Minutes 12/26/1967 - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 1967 "For over two years, this Council has been very much interested in the need for arem~ide comprehensive health planning for our region and the development of such an organization. Health programs are essential human services which are of cgnstantly increasing importance as the life span is extended, as medical care becomes more expensive, as medical techniques and programs become more complex, and as federal programs provide increasing support. Plan~ing for the establishment, development and funding of health facilities, services and training is of vital concern to this community in its efforts to develop and finance adequate medical care for its citizens. ' Recognition of the importance of ares comprehensive health planning has resulted in federal legislation to fund these efforts at the state and area level. The term comprehensive is significant in that it goes far beyond the three main areas of facilities, service and personnel - and other environmental conditions. During the past year, we have been working with the "Norfolk" Planning Council to j6intly develop and sponsor a truly areawide comprehensive health planning body to implement the federal legislation. When it became apparent recently that it would not be possible to do this within the limitations set forth by the federal guidelines and the "Norfolk" Council, that organization withdrew from joint efforts so as to submit its own application on a partial area basis, l~e feel that this is improper and unfair to the other sections which would be most willing to endorse and participate in an are~ organization independent of the "Norfolk" Planning Council. ~ In cooperation with the two local hospitals and the Portsmouth Academy of Medicine, we held an areawide meeting on regional health planning in November 1965. It appears another areawide meeting, but of a smaller nature, is required immediately so as to give a grou~ of representatives of the whole a~ea the opportunity to consider the manner in which~A~ desire to h~ve thi~ planning done in the region. Our previous meeting co-sponsors have suggested that we convene a group of municinal representatives [2 from each) about January 17, 1968, for this purpose. One person would be an elected official and the other to be a person interested and/~r knowledgable in health affairs. We are herewith requesting the City of Portsmouth's endorsement, support, and participation in this undertaking as a co-sponsor and suggest that the meeting be held in the City Council Chambers. Thank Mou very much for your thoughtful consideration of this matter. Please call me if you have any questions or wish to discuss it." "The fotlowing~pr~sents th~ nosition efthe,~alth~ I~Ifar~'and Recreation Planning Council of the Portsmouth Area regarding ~reawide comprehensive health planning: Inasmuch as we believe that areawide health planning is still beth possible and necessary and since joint sponsorship by the Norfolk and Portsmouth Planning Ccungils does not appear feasible; We favor the establishment of an autonomous Areawide Comprehensive Health Planning Agency which involves all the communities of the Southeastern Tidewater area. We believe that the establishment of such an areawide Health Planning Agency is more important than its sponsorship as a project by an existing Planning Council. We sincerely regret that t~e Norfolk Planning Council felt the necessity for nnilatera] action and has withdrawn from further negotiations with the various participating parties. }~e are in favor of the rescheduling of the December 4th meeting (which was cancelled) which had been called to allow these parties to express their views mhd to reach some conculsions concerning the sponsorship and establishment of an areawide Health Planning Agency. He are willing to continue to participate in and to work with any groups interested in establishing an areawide comprehensive Health Planning Agency which is truly areawide and autonomous from its inception." On motion of Mr. Barnes, referred to a conference of Council. 67-Sg9 - The following communication from I{VEC-TV was read, and received as information: "I would like to extend this invitation to ypu to watch what I'm certain will be one of the most comprehensive studies of the Port of Hampton Roads ever attemnted by and for Television. The program will be presented on WVEC TELEVISION, C~annel 15 on Thursday, December 28th, at 10 9.m. Producer Frank Donaldson has spend many hours researching and filming this hour-long report on the past, present, and, most importantly, the future of our ports. The program will include narration and comment by the people closest to the ports--from dockside cargo handlers to pilots who guide ships from all over the world to their proper berths. There is comment by many port officials -- those who handle the daily routine of dockside activities and those who are charged with formulating the plans for the future. ~e think you will be interested in this t~levision special and we hope you'll be watching Channel 15 at 10:00 p.m. Thursday evening." 67-590 - The following letter from the Wesley Community and Child Care Center, Inc., Mrs. Donald O. Hawkins, President, Board of Directors, was read: "Through the gift of friends, the Wesley Community Center has purchased a lot on the southeast corner of Third and Menry streets, across Third Street from the Center. I{e have recently fenced in this "tot lot" and we plan to furnish it with sturdy play equipment. As you may know, there is no other play area for small children in the Newtown section. Inasmuch as our lot is quite small, we feel that it would be very helpful if the block of Third Street between Henry and Lincoln streets could be closed to traffic. We would like very much for you to stop by at the Center to see what we are doing here. We feel that, when you see the sit6ation, you will understand our need for the ctosing of the street. We will look forward to seeing you." Motion of Mr. ~astes to receive as information and that each member of Council be urged to accept the invitation to visit the Center, was adopted, without dissentin~ vote.