HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93010_0345 (2)year, and the school system would not be delayed with its plans. Blumenstein said she
recommended a COPS issue rather than a direct placement loan due to these factors.
It was the consensus of the board to allow Mrs. Blumenstein to set the pace on the loan
transaction in order to secure the best package.
WEST NILE VIRUS UPDATE: Commissioner Bowles and Health Director Ray Rabe
briefed the board on precautionary measures the health department planned to use against the West
Nile Virus. Bowles said the health board had agreed to spend more money for community
education. He said $4,750 would be budgeted for FY 2001-02. Mr. Bowles said that since
mosquitoes were attracted to water, the public would be advised to empty birdbaths and other outside
containers. Commissioner Bowles said the health board had talked about a spray program, and even
discussed the possibility ofpurchasing two spray trucks, but decided to instead use the educational
direction. Mr. Bowles said the reasoning in not pursuing the spray program, at this time, was due
to the difficulty in destroying both the larvae and adult mosquitoes.
Rabe said the type of vector carrying the virus worked during the day. He said water was a
key element and this area would probably be more susceptible than other parts of the country. Mr.
Rabe said the age groups he was primarily concerned about were the young and elderly. He said if
a healthy middle-aged person was infected the symptoms might be something similar to the flu.
However, for the young and elderly, encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, could occur. Rabe also
said that in 20 or 30 years, a natural immunity might occur against the virus. He said there were
currently 3 species of mosquitoes transmitting the disease, but this might increase up to I5.
GROUP PURCHASING: Commissioner Williams asked the status on the group
purchasing project for the fire departments. The county manager said he would get an update.
ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Tice adjourned the briefing at 6:10 p.m
Approved: a ,10 Aq ( d,; C /��_
Clerk to the Board