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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 January \ ! JEFFERSON coUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH MINUTES JANUARY 15, 1998 BOARD MEMBERS GIrn HuntltWOrd, chAlrmlUt - COUnty commlJ5ioner District 2 RichArd w~t, Member - county comm15sioner District 3 DIUt Harpole, Member - county Commissioner District I nd sJwuIberg, Member - port Towtl5end City counctl JIU Buhler, Member - Jefferson county HOsplttll D15trict #2 CommiJJloner sheila westerman, Member - Clt/zrn III Large (City) ~berta FrtsseU, Member - c!turn at Large (county) STAFF MEMBERS David syecter, Health Deyartmefll Director JelUt Baldwin, Director of Nursi1l'J services Lany F<<y, Director of EllVironmrntal Health chester Prndhomme, Director of substance Abuse Thomas LOcke, M.D., Health officer Mary Mil11dtU, Administrative suyyort Chairman Glen Huntingford called the meeting to order. All Board and staff members were present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Bill Wilke, a Port Ludlow resident, stated that at the December meeting he specifically asked if those people who presently have septic tanks in the Port Ludlow area, would be excluded from any requirement for hooking up to sewer if sewers systems became available. At that time the response to his question was that those residents would be excluded from the mandatory hook up. Mr. Wilke wanted that statement reflected in the minutes. Chairman Huntingford replied that his comments would be noted in the January meeting minutes. Dr. Locke added that hook up can be mandated at the time the system is no longer functioning properly. He also stated that the local government has no authority to force a person with a legal, functioning septic system to switch to a sewer system. Larry Fay added that a Water District, or a City, can adopt regulations through their sewer facility ordinances, requiring people to connect when a system becomes available. Dr. Locke reiterated that under current law, hook up is only required when a system has failed. That is not to say that local and state government can't change that law. Member Shoulberg moved to approve the December 18, 1997 Minutes as written. Member Westerman seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Bill Wilke asked about the status of the letter to Pope Resources requesting a formal commitment to install sewers? Larry Fay replied that this topic will be discussed under old business. HEALTH BOARD MINUTES-JANUARY 15, 1998 Page: 2 OLD BUSINESS Floyd Hefferline Complaint Follow-up: Larry Fay stated that due to his absence at the December meeting, it was unclear to him what action was being taken regarding Floyd Hefferline's request for hearing. He then clarified that he will draft a letter stating that Mr. Hefferline's request was reviewed by the Board of Health, and it was felt he had no standing for a hearing on this particular matter (see minutes of December 18, 1997). Larry Fay will also tell Mr. Hefferline that he is welcome to speak during the Board of Health public comment period. This letter will be ready for signatures next week. Ludlow Utilities Sewer Service: Larry Fay reported that he contacted Larry Smith of Olympic Resource Management, and informed him that the Ludlow utilities sewer service was discussed during the December Board of Health meeting. A written commitment and cost estimate for the extension of sewers in particular areas were requested by the Board of Health from Olympic Resource Management, formerly known as Pope Resources. The estimates that Olympic Resource Management gave was based on connecting all the properties to sewer. Larry Fay will ask that the people who currently have a permitted onsite sewage system be taken out so that the cost estimate only includes unsewered lots. A Port Ludlow resident stated that he is familiar with the cost estimate and wanted to verify that initially the estimate was $6,000 and has since increased to $7,500. Larry Fay responded that was correct. Member Shoulberg asked what the accumulative affect is on the aquifer if it is loaded with septic tanks? Larry Fay replied that in that area you are not dealing with concerns over ground water contamination as much as you are surface water contamination because of the soil conditions. Member Shoulberg questioned if surface water contamination is a public health issue? Larry Fay answered that he believes it is. Member Shoulberg stated that based upon this analysis, the Board of Health does have the authority to mandate hook ups. Larry Fay replied in order to mandate hook- ups that it would have to be determined that there has been contamination of stormwater run off and water quality degradation in Ludlow Bay attributed to failing onsite sewage systems. Other Updates: Vice Chairman Harpole reported that he attended a meeting regarding the privatization of the Drug and Alcohol Counseling Services. Several people who attended the meeting voiced concerns, but overall were supportive of the process that the County is currently going through. The Request For Proposals (RFPs) are being drafted for the priviatization. Member Shoulberg suggested that people who respond to the RFPs, bid on the entire package, but also be able to bid on certain elements. David Specter reported that the Community Health Partnership with the Hospital and other local agencies met last week. Two groups were formed. One group will meet on an ongoing basis to deal with the data, assessment functions, updating the community health analysis, and responding torequests. The second group will be dealing with policy issues. David Specter reported on a Hepatitis A outbreak in Spokane. Dr. Locke explained the procedure for vaccination and the life cycle of Hepatitis A. HEALTH BOARD MINUTES-JANUARY 15, 1998 Page: 3 NEW BUSINESS Election 1998 Chairperson and Vice Chairperson: Member Buhler nominated Dan Harpole as Chairperson. Member Westerman seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Member Westerman nominated Jill Buhler as Vice Chairperson. Member Shoulberg seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Commissioner Harpole and Member Buhler will assume their newly elected positions next month. Appointment of Health Officer and Administrative Officer: David Specter reported that after reviewing prior Board of Health minutes, Dr. Tom Locke was in fact appointed as the Health Officer. He will remain in that position. Member Westerman moved to appoint David Specter, Director of Health and Human Services, as Administrative Officer. Member Shoulberg seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Briefing on 1998 Health Department Budget: Postponed until February Meeting. Foster Care Passport Program: Jean Baldwin reported that DSHS was mandated by the State Legislature to find a way to track children in foster care. These children are at a high risk for juvenile justice and problems in school. This program puts a public health nurse in contact with the foster parent, natural parent, the child, medical provider and mental health provider. The program involves creating a data base that helps the public health nurse link the kids to ongoing services and making sure they are receiving the necessary services. This program is still in the contract review stage. Member Shoulberg moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners sign the Foster Care Passport Program contract. Member Buhler seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Watershed Management Grant: Larry Fay updated the Board on the Watershed Management Grant. Substitute House Bill 2054 established a program for watershed planning based on water resource inventory areas (WRIA). Initially the bill was focused around establishing a system to be able to make decisions about whether or not there was water available to appropriate other uses and maintain environmental conditions. The Governor, after vetoing a large portion of the bill, left the basic concept of it in place. The grant is for $50,000 to initiate the process. One third will go to support the Water Resource Council facilitator, training and organizational support. Two thirds will go directly into projects. The cost to administrate the funds are estimated at $5,000-$7,000 and will be absorbed by the Health Department. The application has already been sent to the State. HEALTH BOARD MINUTES-JANUARY 15, 1998 Page: 4 1998 Agenda Planning Calendar: David Specter presented a draft Agenda Planning Calendar. This calendar shows 12 months of possible agenda items. The Board discussed the following items for future agendas: X A Retreat to discuss policy and direction of the Health Board X Update every three months on the privatization issues X Prior to the May Health Board Meeting a possible lunch with State Secretary of Health, Bruce Myahara and Local Health Liaison, Joan Brewster X Responding to public health emergencies and disaster preparedness X The Introduction to Onsite Sewage, scheduled for February 19th, be moved to March 19th Health and Human Services Organizational Chart: Chairman Huntingford informed the Board that the County Commissioners scheduled a meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 1998 at 4 p.m. The meeting is to discuss the Health and Human Services Organizational Chart and functions of the Department. Health Board members are invited to attend. Member Harpole asked what the status is on Linda Sexton? Larry Fay replied that they are currently organizing all correspondence, notices and staff notes for review by the Prosecuting Attorney. Chairman Huntingford asked that a letter be sent to the Prosecuting Attorney requesting an update on this matter. Member Buhler asked if Lili-Mei Raiguel applied for a Boundary Line Adjustment? Larry Fay replied that she did apply and a permit was approved. Meeting adjourned. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, February 19, 1998 at 2:30 p.m. -<'C=: >:'--.-. . ara E. t, em er t?Sh~td~ JEFFERSON COUNTY BOA 7/' 7< OF HEALTH 1/ ,'. Ii ;/)/ r Buhler, Member i)~tt~ W~~ Sheila Westerman, Member ~/if~. Roberta Frissell, Member CCI I-\\'Cll~" l/:x6fc1g County Health & Human Services January 27, 1998 Mr. Floyd HefferIine 334 North Beach Drive Port Ludlow WA 98365 Re: Action Request - Mathis and Wells Dear Mr. HefferIine: Your request for a hearing with respect to the Health and Human Services findings on the compliance status of the onsite sewage systems on the Mathis and Wells properties was reviewed by the Jefferson County Board of Health on December 18, 1997. Under the advice of the prosecutor's office, the Board determined that the departmental investigation and follow-up do not constitute actions or decisions that are subject to appeal. The Board has denied your request for a hearing. The Board respects your interest and concern about the performance of onsite sewage systems and welcomes public comment during its regularly scheduled meetings. The Board of Health meets the third Thursday of the month at the Health and Human Service Department at 2:30 p.m. Sincerely, i! U l101 . '.~4 Dan Harpole U" . Chair Jefferson County Board of Health HEALTH DEPARTMENT 360/385-9400 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 360/385-9444 DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 360/385-9400 ALCOHOL/DRUG ABUSE CENTER 360/385-9435 FAX 360/385.9401 PASSPORT PROGRAM: COLLABORATION WITH WASHINGTON STATE DCFS The PASSPORT PROGRAM was initiated by the Washington State Legislature to ensure adequate and appropriate medical, dental, and mental health care for community children who reside in foster homes across the State. Only children less than 18 years of age who have been in out of home placement for greater than 90 days would qualify for the service. It has been noted that foster children are often delinquent for well-child exams, immunizations, and routine medical and dental care due to the chaotic environments in which they have lived. In spite of the State's best efforts, we are also painfully aware of the lability of foster home placements. This program would provide medical tracking for one of our most transient populations and ensure that primary and secondary preventation strategies could be directed toward affected families. PASSPORT would allow a Public Health Nurse to investigate and track the psycho-social and medical histories of this needful population. Our Public Health Nurse would work with birth parents, foster parents, physicians, mental health professionals, and schools to develop a complete thumb-nail sketch of each child's personal history. This data is entered into a simple program in the Statewide computer base and becomes accessible to DCFS social workers and foster parents on an "as needed" basis. In Jefferson County, it is noteworthy that the vast majority of children placed in out of home care, at the time of placement, have parents andlor siblings already involved with Public Health programs through JCHHS. Maternal Child Health (MCH), Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN), Early Intervention, WIC, and other programs are already providing support and information to these families. Passport allows us further access to needy families so that prevention and intervention services can be coordinated to develop optimal familial and individual health. PASSPORT focuses on high priority families throughout Jefferson County. Children who have inadequate intervention and prevention early in life are at greater physical and mental health risk as they enter into their adolescence and early adult-hood. These individuals are also more likely to enter the juvenile or adult justice system than their peers. The entire community benefits from a strong, healthy base for all of our citizens. We would like to join other Public Health Departments across the State in becoming active participants in and endorsing this innovative and timely public health program. The PASSPORT PROGRAM is funded through the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Currently, Ken Nichols, the Region 6 Director for the Department, has budgeted a total of approximately $44,000 for the 18 months commencing on 1/1/98 and ending on 6/30/99. Half of that budget is allotted for the first six months of this year to ensure that all of the children who are eligible for the program would have completed PASSPORT PROGRAMS. To this end, Ken has also budgeted a programmed lap-top computer as well as a printer for the PASSPORT PROGRAM. We currently have 15-20 foster children who are eligible for the program. It is estimated that an additional 3-4 children would qualify for eligibility each quarter. ~ January 8, 1998 To: Jefferson County Board of Health From: Tom Locke, MD,MPH, Jefferson County Health Officer Re: Administrative Officers to Local Boards of Health: Appointment and Responsibilities When Washington State's public health system was first created over 100 years ago, it was made up of state and local boards of health. Each local board of health appointed a health officer who, if necessary, could hire additional staff. As populations grew and systems became more complex, public health departments, both local and state, came into being. Boards of health and health officers originally provided the administrative support for these departments. As the scope and complexity of their programs grew, the need for specialized administrative skills became apparent. In 1983, the Washington State Legislature amended the law to allow for the appointment of administrative officers in addition to health officers. Statutes authorizing and defining this process are contained in RCW 70.05. All local boards of health must appoint a health officer. The health officer is the administrative officer and executive secretary of the board by default. The local board may, at its option, appoint an administrative officer who fulfills the responsibilities outlined in RCW 70.05.045. Excluded from this list of responsibilities are the broad powers and duties defined by RCW 70.05.070. The bylaws of the Jefferson County Board of Health call for appointment of an administrative officer. As a practical matter, the statutory responsibilities of this position are being performed by the departmental director. It is my recommendation to the Board that David Specter, the Director of Health and Human Services, be formally appointed as the Board's administrative officer. Relevant Statutes: RCW 70.05.040 Local board ofhealth--Chair--Administrative officer-- Vacancies. The local board of health shall elect a chair and may appoint an administrative officer. A local health officer shall be appointed pursuant to RCW 70.05.050. Vacancies on the local board of health shall be filled by appointment within thirty days and made in the same manner as was the original appointment. At the rust meeting of the local board of health, the members shall elect a chair to serve for a period of one year. RCW 70,05.045 Administrative officer-Responsibilities. The administrative officer shall act as executive secretary and administrative officer for the local board of health, and shall be responsible for administering the operations of the board including such other administrative duties required by the local health board, except for duties assigned to the health officer as enumerated in RCW 70.05.070 and other applicable state law. RCW 70.05.050 ...The local health officer shall act as executive secretary to, and administrative officer for the local board of health and shall also be empowered to employ such technical and ~ other personnel as approved by the local board of health except where the local board of health has appointed an administrative officer under RCW 70.05.040. RCW 70.05.070 Local health officer--Powers and duties. The local health officer, acting under the direction of the local board of health or under direction of the administrative officer appointed under RCW 70.05.040 or 70.05.035, if any, shall: (1) Enforce the public health statutes of the state, rules of the state board of health and the secretary of health, and all local health rules, regulations and ordinances within his or her jurisdiction including imposition of penalties authorized under RCW 70. 119A030 and filing of actions authorized by RCW 43.70.190; (2) Take such action as is necessary to maintain health and sanitation supervision over the territory within his or her jurisdiction; (3) Control and prevent the spread of any dangerous, contagious or infectious diseases that may occur within his or her jurisdiction; (4) Inform the public as to the causes, nature, and prevention of disease and disability and the preservation, promotion and improvement of health within his or her jurisdiction; (5) Prevent, control or abate nuisances which are detrimental to the public health; (6) Attend all conferences called by the secretary of health or his or her authorized representative; (7) Collect such fees as are established by the state board of health or the local board of health for the issuance or renewal of licenses or permits or such other fees as may be authorized by law or by the rules of the state board of health; (8) Inspect, as necessary, expansion or modification of existing public water systems, and the construction of new public water systems, to assure that the expansion, modification, or construction conforms to system design and plans; (9) Take such measures as he or she deems necessary in order to promote the public health, to participate in the establishment of health educational or training activities, and to authorize the attendance of employees of the local health department or individuals engaged in community health programs related to or part of the programs of the local health department.