Minutes 03/28/2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 28, 2000 Manager, replied, "We have upgraded the lines on Forest Street and hope they're more reliable." Chris Morris, Projects Engineer, presented an update on the Southside Community Development Block Grant Project, "Currently, we're working on Oak Street, and I anticipate continuing over the next few weeks. Southwest Virginia Gas Company is updating their gas lines. Then, we'll move on to Askin Street, Overland Drive, and Union Street. It's a 30-month grant." Mayor Crabtree closed the Town Meeting. Council recessed at 8:11 P. M., and reconvened at 8:25 P. M. Council considered a request by David O. Lewis, MD, for funding to provide dental care for low-income citizens of Martinsville and Henry County. Council Member Dallas moved to donate $13,433 to fund indigent dental services; the motion died for lack of a second. Dr. Lewis stated, "1 represent thousands of people without dental services. This area is listed as underserved for dental care. I ask that you help with undue suffering and set a precedent that citizens don't have to go without medical and dental services because they can't pay. The Emergency Room [Memorial Hospital of Martinsville & Henry County] sees approximately 60 patients per month in tremendous dental pain. Seven local dentists are here tonight in support. The problem isn't the dentists' fault but society's. I propose the following: 1- A dentist will be hired to work at the Health Department to treat adults and any children that are falling through the cracks. The cost for the dentist, his or her assistant, and supplies is $130,000 a year; 2 - The dentist will work under the supervision of Dr. Elizabeth Roycroft, Director of the Henry County Health Department; 3 - the cost for the dentist will be split three ways, one-third will come from local government, one-third from Memorial Hospital of Martinsville & Henry County, and one-third from the Virginia Health Care Foundation;