THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 26, 1995 TAG: 9511230207
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 77 lines
Most inspection results are open to the public
A recent television program prompted several letters expressing concerns with restaurant inspection procedures and records.
I would like to address those concerns as they relate to the Western Tidewater Health District.
Our staff members are very dedicated and conscientious in performing their duties. They are knowledgeable, constantly working to stay abreast with latest information and technology.
The role of the environmental health specialist goes far beyond that of inspector. Perhaps most important is role as an educator. The education of food service staff on proper food handling procedures and practices can eliminate many of the problems depicted in the television program.
Each letter focused on restaurant scores and the availability of restaurant records for public view. Existing inspection procedures involve a 44-item inspection sheet. Based on the nature and number of violations found, a score is derived.
Effective Jan. 1, 1996, new guidelines for the nature and frequency of food service protections services will be implemented. There will no longer be an inspection form that reflects a numerical score. The frequency of inspection will be determined by the epidemiological hazard posed by the food preparation processes undertaken in each establishment.
The Health Department often receives questions relating to inspection records. Records of food establishment inspections are a matter of public record and may be viewed under guidelines of the Freedom of Information Act. The Western Tidewater Health District requires written requests to view records. Records of establishments that may be under pending litigation are not open for public view.
I would encourage anyone having questions regarding food inspection procedures to contact your local Health Department. We welcome the opportunity to share our knowledge with the public. We have a very effective food service protection program.
Calvin W. Jones
Environmental Health Manager
Western Tidewater Health District So now Suffolk has government by polling?
Are we now at the point of government by polling?
The extra paid holiday for Monday, July 3, to provide city employees a long weekend, was approved by polling members of council. The assistant to the city manager polled members of City Council by telephone. That's a very scary tactic in a free society.
We have a similar situation now to make Friday after Thanksgiving a paid holiday for all city employees. At the department heads' outing last week, Councilman Underwood made the statement he had polled members of council and had the four votes needed. We hear that other members of council had not been polled.
A fax was sent to the city attorney on Monday, Nov. 20, at 9:12 a.m. by the writer asking for the legality of ``government by polling,'' and at the close of business no reply had been received.
We now hear that Councilmen Carter and Underwood late Monday afternoon called a special council meeting at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving - with the only agenda item of granting Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, a paid holiday.
The mayor can call a special meeting, but it requires two members of council to exercise this privilege. Why was this subject not discussed in open session of the regular council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 15? Why wait until Monday, only two working days after the regular meeting, to call a special session? Is this such an urgent matter?
This most insidious form of action by the city manager and the two members of council reeks of impropriety in government.
Talmadge C. Jones
Harbor Road
Suffolk by CNB