Greenbelt cooperator. (Greenbelt, Md.) 1937-1954, 1940-03-28
WALTHER INTRODUCES NEW
PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURE
By Frank LOTUS

An ordinance establi shing revised public health
department and clearly defining the function and
rules Of operation of this department introduced
for first reading at the town council meeting Non
day night by Councilman Edward Halther.
In regard to Mr.. Wal her's Introduction, which
gave comprehensive but concise view of the ordi-
nance, Councilman Arthur Gawthrop said Whether the
proposed ordinance is ever passed or not it certain
ly won't be for lack of appropriate introduc
In the ordinance is provided, among other things,
a part-time public health officer, and full time
public health nurse, the salary of the not to
be under $500 year, and the salary of the doctor
not to be under 900 year. Both the nurse and
the doctor must be residents of Greenbelt. The
nurse, and all other subordinates of the public
health Will be required to obey the doctor in
all matters and the doctor viii be answerable to
Town Manager, Roy Braden.
Mr.. Braden stated that I'VE need some definite
regulation now, though the ordinance did
have is still in effect and gives definite instuc
tions.n
Health Comm ttee which will advise the Town Manager,
and public health officer non any matters relating
to the community health problems" This committee
is to be composed of representatives from nearly
every repre- sentative body in town, including the
Citizens Association, all churches the Cooperator,
and the board of directors of Greenbelt Consumer
Services. DR.. Charles E. Gill, the county health
officer, will also be on the committee.
The passage of this ordinance will automatically
cancel the previous Public Health Department ordi
passed by the council on June II, 1889. I'm
der this previous ordinance, the public health Of
ficer and nurse we're given three weeks vacation,
wi tn pay starting February l, 1870, and since Feb
gard to public health clinic and health education
except that provided by Mrs. Ruth Corder as part
time
nThe Public Health OFFICER shall have power to
enforce this ordinance and regulations made by him
under its authority" This refers to his regula-
ton and inspection of communicable and infectious
diseases, quarantines, sanitation and inspection,
inspection of stores, misances, inspection of
medical facilities, maternal and child welfare,
health education, and records. Furthermore, Mr..
Walther's ordinance, if passed at its second read
ing, will give the public health officer the power
to assess fine of from $40 to 500 for each vio-
lation of the ordinance any rule that he might
make. He will have the assistance of the Depart
ment of Public Safety in these matters.
Sometime before the ordinance up at the
next regular Council meeting April 8, for its
second and final reading, it Will be submit tied to
the Solicitor of the town, Charles Narberry, who
will read the ordinance with view of advising the
Council any points of law that they may be vio-
laing in following the ordinance to into effect.
Mayor George Warner made the following comment
the ordinance, NJ feel that the proposed ordi-
will provide the people of Greenbelt with
program of public health compatible witt the pro-
gressive nature of town. It should do much to
insure the continuous functioning of the type Of