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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09 September JEFFERSON COUNTI(BOARD OF HIlALTH MINUTES SEPTEMBER 23, 1998 BOARD MEMBERS Dan Haryole, Chaimlan - county commissionrr District I Glen H7wtindord, Membrr - county commissioner District 2 Riehard wOJt, Member - county commissioner District 3 Ted shoulberg, Member - Port TOWllSend City council Jill Buhler, vice chainnan - HOJital District #2 Commissioner sheila westennan, Membrr - citizen at Large (City) Roberta FrisseU, Member - citizen at Large (county) STAFF MEMBERS David spater, Health Department Director Jeaf! Bnldwin, Director of Nursing services Lany Fay, Director of ElfVironmentaI Health ThomllS Loeke, M.D., Health o.~cer Chairman Harpole called the meeting to order. All Board and staff members were present with the exception of David Specter. Dr. Thomas Locke arrived shortly after the meeting began. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Wojt moved to approve the minutes of August 19, 1998 as presented. Vice-Chairman Buhler seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD No public comments. CONSENT AGENDA No items. OLD BUSINESS ASPHALT BATCH PLANT: Member Shoulberg reported that two months ago the Board of Health passed a resolution supporting the findings and conclusions of the Planning Commission and recommending the Board of County Commissioners reject the proposed administrative rule on asphalt batch plants. Chairman Harpole stated that the action taken by the Board of County Commissioners was to send the proposed administrative rule to the Planning Commission with a recommendation for a public process to discuss the ordinance and possible modification. If a modified ordinance is brought forward, it will include performance standards. HEALTH BOARD MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 23,1998 Page: 2 Member Shoulberg stated that the City assumed that since the administrative rule was denied that the applicant could not proceed with the project. However, correspondence dated August 7, 1998 between the applicant and the County indicated that the application was still being processed. It is the position of the City of Port Townsend that the application should be denied out right. As of yesterday the County denied the application. Member Shoulberg stated that the City of Port Townsend was concerned as outlined in their previous letter. The City plans to send another letter expressing their concems that the project was proceeding, which is why he requested this discussion be scheduled on the Board of Health agenda. Since the application has been denied, that particular issue is moot. The only issue which he feels needs to be discussed is the role of environmental health with regard to the permitting process (ie. air pollution, funding, etc.). Since there is no staff with the County that has the qualifications to analyze an environmental impact statement or pollution control system for this type of project, what funding resources are available for environmental health monitoring? For the purpose of clarification Chairman Harpole explained what took place with the specific project which was denied. The Critical Areas Ordinance allows a different strategy by which an applicant can proceed with a project. The different strategy is to disprove the County. After working with the applicant and doing a soil analysis, it was concluded by County staffthatthe applicant is unable to proceed with that strategy. Since the permit was vested and had gone through initial review, the applicant was allowed to proceed along a different path, according to the ordinance. Member Shoulberg stated that the physical location of the site is within the well-head protection zone, so proceeding with a different strategy was not allowable. Chairman Harpole explained that the well-head protection zone cuts through the lot, so the applicant was looking at the possibility of placing the project on a different part of the same lot which is outside the boundary ofthe well-head protection zone drawn on the maps. It appears as if only 10-15% of the lot is not covered by the well-head protection zone, which is why they moved forward with a different strategy, and have subsequently been denied. Member Shoulberg stated that the City of Port Townsend disagrees, and will submit their comments in a formal letter. The City of Port Townsend gave the County the map which was approved by the State Department of Health and which delineated the area of the batch plant as being in the well-head protection zone. Commissioner Huntingford stated that the map that the County received from the City was stamped draft. Larry Fay explained that one element of the City's water system plan was the identification of well-head protection zones. The maps which are part of the City's water system plan were sent to State Department of Health and were ultimately approved. The County had the draft maps digitized and placed in the system prior to them being adopted by the State. However, the adoption of the maps occurred prior to the batch plant application. Commissioner Huntingford stated that the County is going to have to deal with the issue of whether or not the application should have been allowed to go forward from the beginning since the information on the well-head protection zone was available to the County. By not recognizing that the lot was located in the well-head protection zone, the applicant was allowed to go forward. The applicant has spent approximately HEALTH BOARD MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 23, 1998 Page: 3 $25,000 under the assumption that they had a certain path to follow, and they do not. Is the applicant responsible for the costs? Or should the County in "good faith" take some responsibility? It is an issue of fairness for anyone. Chairman Harpole noted that there has been another application for a batch plant facility in the Shine area. The applicant has only applied for a building permit not a conditional use permit. A conditional use permit will not be issued until the Critical Areas Ordinance is amended and performance standards are brought forward. Member Shoulberg asked about the time line for amendments to the Critical Areas Ordinance with regard to Best Management Practices (BMP's)? Chairman Harpole stated that the entire ordinance needs to be reviewed, however, the Board of County Commissioners would like the review of the section relating to performance standards to be a priority. Larry Fay added that the Planning Department is in the process of preparing their work plan. Discussion ensued regarding the role of Environmental Health in the process of review; possibly meeting with County and State agencies to address concerns with these types of projects; and the lack of an asphalt source in Jefferson County to pave its own roads. Member Westerman asked ifthe County has a policy to address mistakes with permit applications? Larry Fay answered that the County has a claim process by which an aggrieved individual can seek relief for damages. Chairman Harpole stated that he thinks it would be a good idea for the Health Board to attend the Planning Commission's workshop to address these concerns. Larry Fay stated that the Health Department, Planning Department and the Public Works Department each deal with different portions of the Critical Areas Ordinance. He feels the role of the Health Department in administration of the Critical Areas Ordinance is to review projects to attempt to anticipate health impacts from the kinds of facilities that are covered under the ordinance; review the standards that are to be included in the ordinance to insure that they are protective; and insure the adopted standards are being followed. It was clarified that the Health Board will be involved in ordinance review, not individual project review. Chairman Harpole will request that Planning staff extend invitations to Health Board members to attend the Planning Commission's workshop. NEW BUSINESS YOUTH INITIATIVE PROGRAM (YIPPEE): David Goldsmith, Deputy Director of Public Services for Jefferson County presented the logo for the Youth Initiative Program titled "The Future's So Bright, We Gotta Wear Shades". He explained that YIPPEE stands for, Youth Initiative Program Partnership Examples in Excellence. The idea for this program came out of a retreat held by the Jefferson County Law and Justice Council which is made up of staff from the City and County law enforcement agencies, the Courts, and adult and juvenile probation. During the Law and Justice Council's annual retreats the members review placement of any enhancement funding available. Typically, funding is used to deal with ongoing emergencies (ie. additional law enforcement personnel). So rather than taking a reaction approach to law enforcement issues, the goal of the Council is to take a prevention or intervention approach. Skagit County HEALTH BOARD MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 23, 1998 Page: 4 has developed a program called "Best Self' which is an after school/summer program specifically for youth- at-risk, but it is open to all youth in the community. The program has been very successful by reducing the number of individuals entering into the court system, since most juvenile offenders become adult offenders. For various reasons Jefferson County has a number of families that are considered "at-risk" and many of those families have children who may be considered "youth-at-risk". While the City of Port Townsend offers a summer enhancement program through the recreation department, there is not much offered for the youth in the unincorporated areas of the County. Both Skagit County's and the City of Port Townsend's programs will be used as a model to establish Jefferson County's program. David Goldsmith stated that the program will have three components including: 1) Community Service; 2) Education; and 3) Fun. It will partner the County, schools, private enterprise, health and social services, and the hospital. Assistance from the Health Department will be requested in the area of statistics, so that the families identified as at-risk can be invited to participate in this program. The Health Department will also be asked to identify potential participants through its home health function. Establishing this program will mean providing daycare, transportation, meals, and any other element that may prevent children from participating. Summer of 1999 is the target date for emollment. It is unknown how big the program will be, however, the goal is to have sites in Brinnon, Quilcene, Chimacum and Port Townsend. Statistics show that there is a wide range of needs for all ages of children, however, the program may be geared toward 41h through 7th grade children. To provide summer employment opportunities, the older, at-risk children may be assisting as aides in classroom or field settings. This will give the children training on skill development and an opportunity to earn some money. The County has contracted with an individual to assist with the coordination and development of this program. The office for the Youth Initiative Coordinator is located at W.S.U. Cooperative Extension in the Shold Business Park in Port Hadlock. Funding for beginning this program was provided by the Jefferson County Community Services Fund ($10,000), and the Family Community Network ($5,000). Member Shoulberg stated that the Clallam-Jefferson Community Action Council has a number of programs that could assist with all the elements mentioned for the development of this program. He noted that 25% of the children emolled in the City's award winning summer enhancement program are from unincorporated areas of the County. While the County has not been asked by the City to assist with funding of their program, he feels equity is an issue which needs to be addressed. He suggested some type of funding partnership between the City and County for the site located in Port Townsend. Another issue in dealing with children at-risk is the parent's concerns about the integration of children who are not at-risk, said Member Shoulberg. David Goldsmith stated that the goal is to include youth at-risk, however, it is not specifically a youth at-risk program. A retreat to discuss the specifics of this program will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 1998 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the administration building, 20d Floor, at Fort Worden State Park. STATE HEALTH REPORT: Dr. Locke presented the 1998 Washington State Public Health Report. The very first report was produced in 1990 as a result of a legislative mandate which came about the same time the Washington State Department of Health was formed. The State Board of Health was mandated to survey the State's public health priorities and set various goals for State agencies to incorporate the health priorities into budgetary program decisions. The report has been streamlined over the years to approach issues which are feasible for various agencies to undertake. This particular report contains the first HEALTH BOARD MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 23, 1998 Page: 5 score card to evaluate agencies performance from the time of the report produced 2 years ago. He noted that access to health care has always been the number one priority. Environmental health hazards has always been near the top, but moving quickly up the list is alcohol/drugs and infectious disease issues. The listing of chronic disease as a priority indicates public health attention and interventions. It also reflects the changing mortality of the United States population. At the turn of the century it was mostly injuries and infectious diseases which ended individuals lives prematurely. Now it is primarily chronic diseases which cause premature disability or death. Discussion ensued regarding the various priority health goals and Washington State's ranking among the United States. Secretary of Health Position: Dr. Locke reported that the Governor still has not appointed anyone to fill the State Secretary of Health position. There is not even an Acting-Director in place at this time. Jean Baldwin added that there is also no State Health Officer and no State Epidemiologist. Local health agencies are very concerned about all these vacancies at the State level. Dr. Locke said that this is a very dangerous time for the Department of Health, which is heading into a legislative session with no leadership. The Governor is indifferent to public health, which means in a tight budget legislative session that funding may be directed to source programs other than those for public health. Since there are no officials in Olympia to defend public health programs, the defense will have to come from local Boards of Health and County Commissioners. After further discussion Commissioner Wojt moved to direct Health Officer Dr. Locke to draft a letter on behalf of the Board of Health to Governor Locke, and Representatives Lynn Kessler, Jim Hargrove, and Jim Buck, expressing the Boards concern about this situation. Member Shoulberg seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. One of the concerns which will be stated in the letter is the lack of ability of local health agencies to deal with regional outbreaks of infectious diseases. NURSING PROGRAM REVIEWS: Jean Baldwin introduced the nursing staff in attendance who will be giving presentations on various nursing programs. Maternity Support: Carol Hardy explained that there are two maternity support programs administered by the Health Department. The Maternity Support Services (MSS)/Maternity Case Management (MCM) program which deals with clients with Medicaid, and the Maternal Child Health (MCH) program which deals with clients who do not have medicaid. These programs provide support to families with regard to maternity and infant care to insure healthy families and children. Ms. Hardy described her daily dealings with clients needing various types of services. Jean Baldwin stated that the Health Department also administers a supplemental food program titled WIC, as it is for women, infants, and children. The WIC program also includes breastfeeding education. The Health Department hosts a "Breastfeeding Tea" every week which includes a wide scope of moms. It provides emotional support and practical assistance for breastfeeding and parenting. Julia Danskin added that the Health Department must maintain a case load of 550 clients in the WIC program in order to receive State funding. The nursing staff works very hard with their clients to insure they keep appointments and get information on nutrition. Education and outreach is very important. Children with Special Health Care Needs Program (CSHCN): Jean Baldwin reported that this program works in conjunction with the Birth to 3 program, so that children born with special health needs have early access to comprehensive quality systems of care. It is difficult to monitor children once they get into school programs because there is no longer the 1 to 1 case management. HEALTH BOARD MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 23, 1998 Page: 6 School Health Education: Hilliary Metzger reported that during the first week of school the Health Department along with several volunteers visited every elementary school in Jefferson County to check teachers and children for head lice. Many children were found to have head lice, so their parents were called to the school and were also checked. Some of the parents also had lice. The Health Department distributed information and offered support in taking care of the problem in the homes, so that there would not be an epidemic in the schools. Schools no longer employ health nurses, so the school districts contract with the Health Department to provide health services including health screening and education. Ms. Metzger stated that there is a gap in the system for monitoring the few children with chronic health care needs. Jean Baldwin stated that the Peer-In/SHARE (Start Helping Adolescents Reach Each Other) program deals with teen health issues among middle-school and high school students. Hilliary Metzger added that mental health is also part of this program. Teen-age suicide was one of the first topics to be discussed among students and speaker Marge Critchfield. Sex education is another element of this program which Ms. Metzger reported is going very well. Family Planning: Jean Baldwin reported that since the establishment of the Family Planning program the birth rate has flattened among teens and women in their early twenties. In addition to the clinic at the Health Department, there is a walk-in clinic in Port Hadlock which is open in the afternoon one day a week. The program is very successful and appears to be serving the targeted population. She stated that this program follows the Federal Title X Guidelines which means a certain percentage of the Health Department's services must be on a sliding scale for individuals under a certain level of income. 85% of the Health Department's clients are under that income level. Member Frissell reported on the success ofthe GRADS program in Port Townsend High School. The daycare which was established for pregnant and parenting teens is located in St. Mary's Catholic Church across the street from the high school. This year the days of operation were increased from three to five days a week. After the first of the year a second daycare room will be opened, so there will be a room for infants and a room for toddlers. It is hoped that the daycare will be opened up to include children of school employees. The drawback to opening it up to the general public is that the daycare operates according to school hours and school holidays. Discussion ensued regarding program funding. Child Protective Services: Sheri NeSmith reported that the Early Intervention Program and Alternative Response System Program work in conjunction with each other to assist families and children in maintaining a healthy family unit and learning alternative responses to violence. Once in the Alternative Response program the family is monitored for I full year. Monitoring may entail a monthly visit, a telephone call, or requests for services by the family. The Health Department also offers parenting classes. The Passport program is State mandated this year. Mary Jo McKenzie administers the program for the Health Department. A "passport", as it relates to this program, is an identification card which includes a child's medical history, as well as educational, health care, and social needs. Passports are provided to children in foster care so that the record of their needs and medical background is not lost. A passport gives a child some identity between foster homes. In Jefferson County there are approximately 12 to 18 children always in foster care. That number is high for a County of our size. Ms. NeSmith explained that the reason for such a high reporting rate in Jefferson County may be due to the effective outreach and education provided in this area with regard to recognizing child abuse. HEALTH BOARD MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 23, 1998 Page: 7 With time running short the Board agreed to postpone discussion of the following four programs until next month: 1) Sexually Transmitted Disease; 2) Foot Care; 3) Breast and Cervical Health; and 4) HIV/AIDS. Jean Baldwin will include them with the last three program reviews. AGENDA CALENDAR The Board discussed and agreed upon the following schedule: .:. October 15, 1998, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Topics for discussion will include budget overview; HIV name reporting; nursing program review; and regular business. .:. November 19, 1998,2:30-4:30 p.m. Topics for discussion will include the tobacco advertising issue; review of the final Health Department program report; and regular business. Chairman Harpole suggested that the Health Department program report include the staff contact person for each program as well as a glossary/index of the acronyms. The legislative officials will be invited to attend the December Board of Health Meeting. Chairman Harpole asked for update on Linda Sexton during the meeting next month. Larry Fay will target November for discussion of the Onsite Sewage Ordinance. Meeting adjourned. The next meeting will be held Thursday, October 15, 1998 from 1 :30 to 4:30 p.m. JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH .~ ( / /, P, u'-It/v. I Buhler, Vice Chairman ;Slv~ Lv u'\ Jj) "Lv li~'-<-----~ Sheila Westerman, Member Rl E. Wojt, Mem "\ W on ~. /1) ,il! '--I /,1 . J "{I,A }}At Ted Shoulberg, Me er /) d!1' IrktLt.[:(;ij rAc~-t{_ Roberta Frissell, Member Please Publish: One (1) time, September 16, 1998 Bill: Jefferson County Commissioners P.O. Box 1220 Port Townsend, W A 98368 NOTICE HEALTH BOARD MEETING CHANGES The Jefferson County Board of Health will be meeting on Wednesday, September 23,1998 from 1 :30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Jefferson County Courthouse, Lower Level Conference Room, 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, W A 98368. The Health Board Meeting for October will be held Thursday, October 15, 1998 from 1 :30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Health and Human Services Department, Castle Hill Center, 614 Sheridan Avenue, Port Townsend, W A 98268. In November the regular schedule will be resumed which is the Third Thursday of each month from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Health and Human Services Department.