HomeMy WebLinkAbout871026
October 26, l987
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING
The Board of County Commissioners of Washington County convened at ll:30 p.m.
sitting as the Board of Health by President Ronald L. Bowers, with the following
members present: Vice President Richard E. Roulette and Commissioners R. Lee
Downey, Linda C. Irvin and Martin L. Snook.
Dr. John Neill, County Health Officer, and staff members of the Health Department
appeared before the Commissioners to discuss the following agenda items:
1. Leitersburg Water and Sewer Service
Stan Bond informed the Commissioners that a survey had been taken to determine
if the residents of the Leitersburg area were interested in public water and
sewer service. Of 56 households surveyed, 25 wanted water and sewer, 3 were
indifferent, 3 felt it depended upon the cost, 20 did not want water and sewer
and 7 did not wish to participate in the survey. Commissioner Downey suggested
that the Health Department review the study which was compelted approximately
six years ago by the Sanitary Commisison and to update that as far as cost to
see if there is a way to utilize State grant monies. Commissioner Roulette
suggested that they also look into initiating a program to deal with old and
failing septic systems in the County.
2. I & A Grant Program Status
Mr. Bond informed the Commissioners that six sites are eligible for grant
money. The County Administrator stated that the grant has been extended
between the State and the County for another year, and Jack Hawbaker, Executive
Director of the Planning Commission, suggested that the program be readver-
tised to let the public know that funds are still available for this project.
3. Landfill Regulations - Robert Davenport, Director of County Landfills,
presented copies of proposed new regulations pertaining to landfills. A
public hearing will be held on these regulations on November 5.
4. Staff Vacancies - At present, there are nine positions vacant at the Health
Department - 3 administrative, a Vision and Hearing Technician, a Community
Health Nurse III position, 3 Sanitarians and a Health Educator.
The Commissioners asked that the County Administrator look into the State's
requirement that an audit be performed every 2-4 years, stating that they would
like to have the Health Department have an annual audit performed with the
possibility of it being part of the County's audit.
5. Fees and Financial Status - Gene Jenkins, Financial Director for the Health
Department, reported that the Health Department is in good financial shape and
that they are implementing a new sliding fee scale November l, which should
provide for additional money from the medical assistance program.
6. Vehicle Replacement - The Health Department has received an additional seven
vehicles with five more ordered which will replace all vehicles older than
l980 models.
Members of the Health Department Staff who were present reported on their new and
on-going programs.
Dr. Neill stated that there is some thought being given to the possibility of
developing a non-profit organization, which would amount to a Mental Health
authority.
Motion made by Commissioner Irvin, seconded by Roulette to adjourn as the Board of
Health at l2:30 p.m. and reconvene in Regular Session.
County Attorney
, Clerk