Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03 March County Health & Human Services HEALTH BOARD MINUTES MARCH 25, 1997 BOARD MEMBERS: Glen Huntingford, Chairman Richard W ojt, Member Dan Harpole, Member STAFF MEMBERS: David Specter, Health Department Director Jean Baldwin, Director of Nursing Services Lany Fay, Director of Environmental Health Chester Prudhomme, Director of Substance Abuse Thomas Locke, M,D" Health Officer CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND REPRESENTATIVE: Ted Shoulberg The meeting was called to order by Chairman Glen Huntingford. The following Board and staff members were present: Commissioner Richard W ojt, Commissioner Daniel Harpole, David Specter, Randy Marx, Chester Prudhomme, Judi Morris and Tom Locke, Jean Baldwin arrived shortly after the meeting began, APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner W ojt moved to approve the minutes of February 25, 1997 as presented. Commissioner Harpole seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote, PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: No public comments. OLD BUSINESS DISCUSSION OF DRAFT ORDINANCE FOR EXPANSION OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH: David Specter presented the Board with a draft Ordinance defIning the responsibilities and expanding the membership of the Jefferson County Board of Health. He noted that this is an amendment to the County Code. A couple of options for what a Quorwn consists of were discussed, Dr, Locke, Health Officer stated that it could be a certain number of 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 HEALTH BOARD MINUTES -MARCH 25, 1997 Page: 2 elected officials or a percentage of representation of all members. David Specter reported that under RCW 70,05,060 Powers and Duties of Local Board of Health (7), fee schedules could be set by a majority of the Health Board. Chainnan Huntingford stated that he is not comfortable with the possibility that a majority of the Health Board could overrule the County Commissioners in setting fee schedules. Commissioner Harpole asked if specific language could be put in to say that two of the three County Commissioners must be present? David Specter replied, yes. The way it is currently written, only two elected officials have to be present. This could mean one elected official from the City and one from the County. Chainnan Huntingford explained that the primlll)' reason for his support of expanding the Health Board was for additional public input on health issues, Commissioner W ojt suggested that items could be presented at one meeting, with no action taken until the following meeting. Commissioner Harpole then suggested a quorum of at least two (2) County Commissioners at the meetings where action is requested, Chainnan Huntingford asked staff their honest opinion on the expansion of the Health Board? The consensus was that they are excited about the additional members and community input. Commissioner Wojt moved that a letter be sent to the Prosecuting Attorney and Risk Manager along with the draft ordinance for their review. The issues that were discussed today, primarily the quorum requirements (a majority of County Commissioners must be present) are to be stated in the Ordinance. Commissioner Wojt added that a procedure for dismissal of a non-conforming member be included in the ordinance. Dr. Locke asked if the Board had a problem with where the Hospital Official lived, For example the Health Board could consist of one City and two County members depending on where the Hospital representative lives. You could also have two City and one County member. The Board concurred that it did not matter where the Hospital representative lived, Commissioner Harpole seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote, David Specter would like this ordinance ready for approval on the County Commissioner's agenda during Health Week, April 7-15. AiL -- DIRECTOR'S REPORT FINANCIAL REPORT: David Specter reported that 16% of the budget has been expended and 15.1% of budgeted revenues have been collected as of Februlll)' 28, 1997, Grants are tracking a little behind due to year end payments, Expenses are in line with budget projections, David Specter stated that the Health Department applied for and received a one time $10,000 grant for a sealant project under the dental program that is subcontracted with Community Action CounciL This money will be used for start up costs, upgrading portable equipment and administering the program. Patients who have sealants applied to teeth before the age of six have virtually no cavities. Starting in 1998, the State Board of Health will be picking five pilot Counties for the Consolidated Contract Program, This will allow counties to be more flexible in using the funds HEALTH BOARD MINUTES - MARCH 25, 1997 Page: 3 where they are needed most. A letter was sent requesting Jefferson County be considered for the program and the initial response was very positive, David Specter will keep the Board posted on the progress, '~ NURSING DIRECTOR'S REPORT COMMUNITY MOBILIZA TION/COMMUNITY NETWORK: Jean Baldwin reported that the second summit meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 10, 1997. It is being held at the Bay Club in Port Ludlow to reach individuals from Chimacum and Quilcene, A low turn out is expected and the Board is asked to be there and invite anyone they feel should attend, A Network hearing is being held tonight in Olympia to decide whether Jefferson County will receive funds for services for the network. PROGRAM UPDATE: At the Port Townsend School District meeting held last night, the Board decided to apply for the GRADS program, This program will provide daycare to teen parents so they can attend classes in order to graduate from high schooL Daycare services will be open to the public as well as teen parents from Chimacum and Quilcene, A community wide survey was done and it was found that 56% of women who have had babies have not finished high schooL Chairman Huntingford asked how this program would be funded? Jean said that funds would come from the following sources: Voc- Tech money from the schools; The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) funding for daycare services; School District money for each allocated student; and various technical grants. Students under 21 who have not finished high school may be mandated to return to school as early as September. This may be as many as 60 women county wide. ~ ALCOHOL and DRUG ABUSE SERVICES DIRECTOR'S REPORT LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Chester Prudhomme updated the Board on several bills currently in legislation: 1) Cigarette Companies are trying to raise the proof of age limit for buying cigarettes from 18 to 26 years old. This would mean that if you are 26 or younger you would need some kind of identification to buy cigarettes, The age limit for buying cigarettes is still 18 years; 2) Getting rid of the soda pop tax. If this passes, it would amount to a loss of $26 million a year; 3) The State Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse is budgeted to receive $17 million for drug and alcohol rehabilitation services; 4) Cut the liquor tax from 2% to 1%, This would amount to $75,000 for both the County and the City, Chester reported that he had a meeting with the Port Townsend School Superintendent and Vice Principle of the High SchooL During this meeting they confirmed that there is a big problem HEALTH BOARD MINUTES - MARCH 25, 1997 Page: 4 with drugs and alcohol in the school and would like some assistance and funding to help with that problem, Chester said that he will continue to talk with them and will keep the board updated, ~ ~., ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIRECTOR'S REPORT PROGRAM UPDA TE: Randy Marx reported that Gwen Howard just finished a 5-part food services seminar with restaurant owners, She had a good turn out and everyone appreciated the training, T HEALTH OFFICER'S REPORT LEGISLA TIVE UPDATE: Dr. Thomas Locke updated the Board on current legislature: 1) The administrative search warrant bill has been narrowed down to a shellfish only bill; 2) A prison bill to have inmates tested for various sexually transmitted disease; 3) Investigation of child deaths; 4) Governor's and Senate budgets for State funding of public health, Meeting adjourned. The next meeting will be held Tuesday, April 22, 1997 at 1:30 p,m.