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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994/07/07 - Board of Health MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH JULY 7, 1994 The Board of Health was called to order at 10:05 a.m. by Board Member Faughender in Chairperson William O. Hunter's absence. ATTENDANCE: Mary L. Faughender, Board Member Laura E. Porter, Board Member Dr. Mark E. Trucksess, Health Officer Brad Banner, Health Services Director Stephen Kutz, Director of Nursing Will Satak, Staff Carolyn Jensen, Staff Sean Hanlon, Journal MINUTES Board Members Porter/Faughender moved/seconded that the minutes of the April 7th and May 5th, 1994, Board of Health Meetings be approved as corrected. Motion carried; Porter: yes, Faughender: yes, Hunter: absent. DIRECTOR OF NURSING WELCOMED Mr. Stephen Kutz, newly hired Director of Nursing, was welcomed to his first Board of Health meeting. HEALTH OFFICER'S REPORT The Communicable Disease Report for the previous month was reviewed by Dr. Trucksess. Dr. Trucksess stated that federal funding for Hepatitis B immunizations had previously been for infants only. However, additional funding would be forthcoming for the 94-95 year. Board Member Porter asked if the staff was being immunized against Hepatitis B. Brad Banner replied that this topic had been discussed and should be discussed again. Stephen Kutz noted that this testing may be prudent. Dr. Trucksess reviewed an annual report published by the University of Washington which compares Washington State counties in health and safety categories. PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENTS Brad Banner reported on the Public Health Assessments for 1995. He commented that the State was proposing that city assessments be replaced by motor vehicle excise taxes. Mason County would receive an increase in assessment funds if this proposal was enacted. Board Member Porter stated that some Washington counties would loose income and others would gain. She advised that the Association of Counties Legislative Steering Committee's position was to object to the excise tax being the total health allocation so that counties which would have decreases could be supplemented. She noted that the Steering Committee's active meetings begin in August, and she would be happy to represent Mason County on this topic. MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH July 7, 1994 - Page 2 of 3 TOBACCO GRANT Will Satak reported that 1 1/2 years ago the State of Washington issued a tax on cigarette vendors for the purpose of funding tobacco prevention programs aimed towards the youth in each county. Mason County received approximately $8,900. Mr. Satak sent out flyers to schools seeking information on their tobacco-control programs. After a very low response from the schools, Mr. Satak made additional inquiries and came up with the idea to have educational videos available in the schools. He then visited the schools, received input, and made schedules for purchasing the materials. During the next calendar year, the county will receive another $8,400 and the Extension Office will be applying for funds as well. The educational materials will be placed in school libraries, available for check out. Stephen Kutz stated that the American Cancer Society has a program for cessation in which the county is usually the coordinator. Board Member Porter stated that the VISTA employee could possibly be utilized in this regard. Dr. Trucksess commented that a number of counties are enacting ordinances which prohibits smoking in public buildings. He noted that the Board may want to consider such an ordinance. FOOD SANITATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Will Satak reported on the first meeting of the Food Sanitation Advisory Committee. He noted that it was very positive. The goals of the committee were reviewed aloud by Mr. Satak. FOOD PROGRAM AUDIT Will Satak reported that the county's food program was audited recently, with very good results. Board Member Porter commented that the food program audits in the past had been an embarrassment to the county. However, due to the fact that resources and excellent staffing have been given to the department, a good audit did not surprise her. She stated that she has watched visible changes in restaurants over the course of the year, and appreciate their cooperation as well. Board Member Faughender noted that the food program has accomplished a considerable amount and that the residents of the county who eat in restaurants appreciate these changes. Dr. Trucksess suggested that a letter of appreciation be sent to those persons who spear headed the fee increases which enabled these positive changes. DRINKING WATER ADVISORY, COMMITTEE Carolyn Jensen informed the Board that the first Drinking Water Advisory Committee meeting was not as well attended as thought. However, there were representatives from the Departments of Ecology and Health, one well driller and a few other citizens. The meeting went well, with the proposed bylaws being discussed and changed. The Department of Ecology will be sending an official list of all the Mason County well drillers; it is believed there are about 43 well drillers at this time. Brad Banner stated the committee will be similarly formed as other county committees; interested parties will notify the department, and the department will give the Board of Health their recommendations for appointments. He then commended Ms. Jensen for her excellent effort in getting this program off the ground. MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH i July 7, 1994 - Page 3 of 3 Board Members Porter/Faughender moved and seconded that the Board of Health meeting be adjourned at 11:00 a.m. Motion carried; Porter: yes, Faughender: yes, Hunter: absent. MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH (Absent) William O. Hunter, Chairperson Laura E. Porter, Board Member Q,u M. L. Faughender, Mard Member Respectfully Submitted, IL-Jorraine Coots