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WC CWF Health District Board Minutes - 06/23/2000PLACE: TIME: WICHITA FALLS - WICHITA COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH BOARD Wichita Falls- Wichita County Public Health District 12:15 p.m. DATE: June 23, 2000 RECEIVED IN CITY CLERK'S OFFICE Date BV Time 10:r BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: C. J. Lippard, Chairperson Michael Brooking, DVM, Secretary Gregory Stockton Susan M. Strate, MD Sam Landers, DDS, Vice - Chairperson BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Russell Porter, Ph.D. Diane Stewart, RN HEALTH DISTRICT Reuben A. Warren, Jr., Assistant Director of Health REPRESENTATIVES: Clifford Burross, MD, Medical Director Elia C. Dimitri, MD, MPH., Assoc. Medical Director Barbara Sapp, Recording Secretary WICHITA CO. REPRESENTATIVE: The Honorable Woody Gossom, County Judge WICHITA FALLS CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: Robert Powers, Ass't City Manager WICHITA FALLS CITY COUNCIL: Bill Altman, Councilor SPEAKER: Paul G. Gwynn, Jr., MT, Laboratory/Water Pollution Coordinator MINUTES: I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Mr. Lippard at 12:15 p.m. II. Approval of Minutes of April 28, 2000 It was motioned by Dr. Brooking and seconded by Mr. Stockton that the minutes of April 28, 2000 be approved. Motion carried unanimously. III. Next Meeting Date It was noted that the next meeting date would be as regularly scheduled and would be August 25, 2000. Page 1 of 3 Pages Agenda Item No. Page 2 IV. Proposed Grease Trap Ordinance Paul G. Gwynn, Laboratory/Water Pollution Coordinator, was presented to the Board. He gave a short presentation on the upcoming Grease Trap Ordinance. It briefly covered the history of grease trap problems in the City of Wichita Falls, cost associated with clean -up and keeping sewer lines free and free flowing, and the impact of grease on the Public Owned Treatment Works (POTW). Some of the items covered included the reasoning for the grease trap ordinance, the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) emphasis on eliminating grease problems, and the cost savings to the city and therefore to the public in eliminating grease problems. Other items discussed were the methods of sizing grease traps, retrofit for those businesses who do not have them, new added requirements, frequency of pumping, requirements for permits, and general timeline for implementation of the ordinance. Mr. Lippard commented regarding his business in Weatherford where he has had the business open for ten years and had no problem with the 40 gallon grease trap that was already there. When the sewer line got clogged up, he was made to put in a 1,000 gallon grease trap for his business. On the other hand, in Decatur, he has a grease trap in at his business; however, a nearby restaurant does not and there are not requirements for them to have one. Mr. Stockton asked about companies with systems that EPA has approved. Mr. Gwynn stated that permits are given to the waste hauler and each truck permitted must show where they dumped the grease. Mr. Warren added this is a process that the City has and it's the managers responsibility to make sure the trap was drained and to sign off on paperwork that they witnessed the draining of their trap. Dr. Burross stated that he would like to recognize the media for the commercial that appeared on television, about a month or so ago, regarding the grease being poured down the drains. It certainly makes him think before he disposes of any grease. Mr. Stockton asked how many businesses have grease traps and Mr. Warren answered most businesses built before 1985 may not have a trap and a lot of businesses may not know whether they have one or not. Judge Gossom asked how long before the EPA will be enforcing the ordinance and when will the ordinance be ready. He suggested that if it's phased in, and fee set accordingly, it may be more acceptable to the public. Dr. Landers asked about the apartment complex being effected by the grease trap ordinance and Mr. Gwynn stated that it would apply to future built apartments. Mr. Powers asked if EPA has passed the ordinance and is there a final ruling. Mr. Gwynn stated there is no final ruling yet. Dr. Burross asked if the Health District would check into Mr. Lippard's complaints of having to install a 1,000 gallon grease trap at his business in Weatherford. Mr. Altman stated that he believes this may be a local requirement since each city is responsible for its own ordinances and permits. Page 2 of 3 Pages Agenda Item No. Page 3 Other questions from the Board were answered and it was noted that there would be no granndfathering clause in this ordinance since "everyone" must comply and there can be no exceptions. The exceptions are what lead to the problem we now have. It is not the businesses who already possess grease traps, but the ones without them that are the problem. There being no further questions from the Board, the presentation concluded. V. Update on CHIP Ms. Clements was absent and Mr. Warren commented briefly on the CHIP program progress. VI. Other Business City Councilor member Bill Altman told the Board he had information that the Health District recently applied for and received a new Innovation Grant from the Texas Department of Health (TDH). He commended the staff for completing the necessary work to receive the grant. Mr. Lippard asked Reuben Warren to give the Board a few more details. Mr. Warren explained that the grant has a total of 8.4 million dollars available to successful applicants. TDH received over 300 proposals for funding totaling almost $60 million and they awarded funds to less than 40 applicants. Mr. Warren stated that the Wichita Falls- Wichita County Public Health District's proposal was only one of a few proposals from health departments to receive funds under this grant. He concluded his remarks with a overview of the grant components submitted by the Health District to TDH for their consideration. B. Excused Absences Dr. Porter forwarded a letter requesting to be excused from the Board meeting due to a conference in California. Ms. Stewart called and stated she has a sick child and asked to be excused. Both absents were unanimously excused. VIII. Adjourn Before adjournment, Mr. Warren stated that since Dr. Landers will be moving out of the country, this is his last meeting. Dr. Landers confirmed that it was and Mr. Warren presented him with a plaque of appreciation for his service on the Board. It was motioned by Mr. Stockton and seconded by Dr. Strate that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried u nimously. Barbara A. Sapp Recording Secretary Michael Brooking, Secretary Public Health Board Page 3 of 3 Pages Agenda Item No. —