Board of Health

East Orange Department of Health & Human Resources 143 New Street City of East Orange East Orange, New Jersey 07017 NEW JERSEY EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING September 15, 2015 5:30 PM MINUTES CALL TO ORDER: 5:53 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 Tobbia M. Corbitt Reverend Jean Maurice Christine Harris, Chairwoman BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT Rosemarie Brown Horace Henry STAFF Rochelle Evans, Health Officer Donna Littlejohn, Board Secretary Ryan Linder, Asst. Corporation Counsel APPROVAL OF JUNE 19, 2015 MINUTES Board President Harris moved to approve the June 19, 2015 minutes as presented and was seconded by Board Member Corbitt. After a roll call vote, the minutes were approved. ANNOUNCEMENT Board President Harris announced that due to work obligations, Dr. McNeil submitted his resignation from the Board. She added that Mayor Taylor has appointed Mr. Horace Henry to complete the unexpired term of former Board member Iman Hamilton. ESSEX REGIONAL HEALTH COMMISSION Ryan Linder, Attorney to the Board, reported that no legal ruling exists that prevents the Board from withdrawing membership with the Essex County Health Commission. Health Officer Evans reported that during the past several months, the Commission has recently hosted two conferences and is allowing their location to be used as a venue for workshops and training sessions. 1 President Harris asked if the Board decides to terminate its membership with the Commission, is there an opportunity to participate in their training/information workshops and sessions. Ms. Evans responded that the Commission provides environmental services to all Essex County municipalities including non-member municipalities, while workshops are open to member municipalities at no additional cost and all non-member municipalities may attend for a nominal registration fee. President Harris suggested that Board members think about the issue of continued membership and be prepared to discuss at a later time. Board member Corbitt commented that a cost benefit analysis would be helpful to justify continuing to pay the annual $15,000 membership fee. ESSEX COUNTY HOMELESS CONNECT In response to President Harris’ request, Ms. Evans reported that statistical data for East Orange on the Essex County Homeless Connect is not available at this time. BOARD MEMBER CERTIFICATION President Harris announced that the New Jersey Local Boards of Health Association online certification is up and running (www.njlbha.org). She noted that it is very user friendly and easy to navigate. BOARD MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES President Harris encouraged Board members to become more engaged and supportive of the Health Department community programs and events as well as other City- sponsored activities. The Board discussed ways in which to promote Board of Health services and programs in the community. ACQUISITION OF EAST ORANGE GENERAL HOSPITAL President Harris announced that during the past two months, President Harris, Board Member Barnes, Health Officer Evans and other City government representatives attended hearings as part of the acquisition process between East Orange General Hospital and California-based Prospect Medical Holdings. Once the purchase of the hospital by Prospect Medical Holdings is approved, East Orange General will become a for-profit health care delivery organization. STATUS – OUTSOURCED SERVICES RFP It was reported that only one company, out of Perth Amboy, responded and no action was taken by the City. EXECUTIVE SESSION President Harris made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss litigation matters. Board Member Barnes seconded the motion and after a roll call vote, the Board members entered into executive session at 6:33 pm. 2 President Harris moved to close the executive session and to reconvene the public meeting at 7:08 pm. It was seconded by Board Member Barnes and passed after a roll call vote. ADOPTION RESOLUTION Ms. Evans presented a draft application to be used for dog adoptions. Attorney Linder offered to prepare a resolution for Board review and adoption concerning the application. Ms. Evans explained that the information outlined on the application is designed to track individuals who adopt animals from the Shelter. She cited past instances where dog fight operators were dumping dead pit bulls and she wanted to avoid any issues related to mistreatment and animal abuse. She explained that the information captured on the application will be shared with the East Orange Police Department. Ms. Evans proposed implanting microchips in dogs being adopting as well as vaccinating the animals. She explained that the trust fund from dog licenses to fund the vaccinations. A questionnaire/agreement is to be completed by the adopter and signed. Ms. Evans explained that the document expressly states that the City is exempt from any liability. A photo may be taken of the new owner and the animal after a successful adoption as a souvenir. BOARD OF HEALTH FEE SCHEDULE Ms. Evans reported that the fee schedule approved by Board for Animal Control was never adopted as an ordinance by the City Council. Apparently the legislation was not submitted to the City Clerk’s Office. The fees have been suspended until the legislation is acted on. ADJOURNMENT At the end of discussion, Board Member Harris moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 pm and was seconded by Board Member Corbitt. The next Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at 5:30 PM. Submitted by, Donna Littlejohn Recording Clerk 3