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ARF- 6822
2. C.
Special Meeting
Meeting Date:
08/31/2021
Submitted By:
Michael O'Driscoll, Director
Department:
Health & Emergency Management
Division:
Health Services
Information
Request/Subject
Discuss the creation of a Gila County Environmental Health Ordinance.
Background Information
On June 6, 2017, the Gila County Board of Supervisors approved an updated Title 36 Delegation Agreement with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) to provide inspection and enforcement activities for swimming pools, spas, campgrounds, children's camps, food establishments, hotels, motels, public schools, public health nuisance complaints, and smoke-free Arizona investigations.
Each item listed in Appendix B of the Delegation Agreement has different rules, regulations, and state laws attached to the particular activity which must be adhered; however, Gila County does not have a document which collectively lists each activity and the regulations we must enforce. Also, in December 2020, the Onsite Wastewater Program was transferred from Community Development Department to the Health Division which is included in this new ordinance proposal.
In addition, on August 19, 2002, the AZ Secretary of State signed new rule changes to the State Food Safety laws requiring all 15 counties to adopt the FDA 2017 Food Code. Currently, Gila County is operating under the FDA 2013 Food Code and the difference between the 2013 and 2017 FDA Food Codes are minimal and will have no regulatory impact on the permitted food facilities in Gila County. However, the required adoption of the 2017 FDA Food Code allows the Gila County Health Division an opportunity to revamp its outdated food licensing and fee program to reflect the food facility risk definitions described on page 593, Annex 5, Table 1 of the 2017 FDA Food Code.
Evaluation
The creation of an Environmental Health Ordinance would provide transparency to the residents of Gila County as to what our delegated responsibilities are and the process we must legally follow to require residents and/or facility owners to correct violations of the requirements. This ordinance would also provide clarity on the fees associated with each activity.
Conclusion
The creation of an Environmental Health Ordinance would provide transparency to the residents of Gila County as to what our delegated responsibilities are and the process we must legally follow to require residents and/or facility owners to correct violations of the requirements. This ordinance would also provide clarity on the fees associated with each activity.
Recommendation
Discuss the creation of a Gila County Environmental Health Ordinance.
Suggested Motion
Information/Discussion regarding the creation of a Gila County Environmental Health Ordinance.
(Michael O'Driscoll)
Attachments
Gila County EH Ordinance Draft
2017 Title 36 Delegation Agreement
FDA Food Code 2017
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