Board of Health

City of East Orange East Orange Department of Health & Human Resources NEW JERSEY 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING May 19, 2015 5:30PM MINUTES CALL TO ORDER: 5:43 PM Board President Christine Harris read The Sunshine Law into the record and after the roll call, it was determined there was a quorum to convene the meeting. Board Members Present Cynthia Barnes Rosemary Brown Tobbia M. Corbitt (departed at 6:30 pm) C. Iman Hamilton Christine Harris, Chairwoman Reverend Jean Maurice Dr. Calvin McNeill East Orange Department Of Health And Human Services Staff Rochelle Evans, Health Officer Ryan Linder, Asst. Corporation Counsel Donna Littlejohn, Board Secretary Approval Of March 17, 2015 Minutes Board President Harris moved to approve the March 17, 2015 minutes as presented and seconded by Board Member Hamilton. After a roll call vote, the minutes were approved with correction. President Harris commented that the April meeting did not take place and Board members were to attend the open forum on the East Orange Golf Course in Short Hills instead. Members who did not attend the forum would be counted as absent. ESSEX REGIONAL HEALTH COMMISSION – UPDATE Health Officer Rochelle Evans updated the Board on the status of the City’s continued membership with the Essex Regional Health Commission. Recently, the Township of South Orange Village cancelled its membership from the Commission. As a result of this action, it appears that the Commission recognized a need to provide more value to member towns through specific benefits and services, the Commission proposed the following as indicated by Ms. Evans. 1  On staff Epidemiologist to conduct in-service training to commission member towns  Essex Regional will now offer training and in-service education to member town staff.  Commission site becoming a venue for state presentation and programs for mandatory training In response to Board Member concerns, Ms. Evans committed to providing monthly briefings in order for the board to make an informed decision about continued membership with the Commission when the time comes to do so. Board attorney Ryan Linder offered to look at the charter to verify the twelve month notice to withdraw membership or memorandum of understanding if available. DOG POUND ROBBERY UPDATE Ms. Evans reported that the police investigation is ongoing. Ms. Evans added that she discovered that the rear gates to the dog pound were missing the chains and locks previously used to secure those areas, and they are in the process of being replaced. She noted that the veterinarian now temporarily transports the medications to the facility and none are left onsite. A new safe has been purchased. CLOSED SESSION At Health Officer Evans’ request, Board President Harris moved to enter closed session to discuss an upcoming municipal court case. It was seconded by Board member Hamilton and passed after a roll call vote. The Board went into closed session from 6:17 pm and reconvened at 6:29 pm. HOMELESS CONNECT Ms. Evans reported that the initiative to count the number of homeless people in the County went very well and Health Department staff participated. She reported that the census helps to obtain program funding based on numbers and poverty levels. Board President and Board member Dr. McNeill asked if there were statistics and a report to be made available. Ms. Evans responded that she will look into it. Board President Harris commented that the Homeless Connect initiative ties in very well with Dr. Francoise’s (from East Orange General Hospital) presentation concerning early discharge and treatment for homeless patients and the need to develop transitional housing to serve this population. OUT- SOURCING CLINIC SERVICES Ms. Evans reported on the City’s efforts to outsource its clinic services. She met with two federally qualified health centers who have expressed interest as well as St. Barnabas Health Care Center and East Orange General Hospital. The Request for Proposals is in the process of being prepared by Procurement. 2 BOARD MEETING DATES FOR REMAINDER OF 2015 Board President Harris moved to accept the following Meeting Dates for 2015 and was seconded by Board member Barnes. After a roll call vote, the motion passed. June 16 July – NO MEETING August 18 September 15 October 20 November 17 December 15 OTHER MATTERS  A Rabies Clinic and pet adoptions will take place June 13th  Ms. Evans reported that Ebola is still a health threat in the community and nine members of the community are currently being monitored. ADJOURNMENT At the end of discussion, Board Member Hamilton moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:57 pm and was seconded by Board Member Maurice. The next Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at 5:30 PM. Submitted by, Donna Littlejohn Recording Clerk 3