Approved 6/6/05
HUMAN SERVICES
May 16, 2005
Minutes
Members Present: Curtis Hertel, Tina Weatherwax-Grant, Victor Celentino, Lisa Dedden, Dianne Holman, Mike Severino and Board Chairperson Mark Grebner
Members Absent: None
Others Present: John Neilsen, Bruce Bragg, Randy Marwede and Dean Sienko
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Hertel at 7:02 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the May 2, 2005 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. CELENTINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DEDDEN, TO APPROVE THE MAY 2 MINUTES AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Additions to the Agenda
2e. Lead Issue – Update
Limited Public Comment: None
1. Veterans Affairs Committee Interviews
The Committee interviewed George Bachman and Glen Carnes for a vacant position on the Veterans Affairs Commission.
The Committee held a brief discussion regarding the composition of the Veterans Affairs Commission. Mr. Marwede stated the composition of the Commission is set by the law.
This Committee did not recommend an appointment at this time.
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
2. Health Department
a. Resolution to Authorize an Agreement with Care Medical, Inc.
b. Resolution to Authorize an Agreement with the State of Michigan to Carry Out a Mobile Home Park Inspection Program in Ingham County
d. Informational Item: UAW –GM Local #602 OYC Subcontract
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Health Department
c. Resolution to Authorize a Collaborative Agreement with the Capital Area United Way
MOVED BY COMM. DEDDEN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO APPROVE THE RSOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE A COLLABORATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE CAPITAL AREA UNITED WAY.
Comm. Holman asked why this issue was not a part of the County’s Community Agency process. Chairperson Hertel stated this is a mutually beneficial Agreement between the County and the United Way.
Comm. Holman asked if the Health Department had any future plans regarding the Power of We program (Program). Mr. Bragg explained the Program has influenced many people in many different organizations. The number of indicators will grow over time. He further explained that the same items must be measured over time to determine if progress is being made in those areas. Comm. Holman stated she would support this matter because Mr. Bragg supports same.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
e. Lead Issue – Update
Dr. Sienko provided the Committee with a summary of information which was discussed by the Board of Water and Light earlier today. This summary was provided by way of a power-point presentation. The Board of Water and Light (Board) hired a consultant to test the water quality in 30 specific area homes. One-third of those homes tested had levels which peaked above 15 pbb at some point in the testing process. The consultant recommended the homeowners flush their water for seven minutes before they consume the water.
Dr. Sienko stated the Health Department received the addresses of 28 of the 30 homes which were tested through the Board. Thirteen of the 28 homes exceeded 15 pbb at one point in the testing process. The Health Department offered capillary blood testing to all household members in these homes. Fifteen home owners consented to having this test. Six of those 15 people exceeded 15 pbb. No child tested approached the CDC’s level of concern. Adults tested also did not approach the level of concern.
The same people received a second capillary blood test. This test showed decreased lead levels. It is expected that a third upcoming test will also have dramatically reduced levels of lead.
The Health Department recommends that pregnant women and nursing infants flush their water for seven minutes before consumption.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant asked if the Board would make their study public. Dr. Sienko stated the information would be available to the public. Chairperson Dedden stated radio stations have stated pregnant women and minor children should use bottled drinking water. Dr. Sienko stated that is an extreme recommendation. There are pros and cons to any position taken on this matter. The EPA is re-evaluating their flushing standards; however, the seven minute recommendation was made for specific homes.
Comm. Holman explained the sampling protocol used by the Board. Chairperson Grebner stated his theory that the Health Department should consider cultural influences when evaluating sources of lead exposure. Dr. Sienko agreed with this theory. He hopes this matter is addressed when future lead studies are conducted on children with above-normal lead levels.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant asked about the timeline for the Board to replace the water lines in specific homes. Dr. Sienko stated the Board has indicated they have already changed the lines in area day-care centers. The Board is current with their replacement schedule.
3. Controller’s Office – Resolution Updating Various Fees for County Services
MOVED BY COMM. CELENTINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DEDDEN, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION UPDATING VARIOUS FEES FOR COUNTY SERVICES.
Mr. Neilsen addressed Comm. Celentino’s concern regarding the decrease in the Veterans Affairs Commission fees. He explained the decrease is due to budgetary issues.
MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Severino voting NO.
Mr. Neilsen stated the Health Department’s fee recommendations will be available in June.
Announcements: None
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff