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JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
MINUTES
Thursday, August 17,2006
Board Members:
David Sullivan, Chairman - County Commissioner District #2
Patrick M. &dgers, Vice Chairman - County Commissioner
District #3
Phil Johnson- County Commissioner District #1
Jill Buhler- Horpital Commissioner District #2
Geoff MaJci - Port Townsend City Council
Sheila Westerman - Ctfizen at Large (City)
&berta Frimll- Citizen at Large (County)
Sta.fMembers:
Jean Baldwin, Public Health Services Director
Julia Danskin, Nursing Programs Director
Thomas Locke, MD, Health Officer
Mike McNickle, Environmental Health & Natural
Resources Director
Meeting was called to order at 2:35 pm on August 17, 2006 by Vice Chair Rodgers in the
conference room of Jefferson County Public Health. All Board members were present
with the exception of Chair Sullivan and Member Masci. All staff members were present
with the exception of Mike McNickle. There was a quorum present.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Vice Chair Rodgers moved to approve the agenda with one change, adding Allan
Sartin to the agenda. Board Member Buhler seconded the motion, which carried by
a unanimous vote.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Board Member Westerman moved to approve the minutes as written. Board
Member Johnson seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No Public Comments
OLD BUSINESS
Information Services & Facility charees to the Health Department
There was a discussion regarding budgeting for health department facilities and the
process for calculating rent. Allan Sartin explained that the procedure is based on budget
numbers and actual costs for the facilities. Numbers are separated out by buildings using
a work order system to track the work that is done for each building and then charged
accordingly. Under Jefferson County's system, 2007 Budget figures charged to Jefferson
County Public Health are based on actual expenses incurred in 2005.
Board Recommendations: Green Business
Jean Baldwin explained the differences between EnviroStars and Green Business.
EnviroStars is only for businesses that handle hazardous waste, which includes usage,
disposal and the storage of hazardous wastes. When the business meets the specified
requirements, the business becomes an EnviroStar and is recognized with an award that is
posted in their facility. An EnviroStars Award was presented to Dockside Cleaners,
Jefferson County's first Dry Cleaner to become an EnviroStar.
Green Business is for businesses that do not handle hazardous wastes but are doing things
to reduce waste, save energy, reduce water use, increase recycling, and decrease cost of
deliveries. This program recognizes a business that has met those requirements. Board
Members recommended that the awards be signed by the Chairman. Green Business
Awards were presented to Belltower Art, Circle & Square, Food Coop, Lehani's,
Monsoon, Pan d' Amore, Silverwater, The Annapurna, and Wild Coho.
Cyanobacteria & Vibriosis Update
Neil Harrington explained the most recent results from the water samples taken from area
lakes to monitor for cyanobacteria. Anderson, Gibbs and Leland are the three lakes
being sampled on a weekly basis. Results are posted weekly on the Public Health
website. Lake Leland, at present, is stable. Gibbs Lake has high numbers of
cyanobacteria but there has been no toxin detected. No action is needed for non-toxin
producing cyanobacteria strains. Anderson Lake continues to show high levels oftoxin
producing bacteria and will remain closed until further notice. Other lakes in the county
continue to be checked every week.
Dr. Locke described a Vibriosis outbreak that is occurring, primarily in the Hood Canal
area. Vibriosis is caused by a naturally occurring marine bacteria that rises to high levels
in warm weather. It can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms and can be life
threatening in the immunocompromised. There has been an increase in vibriosis cases
this year of 5 times the normal state rate. Lisa McKenzie, Communicable Disease
Program Coordinator explained in detail that the two local cases of disease due to oyster
contamination were visitors to the area. We have no local residents reported with the
illness. We are in an ongoing surveillance mode, keeping restaurants informed and
advising them to only serve cooked oysters at this time. Neil explained the State was in
the process of closing beaches along the canal. The Health Department sent out a press
release stating that the Hood Canal is closed for recreational harvest of oysters. In
addition, signs were posted along the beaches from the entrance of the Hood Canal and
south to Triton Cove.
JCPH Public Education & Outreach Plan
Jean Baldwin spoke about JCPH's efforts to communicate with the general public by
updating the website in a timely manner, sending out newsletters and focusing on health
education & information. Tami Pokorny coordinates the PTTV show "The Many Faces
of Public Health". DVDs are available of each of the previous shows. Examples of a
newsletter for the WRIA 16 Planning Unit was shown. Tami is also speaking at the
farmers market about educational strategies used to promote recycling.
NEW BUSINESS
Joint Committee on Public Health Financine
HB4410, enacted by the Washington State Legislature in 2005, established a joint
legislative committee to study public health funding needs. The committee's draft
recommendations were reviewed. A final report is expected in November and will be
brought back to the Board for review.
Health Care Worker Vaccination - Time for a Mandate?
Dr. Locke discussed a resolution to be considered at the Washington State Medical
Association's annual meeting in mid-September that calls for a statewide Health Care
worker influenza mandate.
Jefferson County Public Health Preparedness Point of Dispensine (POD) Exercise
Lisa McKenzie gave a brief report regarding the strategic National Stock Pile program
for emergency preparedness, which is a national program that provides medical supplies
for an outbreak or emergency. Counties are required to have a plan to set up a clinic to
vaccinate or dispense antibiotics. JCPH conducted a test on July 13th All the local
partners were invited to attend.
Activity Update 1 Aeenda Plannine
It was suggested the letter Dr. Locke wrote regarding child immunizations, which was
published in the Port Townsend Leader in 2005 be run again for 2006.
Local onsite regulations are being drafted to be compliant with the state law that takes
effect in July of2007. Completion is expected by November and Board of Health
hearings will take place in December 2006.
Pandemic Influenza Community Forums
Julia Danskin informed the Board that we have started small community group forums.
Betty Dunaway with Kitsap County did a presentation to the emergency preparedness
community groups. She is also working with the mill and will be going to Port Ludlow
and other smaller communities in the area. There is a larger presentation planned
partnering with the Bremerton 1 Kitsap Health organization.
Meeting adjourned at 4:15 pm.
Next Board of Health meeting is September 21, 2006.
Patnck M. odgers, Vice
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Roberta Frissell, Member
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Atllt:Buhler, Member
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Sheila Westerman, Member