HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996/11/07 - Board of Health MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
November 7, 1996
The Board of Health was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Chairperson William O. Hunter with
Board Member Faughender in attendance.
ATTENDANCE: William O. Hunter, Chairperson
Mary Faughender, Board Member
Mark E. Trucksess, Health Officer
Brad Banner, Health Services Director
Brent Long, Board of Health Clerk
CORRESPONDENCE
Copies of correspondence written by W.S. Whitmore to Dr. Trucksess dated August 19, August
22, and September 30, 1996 (with attachments), regarding the Silver Sands Apartment septic
system.in Belfair, were received as well as Dr. Trucksess' reply to Mr. Whitmore dated August
29, 1996.
HEPATITIS CONCERNS
Chairperson Hunter reported that he had a discussion with Mrs. Campos, a resident of Hartstine
Island, in which she expressed several health concerns. Mrs. Campos had been invited to attend
today's meeting in order for her to present her concerns before the Board of Health regarding
unhealthy living conditions and the threat of hepatitis in the Island Shore Road area. Mr. Banner
stated he would contact Mrs. Campos personally to discuss her concerns.
HEALTH OFFICER'S REPORT
Dr. Trucksess presented the Health Officer's Report by addressing the October Communicable
Disease Report, and the Annual Communicable Disease Report for 1995.
He reported there may be eight secondary cases of Hepatitis A resulting from food being prepared
and served by an individual, at a local birthday parry in which approximately 200 people
attended, who was infected with Hepatitis A. There is a national shortage of Hepatitis A
immunoglobulin and a priority schedule for administering the immunoglobulin has been initiated.
GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT PROCLAMATION
Dr. Trucksess explained the Great American Smokeout Program sponsored by the American
Cancer Society, and asked that the Board of Health proclaim Thursday, November 21, 1996, as
the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout Day. Board Member
- Faughender/Chairperson Hunter moved/seconded that the proclamation be approved and
signed. Motion carried. Vote: F:yes; H:yes; C:absent.
Mason County Board of Health
November 7,1996-Page 2 of 3
HEARING SET - FOOD PROGRAM AND WATER LABORATORY FEES
Health Services Director, Brad Banner, requested that the Board set a public hearing to consider
revisions to the Food Program fees and to consider establishing proposed water laboratory fees.
Board Member Faughender asked if the food handling establishments would be notified of this
public hearing. Mr. Banner replied that food establishments would receive copies of the proposal
as well as notice of the public hearing. He noted that the proposal was a result of findings by
the citizens on the Food Advisory Committee. Board Member Faughender/Chairperson
Hunter moved/seconded that a public hearing be scheduled for December 5, 1996, at 10:15
a.m.,to consider changes in the Food Program Fees and to consider establishment of Water
Laboratory Fees. Motion carried. Vote: F:yes; H:yes; C:absent.
RECESS
Board recessed from 10:23 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
ON-SITE SEWAGE REGULATION - PUBLIC HEARING
Mr. Banner read aloud the Public Hearing Notice and explained that the purpose of this
regulatory revision was to add the legal framework for implementing the Mason County
Operation and Maintenance Program. He presented a draft dated November 4, 1996, which
included clarification of the definitions discussed during the last Commissioners' briefing. The
revisions to Section 7, as recommended by Board Member Cady, were reviewed. Mr. Banner
informed that Board Member Cady also had a concern regarding Sections 10.01.03-04 pertaining
-- to the fact that a person performing the work must own the residence or reside at the residence
served by the system under construction, repair or modification. However, after she was advised
that the wording in Sections 10.01.03 and 10.01.04 were taken from the state regulations, Board
Member Cady had indicated the wording was acceptable. Mr. Banner read from the State WAC
and noted that a waiver process could be utilized. Chairperson Hunter stated that the waiver
process should be referenced in this section. Mr. Banner replied that a statement regarding the
waiver could be added, but technically the addition would require approval from the state.
Chairperson Hunter suggested that the waiver process be referenced under both the Installation
and Design Sections.
Dr. Trucksess commented that Section 11.03 uses the term "timely manner" which is vague. He
suggested that specific terminology be used. Mr. Banner responded that the wording was
purposely general because there was a large range of failures. For instance, a gross failure with
surfacing sewage should be reported immediately. However, a minor problem may not need to
be reported immediately. There was also an appeal process for suspensions, so if a maintenance
specialist believed an arbitrary or excessive decision was made, there would be a process to
consider the matter. He would rather have the flexibility of the term "timely manner" and rely
on the appeal process. Mr. Banner noted that this section may be better placed in the policy
document.
Dr. Trucksess suggested that Section 12.02 include maintenance specialists. Mr. Banner agreed
and noted that pumpers should also be included.
Mason County Board of Health
November 7,1996-Page 3 of 3
Chairperson Hunter commented that he was disappointed that no one from the public was present
to comment on the revisions. Mr. Banner informed that these revisions were developed and
recommended by the advisory board approximately eight months ago.
Board Member Faughender/Chairperson Hunter moved/seconded that the public hearing
to consider changes to the On-Site Sewage Regulation be continued until December 5, 1996,
at 10:30 a.m. Motion carried. Vote: F:yes; H:yes; C:absent.
MEETING ADJOURNED
Board Member Faughender/Chairperson Hunter moved/seconded that the Board of Health
meeting be adjourned at 10:50 a.m. Motion carried unanimously.
MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
William O. Hunter, Chairperson
(Absent)
Mary Jo Cady, Board Member
M. L. Faughender, Nard Member
Respectfully submitted,
Lorraine Coots