and that all children transferring, regardless of grade, to New Hanover County
schools from other schools be immunized against polio. Mr. Roland stated that the Board
of Education had approved the above.
The Health Officer and Miss Watling, Nurse Supervisor, expressed their thanks to
Chairman Hall of the County Commissioners, and Mayor Wade of the City of Wilmington,
for their cooperation in securing the re-opening of the budget so as to permit appro-
priation for one nurse and a mental health program to be included in the 1958-1959
budget for the health department.
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The Health Officer called to the Board's attention the condition of certain boarding
homes in New Xanover County which he felt constituted a public health problem due to
over-crowding, fire hazards, etc. Mrs. Helen Sneeden, Superintendent of the Welfare
Department, New Hanover County,had been asked to attend this meeting and she explained
to the Board her department I s connection and limitations in institutions of this type.
The Board agreed, after the matter was discussed, that something should be done by
the Board of Health to regulate nursing and boarding homes so as to protect the health
of the inmates. A motion was made by Mr. Roland, seconded by Dr. Smith, instructing the
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administrative staff of the Board of Health to proceed to take action against
any boarding home or nursing home violating any lavls of the State of North
Carolina regarding these homes where life or injury to the inmates is in
jeopardy. Carried.
A motion was made by Dr. Knox, secon.ded by Mr. Roland, instructing the Health
Officer to draw up L~ediately such ordinances as are ne~essary for the control
of operation of nursing homes, boarding homes and similar institutions for pre-
sentation to the Consolidated Board of Health for approval and adoption. Carried,
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Meeting adjourned.
APprove~1958
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