Vital Records Same-day In-Person Service (Kennewick office only)
8am to 11:30am
1pm to 4pm
Monday-Friday Pasco:
8am to noon
1pm to 5pm
Monday-Friday Prosser Office Immunizations: Tuesday and Thursday; 9am to Noon and 1pm to 5pm. Environmental Health: Monday and Thursday; 9am to 10:30am.
Chairman Max Benitz called
the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Dr. Jecha called the roll:
The following were:
Present: Chairman Max Benitz, Board Members
James Beaver, Leo Bowman, Bob Koch, Rick Miller, Brad Peck and Executive
Secretary Larry Jecha, M.D.
Staff Present: Cody Lewis, IT Manager; Becky
Mellinger and Amy Serven, Administrative Services; Shelley Little, Carla Prock,
Annie Goodwin, Preventative Health Supervisors; Bruce Perkins, Environmental
Health Director; David Miller, Water Laboratory Supervisor; Rick Dawson and
Susan Shelton, Environmental Health Supervisors; Sandy Owen, Director of
Preventative Health Services; Nancy Klotz, Public Health Nurse; Carol Jensen,
Human Resources; Robin Albrandt, Region 8 Supervisor; Bonnie Hall, Client
Services Manager; Veronica Gutierrez, Assessment Coordinator; Brooke Dubois, Health
Alliance.
Visitors: Ray Morrison, Mental Health
Consumer Advocate; Kendra Simpkins, Human Services; Michelle Dupler, Tri City
Herald; Matt Haugen, KVEW TV.
Approval of Agenda
Bob
Koch moved, seconded by Brad Peck to approve the agenda. The motion carried
unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
Leo
Bowman moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the minutes of October 21, 2009. The motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearing – 2010 Proposed Fee Increases
Dr.
Jecha stated that the fee increases are mainly in our water laboratory services
to make it more self sufficient. There is also the addition of a state vaccine
administration fee. Bruce clarified a fee included for $5.00 for spigots is
something we sell to the public to go on coolers for hand wash setups at
temporary events. He asked that it read $5 or cost to reflect any future fee
increases that we may incur in purchasing them. Mr. Peck questioned the
records search per hour charge. He moved that under code item 2505, the
wording be revised to read special reports preparation per hour; seconded by
Mr. Beaver. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Beaver moved to approve the 2010
fee structure. Rick Miller seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
2010 Budget
Dr.
Jecha announced that in addition to some of our fees being raised, we will use
some of our cash carryover to balance our budget for 2010 and will still have
some cash carryover left. Mr. Peck reiterated his opinion that it is not
favorable to use one time funds to balance a budget but at this time indicated
it was the only option available. Mr. Beaver commented that in this time of
reduced funding he believes more cuts are coming and we need to start looking
at strategic planning to address possible ways to increase revenue such as
leasing building space. Chairman Benitz stated that the finance committee will
begin planning for the 2011 and 2012 budgets after January. Mr. Koch moved to
approve the 2010 budget. Mr. Beaver seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Executive Session
No need for executive session
at this time.
Announcements
Dr.
Jecha announced that the Governor’s budget came out and we had no loss of
discretionary funds or MVET backfill. The only thing that affected us was the
AIDS omnibus bill and some DSHS cuts that would eliminate one of our programs.
Dr.
Jecha announced that the H1N1 disease is way down. We are pretty much over the
second wave and are preparing now for the third wave. The problem with the
second wave was that we had a limited supply of vaccine. We have plenty of
vaccine now for the third wave. The vaccine is now open for everyone in the
community.
Sandy
Owen commented on the response she has heard from the community regarding our
childcare health program that was cut. The program was designed to ensure
immunization levels in childcare facilities. The state licensors who license
the childcare facilities have already seen a problem with immunization levels
in our community due to the lack of our program.
Bruce
announced that since the loss of our Environmental Health Educators, we have
received calls from numerous schools asking for educational presentations on
environmental health issues and we had to tell them that we no longer offer
those services.
Mr.
Benitz thanked all the health district personnel on behalf of the board for all
the services they provide.
Mr.
Koch asked for more information about a situation he has received numerous
emails about concerning a temporary permit issue with WSU Tri Cities. Bruce
stated that the Environmental Health Department was made aware of events taking
place on the WSU Tri Cities campus which, based on Washington State law, were
required to have a temporary food service permit. There has been discussion
between WSU Tri Cities and BFHD as to whether or not an institute of higher
learning should be exempt from being required to have a license. A meeting has
been set up between the food staff and WSU in January to try to resolve the
issue.
Approval of Vouchers
Bob
Koch moved, seconded by Brad Peck to approve the payment of vouchers numbered
47 to 52 for November 2009 in the amount of $608,404.68. The motion carried
unanimously.
The date of the next meeting
will be January 20, 2010 at 1:30 p.m.
At 2:06 p.m. the meeting adjourned.
BOARD OF HEALTH
October 21, 2009
Call to Order
Chairman Max Benitz called
the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Dr. Jecha called the roll:
The following were:
Present: Chairman
Max Benitz, Board Members Bob Koch, Leo Bowman, Rick Miller,
Brad Peck and Executive Secretary Larry Jecha, M.D.
Excused: James Beaver
Staff Present: Jeff Jones
and Angee Chavez, Administrative Services; Carl Turpen, IT Services;
Bruce Perkins, Director of Environmental Health; Sandy Owen, Director
of Preventive Health Services; Carla Prock, Annie Goodwin,
Preventive Health Supervisors; Susan Shelton and Rick Dawson, Environmental
Health Supervisors; Nancy Klotz, Public Health Nurse; Veronica Gutierrez, Assessment Coordinator; Carol Jensen, Human Resources;
Bonnie Hall, Client Services Manager; Irene Berger, representing
Local 17.
Visitors: Linda Ivey, Benton County Commissioners office; Christina Cecil, Our Lady
of Lourdes; Natasha Zagorodniy, WSU student nurse.
Approval of Agenda
Rick
Miller moved, seconded by Leo Bowman to approve the agenda. The motion carried
unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
Leo
Bowman moved, seconded by Bob Koch to
approve the minutes of September 16, 2009 with the spelling correct of Ginger
Still. The motion carried unanimously.
H1N1 (Swine Flu) Update
Dr.
Jecha gave an update on H1N1 and how it€™s affecting our schools, hospitals and
community. The state hospitalizations continue to incline drastically and local
hospitalizations are up to 44. Many schools are up to 10% of absentees; and Paterson school closed for two days. The seasonal vaccine is still in short supply;
hopefully there will be more at the end of November early December. We have
asked to hire some additional help with the H1N1 money to distribute the H1N1
vaccine; we are also working on computerizing our distribution center with this
money. Two weeks ago we started with 2500 doses of H1N1 but in a FLUMIST form
which was delivered to our hospitals, we are starting to receive some
injectables that are thermasol free that will go to the OBGYN offices for the
highest risk patients, pregnant women. The hospitals are overwhelmed and asked
for our help, we went into incident command starting with conference calls, and
we pushed out the message to stay home if you are ill. A five month old baby
from Pasco died Monday in a Spokane hospital due to the H1N1 Flu.
Canal Street Building Discussion
Dr.
Jecha discussed with the board that when we moved into our new building part of
the agreement was that we sell the canal street building; we had it appraised
at that time it appraised between $500,000 and $750,000; at the wish of the
board the county was interested in the building so we didn€™t put it up for sale
at that time, now the has no interest in it so I need a motion to declare it
surplus it so that we can move on for the sale of the building. Brad Peck
questioned the value of the building and whether the district will be able to
sell it for enough to make the lump sum payment to Benton County. Brad Peck also
questioned if the district might be asked to move out of its current building
sometime in the future. If this scenario is a possibility Brad Peck states the
district should consider keeping the Canal Drive building as a fall back
option. Brad Peck adds he has heard rumors of this happening and feels it€™s
the appropriate thing to ask. Brad Peck states that if anyone has any concerns
or knows of any reason that this building might not be available in the future
for the health district he would appreciate knowing about it now. None of the
Commissioners spoke up. Dr. Jecha states we have had two clients say they
were interviewed by Benton County and that they would be working in the health
district€™s building.
Leo
Bowman moved, seconded by Bob Koch to declare the Canal Street Building surplus. The motion carried unanimously.
2009 Demographic & Social Characteristics Report
Veronica
gave a presentation on the 2009 Demographic & Social Characteristics
Report.
Budget Committee Report
Jeff
Jones told the board the health district is still looking at a shortfall of
about $300,000 for 2010 unless further cuts are made. Jeff gave the board five
options for further reductions that he said should avoid cutting any more
services for the public.
·Option A. Try to renegotiate Benton County lease repay $500,000 over a five year period
·Option B. No COLA for 2010 €“
Agency wide
·Option C. No COLA for 2010 €“
Exempt & Non-bargaining only
·Option D. Reorganize Accounting
and HR
·Option E. Use Cash Carryover to
balance the budget
Max Benitz told the board we
will have a budget prepared and hopefully ready to adopt by the November Board
of Health meeting.
Executive Session
No need for executive session
at this time.
Announcements
Dr.
Jecha told the board the Health Alliance teamed up with the Health District and
applied for the Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant, it will award 3
to 8 millions dollars over a 2 year period for both Benton and Franklin Counties.
Dr.
Jecha announced we had our first state pediatric death with H1N1 influenza complications.
Dr.
Jecha told the board we had to change our office hours; we are no longer open during
the noon hour due to the clerical cuts.
Sandy
Owen mentioned if you haven€™t got your Flu shot to get it before we run out. Sandy told the board she had one social worker from Safe Babies Safe Moms resign from the
health district.
Sandy informed the board, WIC staff underwent a huge change
to the Federal Food package issued to their clients.
Bruce
Perkins updated the board that an email came from the State that Benton County has two more positive West Nile cases.
Approval of Vouchers
Rick
Miller moved, seconded by Leo Bowman to approve the payment of vouchers
numbered 39 to 42 for September 2009 in the amount of $504,383.53. The motion
carried unanimously.
The
date of the next meeting will be November 25th at 1:30 p.m.
At
2:39 p.m. the meeting adjourned.
BOARD OF HEALTH
September 16, 2009
Call to Order
Chairman Max Benitz called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Dr. Jecha called the roll: The following were:
Present: Chairman Max Benitz, Board Members Bob Koch, Leo Bowman, Rick Miller, James Beaver, Brad Peck.
Staff Present: Jeff Jones and Angee Chavez, Administrative Services; Cody Lewis, IT Manager; Bruce Perkins, Director of Environmental Health; Sandy Owen, Director of Preventive Health Services; Carla Prock, Shelley Little Annie Goodwin, Preventive Health Supervisors; Susan Shelton and Rick Dawson, Environmental Health Supervisors; Nancy Klotz and Elaine Ruhlman, Public Health Nurses; Veronica Gutierrez, Assessment Coordinator; Carol Jensen, Human Resources; Irene Berger, representing Local 17.
Staff Comments
Elaine Ruhlman spoke on budget cuts and how it will affect her as well as the community.
Public Comments
Jim Skucy with Benton-Franklin Head Start was concerned about the cuts and what kind of an impact it will have on our community.
Ginger Still with Kids Well Childcare spoke on how important the services that are being cut are to our community.
Approval of Agenda
Bob Koch moved, seconded by Leo Bowman to approve the agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
James Beaver moved, seconded by Rick Miller to approve the minutes of August 19, 2009. The motion carried unanimously.
H1N1 (Swine Flu) Update
Dr. Jecha explained H1N1 hit us by April; the southeast portion of the US was affected when school started, and that seemed to be the pattern around the United States. The H1N1 attacks the young; it acts differently then the seasonal flu that attacks the older population. When the CDC releases the vaccine for H1N1 expected mid October the same system will be used as the Vaccine for Children is now. The same physicians that are signed up for the Vaccine for Children will receive the H1N1, certain policies and procedures have to be followed. The Health District has been working with the Schools both Administrative staff and nurses; we provided materials for the schools when they opened regarding the H1N1. Currently there is approximately an 8-10% absentee with the School Districts with flu like illness. The community will receive brochures telling them the difference in seasonal flu and H1N1.
Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Bob Koch to authorize Dr. Jecha to use the funds for H1N1 as he sees fit. The motion carried unanimously.
West Nile Virus Update
Bruce Perkins updated the board on West Nile Virus and all bird surveillance in Benton and Franklin County has been stopped. There have been 10 positive West Nile Virus cases in the State. In Benton County 3 humans, 15 horses, 7 birds and 128 mosquito samples have been confirmed for West Nile. In Franklin County 3 horses, 2 birds, 45 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile. There were 126 birds reported for possible sampling this year; we stopped sampling due to the knowledge that West Nile was in our Counties. There is still about a month or so people can still be exposed by the West Nile Virus through mosquitoes.
Other Communicable Disease
Dr. Jecha told the board of other communicable diseases in our community besides what we have already discussed. Just since our last month meeting we have had the following:
7 Campylobacter
2 E. coli, 015:7
1 Shigellosis
2 Giardia
87 Chlamydia
3 Gonorrhea
We also have one active TB case; investigating these diseases is in addition to doing H1N1 and West Nile Virus.
Status of Budget Reductions
Dr. Jecha assured the board this is a difficult time to reduce staff and programs; all the programs are important. We have gone through the notifications, the unions have agreed to the managers handling the bumping rights. We are still discussing the COLA and Laboratory solutions to try and keep them running. There will be significant losses just beware of all the services that are affected by the budget cuts. The budget committee will meet soon so we know what the bottom line is for the remainder of this year and prepare a recommendation for 2010’s budget.
Executive Session
At 2:07 p.m. the Board went into Executive Session for 10 minutes to discuss union issues. At 2:15 p.m. the Board reconvened with no decision made.
Approval of Vouchers
Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the payment of vouchers numbered 34 to 38 for August 2009 in the amount of $788,513.49. The motion carried unanimously.
The date of the next meeting will be October 21st at 1:30 p.m.
At 2:25 p.m. the meeting adjourned.
Prepared by:
Angee Chavez, Administrative Assistant
Benton-Franklin Health District
__________________________
Max Benitz
Chairman of the Board
__________________________
Larry Jecha, M.D.
Executive Secretary
.
BOARD OF HEALTH
August 19, 2009
Call to Order
Chairman
Max Benitz called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Dr. Jecha called the roll.
The following were:
Present: Chairman Max Benitz, Board Members Rick Miller, Brad Peck, James Beaver, Bob
Koch and Executive Secretary Larry Jecha, M.D.
Excused: Board Member
Leo Bowman
Staff Present: Jeff Jones and Angee Chavez Administrative Services; Cody Lewis IT Manager;
Bruce Perkins Director of Environmental Health; Sandy Owen Director
of Preventive Health Services; John Franco Emergency Preparedness;
Carla Prock, Heather Hill, Shelley Little Preventive Health Supervisors; Susan Shelton Environmental Health Supervisor; Veronica Gutierrez
Assessment Coordinator; Carol Jensen Human Resources; Bonnie
Hall Client Services; Marjorie Lindholm Public Health Nurse; Kathy Story Dental Hygienist and Irene Berger, representing Local 17
Visitors: Fred Bowen Franklin County Administrator; Linda Ivey Benton County Finance
Manager; Brooke DuBois Health Alliance and Loretta Smith Kelty
Deputy County Administrator.
Approval of Agenda
Bob
Koch moved, seconded by James Beaver to approve the agenda. The motion carried
unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
Bob
Koch moved, seconded by Brad Peck to approve the minutes of May 27, 2009. The motion carried unanimously.
H1N1 (Swine Flu) Update
Dr.
Jecha stated the first cases found of H1N1 were in the United States. H1N1 acts like the seasonal flu but targets pregnant women and new born babies putting
them at high risk. The CDC is trying to become well prepared and they are
concentrating on vaccine. We had an active command post at the Health District
for two weeks to deal with the Media, Schools, Health Care Providers, Public
and Hospitals. We have had some small outbreaks in summer camps there are
still a lot of unknowns. We anticipate seeing it come back at anytime.
West Nile
Virus Update
Bruce
Perkins told the board things have opened up for West Nile Virus. We have had
more activity now then ever before. Environmental Health will continue their
activities for a couple more months; things will slow down after September. We
are having trouble getting a confirmation from the State lab on tests we have
sent in. Please see the West Nile Virus Surveillance Summary.
Dr.
Jecha added we have clinically three Encephalitis/West Nile Virus cases in Benton County. When you think of West Nile you have 100 cases before you get one
Encephalitis case, it is embedded in our community very well. The mosquito
control is doing a wonderful job.
Executive Session
At
1:53 p.m. the Board went into Executive Session for 15 minutes to discuss
contract negotiations. At 2:08 p.m. the Board reconvened with no decision.
Finance Committee Report
Brad
Peck moved, seconded by Bob Koch to move forward on October 1, 2009 with Option
1 which outlined the reduction of up to 12 FTEs, giving Dr. Jecha the
flexibility to keep the water lab, taking option 2 off of the table and giving
Dr. Jecha the authority to engage in any necessary negotiations with the union
to achieve those changes. The motion carried unanimously. Please see options
attached.
2008 Audit Report
Jeff Jones announced there were no findings or
recommendations this year; we had a simplified audit because we were at low
risk.
Announcements
Dr.
Jecha announced he is on the Vaccine Advisory Committee; a lot of changes are
coming May 1, 2010. We have already started to educate the providers.
Dr.
Jecha told the board he has been working with the new CEO at La Clinica.
Hopefully we will have better communications with them.
Dr.
Jecha told the board we have interviewed for the Region 8 Public Health
Emergency Coordinator; we hope to have a decision soon.
Dr.
Jecha announced to the board that our kick off dates for seasonal flu this year
are September 21-25. We are starting earlier due to the anticipation of swine
flu in October.
Sandy
Owen commented on the Vaccine for Children Program; since we are laying off our
Vaccine Coordinator who educated our physicians and providers we will have to
find a new plan to educate and encourage them to stay with the program.
Sandy
Owen stated on a positive note we are expecting to hopefully not see a
reduction of 20% in revenue for our Maternity Support First Steps Program.
Bruce
Perkins announced that next week is the Benton-Franklin Fair; we have
approximately 45 food booths to inspect, typically 150 hours are spent
inspecting during the week of fair. The hand washing trailer will be by the
Old McDonald farm and this will probably be the last year it will be out
because we are losing the position that usually takes that trailer around our
community.
Rick
Miller moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the payment of vouchers numbered
21 to 33 for May – July 2009 in the amount of $1,786,871.35. The motion
carried unanimously.
The date of the next meeting
will be September 16th at 1:30 p.m.
At 2:53 p.m. the meeting adjourned.
Prepared
by:
Angee
Chavez, Administrative Assistant
Benton-Franklin
Health District
__________________________
Max Benitz
Chairman of the Board
__________________________
Larry
Jecha, M.D.
Executive Secretary
BOARD OF HEALTH
May 27, 2009
Call to Order
Chairman
Max Benitz called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Dr. Jecha called the roll.
The following were:
Present: Chairman Max Benitz, Board Members Rick Miller, Leo Bowman, Brad Peck, James
Beaver, Bob Koch and Executive Secretary Larry Jecha, M.D.
Staff Present: Jeff Jones and Angee Chavez Administrative Services; Cody Lewis IT Manager;
Bruce Perkins Director of Environmental Health; Sandy Owen Director
of Preventive Health Services; Leslie Koenig Emergency Preparedness;
Annie Goodwin, Carla Prock, Heather Hill, Shelley Little Preventive
Health Supervisors; Nancy Klotz Public Health Nurse; Susan Shelton
and Rick Dawson Environmental Health Supervisors; Veronica Gutierrez
Assessment Coordinator; Carol Jensen Human Resources; Bonnie
Hall Client Services Manager; John Franco Emergency Preparedness.
Visitors: Fred Bowen Franklin County Administrator; Laura Zaichkin Tri-City Herald;
Ed Frost, Vicki Rynd, Judy Schenk Benton Community Network;
Maribel Fuentes Central Washington University Student Intern.
Public Comments
Ed
Frost concerned about the cuts that could be made with Benton-Franklin Health
District and how it will affect the community.
Approval of Agenda
Leo
Bowman moved, seconded by Bob Koch to
approve the agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
Leo
Bowman moved, seconded by Bob Koch to
approve the minutes of April 22, 2009. The motion carried unanimously.
Finance Committee Report
Max
Benitz announced the finance committee
met Tuesday, May 26, 2009. Please see the financial report attached for
January through April 2009.
H1N1 (Swine Flu) Update
Dr.
Jecha gave a presentation on H1N1 Update.
West Nile
Virus Update
Bruce
Perkins told the board mosquito season is now. Benton-Franklin Health District
is gearing up to do the mosquito control education and prevention. Washington State and British Columbia have the least impact with this virus. The state only
allows us to send a certain amount of samples in therefore once we get a
positive test in Benton County we will focus on Franklin County. One of the
biggest things we do for West Nile prevention is we have a community group that
gets together and discusses what’s going on in the community. We have prepared
and sent a letter to the State asking them to get together with Ecology and
Wildlife to modify their criteria from the health officer having to declare a
public health emergency to a lesser degree. Another issue we have asked them to
modify is currently they only allow the mosquito districts to spray from August
15th thru September 31st we have adult mosquitoes long before
August so we are asking for earlier applications.
2008 Annual Report
Veronica
Gutierrez gave a presentation on the
2008 Annual Report for the Benton-Franklin Health District, please see
attached.
Announcements
Sandy
Owen commented the employees who helped with the swine flue event are currently
staffed in preventive programs that we are waiting to hear about funding on.
Bruce
Perkins mentioned we may come to the board with a proposal to develop a Group B
program.
Approval of Vouchers
Leo
Bowman moved, seconded by Bob Koch to
approve the payment of vouchers numbered 17 to 18 for April 2009 in the amount
of $518,411.78. The motion carried unanimously.
Executive Session
No need for executive session
at this time.
There will be a budget workshop
on June 24th 2009 in place of a regular Board of Health meeting.
At 2:44 p.m. the meeting adjourned.
Prepared
by:
Angee
Chavez, Administrative Assistant
Benton-Franklin
Health District
BOARD OF HEALTH
April 22, 2009
Call to Order
Chairman Max Benitz called
the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Dr. Jecha called the roll.
The following were:
Present: Chairman
Max Benitz, Board Members Rick Miller, Leo Bowman, Brad Peck,
James Beaver, Bob Koch and Executive Secretary Larry Jecha, M.D.
Staff Present: Jeff Jones,
Angee Chavez, Administrative Services; Cody Lewis, IT Manager;
Bruce Perkins, Director of Environmental Health; Sandy Owen, Director
of Preventive Health Services; Leslie Koenig, Emergency Preparedness;
Annie Goodwin, Carla Prock, Shelley Little, Preventive Health
Supervisors; Nancy Klotz, Public Health Nurse; Susan Shelton, Environmental
Health Supervisor; Veronica Gutierrez, Assessment Coordinator;
Irene Berger, representing Local 17.
Visitors: Fred
Bowen, Franklin County Administrator; Linda Ivey, Benton County Finance
Manager; Brooke DuBois, Health Alliance; Ed Frost and Gail Brown,
concerned citizens; Matt Taylor and Joe Chapman, Tri-City Herald;
Vicki Rynd, Benton Community Network.
Public Comments
Ed
Frost spoke on Benton-Franklin Health District’s potential cuts.
Gail
Brown spoke on how important public
health is to our community.
Irene
Berger representing Local 17 spoke on
how important public health is to our community.
Approval of Agenda
Leo
Bowman moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the agenda. The motion carried
unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
Rick
Miller moved, seconded by Leo Bowman to approve the minutes of March 24, 2 009. The motion carried unanimously.
Finance Committee Report
Dr.
Jecha reported the finance committee met on Tuesday, April 16th. After
discussion the recommendation from the budget committee is as soon as we get
direction from the state legislature the committee will meet immediately and
follow-up with a workshop including the Board of Health regarding the health
district’s budget.
Max
Benitz agreed that a workshop be held by
the Board of Health on the priorities of funding of public health once we get
better direction from the state legislature.
Brad
Peck suggested if the process is not already underway that Dr. Jecha and staff
begin reviewing their own in-house order and prioritizing so that if/when the
time comes for cuts to be made the board can be better advised.
Legislative Update
Dr. Jecha announced on
Legislation:
Bill
1985 is temporarily dead. This is the bill that started with bottle water tax
but that went away. Ultimately the discretionary funds would all go into one
pot, controlled by DOH so the discretionary funds would not be discretionary
any longer and we would have to meet the Standards.
Bill
2348 the only fee left alive is the $8.00 surge charge on birth and death
certificates.
Bill
2360 is still alive. It’s consolidating the Aids nets regions into the DOH
meaning Yakima would no longer be our region for HIV/AIDS we would deal
directly with Department of Health.
Bill
2377 is still alive it’s an increase on sales tax; it doesn’t have much of an
impact on public health.
Bill
6171 is a Department of Health savings they are eliminating Group B water
supplies, this will have a major impact on public health.
Budget:
Governor:
MVET intact; 5930 intact and local capacity is intact.
Senate:
similar as Governor but with a 20% reduction of 5930.
House:
eliminates 5930 and ˝ of MVET if passed this will be killing to public health.
Board of Health Orientation
Dr. Jecha gave the Board of
Health Orientation presentation.
Vicki Rynd, with the
Benton-Franklin Community Network presented a letter to Max Benitz concerning
the health district’s budget; Max Benitz said he would present it to the board
and get back to her.
Announcements
Leo
Bowman told the board he is offended by
the information provided to the public and it’s not the entire story. Leo Bowman compared Whatcom County to Benton-Franklin Counties; he doesn’t feel the report given
to the public is the whole story. Leo Bowman is referring to the 2007 BARS
report from Washington State Department of Health and agrees figures don’t lie
but he doesn’t believe the same information is in both reports. He believes
misinformation was given and he wants something done about it to make sure that
both appropriate and accurate information is given. Leo Bowman questioned why
there was 5 preventive health staff in the BOH meeting. Leo Bowman explained
that these are his concerns and he feels they should be addressed.
Dr.
Jecha announced April 6th was the start of Public Health week. We
encourage everyone to look at all our posters of our different programs in the
health district.
Sandy
Owen reported 69% of the births in Franklin County and 58% of births in Benton County are on WIC, Women Infant Children Nutrition program. In 2008 Benton-Franklin
Health District served 11,119 clients in both counties, 8,173 were children
under the age of 5 and 2946 women were served. The WIC program brought in 4.5
million dollars to the grocery stores in Benton and Franklin Counties. Our Maternity Support Services Program served 1500 pregnant women. Our Child Protective
Services contracts we have worked with over 100 families. Our Safe Babies Safe
Moms have had 104 women in that program only 1 child out of the 21 babies born
last year from that program were born at a low birth rate. These are the kinds
of programs that are keeping our community healthy.
Bruce
Perkins told the board with the state cuts it could result in Group B water
supply going away. Without this there will be no regulations. If the state
eliminates that program, we will have to develop our own Group B regulations if
the board so chooses. Bruce Perkins will keep the board posted.
Approval of Vouchers
Leo
Bowman moved, seconded by Brad Peck to
approve the payment of vouchers numbered 13 to 16 for March 2009 in the amount
of $551,747.41. The motion carried unanimously.
Executive Session
No need for Executive Session
at this time.
The date of the next meeting
will be May 27, 2009 at 1:30 p.m.
At 2:26 p.m. the meeting adjourned.
Prepared
by:
Angee
Chavez, Administrative Assistant
Benton-Franklin
Health District
__________________________
Max Benitz
Chairman of the Board
__________________________
Larry
Jecha, M.D.
Executive Secretary
BOARD OF HEALTH
March 24, 2009
Call to Order
Chairman
Max Benitz called the meeting to
order at 11:00 a.m.
Roll Call
Dr.
Jecha called the roll.The following
were:
Present:Chairman Max
Benitz, Board Members Rick Miller, Leo
Bowman Brad Peck,
James Beaver, Bob Koch and Executive Secretary Larry Jecha, M.D.
Staff Present:Jeff
Jones, Angee Chavez, Administrative Services; Cody Lewis,
IT Manager;
Bruce Perkins, Director of Environmental Health; Sandy Owen, Director of
Preventive Health Services;Carla Prock, Annie Goodwin,
Heather
Hill, Shelley Little, Preventive
Health Services; Leslie Koenig, Emergency
Preparedness; Nancy Klotz, Public
Health Nurse; Joe Vela, HIV/AIDS
Case Manager.
Visitors:Fred Bowen, Franklin County
Administrator; Laura Zaichkin, Tri-City Herald; Linda Ivey,
Benton County Finance Manager; Brooke DuBois, Health
Alliance; Ed Frost.
Approval of Agenda
James Beaver moved, seconded
by Bob Koch to approve the agenda.The
motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
James
Beaver moved, seconded by Rick Miller to approve the minutes of February 24, 2009.The motion carried unanimously.
Finance Committee Report
Max Benitz explained as instructed by the Board of Health a
finance committee has been established; a commissioner from both Franklin and
Benton counties and necessary personnel are working with Dr. Jecha and his
personnel to take a look on how we can best assure we have efficient funding
for this year and years to come while providing the levels of services at the
health department.The finance committee
is comparing the 2008 verses 2009 budget process.The committee will continue to meet on a
monthly basis and then report back to the full board the following week.
Max Benitz asked the board what their position was on the hiring
of open positions at the health district.Dr. Jecha told the board some positions are more critical then others;
currently we have three clerical positions open which makes it hard to survive.
Dr. Jecha would like the authorization to fill the critical positions.After discussion Leo
Bowman moved, seconded by Bob Koch to request Dr. Jecha to
take any critical personnel vacant positions that need to be filled and direct
it to the finance committee; the motion carried, James Beaver and Brad Peck
opposed.
CanalStreetBuilding Update
Dr.
Jecha announced that the $500,000 balloon payment to be paid to BentonCounty
will be delayed one year; due March 2010.
Max Benitz told the board, the board of Benton County
Commissioners has instructed the BentonCounty personnel, David Sparks to get an appraisal done on the
property of the CanalStreetBuilding.
Legislative Update
Dr.
Jecha reports there are not many bills left.The 1985 bill that puts all the State funding in one pot and distributes
it out to the counties will probably die; if there is no funding going into
this bill it is not effective.
New Federal Swimming Pool Regulations
Rick Dawson gave a presentation on the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool
and Spa Safety Act that took effect in December 2008.
Temporary Food Permits for Non-Profits
Dr.
Jecha announced that many complaints come up about this time regarding
temporary food permits for non-profits.Questions come up; why do we charge non-profits? Dr. Jecha wanted the views
of the board, do you want to keep the process we currently have and include the
fees or waive them? Fees are based on the menu.The board agreed to continue charging non-profits.
5930 Funding Update
Sandy
Owen gave a presentation on the 5930 Funding we received.
Board of Health Orientation
Dr. Jecha gave the Board of
Health Orientation presentation.
Announcements
Dr. Jecha announced coming
April 6-12 we will have National Public Health Week.
Dr. Jecha told the board
health district staff has started working on the strategic plan and cross
referencing the Standards.
Staff is also currently
working on the 2008 annual report which should be available for the board in
May.
Sandy Owen announced on April
3rd the Child Abuse Prevention Rally will be held at the Benton-Franklin
Health District rather then at Safe Harbor Crisis Nursery this year.
Approval of Vouchers
Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the payment of
vouchers numbered 7 to 12 for February 2009 in the amount of $557,238.35.The motion carried unanimously.
Executive Session
No need for Executive Session
at this time.
The date of the next meeting
will be April 22, 2009
at 1:30 p.m.
At 12:05 p.m. the meeting adjourned.
Prepared
by:
Angee
Chavez, Administrative Assistant
Benton-Franklin
Health District
BOARD OF HEALTH
BOARD OF HEALTH
February 24, 2009
Call to Order
Chairman Max Benitz called
the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Roll Call
Dr. Jecha called the
roll.The following were:
Present:Chairman
Max Benitz, Board Members Rick Miller, Leo Bowman, Brad Peck, James Beaver and
Executive Secretary Larry Jecha, M.D.
Staff Present:Jeff
Jones, Angee Chavez, Administrative Services; Carol
Jensen, Human Resources; Cody Lewis, IT Manager; Rick Dawson, Susan Shelton,Environmental Health Supervisors; Veronica Guitierrez, Assessment Coordinator; Annie Goodwin, Carla
Prock and Shelley Little, Preventive Health Supervisors; Bonnie Hall, Client
Services Manager; Nancy Klotz, Public Health Nurse.
Visitors:Fred
Bowen, FranklinCounty Administrator; Laura Zaichkin, Tri-City Herald.
Approval of Agenda
James
Beaver moved, seconded by Leo Bowman to approve the agenda.The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
James
Beaver moved, seconded by Brad Peck to approve the minutes of the January 21, 2009.The motion carried unanimously.
Budget Committee Selection/Discussion
Mr.
Benitz announced he would like to a appoint a standing committee with a
commissioner and or representative from both Benton and Franklin County to meet
monthly to review revenues and expenditures for the health district; then have
the committee report back to the full board at each BOH meeting. Mr. Peck
stated that FranklinCounty had already
discussed this matter at their Board meeting and it was their feeling that a
Commissioner was not needed for this committee and would like to name their
Administrator, Fred Bowen to the Committee.Mr. Bowman recommended that the standing committee be set up to meet at
least quarterly, but may meet on a monthly basis as needed.After further discussion, the members agreed
to select their representatives to the committee at the next Commissioner’s
meeting and report back to the Board of Health.
CanalStreetBuilding
and BentonCountyBond
Payment Discussion
Max
Benitz explained to the board that the board of health agreed, per the lease
agreement with BentonCounty, that a bond payment of $500,000 would come due one year
after we moved into this facility which will be in March, 2009.The plan was to sell the Canal Street facility to pay the bond
payment that is due.The $500,000 dollar
balloon payment is not budgeted into our 2009 expenditures.Max Benitz asked if we want to proceed and sell
the building on Canal or do we want to address it in some other manner; the
board of health would have to find that funding that is necessary for the
payment elsewhere.There was an
appraisal done approximately two years ago but the sale of the building was
postponed due to BentonCounty’s interest in the
facility.After much discussion, the
Board agreed that a new appraisal should be done on the property and that the
building should be put up for sale on the condition that both Benton and
Franklin Counties have the first right of refusal.The Board also agreed that a letter should be
sent from the Board of Health to BentonCounty requesting a
ninety day extension on the balloon payment.
Legislative Update
Dr.
Jecha announced he met with all the legislatures on the 2nd of
February through the Medical Society Legislative Day; their top priority was
public health funding.
There
are several bills supporting public health funding however none of them really
give us any money.Right now we are
getting backfill from the MVET Replacement, local capacity and the 5930 funding;
however under the bill HB1985, it would put all the discretionary funding into
one pot and have DOH distribute the money.If this happens we would lose over $300,000 in funding; there may be a
hold harmless clause that would at least keep us at the same dollar
amount.Dr. Jecha explained we have poor
immunization rates in our state; we feel it’s due to having the easiest
exemptions for vaccinations to enter schools in the United States and there is a bill
currently being considered to tighten those exemptions.Dr. Jecha announced bill 5812 concerns the Composition
of Local Boards of Health; it doesn’t affect the Health Districts, but it
dictates the Composition of a Board of Health.
Board of Health Meeting Date and Time
Discussion
Max
Benitz stated that currently the regular board meetings are the 3rd
Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m.;
due to everyone’s scheduling we would like to change the date to the 4th
Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m.
through May. After discussion an email will be sent out with the new board of
health meeting date and time.
Health Officer Employment Status
Max
Benitz explained in the past we have had a contract with the Health Officer,
Dr. Jecha; this has been an ongoing contract.Through some conversations Dr. Jecha, he has indicated he would like to
change the current status from a contract to an at
will exempt employee.Dr. Jecha has also
indicated maintaining his same salary of 2008 for 2009 due to our budget
situation
Board of Health Member’s Orientation
Packet
Veronica
Gutierrez gave the board an orientation packet that has been put together for
all the board members as a resource guide.
Announcements
Dr.
Jecha announced the Badger Club met on Friday, the 23rd of
January.Mary Selecky
was in attendance.
Dr.
Jecha told the board concerning communicable diseases; the peanut butter
recalls have kept Susan Shelton and her staff very busy.We have a reported case in our community but
the individual is doing fine.
Dr.
Jecha reports it’s the latest season for Flu but its still here; along with an
upper respiratory condition.
Dr.
Jecha announced the Health District’s Sandy Owen is Women of the year for Kennewick.
Carla
Prock told the board we are hosting the OMAHA
101 training here at our facility for all the surrounding areas.It gives us the opportunity to better
understand the system.
Approval of Vouchers
Leo
Bowman moved, seconded by James Beaver to approve the payment of vouchers
numbered 1 to 6 for January 2009 in the amount of $719,269.53.The motion carried unanimously.
Executive Session
No
need for Executive Session at this time.
The
date of the next meeting will be March 25th, 2009 at 2:30 p.m.
At
10:10 a.m. the meeting
adjourned.
Prepared
by:
Angee
Chavez, Administrative Assistant
Benton-Franklin
Health District
BOARD OF HEALTH
January 21, 2009
Call to Order
Chairman Max Benitz called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Dr. Jecha called the roll. The following were:
Present: Chairman Max Benitz, Board Members Bob Koch, Rick Miller, Leo Bowman, Brad Peck, James Beaver and Executive Secretary Larry Jecha, M.D.
Staff Present: Jeff Jones, Angee Chavez Administrative Services; Carol Jensen, Human Resources; Cody Lewis, IT Manager; Bruce Perkins, Director of Environmental Health; Susan Shelton, Environmental Health Supervisor; Veronica Gutierrez, Assessment Coordinator; Annie Goodwin, Carla Prock and Shelley Little, Preventive Health Supervisors; Bonnie Hall, Client Services Manager; John Franco, Region 8; Elaine Ruhlman, Cindy Bishop; Childcare Program.
Approval of Agenda
Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the revised agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
Election of Officers
Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Rick Miller to elect Commissioner Max Benitz to Chairman. The motion carried unanimously.
Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Rick Miller to elect Commissioner Bob Koch to Vice Chairman. The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the minutes of the December 17, 2008. The motion carried unanimously.
Resolution 09-01
Bob Koch moved, Rick Miller seconded to approve the Resolution 09-01 Travel Authorization for Health District Officer. The motion carried unanimously.
Resolution 09-02
Bob Koch moved, Leo Bowman seconded to approve the Resolution 09-02 Interim Health Officer Coverage. The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Vouchers
Rick Miller moved, seconded by Leo Bowman to approve the payment of vouchers numbered 47 to 48 for December 2008 in the amount of $521,039.85. The motion carried unanimously.
Executive Session
At 1:42 p.m. the Board went into Executive Session to discuss contract review for Dr. Jecha. At 2:12 p.m. the Board reconvened with no decision.
Health Officer’s Report – 2008 Recap
Dr. Jecha reported we have a new board of health all county commissioners
We moved into our new building March 17, 2008, very appreciated
We gained an assessment function, great asset to the county
We had a standards visit in May; we will reviewing our findings
5930 funding, allowed us to hire 3 full time equivalents
The WIC case load has increased by 1200 new clients in both counties
Region 8 is working closer with the hospitals
West Nile activity is here and well embedded in the community
We have negotiated a 3 year labor contract with both unions
A written Strategic plan has been received and approved by the board
We purchased Champs a software for Preventive Health Records
We have gone through the Public Health Funding Crisis
State Budget Impacts
Dr. Jecha discussed the Governors budget came out and the effect it has is the backfill is still in her budget, along with the 5930 funding and local capacity dollars those are the 3 significant dollars we get from the State. However vaccine for children is out; we are one of the 6 states in the nation that supply free vaccine for all children. This could bring significant affects on our Health Department. DSHS has been cut by 20% in their First Step Program. Class B Water Supply and Pesticide reporting and follow up could possibly be reduced or illuminated. Poison Control cut by 50% at the State as well.
Childcare Presentation
Elaine Ruhlman gave a presentation on Childcare.
Announcements
Dr. Jecha announced that there was a town hall meeting, co-sponsored by the Badger club and Alliance to look at health care and give back a report to the Obama transition team.
Dr. Jecha told the board the Badger club is meeting at the Red Lion; lunch will be at 11:30 am; to speak about what public health is, does, costs and how it is funded.
Bruce Perkins announced that the State funding cuts still has 7.4 million to make and they are not sure where yet. We may not be affected initially but the cut may affect us.
Bruce Perkins mentioned EH spent a couple days gearing up for the potential floods; with several press releases, interacting with Benton County Emergency Management; with concerns that the snow melting could cause sewage systems flooded out and drinking water wells flooded out.
Bruce Perkins stated the Salmonella is an ongoing investigation; there have been 400 cases nation wide; it appears peanut butter itself is ok but any additives are questionable.
Bruce Perkins mentioned the intent from the Health Department as a whole is to orient the new board of health members; if you have the time we are more than willing to discuss public health and what we do.
The date of the next meeting will be February 18, 2009.
At 2:57 p.m. the meeting adjourned.
Prepared by:
Angee Chavez, Administrative Assistant
Benton-Franklin Health District
BOARD OF HEALTH
December 17, 2008
Call to Order
Chairman Max Benitz called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Dr. Jecha called the roll. The following were:
Present: Chairman Max Benitz, Board Members Bob Koch, Rick Miller, Leo Bowman by phone and Executive Secretary Larry Jecha, M.D.
Absent: Board Members Claude Oliver, Neva Corkrum
Staff Present: Jeff Jones, Administrative Services; Angee Chavez, Administrative Services; Lisa Wight, Human Resources; Bruce Perkins, Director of Environmental Health; Rick Dawson, Environmental Health Supervisor; Sandy Owen, Director of Preventive Health Services; Susan Shelton, Environmental Health Supervisor; Bonnie Hall, Client Services Manager; Cody Lewis, IT Manager; Carla Prock, Preventive Health Supervisor; Shelley Little, Preventive Health Supervisor; Annie Goodwin, Preventive Health Supervisor; and Veronica Gutierrez, Assessment Coordinator.
Visitors: Fred Bowen, Franklin County Administrator; Laura Zaichkin, Tri-City Herald.
Approval of Agenda
Rick Miller moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
Bob Koch moved, seconded by Leo Bowman to approve the minutes, November 21, 2008. The motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearing – Revised Fee Schedule
Jeff Jones told the board with the budget process this year we had to adjust our fee schedule. Jeff explained he met with the Supervisors and Division Directors about the fees and they were prepared in accordance to the fee policy that was adopted last month. Proper notice was given of the public hearing today and Jeff recommends passing the fees as presented.
Bob Koch moved, seconded by Rick Miller to accept the revised fee schedule as presented. The motion carried unanimously.
2008 Health District Budget, Revision No. 2
Jeff Jones explained to the board the revision is usually done in September however, it was not done this year. The revision only moves line items around it does not create any new FTE’s or affect FTE’s. Jeff recommends the board approve the revisions as presented.
Rick Miller moved, seconded by Leo Bowman to accept the 2008 budget revisions. The motion carried unanimously.
Discussion of Canal Street Building
This discussion has been postponed until January 21, 2009 Board of Health meeting.
Announcements
Dr. Jecha told the board we went from 12 to 10 healthiest states in the nation.
Dr. Jecha explained he just presented at the Pasco-Kennewick Rotary on Health Care Systems; speaking of public health and illness care and how they relate. It was well received.
Dr. Jecha reminded the board they will have to renew his contract by Feb. 7, 2009.
Dr. Jecha told the board that the transition team of Obama wants to put health care reform on top; public health is a big part of his section. Our community is going to have a group health forum on December 30th at 7p.m. sponsored by the Health Alliance and Badger Club.
Dr. Jecha told the board we are going to be the subject of the Badger Club’s meeting on January 23, 2009 “Do we need Public Health”.
Bob Koch moved, seconded by Rick Miller to approve the payment of vouchers numbered 43 to 46 for November 2008 in the amount of $630,130.97. The motion carried unanimously.
The date of the next meeting is January 21, 2009 at 1:30 p.m.
At 1:43 p.m. the meeting adjourned.
Prepared by:
Angee Chavez, Administrative Assistant
Benton-Franklin Health District
BOARD OF HEALTH
November 21, 2008
Call to Order
Chairman Max Benitz called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Dr. Jecha called the roll. The following were:
Present: Chairman Max Benitz, Board Members Bob Koch, Leo Bowman, Rick Miller and Executive Secretary Larry Jecha, M.D.
Absent: Board Members Claude Oliver, Neva Corkrum
Staff Present: Jeff Jones, Administrative Services; Angee Chavez, Administrative Services; Sandy Owen, Director of Preventive Health Services; Lisa Wight, Human Resources; Bruce Perkins, Director of Environmental Health; Susan Shelton, Environmental Health Supervisor; Rick Dawson, Environmental Health Supervisor; Carla Prock, Preventive Health Supervisor; Annie Goodwin, Preventive Health Supervisor; Veronica Gutierrez, Assessment Coordinator; Shelley Little, Preventive Health Supervisor; Heather Hill, Preventive Health Supervisor; Nancy Klotz, Public Health Nurse and Leslie Koenig, Region Emergency Preparedness.
Visitors: Fred Bowen, Franklin County Administrator, Brooke DuBois, Health Alliance, Laura Zaichkin, Tri-City Herald.
Approval of Agenda
Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
Bob Koch moved, seconded by Leo Bowman to approve the minutes, October 15, 2008. The motion carried unanimously.
2009 Health District Budget
Max Benitz told the board there will be a public hearing on December 17th to look at the costs for services; Benton County readjusted the operation and maintenance fees and Franklin County agreed to help offset their expenses to the Health District as well. Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the 2009 Health District Budget. The motion carried unanimously.
Health District Fee Policy
Dr. Jecha announced that since we are trying to maximize our revenue through fees the Health District needs to address our fee policy. Rick Miller moved, seconded by Leo Bowman to approve the Health District Fee Policy. The motion carried unanimously.
A Life without Public Health
Susan Shelton gave a presentation please see attached.
2009 Election of Officer’s Discussion
Dr. Jecha announced we have a new charter as of last year; officers were elected up to two years; we can elect new officers or reelect officers after two years like the charter states.
Rick Miller moved, seconded by Leo Bowman to keep the same officers in position. The motion carried unanimously.
Announcements
Dr. Jecha announced he has been appointed to a task force for the State Wide Preparedness Assessment Project for the Philanthropic Sector in Washington State. It is a Bill Gates, Seattle and Seattle United Way Foundation; if there were an emergency in our counties how could the philanthropic sector help. There will only be about 3 or 4 meetings.
Dr. Jecha announced the PHELF meeting here in the Tri-Cities is asking for all the boards to pass resolutions to go to WSAC Legislatures and the governor for funding of Public Health and the priorities. Dr. Jecha will draft up a resolution.
Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve Dr. Jecha to draft a resolution. The motion passed unanimously.
Dr. Jecha talked about the Roundtable being a group of 130 different organizations that are looking at Public Health Funding as a priority.
Bruce Perkins gave an update on the West Nile Virus this year, California State led with 392 cases there were a total of 1301 West Nile Virus cases; with Washington State having 2.
Approval of Vouchers
Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the payment of vouchers numbered 39 to 42 for October 2008 in the amount of $573,819.57. The motion carried unanimously.
The date of the next meeting is December 17, 2008 at 1:30 p.m.
At 2:05 p.m. the meeting adjourned.
Prepared by:
Angee Chavez, Administrative Assistant
Benton-Franklin Health District
BOARD OF HEALTH
October 15, 2008
Call to Order
Chairman Max Benitz called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Dr. Jecha called the roll. The following were:
Present: Chairman Max Benitz, Board Members Neva Corkrum, Bob Koch, Leo Bowman and Executive Secretary Larry Jecha, M.D.
Absent: Board Members Claude Oliver, Rick Miller
Staff Present: Jeff Jones, Administrative Services; Cody Lewis, IT Manager; Veronica Gutierrez, Assessment Coordinator; Shelley Little, Preventative Health Supervisor; Annie Goodwin, Preventative Health Supervisor; Lisa Wight, Human Resources; Carla Prock, Preventative Health Supervisor; Leslie Koenig, Emergency Preparedness; Rick Dawson, Environmental Health Supervisor; Susan Shelton, Environmental Health Supervisor; Susy Bockman-Thomas, Public Health Nurse; Karen Weidert, Public Health Nurse; Nancy Klotz, Public Health Nurse; Marjorie Lindholm, Public Health Nurse; Bruce Perkins, Director of Environmental Health; Sandy Owen, Director of Preventative Health.
Visitors: Fred Bowen, Hailey Wells, Shellie Hansen and Jennifer Wisse.
Approval of Agenda
Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
Neva Corkrum moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the minutes, September 17, 2008. The motion carried unanimously.
Community Health Alliance Report
Brook Dubois gave a presentation on Community Health Alliance, please see attached.
West Nile Update
Bruce Perkins explained that Environmental Health has come to the end of the year for the West Nile Virus Surveillance Program, due to the mosquito activity will drop off significantly soon. Bruce gave a history on the West Nile Virus, please see attached. There were 144 bird calls in the Environmental Health Division that were investigated, however only 17 birds were suitable to send into the state lab. We have two very good mosquito control districts, Franklin County Mosquito Control did 136 mosquito pool tests this year that were all negative for West Nile Virus, Benton County Mosquito Control did 151 mosquito pool tests, in which 10 were tested positive for West Nile Virus.
BFHD Strategic Plan
Dr. Jecha told the board that he would like to have our Strategic Plan approved. It is important to have a policy to take us to the next 5 years.
Bob Koch moved, seconded by Neva Corkrum to approve the Strategic Plan. The motion carried unanimously.
Susy Bockman-Thomas, Public Health Nurse, gave a nursing example for the board.
Budget Update
Dr. Jecha gave a brief history update on the Budget for the Health District and the county contributions. Max Benitz told the board that the budget committee is working on the budget review and will make a formal presentation back to the Board of Health at the next Board of Health meeting on November 19th.
Standards Review
Veronica Gutierrez gave a presentation on basic information about the public health system, what it does and how it works. Standards were established in 1998, there are a total of 12 standards. The review process is completely voluntary every 3 years. The Standards are one aspect on knowing how well the public health agencies are doing in protecting the public’s health. With all the benefits of public health standards there are some things the standards cannot do, including compensate for under funded programs. After each 3 year review the local jurisdictions receive individual results for each standard and measure.
Please see attached table for the overall summary for 2008 local health standards review.
2007 Audit Report
Dr. Jecha explained there were no findings in the 2007 Audit Report.
Executive Session : Collective Bargaining
No need for the Executive Session.
IFPTE Local 17 Contract Ratification
Neva Corkrum moved, seconded by Leo Bowman to approve the IFPTE Local 17 Contract Ratification. The motion carried unanimously.
Announcements
Dr. Jecha announced the Washington State Association of Local Public Health Officials makes public health funding as their top priority. We do need some long term funding solutions.
Dr. Jecha told the board the Washington State Medical Association which he is a representative, has put public health a top priority.
Dr. Jecha announced the joint conference was held in Yakima last week, health disparities, we are the richest nation spending 17% gross national product on health yet we are the 29th when it comes to the healthiest nation. We have the widest range between the rich and the poor.
Dr. Jecha told the board flu shot clinics are going on now; we are down this year because of the number of other facilities giving flu shots.
Approval of Vouchers
Bob Koch moved, seconded by Leo Bowman to approve the payment of vouchers numbered 35 to 38 for September 2008 in the amount of $686,630.15. The motion carried unanimously.
The date of the next meeting will be November 19, 2008 at 1:30 p.m.
At 2.48 p.m. the meeting adjourned.
Prepared by:
Angee Chavez, Administrative Assistant
Benton-Franklin Health District
BOARD OF HEALTH
September 17, 2008
Call to Order
Chairman Max Benitz called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Dr. Jecha called the roll. The following were:
Present: Chairman Max Benitz, Board Members Neva Corkrum, Bob Koch, Leo Bowman, Rick Miller, Claude Oliver and Executive Secretary Larry Jecha, M.D.
Staff Present: Jeff Jones, Administrative Services; Angee Chavez, Administrative Services; Cody Lewis, IT Manager; Sandy Owen, Director of Preventative Health; Annie Goodwin, Preventative Health Supervisor; Carla Prock, Preventative Health Supervisor; Veronica Gutierrez, Assessment Coordinator; John Franco, Emergency Preparedness; Nancy Klotz, Public Health Nurse; Bruce Perkins, Director of Environmental Health; Rick Dawson, Environmental Health Supervisor; Bonnie Hall, Client Services Manager; Jim Coleman, Environmental Health.
Approval of Agenda
Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
Neva Corkrum moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the minutes, July 16, 2008. The motion carried unanimously.
FTE Request
Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the .3 FTE Request. The motion carried unanimously.
2007 Annual Report
Veronica Gutierrez gave a presentation on the 2007 Annual Report, please see attached.
BFHD Strategic Plan
Dr. Jecha explained to the board we just finished our draft on our strategic plan. We believe it’s time to have a good plan to set our priorities where we should be going direction wise.At the next board meeting we will be asking for approval and we would like to finalize it. It really tells you what Public Health does and what we should be doing.Please take the time and review the plan, we welcome your comments or suggestions you might have.
West Nile Virus Update
Bruce Perkins told the board that things are starting to happen in the Mid-Columbia with West Nile Virus. The positive cases this year of West Nile Virus in Benton County are 3 birds, 3 horses and possibly 2 human cases. So far, 41 mosquito samples, 27 horses, and 6 birds have tested positive for the virus in Washington.
Budget Update
Chairman Max Benitz has explained that the budget committee has looked at some of the basic philosophies and policies while working with Dr. Jecha and Jeff Jones to work towards a balanced budget. Dr. Jecha has put some information together and we would like to see if we could finalize it and have a recommendation back to the board at the next meeting. In doing so we could be looking at cuts in staffing and facilities as a way for the Health District to be able to balance the budget. Federal and State dollars are becoming less and less and but the Health District to still needs to provide the necessary services.
WashingtonState Nurses Association (WSNA) Report
Nancy Klotz gave a presentation on the Washington State Nurses Association, please see attached.
Executive Session – Collective Bargaining
No need for the Executive Session.
WSNA Contract Ratification
Claude Oliver moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the agreement between the Washington State Nurses Association and the Benton Franklin Board of Health. The motion carried unanimously.
Bob Koch moved, Neva Corkrum seconded to approve the 3.5% Cost of Living Adjustment for Exempt and non-bargaining staff for the period July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2009. The motion carried unanimously.
Announcements
Dr. Jecha announced that there were no findings on the exiting of the State Auditor for 2007.
Dr. Jecha told the Board there were over 350 providers at the “What’s New in Medicine” meeting. It was a very successful.
Dr. Jecha explained that all Flu Vaccine is in and we are ready to hold our Outside Clinics.
Rick Miller moved, seconded by Neva Corkrum to approve the payment of vouchers numbered 26 to 34 for July – August 2008 in the amount of $1,323,595.77. The motion carried unanimously.
The date of the next meeting will be October 15th, 2008 at 1:30 p.m.
At 2:50 p.m. the meeting adjourned.
Prepared by:
Angee Chavez, Administrative Assistant
Benton-Franklin Health District
__________________________
Max Benitz
Chairman of the Board
__________________________
Larry Jecha, M.D.
Executive Secretary
BOARD OF HEALTH
July 16, 2008
Call to Order
Chairman Max Benitz announced at 2:00 p.m. due to a lack of a quorum we will delay the Board of Health meeting. The meeting was called to order at 3:31 p.m.
Roll Call
Dr. Jecha called the roll. The following were:
Present: Chairman Max Benitz, Board Members Claude Oliver, Neva Corkrum, Bob Koch and Executive Secretary Larry Jecha, M.D.
Members Absent: Leo Bowman and Rick Miller
Staff Present: Jeff Jones, Administrative Services; Angee Chavez, Administrative Services; Lisa Wight, Human Resources; Veronica Gutierrez, Assessment Coordinator; Carla Prock, Preventive Health Supervisor; Nancy Klotz, Public Health Nurse; Susan Shelton, Environmental Health; Bruce Perkins, Director of Environmental Health; Leslie Koenig, Emergency Preparedness; Shelley Little, Preventive Health Supervisor; Bonnie Hall, Client Services Manager; Pam Blake, Gina Hinton, Jessica Bayne, intern Alexis Jensen; Environmental Health.
Approval of Agenda
Claude Oliver moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
Bob Koch moved, seconded by Neva Corkrum to approve the minutes, May 14, 2008. The motion carried unanimously.
Benton-Franklin Health District 2008 Budget, Revision No. 1
Jeff Jones explained the budget committee met on April 28, June 1 & 11to review the budget process. To off set the cash carry over the Health District requested $322, 563.00; it was distributed on a per capita basis. Benton County approved their appropriations of $281,593 on July 7, 2008. Franklin County approved their appropriations of $40,970 on June 25, 2008.
Neva Corkrum moved, seconded by Claude Oliver to approve the 2008 Budget, Revision No. 1. The motion carried unanimously.
Temporary Food Services Presentation
Susan Shelton gave a presentation on Temporary Food Services, please see attached.
School Rules Update
Bruce Perkins announced the State Board of Health is considering adopting new school regulations. In the past, 20 years ago, the involvement with the local Health Department in schools was responsible for food service inspections, plan review of a new school, and facility inspections.Approximately 10-12 years ago a health district got into a tussle with the ESD regarding fees this started the talk on redoing the school regulations. To date the regulations are still in the review process.
Bruce Perkins will attend the public meeting in Spokane next month regarding the 3rd draft of school regulations; perhaps Commissioner Bowman and Commissioner Koch with accompany him.
Early Family Support Services Training Hub Update
Carla Prock briefed the board on Early Family Support Services. One thing Sandy Owen is considering is proposing to be a training facility.The items we would provide in training are the Omaha training system, motivational interviewing techniques, developmental and depression screening tools and environmental assessments. The Training Hub would be held onsite every other month. The Training Hub should be approved with $50,000 to provide these services.
Announcements
Neva Corkrum wanted to compliment the food inspector that inspected their Kiwanis Pancake feed on July 4th, they did a great job.
Claude Oliver told the board he addressed energy issues at the Rainbow push conference in Chicago, one of the issues that came up were high prices that have happened with home heating oil. There was a an expert there on natural gas, one of the concerns they have is working with the mayors, councilman, commissioners and state representatives to get them educated about the high home heating and gas prices, a lot of people will be freezing in their home because of the gas price increase from last year. There was a list of people that were going to have their heat shut off because they couldn’t pay.
Dr. Jecha announced Safe Kids put up a Tobacco Free Summer Safety Sign at the Toyota Center that will be supporting our safe kids.
Dr. Jecha announced the first case of Wes Nile Virus was found in a mosquito pool near Prosser.
Executive Session – Collective Bargaining
At 4:35 p.m. the Board went into Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining.
At 4:48 p.m. the Board reconvened with no findings.
Approval of Vouchers
Bob Koch moved, seconded by Neva Corkrum to approve the payment of vouchers numbered 17 to 25 for May – June 2008 in the amount of $1,222,431.51. The motion carried unanimously.
The date of the next meeting will be September 17th, 2008 at 1:30 p.m.
The budget committee will meet August 13, 2008 at 1:30 pm. to review the 2009 budget.
At 4:51 p.m. the meeting adjourned
Prepared by:
Angee Chavez, Administrative Assistant
Benton-Franklin Health District
BOARD OF HEALTH
May 14, 2008
Call to Order
Chairman Max Benitz called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Dr. Jecha called the roll.The following were:
Present:Chairman Max Benitz, Board Members Neva Corkrum, Rick Miller, Claude Oliver, Bob Koch and Executive Secretary Larry Jecha, M.D.
Members Absent:Leo Bowman
Staff Present:Jeff Jones, Administrative Services; Angee Chavez, Administrative Services; Annie Goodwin, Preventative Health Supervisor; Lisa Wight, Human Resources; Rick Dawson, Supervisor of Environmental Health; Cody Lewis, Information Services; Veronica Gutierrez, Assessment Coordinator; Carla Prock, Preventive Health Supervisor; Nancy Klotz, Public Health Nurse; Heather Hill, Preventive Health Supervisor.
Approval of Agenda
Neva Corkrum moved, seconded by Rick Miller to approve the agenda.The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
Bob Koch moved, seconded by Rick Miller to approve the minutes, April 16, 2008.The motion carried unanimously.
Resolution 08-03 – Support of Additional Public Health Funding
Dr. Jecha explained how important funding for Public Health is; we hope that in the counties legislative packages they will have Public Health close to the top of their list for more funding from 5930.
Claude Oliver moved, seconded by Rick Miller for the Support of Additional Public Health Funding.The motion carried unanimously.
FTE Request
Dr. Jecha explained to the board the work plan we created for the State calls for another FTE as a deliverables of how we will spend the 5930 funding; it was initially delayed by the board because of our budget.After review from the budget committee it was discussed to bring it to the board for approval.
Neva Corkrum moved, seconded by Claude Oliver to approve the FTE.The motion carried unanimously.
Medical Charting Lease Proposal
Max Benitz explained to the board that the medical chart system can be leased for $20,000 a year or we could pay $30,000 a year for two years and then we would own the system.This is a system that will take us into the 20th century.
Dr. Jecha told the board that the medical charting software is necessary to adopt the Omaha system.This will help efficiency either by a decrease of an FTE or produce more revenue.It is a good business sense.
Claude Oliver moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the Medical Charting Software.The motion carried unanimously.
Communicable Disease Report
Heather Hill gave a presentation on Communicable Disease, please see attached.
Announcements
Dr. Jecha spoke about the measles outbreak in GrantCounty.People who do not believe in vaccinations are really exposing their kids to harm.Two blast faxes have been sent out to providers regarding the measles outbreak.
Dr. Jecha told the board the standards visit we had on the 5th of May went well.
Dr. Jecha wanted to inform the board of the new Tri-City link group.The medical society is trying to move toward the decrease of repeat procedures.The three hospitals are on board.If a person goes to the emergency room for x-ray or lab work and then follows up with a physician, the physician can log on and see exactly what the client had done.It should be starting up in a month or two.
Dr. Jecha will be attending a leadership conference and state board of trustees the 16th, 17th & 18th of May but will be available by cell phone.
Dr. Jecha explained in the food division temporary food establishments are up from 205 last year to 390 this year.The food division will be forming a food safety advisory council which is community based.
Approval of Vouchers
Rick Miller moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the payment of vouchers numbered 13 to 16 for April 2008 in the amount of $600,159.85.The motion carried unanimously.
Executive Session – Collective Bargaining
At 2:20 p.m. the Board went into Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining.
At 2:25 p.m. the Board reconvened with no findings.
The date of the next meeting will be June 11, 2008, at 1:30 p.m.
At 2:25 p.m. the meeting adjourned.
Prepared by:
Angee Chavez, Administrative Assistant
Benton-Franklin Health District
_______________________
Max Bentiz
Chairman of the Board
_______________________
Larry Jecha, M.D.
Executive Secretary
BOARD OF HEALTH
January 16, 2008
Call to Order
Chairman Max Benitz called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Dr. Jecha called the roll.The following were:
Present:Chairman Max Benitz, Board Members Leo Bowman, NevaCorkrum, Bob Koch, Rick Miller, Claude Oliver and Executive Secretary Larry Jecha, M.D.
Staff Present:Jeff Jones, Administrative Services; Angee Chavez, Administrative Services; Sandy Owen, Director of Preventive Health Services; Bruce Perkins, Director of Environmental Health; Annie Goodwin, Preventative Health Supervisor; Veronica Gutierrez, Assement Coordinator; Shelley Little, Preventive Health Supervisor; Lisa Wight, Human Resources; Marie Hutson, Public Health Nurse.
Visitors:Chris Mertens, legal council for the Health District; Laura Zaichkin, Tri-City Herald Reporter; Dianna Carrol, WSU Nursing Student.
Approval of Agenda
Bob Koch moved, seconded by Leo Bowman to approve the agenda.The motion carried unanimously.
Elections of Officers
Neva Corkrum moved, seconded by Leo Bowman to appoint Max Benitz as Chairman.The motion carried unanimously.
Neva Corkrum moved, seconded by Leo Bowman to appoint Bob Koch as Vice Chairman.The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Neva Corkrum to approve the minutes, December 21, 2007.The motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearing – Revised Health Fees
Dr. Jecha explained that we haven’t increased fees since 2000 and feel these fees are realistic. Please see attached revised health fees.Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Rick Miller to approve the revised health fees.The motion carried unanimously.
By-Law Discussion
Leo Bowman raised concern on the following sections: 3.2, 3.5, 4.2, 4.14, and 5.7, 10.8, 11.3 & 11.5 and Article 6 & 7.
Dr. Jecha and Chris Mertens will review the by-laws.
Sale of CanalStreetBuilding Update
Dr. Jecha told the board the county agency we thought was interested in buying the building is no longer interested.We would like to get 3 realtors to bring in their proposals and go with the best proposal to get the building sold.
Diabetes Coalition Discussion
Annie Goodwin gave a speech on the Diabetes Coalition.
Health Officer’s Program Proposals for 2008
Dr. Jecha covered these points in his Program Proposals:
5930 – New funding for public health to be used on three performance measures, in rank order:
·Increase the uptake of new and under-used child and adolescent vaccines.
·Improve the timely, complete identification and standard, effective investigation of notifiable conditions per WAC 246-101.
·Develop and implement effective community and health care system interventions to address obesity and its consequent burden of chronic disease.
Standards – April 8 is our onsite visit, they are much stretched standards.To meet all the standards would cost double our budget.
Cover all kids – It is a Medicaid Program we qualify for $50,000 infrastructure and $75.00 per kid signed up.That could be extra revenue and we are going to try and do the infrastructure in house.
New Building – It will be the biggest program change by combining 3 offices and staying open during the lunch hour a great new way for us to do business.
Announcements
Bob Koch has been involved in the impact studies for the last year of the minimum/maximum security prison being built in Connell.The numbers are showing with the 2000 inmates and 600 support staff they had ear marked $50,000 for the board of health.Bob will keep the board informed.
Rick Miller told the board and staff that the Homeless Count is January 24th and volunteers are needed.
Dr. Jecha announced he will be gone next week for 4 days and available by cell phone, Dr. Tim Moody will stand in for Dr. Jecha if need be.
Dr. Jecha spoke about the buildings; FranklinCounty is almost complete still working on the heating and air issues.The BentonCounty building will be finished March 1, and we have planned a dedication February 26th at 11:00 am.The furniture bid is suppose to be ready and submitted Jan. 23.
Dr. Jecha explained the Yellow Fever vaccine is in short supply.
Dr. Jecha announced the Flu Season has started.We expect to see the absentees in the schools.
Sandy Owen commented that due to our budget issues that we had at the end of 2007, resulted in a resignation from a case manager from Safe Babies Safe Moms and other staff is looking for jobs. Sandy asked the board to consider her budget at future meetings.
Approval of Vouchers
Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the payment of vouchers numbered 48 to 49 for December 2007 in the amount of $449,349.77.The motion carried unanimously.
The date of the next meeting will be February 20, 2008.
At 2:23 p.m. the meeting adjourned.
Prepared By:
Angela Chavez, Administrative Assistant
Benton-Franklin Health District
BOARD OF HEALTH
February 20, 2008
Call to Order
Chairman Max Benitz called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Dr. Jecha called the roll.The following were:
Members Present:Chairman Max Benitz, Board Members Leo Bowman, Bob Koch, Rick Miller, Neva Corkrum and Executive Secretary Larry Jecha, M.D.
Members Absent:Claude Oliver
Staff Present:Jeff Jones, Administrative Services; Sandy Owen, Director of Preventive Health Services; Bruce Perkins, Director of Environmental Health.
Approval of Agenda
Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the agenda.The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Rick Miller to approve the minutes, January 16, 2008.The motion carried unanimously.
BentonCountyLease Amendment
Dr. Jecha explained we have a start date for the lease to go into effect and the furniture is added on as well.Rick Miller moved, seconded by Leo Bowman to approve the Benton County Lease Amendment.The motion carried unanimously.
Resolution 08-01 – Travel Authorization for District Health Officer
Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Rick Miller to approve the Travel Authorization for the District Health Officer.The motion carried unanimously.
Resolution 08-02 – Interim Health Officer
Bob Koch moved, seconded by Leo Bowman to approve the Interim Health Officer.The motion carried unanimously.
Fee Schedule Correction/Clarification
Bruce Perkins announced that the fee for the mobile concessions was not included in the fee schedule.Bruce Perkins feels it’s inappropriate what the mobile concessions are being charged, the recommendation from the Environmental Health Division is the fee to be reduced from $290.00 to $145.00.
Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Rick Miller to approve the new fee schedule for mobile concessions to $145.00.The motion carried unanimously.
By-law Revisions
Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the By-law Revisions.The motion carried unanimously.
Dr. Jecha will ask our legal council how he feels about representing our board to include or exclude the executive session on our agenda.
Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Neva Corkrum to approve the payment of vouchers numbered 1 to 4 for January 2008 in the amount of $574,199.90.The motion carried unanimously.
The date of the next meeting will be March 19, 2008.
At 1:37 p.m. the meeting adjourned.
Prepared By:
Angela Chavez, Administrative Assistant
Benton-Franklin Health District
BOARD OF HEALTH
April 16, 2008
Call to Order
Chairman Max Benitz called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Dr. Jecha called the roll.The following were:
Present:Chairman Max Benitz, Board Members Leo Bowman, NevaCorkrum, Rick Miller, Claude Oliver and Executive Secretary Larry Jecha, M.D.
Staff Present:Jeff Jones, Administrative Services; Sandy Owen, Director of Preventive Health Services; Bruce Perkins, Director of Environmental Health; Anna Lang, SBSM Case Work Manager;Shelley Little, Preventive Health Supervisor; Annie Goodwin, Preventative Health Supervisor; Lisa Wight, Human Resources; Leslie Koenig, Emergency Preparedness; Cody Lewis, Information Services; Veronica Gutierrez, Assessment Coordinator.
Visitors:Fred Bowen, FranklinCounty Administrator
Approval of Agenda
Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Rick Miller to approve the agenda.The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
Leo Bowman moved, seconded by Rick Miller to approve the minutes, February 20, 2008.The motion carried unanimously.
Neva Corkrum moved, seconded by Leo Bowman to approve the Small and Attractive Asset Policy.The motion carried unanimously.
2006 BFHD Annual Report
Veronica Gutierrez, Assessment Coordinator gave a presentation on the BFHD Annual Report for 2006.
Presentation from the Community Council of the B-F Community Health Alliance
Dr. Perry gave a speech on We can (Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity & Nutrition) developed by the National Institute of Health as a means of preventing obesity.Dr. Perry felt for the program to be effective we will need a program coordinator.
Fred Bowen, Franklin County Administrator suggested the Health District staff to do an in depth research of the cost and what funds are available to put towards our mission of obesity.
After board discussion it was decided to wait until our mid-year budget and have the budget committee look over our entire budget scenario.
West Nile Virus Update
Bruce Perkins discussed in 2007 there were approximately 3600 cases of West Nile in the United States.The top 6 states were Colorado, California, North Dakota, Texas, South Dakota and Montana.If there is a complaint of a dead bird and West Nile is a concern it will be collected and assuming it’s a good sample it will be sent off to the state lab for testing.120 calls were received on dead birds, of that 67 of them were collected and only 19 were sent off for testing.The state has said only limited samples will be given at no charge this year and after we have exhausted our amount it will be up to the Health District to pay for the remaining samples.
Public Health Standards – Standard 12 (Leadership & Governance)
Dr. Jecha gave a slideshow presentation on the Public Health Standards.Please see attached.
Building Update
Dr. Jecha explained that FranklinCounty is finishing up the punch list on the Pasco building.He explained the furniture is almost complete for the BentonCounty building. The interior signage is done and we would like to thank BentonCounty facilities for hanging them all.We would like proper exterior signage on the campus for direction to the Health District.Rick Miller moved, seconded by Neva Corkrum to approve a request for BentonCounty to install proper signage on the campus for the Health District.The motion carried unanimously.
Employee Recognition
Max Benitz recognized Annie Goodwin for her efforts in the community presenting the Nutrient Award of Excellence for the State of Washington.Great Job Annie!
Budget Discussion
Rick Miller moved, seconded by Claude Oliver to have Neva Corkrum and Max Benitz on the budget committee along with the two County managers for Benton and FranklinCounty.April 23rd a meeting for Budget discussion will be held.
Announcements
Dr. Jecha announced Access to Care has suspended their services.
Dr. Jecha would like to stress how important the 5930 funding is to the Health District, a significant increase is needed for this biennium, a letter will be written to WSAC for their support.
Sandy Owen announced Carol Miller has retired after 23 years of service.Anna Lang is our new employee with the Health District as case manager for Safe Babies Safe Moms.Trina Perez will be starting Monday as a case manager for Safe Babies Safe Moms and Lisa Gonzalez has occupied the receptionist position that was vacant.
Bruce Perkins announced that one of our deliverables for our Standards was to have a community resource guide, basically with the help of Region 8 staff our original one has been updated and staff uses it as a client referral daily.Another one of our deliverables is to have a continuity of operations plan.We had one before that we copied from other departments, however we have customized it to fit Benton-Franklin Health District and it will tell us when we active our emergency response plans.Most importantly it identifies who will take Dr. Jecha’s place if he is gone.This was a key goal to have completed and it’s finished now.
Executive Session – Collective Bargaining
At this time the Board went into Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining.
Approval of Vouchers
Rick Miller moved, seconded by Claude Oliver to approve the payment of vouchers numbered 5 to 12 for February – March 2008 in the amount of $1,078,948.34.The motion carried unanimously.
The date of the next meeting will be May 21, 2008.
At 2:43 p.m. the meeting adjourned.
Prepared By:
Angee Chavez, Administrative Assistant
Benton-Franklin Health District
BOARD OF HEALTH
May 14, 2008
Call to Order
Chairman Max Benitz called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Dr. Jecha called the roll.The following were:
Present:Chairman Max Benitz, Board Members Neva Corkrum, Rick Miller, Claude Oliver, Bob Koch and Executive Secretary Larry Jecha, M.D.
Members Absent:Leo Bowman
Staff Present:Jeff Jones, Administrative Services; Angee Chavez, Administrative Services; Annie Goodwin, Preventative Health Supervisor; Lisa Wight, Human Resources; Rick Dawson, Supervisor of Environmental Health; Cody Lewis, Information Services; Veronica Gutierrez, Assessment Coordinator; Carla Prock, Preventive Health Supervisor; Nancy Klotz, Public Health Nurse; Heather Hill, Preventive Health Supervisor.
Approval of Agenda
Neva Corkrum moved, seconded by Rick Miller to approve the agenda.The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
Bob Koch moved, seconded by Rick Miller to approve the minutes, April 16, 2008.The motion carried unanimously.
Resolution 08-03 – Support of Additional Public Health Funding
Dr. Jecha explained how important funding for Public Health is; we hope that in the counties legislative packages they will have Public Health close to the top of their list for more funding from 5930.
Claude Oliver moved, seconded by Rick Miller for the Support of Additional Public Health Funding.The motion carried unanimously.
FTE Request
Dr. Jecha explained to the board the work plan we created for the State calls for another FTE as a deliverables of how we will spend the 5930 funding; it was initially delayed by the board because of our budget.After review from the budget committee it was discussed to bring it to the board for approval.
Neva Corkrum moved, seconded by Claude Oliver to approve the FTE.The motion carried unanimously.
Medical Charting Lease Proposal
Max Benitz explained to the board that the medical chart system can be leased for $20,000 a year or we could pay $30,000 a year for two years and then we would own the system.This is a system that will take us into the 20th century.
Dr. Jecha told the board that the medical charting software is necessary to adopt the Omaha system.This will help efficiency either by a decrease of an FTE or produce more revenue.It is a good business sense.
Claude Oliver moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the Medical Charting Software.The motion carried unanimously.
Communicable Disease Report
Heather Hill gave a presentation on Communicable Disease, please see attached.
Announcements
Dr. Jecha spoke about the measles outbreak in GrantCounty.People who do not believe in vaccinations are really exposing their kids to harm.Two blast faxes have been sent out to providers regarding the measles outbreak.
Dr. Jecha told the board the standards visit we had on the 5th of May went well.
Dr. Jecha wanted to inform the board of the new Tri-City link group.The medical society is trying to move toward the decrease of repeat procedures.The three hospitals are on board.If a person goes to the emergency room for x-ray or lab work and then follows up with a physician, the physician can log on and see exactly what the client had done.It should be starting up in a month or two.
Dr. Jecha will be attending a leadership conference and state board of trustees the 16th, 17th & 18th of May but will be available by cell phone.
Dr. Jecha explained in the food division temporary food establishments are up from 205 last year to 390 this year.The food division will be forming a food safety advisory council which is community based.
Approval of Vouchers
Rick Miller moved, seconded by Bob Koch to approve the payment of vouchers numbered 13 to 16 for April 2008 in the amount of $600,159.85.The motion carried unanimously.
Executive Session – Collective Bargaining
At this time the Board went into Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining.
The date of the next meeting will be June 11, 2008, at 1:30 p.m.
If you are either a medical practitioner, first responder, or public works official and need to report an emergency that immediately endangers public health, please call 509-543-3851. Only medical practitioners, first responders, and public works officials may use this number.
The public can reference BFHD policies available in Kennewick office.
BFHD Privacy Statement
Copies of the annual report available at all BFHD offices.
About the BFHD 
Benton Franklin Health District