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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994/09/29 - Board of Health A! w, MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH SEPTEMBER 29, 1994 The Board of Health was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Chairperson William O. Hunter, with Board Members Porter and Faughender in attendance. ATTENDANCE: William O. Hunter, Chairperson Mary L. Faughender, Board Member _ Laura E. Porter, Board Member Dr. Mark E. Trucksess, Health Officer Brad Banner, Health Services Director Steve Kutz, Director of Nursing Wayne Clifford, Staff Sean Hanlon, Journal HEALTH OFFICER'S REPORT Dr. Trucksess supplied the Board with copies of a recent newsletter written by the tobacco industry. He noted that the state law prohibiting smoking in any public office except in designated space with proper ventilation to the outside goes into effect October 1st. The Board acknowledged the county's awareness/preparation of this fact. Dr. Trucksess reported that state statistics indicate that 4 out of the top 5 leading causes of death are roughly related to tobacco, therefore, tobacco usage needed to be addressed. The Board was informed by Dr. Trucksess that he had been contacted by the Thurston County Health Officer regarding a two-county, three-hospital disaster-preparedness plan. Dr. Trucksess stated he would ensure that the proper departments received the information, noting that this type of project was not currently included as part of the Mason County Health Officer's duties. The August, 1994, Communicable Disease Report was given. HEALTH CARE REFORM A report regarding health care reform on the state and federal levels was given by Dr. Trucksess. A copy of the state's Uniform Benefits Package outline was presented. He reported that it would be a collaboration between public, private and community volunteer groups, and the Health Department would need to understand how they interrelate. Public health services would be changing, and the department's responsibility would need to be defined. The government intends to increase the public fund portion, however, accountability would be directly linked with the receipt of the additional funding. The goals were to define the program, meet capacity standards, link assessment with policy development, administration, health promotion, health protection, as well as access and quality. The changes would be phased in during the next 6 years. The key points to focus on were to be knowledgeable about the program and the new laws, and most importantly the public health improvement plan. The department would need to understand its own capacities, now and in the 1 MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH September 29, 1994 - Page 2 of 3 future, and finances would need to be under control. This program would involve the Board of Health as well as the staff. The need to know our community was important and to understand how its changes were affecting the department, so that a vision could be developed. He stated that retreats may be needed in order to create the vision statement. Mr. Trucksess stated that training classes would be provided through the Department of Health starting in December, with a second series beginning in March, and a significant number of staff should attend each series. Steve Kutz agreed that the Health Department employees should attend this training in order to understand their roles. Board Member Porter commented that if significant numbers of staff would be attending, they needed to look at changing the operation of the department on those days, with adequate notice to the public. Mr. Kutz agreed, noting that this would not only affect the nursing division. Brad Banner remarked that he and Mr. Kutz would be working on a plan regarding the training which would be presented during a briefing. The Board noted that legislation may change some of the aspects of this reform, however, the county's responsibility may not. Board Member Porter stated that she would prefer that the staff attend the early session of training so that the department could be part of the development, advocating issues which were important to Mason County. She noted that in our county there was a higher rate of suicidal and accidental death than in other areas, and these facts needed to ��.. be addressed. Mr. Banner stated that if the funding was based on how well the department meets the plan, they may be disadvantaged as a small county. Board Member Porter stated that it should be understood why the small counties, rural areas, were unable to be involved in the policy planning/writing. She noted that Mason County needed a clear voice. Mr. Kutz suggested that the Board draft a letter explaining their position, which could be read aloud at the next planning meeting in October. Board Member Porter stated that written testimony could be given without someone from the department being present, which would enforce their reason for the letter being written. She stated that staff support in writing the draft would be necessary. REVISED VARIANCE POLICY FOR SRL PROGRAM Brad Banner asked the Board to consider amending the department's policy regarding the extension of payments pertaining to the Mason County Water Quality Improvement Fund applicants. Board Members Porter/Faughender moved/seconded that the Board adopt the policy revision as presented with the inclusion of an update of the income criteria, using the previous source. Motion carried unanimously. DRINKING WATER ADVISORY BOARD Mr. Banner presented a list of proposed Drinking Water Advisory Board members. This listing included drillers, designers, residents, a representative from the water industry, and an environmental health staff member for a total of 10 members with 5 being a quorum. He noted that the names represented those people who were attending the meetings and who were MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH �} September 29, 1994 - Page 3 of 3 interested in being appointed. The Board discussed the public representation, noting that they wanted it increased. Board Members Porter/Faughender moved/seconded that the Board appoint the following persons to the Drinking Water Advisory Board: Ron Wiley, Driller; Bill Neal, Jr., Driller; Mike Davis, Driller; Reg Hearn, Designer; Layle Tahja, at-large; G. John Brush, at-large; Mike Cofield,water industry; Carolyn Jensen, staff; and two vacancies to be filled with at- large members. Motion carried unanimously. LOWER HOOD CANAL WATER SHED-GENERAL SEWERAGE PLAN Wayne Clifford presented the Lower Hood Canal Watershed General Sewerage Plan. Chairperson Hunter asked that the word "additional" or "new" be added to Page 2, (i) in referring to no treated water in the Canal. He noted that Alderbrook was doing this, and they have additional capacity beyond what they were presently using. He also questioned the cost effectiveness for the residents. He stated the words "without additional funding" or "cost prohibitive" should be added. Board Member Porter stated that on the top of Page 3, it appeared to be saying that there had been no previous policy. Mr. Clifford replied that he was not implying there was not a policy previously, but he wanted this document to stand alone. A cover letter was presented for signature. Board Member Porter stated she wanted a sentence added to relate the fact that this expansion would occur as part of the growth-management capital facilities plan and analysis project being undertaken via a professional services contract with K.C.M.. MEETING CONTINUED Board Members Porter/Faughender moved/seconded that this meeting be continued until October 3rd, 1994, at 10:45 a.m., in the Commissioners' Chambers in order for the Board to make a decision regarding the Scroggs appeal. Motion carried unanimously. MASON COUNTY BOARD OF ALTH William O. Hunter, Chairperson Respectfully Submitted, Laura E. Porter, Boar - tuber Lorraine Coots M. Faughender. Board Member