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BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING - May 8, 1974
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Present: Dr, James Smith, Chairman, Dr. Frank Reynolds, Dr. James TidIer,
Mr. R, E, Carter, Mr, George Chadwick, Mr. Bruce Freeman, Mr. J, R.
Reaves, Mrs. Vivian Wright, Mr. W. K. Whitmire, and County Manager
Dan Eller and Attorney Joseph Taylor
Absent: None
Minutes of the April meeting were approved by motion of Dr. Reynolds, seconded
by Mr. Freeman.
Paging System: Reprentatives of Muzak were present with a proposed system
and price. The proposed system would have 29 speakers and could be installed
for a price of $1,173. Cost for Muzak would be $17.00 per month. A lease must
be signed for five years.
Dr. Knox had received a price of $950. for a seven speaker system from the
electricians now working at the new building.
Dr. Reynolds made a motion that the board go on record as recommending the Muzak
system. Motion was seconded by Mr. Whitmire. All members voted yes except Mrs.
Wright who voted no. It was suggested that Dr. Smith, Dr. Knox, and Mr. Eller
work out where the initial installation cost would come from - whether from the
surplus in the building fund or from additional appropriations.
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Appearance before Board by Dan Clark: Mr. Clark came to the March meeting but
left before the board could hear him. He also requested audience for the April
meeting but was advised that with budget hearings there would not be time to hear
him - he then requested that he be put on the agenda for May. He had three
itmes he wanted to talk to the board about.
1. Ponds in County: He mentioned two ponds - one in Monterey Heights and one
near Hoggard School which he claimed were stagnated. He wanted to know who has
authority to fill them in. He was advised that the Health Department oils
these ponds to keep down mosquitoes - but only the owner of the property had
authority to fill in these ponds.
2. Drainage and Septic Tanks: Mr. Clark claimed that since a road had been
built by his home in Bayshore Estates he has been having trouble with his
septic tank because the roat had interfered with proper drainage. He stated
that the builder of the road had offered to fill in his back yard with sand but
he wants top soil. He seemed to feel that it is the county's place to take
action against the road builder. Mr. Taylor advised Mr. Clark that he would
have to get his own lawyer and must bear any legal expenses involved since this
was a matter between him and the builder of the road. Mr. Clark was advised
that the department will work with him in any way we can to help him get his
septic tank straightened out.
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3. His Wife: Mrs. Clark is a former employee of the Department. She had been
working as clinic nurse but she was transferred back into the district she had
when she began work with the Department. Mrs. Clark refused this assignment
and submitted her resignation. Mr. Clark had been to the office to talk with
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Dr. Knox and Miss Davis, Director of Nursing, a few days after his wife resigned.
It was the general feeling of the board members that such personnel matters
should not be brought before the board - that these were administrative problems
and that Dr. Knox should handle them. Dr. Knox read from Item XII in the
contract with the State "That the County, City or District Health Director, as
agent of the local Board of Health, shall have sole authority to employ, direct
and replace all other members of the staff of the County, City or District
Health Department." Mrs. Wright stated that she felt he should be heard. Mr.
Chadwick suggested that Dr. Smith and Dr. Knox review the matter and if they
felt the board should give Mr. and Mrs. Clark a hearing we could do this at
a later date. It was emphasized that Mrs. Clark would have to be present at
any hearing - either here of if they decided to appeal to Merit System Council.
Mr. Clark made the statement that he would also have to be present since they
were on opposite sides.
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Health Cards: Dr. Knox asked the board whether or not they felt we should
continue to require health cards for food handlers in the county since this is
no longer a State law. We now require a blood test and x-ray. Mr. Taylor said
that if we do continue, then a local ordinance would have to be written, posted
and published. Dr. Knox was asked to find the cost, results of this type
screening, etc., and to give the board his recommendation at the June meeting.
Some members of the board stated that requiring food handlers to have health
cards was really discrimination since TB or VD neither were spread through food.
Administrator: Dr. Smith appointed a committee (Dr. Reynolds, Mrs. Wright,
Mr. Chadwick) to study the needs of the department - whether in the future we
need a lay administrator or medical administrator or both. Duties of the
department are increasing day by day. This committee is requested to attend
some of the clinics, etc. in the department and come back to the board with
recommendations.
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Ordinance re Septic Tanks: An ordinance has been written by our attorney and
studied by members of the department. Copies of this ordinance were given to
members of the board to study and action will be taken at the May meeting.
New Quarters: A report was given that everything is on schedule in the
building program.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Approved: June 5, 1974
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