HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Regional Health Awareness Board - 06/27/2019
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Regional Health Awareness Board (RHAB) Minutes 06/27/19
Voting Members Present: Dr. James Mobley, Dr. John D. Bowman, Reynaldo Balboa, Ron
Jorgenson, Ambar Qureshi, Dr. James Miller, Aron Baggett,
Andy Saenz
Voting Members Absent: Dr. Mary Jane Hamilton, Dr. Albert Gest, Dr. J. Cesar Bezares-
Cruz, Dr. William W . Burgin, Constance P. Sanchez, Ricardo
Ramirez
Ex Officio Members Present: Clara Rieder
Ex Officio Members Absent: Susan Clewis, Annette Rodriguez
Support Staff: PaulaKay Olivarez
Visitors: Beth Becerra, Virginia Longoria, Darryl McKent
I. Call to Order: Meeting was called to order by Dr. Mobley at 04:05 p.m.
II. Identification of Quorum: Quorum was identified by PaulaKay Olivarez and introductions were
conducted.
III. Approval of October Minutes: Motion to approve minutes was made by Dr. Bowman and
seconded by Aron Bagget. Motion passed to approve minutes by voice vote.
IV. Financial Report: PaulaKay Olivarez reported a beginning amended balance of $69,846.00
with expenditures to date of $11,237.99 and a remaining balance of $53,697.32. Dr. Mobley
mentioned that he and Ron Jorgensen met with Judge Krebs to keep RHAB in the budget but that we
will hold off asking for funds until the following year.
V. San Patricio County Industry: Dr. Mobley discussed paving and new streets in Portland. Beth
Becerra spoke of the temporary roads that TxDot is working on in conjunction with Gulf Coast
Ventures that will be limited access with project dedication. Beth also mentioned that Gulf Coast
Growth Ventures received air permits recently. Clara Rieder mentioned that the steel plant has
recently pulled permits for their project.
VI. Birth Defects Project: Kristen Crow from the Caller Times recently ran a story regarding birth
defects.
VII. Growth and Development: Nothing new to report.
• Permit Tracking, New Developments, Traffic, and Harbor Bridge:
VIII. Progress Report on Open Projects:
• Air Quality – Dr. Mobley mentioned the Egyptian and Sahara Dusts reduce the likelihood
of hurricanes but increases the likelihood of vibrio infections.
IX. Monitoring Projects: No new updates.
• Ballard Pits – Daryll McKent from TCEQ will provide more information in the future.
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• Brine Service Company
• Falcon Refinery
X. Mental Health: Dr. Mobley asked about a possible collaboration with entities for discussions.
Clara Rieder will forward an email to PaulaKay to forward to the board.
XI. Hurricane Harvey: Dr. Mobley discussed kids from south Dallas have arrived to help rebuild.
XII. Farmers Market: Dr. Mobley discussed giving away helmets at the September event.
XIII. Northside Communities: Dr. Mobley discussed Zachary Lawson’s request for information.
RHAB has referred him to different entities to discuss his inquiries regarding refinery row and
the health of citizens surrounding it.
XIV. Press Release: Measles press release was sent out and Dr. Mobley is working on different
topics.
XV. Public Comments: Beth Becerra discussed additional air monitors in San Patricio County by
Gulf Coast Growth Ventures and will have the data available on line soon.
XVI. Board Comments: Clara Rieder discussed the rise in bacteria levels in Rockport Beach and
the two confirmed cases of waterborne parasites in children. Aron Bagget discussed a confirmed
Vibrio case in the San Antonio paper regarding a Corpus Christi resident that dipped his toes
into the water at Water’s Edge park.
XVII. Adjournment: Motion to adjourn the meeting was made at 4:35 p.m. by Ron Jorgensen and
seconded by Dr. Miller. The board unanimously voted in favor and motion passed.
James A. Mobley, M.D., MPA. FAAFP
Chair, Regional Health Awareness Board
Prepared by PaulaKay Olivarez
July 15, 2019