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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995/03/02 - Board of Health MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH March 2, 1995 The Board of Health was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Chairperson Mary Faughender, with Board Member William O. Hunter in attendance. ATTENDANCE: Mary L. Faughender, Chairperson William O. Hunter, Board Member Dr. Mark E. Trucksess, Health Officer Brad Banner, Health Services Director Steve Kutz, Director of Personal Health Nanci LaMusga, HIV/AIDS Educator Mike Clift, Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jutta Riediger, Safety & Health Alliance, Inc. Sean Hanlon, Journal Ray Coleman, Shelton SCROGGS VS. MASON COUNTY DISMISSED Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney,Mike Clift, informed the Board that the civil lawsuit entitled Scroggs vs. Mason County had been dismissed. He explained that the Scroggs' home had been destroyed by fire and the issue was whether the county should issue a building permit. There _ were environmental health concerns. The judge hearing the case had dismissed it on a ground of procedure rather than the merits of the case. The Scroggs had taken the procedural steps to have the matter heard and then abandoned that process and went directly to a declaratory judgment lawsuit and raised constitutional issues at that stage which the judge found improper and after reviewing all the authorities, dismissed it. He noted that this matter was probably concluded because an appeal was unlikely. Board Member Hunter informed that the matter had first been heard before the Health Officer. The Health Officer's decision had been' appealed to the Board of Health before being tried in Grays Harbor County, the county in which the Scroggs' reside. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Board Member Hunter/Chairperson Faughender moved/seconded that the minutes of the November 9th, November 23rd, and December 1st, 1994, meetings be approved as circulated. Motion carried. Vote: H: yes; F: yes; C: absent. HIV/AIDS AWARENESS - CONDOM DISTRIBUTION ENDORSED Jutta Riediger, an Occupational Safety and Public Health Consultant with Safety & Health Alliance, Inc., addressed the Board as a member of the Governor's Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. She presented the Board Members with Aids Awareness Ribbons and noted that her advisory council membership position was a volunteer position. The council's annual report has been released and she wanted the Board to be aware of its findings. She noted that it was very disturbing to learn that the number of HIV positive cases, as well as the cases of AIDS, have increased in greater numbers in rural communities of Washington State. Especially the three counties with severe economic depression: Mason, Lewis and Grays Harbor Counties show higher numbers of AIDS cases than the inland counties. Statistics from the State Department MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH Page 2 of 7 i of Health were reviewed. The largest numbers of AIDS cases were still within King County. However, these were diagnoses and no one knows where the people actually live or if they were infecting people from other counties. Ms. Riediger commented that treatment was available in this county, but it needed to go far beyond just the medical treatment. Families need to be taken into account. She noted she was honored to work with Ray and Judy Coleman on these issues. Treatment of the heart and the psychological concerns affect our community as well. Prevention was essential. As a member of the Mason County Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, strategies for adopting a work plan were being developed. This matter involves all of us. Everyone has the same bottom line: we would like to stay alive and not have this disease spread in our community. Ms. Riediger pleaded with the Board to adopt the condom distribution policy and to continue developing strategies of prevention. She also presented an updated safety program which she donated her time to which will be given to Ione Siegler,the county's Safety Program Coordinator. TEEN-AGE PREGNANCY - CONDOM DISTRIBUTION ENDORSED Dr. Trucksess reported on a health alert issued by the State Department of Health indicating that each day 40 teen-aged girls become pregnant in our state., Out of every 1,000 teen-aged girls, 88 will become pregnant each year. This indicates that more teens are having their babies and the rate of abortion has dropped by nearly 10% in the last decade. This information will be used by the legislature in determining program funding for the Health Department Improvement Plan. He noted these figures support the need for the condom distribution program. CONDOM DISTRIBUTION SUPPORTED Ray Coleman related the fact that he lost his son to AIDS. Even though it was 8 years ago, it was still hard for him to discuss. He begged the Board_ the adopt the condom distribution program. He noted that during and after the Korean War there were condom machines in every restroom. Although HIV/AIDS was,not present at that time, other sexually-transmitted diseases were. He wondered why this could not be done today. He asked the Board to take this first step in saving lives. According to research, condoms help in preventing the spread of the disease as well as teen-aged pregnancy. Mr. Coleman shared the painful steps leading up to his son's death. He asked the Board to, please, help fight this disease so another father could enjoy his son instead of watching him suffer. TEEN-AGED PREGNANCIES/WIC PROGRAM REPORT Steve Kutz, Director of Personal Health, reported that Mason County has a fairly high teen pregnancy rate. The birth rate per 1,000 for woman under the age of 18 was 16.4% in Mason County, in contrast to the state's average of 11.4%. As a rural area, we have significantly higher rates than the urban areas. Mr. Kutz advised that the WIC Program (a program benefiting infants, children under the age of 5, and pregnant, postpartum and breast-feeding women with low to moderate incomes) funding was in danger. The federal government was attempting changes which would significantly affect MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH Page 3 of 7 t � the program. In contrast, the WIC Program caseload has been growing dramatically in our county. He presented a 9-point cost/benefit analysis pertaining to the WIC Program, noting that WIC clients redeemed coupons amounting to approximately $250,000 to $260,000 with merchants in our county in 1994. Eligibility policies were changed to reduce the department's caseload to an acceptable range in September, 1994. Chairperson Faughender asked for the criteria for determining who would receive WIC support. . Mr. Kutz replied that it was calculated by determining which was most important. Those who received the least amount of gain for the money spent had been dropped. CONDOM DISTRIBUTION POLICY Copies of the Health Department's proposed policy pertaining to condom distribution were distributed. Mr. Kutz explained the condom machine outreach distribution plan. It would be a one-year pilot study and would be evaluated before continuing. It would include the placement of 4 condom machines in 2 parts of Mason County. Two machines would be in the Matlock area and 2 in the City of Shelton. They would be distributed evenly between male and female rest- rooms. No profit would be received by the department in providing this service, it would be provided at the county's cost. Usage rate will be studied, and surveys completed. Merchants have been asked to participate in the survey. A study determining where condoms were available in the county would be completed resulting in a resource list which would be published. Mr. Kutz presented a proposed budget for the project. One-tenth of a FTE would complete the outreach, education, survey, and keep the machines stocked, at a cost of roughly $3,000. Supplies and cost of the machines for one year were approximately $2,850. Administration costs were added, for a total of $7,156. Board Member Faughender noted that one of the Board's concerns had been addressed by adding the sentence that condoms would not be made available in public schools without the approval of the local school board. He asked what educational programs would be provided that were not at the public schools. Mr. Kutz replied that programs are provided at drug/alcohol treatment facilities and counseling sessions at which condoms would be provided. Jutta Riediger suggested that the Health Department review the Oregon condom-usage pamphlets which were very clear in describing how to use a. condom. She noted this information could be included in brochure form at the machine. Mr. Kutz stated that pamphlets would be placed in all the vending machines which would graphically and verbally explain correct usage. These would also be provided to the other areas in Mason County which have condoms available with the hope that they would be made available to the public. If the department was requested to provide an educational session at.a school, they would ensure that the presentation was pre-approved by the school. No condoms would be distributed within the schools. MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH Page 4 of 7 Brad Banner, spoke on behalf of Board Member Cady who was unable to attend today's meeting. He explained that she asked that Item A of the Condom Distribution Policy be clarified,.and that a new item titled Item H be added. This addition would be: All personal information shall be respected as private and confidential for all members of the targeted group and/or condom recipients. Mr. Banner stated the department had agreed that this confidentiality statement was a good idea. Mr. Kutz concurred. Mr. Kutz informed that upon request, condoms were provided by the Health Department. A sliding scale was used for payment, and if a person could not afford them, they were free. Board Member Hunter asked how many condoms were distributed monthly. Nanci LaMusga, HIV/AIDS Educator, replied that this data had just started to be tracked. Ms. LaMusga stated that within a years time, there would be approximately 4,000 condoms distributed. She noted that when a person was tested for HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases, it was part of the counseling procedure to provide condoms. Ray Coleman commented that in speaking with teenagers he has found that they were embarrassed to ask for condoms. Therefore, a vending machine would be a great asset. Mr. Kutz remarked that the department would like to provide condoms 24 hours a day at the Health Department. However, a machine cannot be placed outside because the temperature of the condoms cannot become too cold or hot. Board Member Hunter/Chairperson Faughender moved/seconded that the Condom Distribution Policy with the addition of Section H be approved. Section H will read: All personal information shall be respected as private and confidential for all members of the targeted group and/or condom recipients. Motion carried. Vote: H: yes; F: yes; C: absent. Jutta Riediger thanked the Board for their action. She, in turn, was thanked for all her assistance. HEALTH OFFICER'S REPORT Dr. Trucksess reported on Pertussis and the importance of children receiving full immunizations. Mr. Kutz informed that the department was gathering information on the percentage of families in our county who were immunizing their children. Information on the measles epidemic at Western Washington State University in Bellingham was reviewed. Another epidemic in the news has been the Meningococcal Disease at Denny Middle School in West Seattle. A brochure from the American Medical Association referring to secondhand smoke was commented on. Dr. Trucksess stated he was somewhat distressed that the Washington State Legislature was attempting to roll back some of the requirements pertaining to smoking being allowed in private offices. MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH Page 5 of 7 ON-SITE SEWAGE REGULATION Mr. Banner reported that a public hearing was held and closed on February 2, 1995, regarding the On-Site Sewage Regulation, and further consideration had been tabled until today's meeting. This document was adopted by the Board of Health last year and the State had concerns regarding its content. Changes had been made to the document in order to meet those concerns. Mr. Banner noted that the changes were minor and reviewed them with the Board. He asked that the On-Site Sewage Regulation revisions be adopted as recommended. Mr. Banner stated that Board Member Cady had two concerns pertaining to the regulation. He presented written documentation pertaining to Board Member Cady's suggestions. He stated the department agreed with her suggestions and asked that they be included in the revisions. Board Member Hunter/Chairperson Faughender moved/seconded that the Mason County On-Site Sewage Regulation revised February 27, 1995, be amended as recommended by the Environmental Health Director, with the revisions as requested by Board Member Cady. Motion carried. Vote: H: yes; F: yes; C: absent. RECESS Recess from 11:18 a.m. to 11:21 a.m. MINUTES APPROVED Board Member Hunter/Chairperson Faughender moved/seconded that the minutes of the January 5th, 1995, meeting be approved as corrected. Motion carried. Vote: H: yes; F: yes; C: absent. MASON COUNTY DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS Mr. Banner reported that the On-Site Sewage Regulation references On-Site Design and Construction Standards. He requested that the Board authorize the revised standards that were distributed on January 5, 1995 for the Board's review. The standards have been in effect since 1992 and have been revised as policies have changed. When the state reviewed the On-Site Sewage Regulation, they suggested some changes to the standards. Mr. Banner reviewed the revisions and noted that the recommended changes were minor. Chairperson Faughender asked if the proposed changes had been reviewed during the January 5th meting. Mr. Banner replied that they were not reviewed at that time. Mr. Banner reviewed the revisions with the Board. Board Member Hunter/Chairperson Faughender moved/seconded that the On-Site Design and Construction Standards, as amended February 27, 1995, be adopted. Motion carried. Vote: H: yes; F: yes; C: absent. BIOSOLID FEE DISTRIBUTION Mr. Banner reported that the Board of Health held a public hearing on November 23, 1994, and the Board of Commissioners held public hearings on December 20 and 27, 1994, to establish appropriate solid waste fees. He noted that it was never specifically written down how the revenues generated from the annual facility licensing and the per gallon deposition fees of MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH Page 6 of 7 biosolids would be distributed. Mr. Banner presented a Board of Health Resolution which would authorize the Board's policy regarding these fees. The Resolution was read aloud. It proposed that the monies generated by the annual facility licensing fees pay for the anticipated costs associated with licensing and monitoring the biosolid facilities, and the per gallon deposition fees pay for sewage related water quality activities including, but not limited to, sanitary surveys of on-site sewage systems, development and implementation of on-site sewage operation and maintenance programs, water quality testing for parameters associated with sewage pollution, education of on-site sewage system owners on the care and management of their on-site systems, and more intensive monitoring efforts of biosolid utilization sites as required. The per gallon deposition fees would be managed in the following manner: 1) money shall accumulate in an account that allows it to be tracked, in an on-going manner, separately from other fee revenues, and shall remain in said account until it is used or disbursed by the Mason County Board of Commissioners. 2) The money shall be divided between watersheds within Mason County on a per capita basis, and shall be tracked using the Health Services accounting system. Chairperson Faughender asked if the Prosecuting Attorney's staff had reviewed the document. Mr. Banner replied that the Deputy Prosecutor had reviewed and has verbally approved it as to form. t Board Member Hunter asked if they had the capability of determining the per capita distribution within water sheds where there were no clean water districts. He believed it was only per household. Mr. Banner responded that the same terminology used in the clean water district assessments could be used here. Chairperson Faughender wondered if there was some urgency in getting this resolution adopted. Mr. Banner replied there was. Board Member Hunter noted that the county was involved in a lawsuit, and no money would be dispersed until the suit was satisfied. Board Member Hunter/Chairperson Faughender moved/seconded that the Biosolid Fees Resolution be approved as outlined with the change that the per capita wording be changed to the terminology used in the creation of the Clean Water Districts pertaining to households, and subject to the Deputy Prosecutor's signature. Motion carried. Vote: H: yes; F: yes; C: absent. Board Member Hunter noted that this resolution would require the compilation of the number of households in all water sheds in order to allocate the money. BOH MEETING DATE CHANGED Mr. Banner requested that the next regularly-scheduled Board of Health meeting be changed from April 6th to March 30th, 1995, because of the Western District Conference conflicting with the regularly-scheduled date. t MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH Page 7 of 7 Board Member Hunter/Chairperson Faughender moved/seconded that the next regularly- scheduled Board of Health meeting planned on April 6th, 1995, be changed to March 30th, 1995, at the same time and meeting location, due to scheduling problems. Motion carried. Vote: H: yes; F: yes; C: absent. ADJOURNMENT Board Member Hunter/Chairperson Faughender moved/seconded that the Board of Health meeting be adjourned at 11:43 a.m. Motion carried. Vote: H: yes; F: yes; C: absent. MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH M. L. Faughender, Chairperson v William O. Hunter, Board Member (absent) Mary Cady, Board Member Respectfully Submitted, Lorraine Coots