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 Minutes Archive |
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Board of Health
Minutes
CALHOUN COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING
190 East Michigan Avenue, Suite A-100, Battle Creek, MI 49014
August 16, 2004
AGENDA
| Board of Health |
Health Department |
| Larry Anderson, Chair |
Heidi S. Oberlin |
| Jean Cook-Hughes, Vice-Chair |
Ted Havens |
| George Perrett |
Brigette Reichenbaugh |
| Byron McDonald |
Ginger Hentz |
| Ken Ponds |
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| Ben Miller |
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| Calhoun County |
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| Jim Latham |
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- CALL TO ORDER AND INTRODUCTIONS
Larry called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m.
- APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Jean moved, Ken supported. Passed.
- PUBLIC COMMENT – None.
- CONSENT AGENDA
- July 19, 2004 Meeting Minutes; George moved, seconded by Mac.
All in favor. It was suggested by a BOH member that all
abbreviations be identified in the minutes (e.g., NCBC [Nursing
Clinic of Battle Creek]).
- RESOLUTIONS:
- Resolution 23-2004 Approval of the Final
Comprehensive Planning, Budgeting, and Contracting Agreement
Amendment (CPBC) for FY 2003/2004; George moved; Mac supported.
Heidi summarized and provided some clarifications on the changes in
incentives for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program and on
the income limits for the state lead remediation program (upper
lower to lower middle income). Passed.
- FINANCE REPORT
- Kathy Ferguson, Finance Officer
- July Financial Summary and Narrative
Heidi summarized in Kathy’s absence. Larry noted that the second
year HCAP funding, approximately $640,000, was recently awarded to the
Health Department/CareSource. The question was raised about the
advertising figure. Heidi answered that WIC is advertising in Shopper,
Advisor, etc., to clarify the biggest misconception that you need to
receive assistance from the Family Independence Agency (FIA) to
receive WIC. A Board member suggested that we approach Felpausch,
Meijers, Wal-Mart, etc. to donate to the WIC program? A Board member
asked about the office supply expenditure. Heidi will clarify with
Kathy specific office supply expenditures but thought it was due to
HCAP start-up. A Board member asked about the half-time medical
director for the NCBC. Heidi clarified that we have two volunteer
medical directors, however, none on staff. Once this position is
filled it will open the doors to Medicare and Medicaid billing.
- OTHER BUSINESS
Health Officer’s Report:
- Minority Health Partnership (MHP) – The staff have moved to the
Health Department. Weekly meetings are scheduled with Heidi Oberlin
(Health Officer), Brenda Hunt (Battle Creek Community Foundation CEO
and President), and Priscilla Barnes and Shanette Bowser (Minority
Health Partnership staff). Mac complimented Priscilla on her Access
Vision spot. We received an extension through December 31 for the MHP
funds from the State Health Department.
- Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). We are cooperating
with the city and various organizations that provide services to
homeless individuals within Battle Creek and Calhoun County. They are
requiring anyone who receives HUD monies, including the City of Battle
Creek, to obtain a better count on homeless individuals for a national
count. The HMIS is being coordinated by Larry Herman, Summit Pointe.
Mac asked approximately what the homeless count in Battle
Creek/Calhoun County is. At this time, we estimate it to be 2,000.
- Ted distributed a sewage disposal denial and a request for appeal,
and summarized the appeal request. Environmental Health (EH) evaluated
the site twice (once in 1998 and again on July 14, 2004). Each time it
was denied due to unsuitable soil conditions. The owner felt he had a
better location which EH looked at also. EH representatives found blue
clay and water table approximately 36” – 48” in depth. The owners of
the property today are the same as when EH evaluated and declined in
1998. At that time, they did not appeal. Pages 45 and 46 of the
Calhoun County Sanitation Code clarify soil conditions. Page 40 gives
isolation distances (i.e., water levels, etc.). The hearing is
scheduled for the next board meeting, September 20, 2004. The sewer is
approximately 1/8 – 1/4 mile away, near the public access to Duck
Lake. The cost may be very high to hook into the municiple sewer
system. A Board member asked if there any site restrictions on an
above ground system. Ted answered not particularly. We would have to
be 4’ above any water table. In this case, they would be starting at
existing grade and building up. Are there alternatives that are
financially feasible? Do we have any other in the County that they can
look at as an alternative?
- There is another pending request for a septic system that includes
wetlands. The owner is obtaining information on the wetlands.
- BOARD BUSINESS
- Update on NCBC Advisory Council (NCAC) – Larry is the BOH rep on
the NCAC. The Consumer Advisory Committee made suggestions to the NCAC.
A Board member asked if we can receive an update in the minutes
approximately every other month of how many individuals use the NCBC,
for example. Staff will work with the NCAC to ensure that information
comes back to the BOH, including fundraising information (brochure,
articles, etc.). Chris and Betty Christ are hosting a picnic for the
volunteer physicians, volunteers, and committee members.
- BOH Governance Update – Larry met with Nancy Mullet to review
current bylaws. He suggested that we start from scratch and develop
new bylaws. They are provided here today for
discussion/comments/input. Board of Health members provided the
following comments:
- Article II: submit adding “with approval or for
approval to the Board of Commissioners (BOC).” The BOH does not
enter into contracts on behalf of the BOC.
- Article III. Clarify what state law requires for
the hiring and firing of the Public Health Officer. Does the BOC
need to give approval?
- Confirms authority for the BOC to create a BOH.
Does not enumerate in any way these things that are outlined in
Article II, Section I. Have statute MC 333.2413 for BOH review.
- Article III, Section I: BOC has authority to
appoint members to the BOH. Also in Section 7, BOC has the authority
to remove a BOH member. As a policy matter, section 7, define term
of the two or more unexcused absences.
- Article VII, Section I: No reference to the BOC.
- How do we move forward? George suggested that we
get these resolved by a meeting with a representative from the BOC,
BOH, legal counsel, and the administrator. Let’s revise, obtain
approval, and adopt at the September BOH meeting. Jean and George
volunteered, however if we have a quorum, we need to post a BOH
meeting.
Several questions were raised in regards to the Environmental
Health appeal. To confirm, in the past, we have not approved septic
systems matching these soil conditions. Why do soil conditions matter
if the septic system is above ground? Once the above ground tank is
full, it will seep onto the ground. It is the responsibility of the
homeowner to maintain and pump the system (i.e., pump and haul
systems), per Ted. In this situation, we rely on the owners to pump
the system regularly. However, in past experiences, owners do not
maintain these systems or when property changes hands, in this
department’s experience, the new owners do not maintain the systems.
We can record on the deed that the owner must pump the system on a
specific schedule. George asked for clarification of the property in
and around the property requesting appeal. Ted stated that all of Duck
Lake has a sewage concern. Does the amount of rain received this year
affect the water table? Ted answered yes. What is Loam? Sandy ground
with a little bit of clay, slightly sticky, like Play-Doh. Ideal
material for waste water/materials; allows some material pass through
it. Clay does not absorb waste material quick enough allowing for
build up/ponding of sewer materials.
Heidi will revise the calendar of reviews and bring to the next BOH
meeting. Health Departments are invited to participate in the Michigan
Steps-Up program.
Because Kathy Ferguson had a family emergency, we are pushing back
our budget committee meeting. Wednesday, September 8th, 7:30 a.m.
George, Ben, Mac, Ken, and Larry will attend.
Meeting adjourned. Ben moved, Mac supported. 9:40 a.m.
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Several photos included in this 
