Board of Health

City of East Orange EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH NEW JERSEY REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 February 20, 2018 MEETING MINUTES Meeting Call to Order – 5:45 PM Board President Christine Harris read the following Sunshine Law: This meeting, which conforms to the provisions of the Open Public Meeting Act, Chapter 231, and Public Law of 1975 is a regular meeting of the City of East Orange Board of Health. Notices have been filed with our official newspaper, with the City Clerk and posted on regular bulletin boards. The public is permitted to participate at this meeting. After the roll call, it was determined there was a quorum to convene the meeting. Board Members Present: Christine Harris, President Tobbia M. Corbitt Horace H. Henry Sandra Osborne Shantika Dorsey, Attorney Health Department Staff LaDonna Johns, Director Victor Kuteyi, Health Officer Karen LaRussa Chesney Blue, WIC Manager Marion Nwangwu Student Intern to the Health Department from Rutgers University Mayoral Staff: Mayor Ted R. Green Tony Jackson, Chief of Staff to Mayor Green Ajah Baldwin, Aide to Mayor Green Public in attendance: None Approval of December 18, 2018 Meeting Minutes: Approval unanimous President Harris -Announcements: • Meeting of January 16, 2018 cancelled, no quorum. • Welcoming of the following elected and/or appointed public servants: Ted Green sworn-in as Mayor of the City of East Orange. • Newly elected Third Ward Councilman Bergson Leneus is the new liaison to the BOH. • Congratulation to Attorney Linder on his appointment as Corporate Counsel. • Welcome Attorney Shantika Dorsey to BOH. • Dr. Shereef M. Elnahal, as acting Commissioner of the NJDOH. • President Harris asked all attendees to introduce themselves to the Mayor and Chief of Staff. pg. 1  City of East Orange EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH NEW JERSEY REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 February 20, 2018 MEETING MINUTES President Harris inquired if HO. Kuteyi attended the lecture on Legislation of Recreational Marijuana in New Jersey. He reported that he was not able to attend the lecture. President Harris reported that she was unable to attend because of the flu. President Harris announced that there is new legislation that disbands the NJ Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and transfers enforcement of the state’s animal cruelty laws to local law enforcement. The new law applies more stringent rules and regulations and requires that each municipality have a Humane Law Enforcement Officer (HLEO), all under the supervision of Local Police Department and the Attorney General. Lead Program Update HO Kuteyi reported to the Board that the Lead Program received a Letter of Intent for a $200K grant; a new Lead Inspector was interviewed, and a case manager was hired. East Orange conducts lead inspections in 13 municipalities and will receive a share of their lead grant funds for services provided. Mr. Henry inquired if the promise to share grant funding from the other municipalities will be embedded in a MOU. HO Kuteyi reported that the other Municipalities include the promise of payment through legislation such as an ordinance. Attorney Dorsey asked Mr. Kuteyi to provide a copy of the Ordinances to the Legal Department upon receipt. GovPilot Software Update HO Kuteyi reported to the Board that he met with Mr. Kaseem of GovPilot Software for a demonstration of how the software will work with the HD, however, he could only demonstrate how it works with Property Maintenance and everything is contingent on contractual agreement. The Board had a brief discussion on what is the best platform for the HD. President Harris explained that the goal of the program was to have a better integration of data in real time through GovPilot, however, they appear to be ill-equipped to provide what is needed to the City without further commitment. Attorney Dorsey commented on trademark & copy right infringement, legal issues, pricing issues pertaining to GovPilot. In addition, it is uncertain if GovPilot can create an interface that the City can work with and deliver on their contract terms. Attorney Dorsey also stated to the Board the legality aspect of creativity which dictates infringement and trademark violations which are legal issues that need to be addressed by GovPilot. HO Kuteyi reported to the Board that after conferring with Fratec, the current software company handling the environmental retail inspections program data, that they could fully integrate the health department data at a cost of $10K. Mayor Green shared with the Board that in Irvington they’ve had success with software that has integrated all departments in real time. Mayor Green suggested to the Board a, consultant may need to be hired who can advise on the software integration matter in the City. He also stated to the Board that the software is costly, however, highly effective and efficient. pg. 2  City of East Orange EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH NEW JERSEY REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 February 20, 2018 MEETING MINUTES Site planning Board HO Kuteyi reported to the Board that he’s been attending the weekly meetings, looking at new construction in the City, and giving input on behalf of the HD. He reported that Policy and Planning is looking to develop the Rayco Building across from East Pavilion, as well as the area of Sussex avenue located near Planet Fitness. Fines and Liens HO Kuteyi suggested to the Board that the issue pertaining to fines/liens may have to be worked out with Mr. Benner. He added there are issues with landlords being non-compliant, not providing heat to tenants, as well as, tenants being relocated to Ramada Inn where on many occasions he pays for the stays personally. Everyone agreed that there needs to be an emergency/catastrophic fund regarding these matters, as well as the landlords being held responsible. Attorney Dorsey, informed the Board according to the research of the Law Department, currently Property Maintenance imposes liens on properties that violate the City’s Vacant and Abandoned Property Act, and they do not customarily do that for violations outside of the Act. She added that for other violations Property Maintenance will levy a fine which is imposed by the Municipal Court. Attorney Dorsey added that the custom for the City is to not levy liens unless in violation of Vacant and Abandoned Property Act. HO Kuteyi added that catastrophic funding can be used for dire need situations such as re-location, and currently the HD receives no reimbursements for the relocations and other catastrophic events. Director Johns informed the Board that a catastrophic fund line item will be included in the 2019 budget. Mr. Henry suggested that the HD needs to obtain an MOU with the Ramada Inn. HO Kuteyi informed the Board that the HD had an MOU with the Ramada Inn previously, and they are working to reinstate an MOU with the Ramada Inn. Mayor Green informed HO Kuteyi the City has a relationship with the Ramada Inn and recommended that HO Kuteyi contact Vincent DaSilva pertaining to this matter. Director Johns informed the Board at the Mayors’ request she is creating a non- profit directory. Ordinances President Harris inquired about the following ordinances: Smoking and E-cigs Ordinances - still in discussion with the Health Committee Mercantile Ordinance-HO Kuteyi informed the Board that he is working to make it inclusive of more types of businesses and City activity. Sale of Regulating Tobacco Ordinance- needs specificity particularly relating to distance from school. Director Johns informed the Board that many businesses do not have licenses, however, the HD is in the process of rectifying this issue. Illegal businesses morph into another business from friends, relative, associates. Mr. Henry asked what permits are needed for businesses. pg. 3  City of East Orange EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH NEW JERSEY REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 February 20, 2018 MEETING MINUTES Legislating Issue Attorney Shantika discussed BOH legal issues and the need for representation on the Council Health Committee. Health Department Staff WIC Program Ms. Chesney Blue informed the Board that WIC will host a Black History Program on February 27th on Black Women and breastfeeding, health disparities and why Black Women have lower rates than other races and ethnicities. The event is a collaboration between NJ Health Department and SPANN. The confirmed invited guests are but, not limited to Assistant Commissioner Lisa Asossari, Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and Assistant Deputy Commissioner Debbie Cornell. The Lt. Governor and First Lady are conducting a tour throughout the state visiting places that are helping to decrease infant and maternal mortality which is a goal of the Murphy-Oliver Administration. Ms. Blue informed the Board that WIC Department is running various sites including satellite sites in Bloomfield and Montclair, except Newark and Irvington. Mayoral Comments Mayor Green informed the Board that he apologizes for leaving the meeting because of another meeting he must attend, however, he stated that he is in appreciation of the volunteer time of the Board members. He added that the Board vacancies will be filled shortly. Nurse Karen LaRussa Nurse LaRussa informed the Board there are five student interns working with the HD this semester from Rutgers University, George Washington University, NJCU, Montclair State University, and William Paterson University. • On Thursday, May 10, 2018, Cicely Tyson School will host the third annual health fair. She added that it will be a great event for the Board to attend and inform the students about the Board of Health. • A 4-session health promotion event will be taking place at Cicely Tyson pertaining to sex education, HIV, and STD’s. • Nurse LaRussa will be facilitating an event on smoking cessation with Karen Blumenthal. She added that Ms. Blumenthal will be informing students about the ordinance pertaining to tobacco and children. Nurse Karen stated to the Board that a former student who is currently 19 years-old was impacted by the seminars on smoking and has never smoked. • She announced to the Board that she was on a conference call with Essex-Passaic Wellness Coalition. The Coalition is working on a grant between Essex and Passaic counties. In addition, the first grant session will focus and target Passaic County and the second grant session Essex county. Nurse LaRussa announced that the interns will be working on the following events: pg. 4  City of East Orange EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH NEW JERSEY REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 February 20, 2018 MEETING MINUTES • The 911 Project with the Office of Emergency Management • March immunization awareness event with the Immunization Coalition • Blood pressures and information on lifestyle changes at City Hall Rotunda. Director Johns Announcements LGBTQ Mayor event in Newark NJ on March 6th. Black History Event and Lifetime Citizen Award Event on February 21st. Baby show with Councilwoman Tyshammie Cooper, June 2, 2018 at STEM Meet, Move, and Mingle health event in September. Annual Report HO Kuteyi reported to the Board that he is working on the 2017 Annual Report and would like to include the Board pictures. President Harris suggested bios and pictures of HD staff. HO Kuteyi reported that the second annual report will also contain statistics, vital HD information and a summary of activities. President Harris thanked Mr. Kuteyi for the 2016 Health Report. At the conclusion of Board business, President Harris adjourned the meeting at 7:15 pm. Respectfully submitted, Sala Small Board Clerk pg. 5