Board of Health - Dissolved

CITY OF LARAMIE Community Development Department Environmental Health Division (307) 721-5271 P.0. Box C FAX (307) 721-5248 LARAmlE Laramie, WY 82073 TDD (307) 721-5295 Minutes Board of Health July 23, 2008 Carnegie Building; 405 Grand Avenue I. CALL TO ORDER Becki Burman called the meeting to order at 6:25 PM, II. ROLL CALL Members Present: Becki Burman Chair Ron Mavrich Vice Chair Sandy Novick Secretary Jean Allais Health Officer Staff Present: Judi Davis Environmental Health Specialist Members Absent: Dave O'Malley Council Liaison III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. IV. REVIEW OF MINUTES FROM MEETING 1/16/08 Minutes were previously approved via email. V. OLD BUSINESS * First Inn Gold's Sushi Restaurant is closed. VI. NEW BUSINESS A, Feedback from S.P.I.R.E. (pandemic flu) exercise. * Dr, Jean Allais stated that the exercise was successful and worked well. In the scenario, the pandemic struck the University which resulted in 30 '/o of the population of Albany County contracting the "lmproving Our Quality of Life"  illness-the highest level in the state. There was discussion about the perceived need for Wyoming to develop a plan that is not dependent on the Federal Government for medication and support. It was noted by Dr. Allais that both the State and the Federal Government are stockpiling medications. However, in the case of a pandemic, there will not be enough medications for all citizens, There is a need for public education and improvement in how the public is notified in a crisis. B. New BOH member * Davis reported that Kari Brown has initiated the process of finding a new member. C. Food Service Inspections * Novick inquired about Anong's Thai Restaurant, They have opened since the last meeting. She reported a "funky" flavor in all the food she ate at her last visit. She speculated that it was From combining old food with fresh. Davis has inspected twice and will do a follow up. She indicated that sometimes there is a language/communication challenge that makes it difficult to convey necessary information. Mavrich stated that regardless of language issues, the restaurant owner should be accountable. * Tommy Jack's has had a difficult time complying, Davis has provided food safety training to the kitchen staff. Mavrich said that the kitchen staff is probably not the correct target audience-turnover is too high. It would be better to provide training to the management. * According to Davis, Wingers was in compliance as far as rodent control at the last follow up. She said that another inspection should be completed in the near future, * Davis said that she is unsure of when lack of compliance is critical enough to get the Board of Health involved. Burman suggested that a criterion be established that was based on a number of visits in a designated time period. IF the establishment does not comply-get them involved, D. State handling annual licensing * Davis reported that the State continues to express an interest in handling the annual food establishment licensing. Board members remembered discussing and approving this in the past. Davis said that it would require that an MOU between the State and the City be changed. Allais asked how it works in Cheyenne and Casper. It was suggested that Davis research what the process is in other areas of the State. The question was asked about establishments Falling through the cracks. Mavrich expressed concern about the length of time it would take to revoke a license. It was determined that we "lmproving Our Quality of Life"  need to know the mechanisms for critical components of the process-such as opening a new establishment and revocation of licensure before a final recommendation is made. The final decision will be made via email correspondence. It will be based on information that Davis will provide from further research about how the process works throughout the rest of the State, Burman said that if the decision is made to change the process, Davis is to draft a letter with the recommendation. E. Farmer's Market * Davis explained the licensing process. There is a new Sampling License available to Farmer's Market Vendors who are providing free samples. Vendors, who are sampling, can purchase a license that is valid for 14 non-consecutive days within 3 consecutive months. Vendors who are preparing and selling food on the site will continue to be required to purchase a Temporary License that is valid for 14 consecutive days. Vendors who prepare and package food at a licensed commercial kitchen can qualify for an annual food permit that allows distribution. F. Pigeons * Davis said that Peter Wysocki has assigned her the task or researching what to do with the pigeon population after the demolition of the Fox Theater. It was suggested that Davis consult with APHIS about plans other cities have implemented. G. New Food Licenses * There are several new restaurants in the planning or building process. Quiznos has expressed interest in developing a Laramie site. McAllister's Deli will be opening soon. Davis has inspected and licensed 7 new mobile units. H. Cottage Licensing Proposal * Davis attended a public interest meeting in Cheyenne to aid in developing a "Cottage Law." If this legislation is passed it would allow non-hazardous foods to be prepared in a home kitchen. Several other states have implemented a similar process. I, Standardization for Inspectors 'lmproving Our Quality of Life"  * Davis will be working with the regional FDA inspector in Denver to become "standardized." She will be doing inspections with him to learn about what the FDA expects from their inspectors. VII. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS * Davis introduced an assessment tool that she will be using to determine the number of inspections an establishment will require within a year. It was approved. * Davis informed the board of an unlicensed tattoo shop. She has investigated the establishment. She has informed Jason Carley and Gabe Smith, owners, of the need to cease and desist tattooing until the establishment has complied with City of Laramie rules and regulations regarding tattooing, Davis said that the establishment does not currently have an autoclave and is using "singe use" equipment. The City of Laramie regulations say that permanent establishments shall have an autoclave. The regulations allow the use of "single use" equipment for temporary establishments, Davis asked if it is possible to grant a waiver allowing Mr. Smith to use "single use" equipment until he can afford to purchase an autoclave. Burman requested more information regarding "single use" and the autoclave requirement. It was decided that it this time Mr. Smith must comply with the requirement. Novick said it is possible to modify the code but that would be a lengthy process. Davis will provide the board with more information via email. VIII. ADJOURNMENT )otion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 P.M. /" 'lmproving Our Quality of Life"