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 October 20, 2015 5:30 PM MINUTES CALL TO ORDER: 5:55 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 (departed at 7:05 pm) Christine Harris, Chairwoman Horace Henry Reverend Jean Maurice Rosemarie Brown (arrived at 6:16 pm) BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT STAFF Rochelle Evans, Health Officer Donna Littlejohn, Board Secretary Ryan Linder, Asst. Corporation Counsel Michael Burton, Animal Control Officer APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 15, 2015 MINUTES Board President Harris moved to approve the September 19, 2015 minutes as presented and seconded by Board Member Corbitt. After a roll call vote, the minutes were approved as presented. INTRODUCTION OF HORACE HENRY Board President Harris announced that Mayor Taylor has appointed Mr. Horace Henry to complete the unexpired term of former Board member Iman Hamilton, which ends December 31, 2015. Mr. Henry introduced himself and gave a brief overview of his background and credentials. ANIMAL CONTROL Fee Ordinance: Board attorney Ryan Linder presented the draft “Ordinance Amending …By Fixing Fees And Procedures For Various Services Provided By the City’s Animal Control Officer” along with a draft pet adoption agreement. Changes to the ordinance will be presented at the November meeting. 1 Health Officer Rochelle Evans reported that at the request of the City Administrator, she made a comparison of similar fees charges by Newark, Montclair and Jersey City After a lengthy discussion the following fees were agreed upon by the Board members. Ms. Evans explained that the City is mandated by State statute to maintain found animals for seven (7) days. However the animals in the City’s Animal Shelter routinely remained housed between two (2) and four (4) weeks, as a concerted effort to encourage adoption of the cats and dogs. As of October 1, 2015, photographs of found animals are posted on the City’s website. Pet Adoption Agreement – Ms. Evans indicated that the new agreement contains stricter regulations including the signature of the City’s Animal Control Officer assisting with the adoption on two-part carbonless paper, and prohibition against posting the newly adopted pet on the internet for the purpose of soliciting donations or for sale. Ms. Evans indicated that a new owner of the adopted animal will receive a certificate of ownership from the City. Commissioner Harris announced that once the changes are incorporated into the ordinance action will take place on the legislation at the December Board meeting. Ms. Evans distributed a handout outlining the Trap Neuter Vaccinate Release Program to the Board members for informational purposes. ESSEX COUNTY HEALTH COMMISSION Ms. Evans presented an overview of the Commission for newly appointed Commissioner Henry and outlined the Board’s deliberations concerning continued membership with the Essex County Health Commission. COUNTY HOMELESS CONNECT PROGRAM Ms. Evans reported that the census of Essex County homeless persons counted during the recent Homeless Connect Program is approximately 7,000. She noted that the count may be an understatement and did not provide a breakdown by municipality. UPDATES  East Orange Hospital Acquisition by Prospect Medical Holdings – Ms. Evans reported that the proposal is being reviewed by the State Attorney General. She added that she and many elected officials have testified before the State legislature. Ms. Evans noted that 1500 jobs many of which are held by City employees will remain and the for-profit hospital will be placed on the tax rolls. At 7:11 pm, President Harris moved to close the regular meeting and enter into Executive Session to discuss ongoing investigation concerning animal control issues. Board member Barnes seconded the motion and after a roll call vote the Board passed the motion. The Executive session ended at 7:28 pm. 2 ADJOURNMENT Board President Harris moved to table the remaining agenda items until the November Board meeting and to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Board member Barnes and the meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm. Submitted by, Donna Littlejohn Recording Clerk 3