Board of Health

EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 October 16, 2018 MEETING MINUTES Meeting Call to Order – 5:40 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 - arrived at 5:42pm Horace H. Henry Deanna Phillips Angela Jones- Williams Derrick Samuels - teleconferenced in at 5:43pm Board of Health Counsel: Joseph Campbell, Interim Attorney assigned to the Board of Health Health Department Staff: Michael Hodges, Director of Health and Human Services Victor Kuteyi, Health Officer Karen Johnson-LaRussa, Nurse, Community Health Educator Chesney Blue, WIC Coordinator Jo-Ann Mills, Administrative Assistant to Health Officer Victor Kuteyi Mayoral Staff: Bergson Leneus, 3rd Ward City Council Liaison Ajah Baldwin, Office of the Mayor Public in attendance: None Approval of September 18, 2018 Meeting Minutes: Approval unanimous Announcements President Harris: • President Harris welcomed Joseph Campbell, interim attorney to the Board, while Attorney Dorsey is on Maternity Leave. pg. 1  EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 October 16, 2018 MEETING MINUTES • President Harris attended the Men’s Health Conference & BBQ, on Thursday, October 4th, at the East Orange Senior Center. Director Hodges’ speech on men’s health was well received by attendees. • President Harris, Trustee Corbitt, and Director Hodges walked the in the annual “Pink Out of the Oranges Breast Cancer Awareness Walk”, held on Saturday, October 13th. Attendance was affect by the weather. • President Harris indicated that the 3C’s (Community Cat Care) forum has been postponed until February 2019, as it takes time and effort to properly organize. The hope is to have the event announced at the time of the Mayor’s State of The City Address. Trustee Phillips was asked to discuss her meeting with East Orange citizens involved in this effort, later in the meeting. • The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) will be conducting assessments of local boards of health (LBH) and health departments, to determine compliance within the Public Health Practice Standards of Performance for Local Boards of Health. President Harris provided meeting attendees with the Local Health Department Performance Preparation Tool. Director Hodges also distributed a flyer illustrating the Public Health Core Functions and 10 Essential Services. Minutes of the September 2017 BOH meeting indicates that HO Kuteyi provided the board with the HD Performance Evaluation report. This discussion reacquainted the board members of the upcoming evaluation. • President Harris announced that the League of Municipalities Convention will be held in Atlantic City, November 13-15th at the Atlantic City Conference Center. President Harris will be giving a presentation on Wednesday, November 14th, sponsored by the NJDOH & New Jersey Association of City and County Health Officials (NJACCHO). The health of New Jersians will be the focus of her presentation. President Harris advocated for board members to attend as there is a vast exhibition of vendors and opportunities for continuing education credits. Please review their website: njslom.org, for session options. • President Harris spoke about the upcoming marijuana legislation, suggesting issues to be considered such as: accidents resulting from being under the influence of marijuana; marijuana usage around children; and how to make marijuana chewables unappealing to children. Ajah Baldwin mentioned that the city has received letters from citizens having an interest in maintaining marijuana factories, farming and distribution in East Orange. She stated that she would send additional information on the topic at a later date. Trustee Corbitt asked if we could have a speaker, knowledgeable about the marijuana legislation to organize a presentation for the BOH. Ajah said she would reach out to a representative. President Harris said that research materials would be necessary. Trustee Deanna Philips Updates: Trustee Phillips met with East Orange residents Gladys Hornton and Kathy Yates, who assist the CPAW NJ organization, on Monday, October 15th, at the East Orange Library. The meeting’s objective was to devise innovative concepts for the 3C’s forum. Both Ms. Hornton pg. 2  EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 October 16, 2018 MEETING MINUTES and Ms. Yates seemed enthusiastic about the BOH’s instantaneous consideration of this issue. Some key points of the discussion included but were not limited to: o Education and awareness of East Orange residents. o Identifying residents who are willing to assist in cat care and possibly adopt. o Educating residents about in-home cat care and reducing the number of cats/kittens that are abandoned by residents after being taken in. o Providing safety education for residents whom wish to keep cats off their property. o Reaching out to Rubbermaid and other agencies to provide bins that create cat shelters. Locating residents who would are interested in maintaining shelters on their property, especially during the winter. A prior assessment indicated that East Orange is home to approximately 3-4,000 feral cats, however, we do not know the current numbers. Trustee Phillips created goals for the forum. Short-term goals: to aspire to be educational, receive cat care participants; and, identify funding sources which will provide grant assistance. Long term goals: augmenting our shelter’s capacity for sheltering animals; identifying consistent and financially stable sources capable of providing trap, neuter, vaccinate service which would safely decrease the cat population. Trustee Phillips attended a forum and will be reviewing neighboring communities with successful programs. She plans to meet with Ms. Hornton and Ms. Yates in the near future and confirmed there are numerous East Orange residents interested in assisting with this cause. She mentioned a need to identify food pantries which supply cat food, especially to senior residents who would love to own cats as a companion but are unable to afford cat food. The Community Food Bank was a presenter at a meeting attended by Trustee Phillips where she asked if they currently offer pet food to residents. The Food Bank stated that currently they do not, however they are willing to discuss as it may be a future possibility. They did provide a resource for pantries that do furnish pet food. The BOH spoke about advertising, at East Orange Ward meetings, to locate residents interested in adopting or having a shelter on their property. Further discussions involve cats rate of reproduction, other methods of sterilization and cost. Mr. Hodges, Director - Updates: Director Hodges provided background information as to how Standards of Public Health were formed in New Jersey and the handout outlines the public health core functions and 10 essential services, developed by the Institute of Medicine in 1994. Many if not most state and local health departments have adopted this paradigm for providing public health services. These essential services are embodied in Title 8, Chapter 52 of New Jersey Standards of Performance for Local Boards of Health. The local health department performance evaluation preparation tool measures how well the 10 essential services are provided. Dir. Hodges discussed in great detail the roles of administration (Health Officer) and BOH, and how they must work together. These pg. 3  EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 October 16, 2018 MEETING MINUTES standards are very scientific and held to a high authority, not met within most professions, except possibly the education sector. According to Standard #3 of the document, it is imperative that BOH members continually participate in various types of leadership, orientation, and educational training. The state health department will hire experienced retired health officers, to come out and convene for one day at a minimum with the local health officer and any other relevant staff to appraise our documentation to make sure that we are providing all of these essential services. Dir. Hodges indicated that it is an exhaustive procedure, but he has prior experience as it occurred during his tenure at West Milford. It is really important that the BOH ensures the health department has all of the resources and expertise that it needs to provide these services. Director Hodges met with the CEO of East Orange General Hospital last week and discussed EMS services and their interest in providing this services to the City. This would relieve the city of a substantial cost of approximately $600,000 a year. The issue was presented to the City’s Business Administrator and Corporation Counsel for further review. Dir. Hodges stated that the bidding process is mandatory. In response to Trustee Corbitt query, should EOG win the bid and provide EMS services, they would be the first option. However, EO residents still have the option of requesting a hospital of their choice, within a certain mile radius. We should support E.O. General, as it is a vital entity in our community and one of the few remaining municipal hospitals in NJ. Extensive discussions ensued regarding the biding process, EMS service, equipment requirements and RFP specifications. President Harris stated that all requirements will be considered when reviewing RFP for EMS services and once the Board receives all bids, the metrics will be used in the selection process. In the interim, citizens are continually covered by Pulse EMS, contracted on a month to month basis. Director Hodges congratulated Ms. Blue for being selected to sit on the National WIC Associations, Maternal Mortality Task Force, as an at large member. They are tasked with educating the public and the WIC Centers to decrease maternal mortality, which is very excessive in the state of New Jersey and is even higher for black women. Director Hodges stated that Health and Human Services will be relocating to 40 North Munn Avenue in the old day care center. He toured this building last month and this week toured the FQHC (Federally, Qualified, Health Center) building on Williams Street. Both buildings are 14,000 square feet and he really liked the layout of the FQHC building and felt it gave us ideas as to how the offices should be constructed in the new location. At this time, we have not been given a time line for the move. President Harris asked if 40 N. Munn would be the final health department location or a temporary one. Director Hodges stated if they can get the building designed in a practical manner, such as eliminating the need for ramps, or elevators, since it is one level, then that would be our permanent location if the City permits. pg. 4  EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 October 16, 2018 MEETING MINUTES Mr. Kuteyi, Health Officer – Updates: HO Kuteyi reported that Norman Towers is in the process of refurbishing their sewage system and have not had any issues. HO Kuteyi has visited Norman Towers daily, to ensure that there are no incidents or problems concerning the residents. Residents were given adequate notice of the sewage system restoration and are provided bottled water and access to restrooms daily. President Harris requested the status of the food handlers training sessions. HO Kuteyi stated he is waiting for the ordinance to pass, before taking any action. Today the Environmental Department participated in a software demo from Tyler Technologies, called EnerGov. If selected this software would be utilized to process retail food inspections in real time. HO Kuteyi and Director Hodges both expressed favorable reviews of the EnerGov software. President Harris asked if the software would allow us to coordinate our activities with other departments in the city in real time. Director Hodges stated that this one was the best they have seen. President Harris asked if this is the program that would be adopted by the city, and Director Hodges stated it’s the one he would suggest. HO Kuteyi stated we can utilize the software with IPad/Tablets, in the field in real time. HO Kuteyi stated inspectors will have the option of saving an inspection as a draft then have someone review it prior to posting. Trustee Henry asked if our inspectors would be provided with iPads, and HO Kuteyi stated that we don’t know at this time. Trustee Henry asked Councilman Leneus, if he was on board with them having the technology and explained the ease of completing inspections in the field. Councilman Leneus stated that while he supports the use of technology in the field, we would have to create a cost analysis explaining how the program would operate more efficiently and at what cost to the city. Trustee Samuels discussed some disturbing methods employed by Burnett BBQ on Hoffmann Blvd when cleaning their wall. Someone was standing on the grill, and water was being splashed about while cooking and food service were in progress. Trustee Samuels also commended on Burnett BBQs clean appearance inside. Another patron commented on rodent activity near a trashcan at the rear of the facility. HO Kuteyi stated that he would visit the location and address the issues. Trustee Henry asked HO Victor, if a solution had been created which would circumvent his having to use personal credit cards to house residents at the hotel when they didn’t have adequate heat during the winter. HO Kuteyi stated that the City has an agreement with the hotel to house residents during emergencies. HO Kuteyi noted that the city also has a credit card for such emergencies. President Harris asked if 24-48 is the cut off period for housing pg. 5  EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 October 16, 2018 MEETING MINUTES residents. HO Kuteyi stated that it is contingent on the level of emergency. So far in 2018 the few cases of resident placements were the responsibility of owner moving the tenant to a different apartment or arranging their hotel stay. HO Kuteyi is preparing an ordinance to prohibit the feeding of wild animals in the city excluding feral cats. Lead Inspector HO Kuteyi reported to the Board that the lead program is doing well, they have one pending cases but until he gets feedback from the lead inspector on the case he does not wish to report on the status of that property. He provided the Lead inspector with the software needed for inspections. Nutrition Program HO Kuteyi reported to the Board that the Food Program is in compliance. Director Hodges stated that he is exploring new avenues that will make the municipalities that we serve help offset the cost of the program. Director Hodges is also interested in expanding the program, as it is currently being underutilized as a free food program. Director Hodges would like the expansion to incorporate more nutritional, educational, and promotional endeavors. Attorney Campbell Updates: President Harris asked Attorney Campbell if he would provide updates on several ordinances created in 2017 & 2018? HO Kuteyi answered stating passage of the following: Display of food and beverage ordinance; vicious and potentially dangerous dogs’ ordinance; and sale of tobacco to persons under the age of 21 ordinance. Attorney Campbell will follow-up with Attorney Dorsey on the mercantile permits; BOH autonomy; guidelines on selling e-cig; fees imposed on retail sale of e-cigs, gels, vapors, and related paraphernalia; and retail sale of tobacco near schools. President Harris noted that the issue of board autonomy is crucial as it affects several variables, including but not limited to, the BOH’s identification on publicized written communication relative to the pending forum flyer and publication about the BOH. HO Kuteyi was able to provide updates on the mercantile ordinance, still under review because the BA is considering realigning the ordinance to address city-wide issues, and brand it as all-inclusive for businesses operating in East Orange. At this time, only about half of businesses operating in East Orange are registered and many of which do not have permits. Bringing all businesses under the mercantile umbrella would allow the city to regulate registration fees and permits. The tattoo parlors will be separated from the mercantile umbrella although they will be required to possess a mercantile permit. Tattoo parlors will obtain their permits under the BOH. The e-cig and retail sale of tobacco near school’s ordinances are still pending; the e-cig pg. 6  EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 October 16, 2018 MEETING MINUTES portion was omitted from the ordinance so HO Kuteyi, provided supplemental documentation to Attorney Campbell. Health Department Staff: WIC Program Updates Ms. Blue stated she believes that our WIC office has the highest amount of people who identify as black or African American than any other city throughout the state, so we have a high amount compared to other WIC clinics which service a high number of other races. Ms. Blue plans to request additional funding in 2019, to increase the hours of her current breast- feeding staff. WIC currently has one fulltime and 2-part time breast-feeding staff. According to a WIC survey the number of women electing to breast feed has increased. Receiving additional state funding is important as breast feeding decreases both infant mortality and maternal mortality. WIC has an exceptionally well-informed lactation consultant, who is the manager of the breast-feeding staff. The breast-feeding staff is culturally relevant, one speaks Spanish and the other speaks French Creole, which covers the population that we service. President Harris asked if we still partner with the Doula Association. Ms. Blue informed us that we do, however the organization had some funding issues, which may have been recently rectified by the state, and should be revamping soon. Ms. Blue distributed three pieces of literature with talking points referencing new regulations that are pending under the Trump Administration. This regulation could affect the number of WIC clients and the program benefits, as undocumented immigrants are not eligible to use public services. Literature also informed staff to provide information to ICE only when a court order is presented and they are not obligated to comply with administrative warrants; and, literature where immigration lawyers are directing clientele to disassociate themselves from public programs. A few families are returning their WIC funding. Councilman Leneus asked if these regulations applied to the Sanctuary City of East Orange? Ms. Blue replied that those regulations would still apply. ICE ignores rule set by sanctuary cities if there is a court order. Ms. Blue instructed her staff to direct ICE to her should they visit our East Orange location. Ms. Blue commented that she is available should Attorney Campbell have any questions or wished to receive additional copies of President Harris stated that this is going to negatively affect WIC’s numbers as families give back their benefits. Ms. Blue has stated that approximately 8 families have called stating they wanted to return their funds and the number may increase as all undocumented immigrants may not call to make us aware of their decision not to use WIC services. Open Discussion: pg. 7  EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 October 16, 2018 MEETING MINUTES Trustee Williams mentioned that during the September 2018 BOH meeting, the topic of bodegas serving hot food was discussed. Trustee Williams spoke with a few seniors who stated that they depend on the bodegas for their hot meals. Many seniors may not physically be able to cook or like the convenience of the bodegas. President Harris stated that the food handlers training is to address that issue as we want to ensure that not just the owners but all staff preparing food have the proper training. The BOH has heard horror stories about food being prepared in horrid conditions & kitchens that are overall dirty. The training will ensure bodegas maintain: a clean cooking environment; that food is being maintained at proper heating or cooling temperatures; that hands must be washed; and that employees are not using gloves to prepare food and then touching nonfood items and surfaces. It is another way of improving the health of the citizens. HO Kuteyi mentioned that he believes there should be a committee comprised of the Health Department, Property Maintenance, Zoning/ Policy and Planning to come up with regulations and create expectations focusing on the dimensions (size and elements) of the establishment. For example, should a deli wish to convert to a grocery store, the building should already have the dimensions to comply with sanitation expectations. Trustee Henry agreed that in other to enforce jurisdictions they must have the specific dimensions for each type of store to guarantee there is adequate accommodations to maintain sanitary and hygienic conditions. President Harris requested the number of bodegas currently operating in the City of East Orange, to which HO Kuteyi replied approximately 50. President Harris asked HO Kuteyi what will be done with locations that do not have the space to comply with his proposed sanitation dimensions. HO Kuteyi stated if we get the ordinance passed we will be able to stop them from operating. President Harris asked about the timeframe for this. HO Kuteyi stated that he would have to meet with Director Barner of Property Maintenance and the Director of Zoning/Policy and Planning, to identify a timeline to complete the ordinance. HO Kuteyi stated most stores apply for permits as a convenience store; two or three years later, they construct a deli without obtaining prior approval from the City. HO Kuteyi feels the permit application should be revised. New applicants are checking the box which reads: food/grocery store and believes it allows them to make inadequate revisions to their store. HO Kuteyi also believes that the BOH should be listed on all permit documentation to match an ordinance which states that the BOH has approved these modifications prior to the work being started. City Hall should be responsible for notifying the BOH and asking for their approval. Many health-related stores, are unaware of the BOH, because it is not printed on any application or permit info. HO Kuteyi believes the health department should collect monies for licenses, furnishing businesses with receipts acknowledging the BOH along with a signature from the BOH president, and Director of Health and Human Services. The goal pg. 8  EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 October 16, 2018 MEETING MINUTES would be to allow business owners to convene with the BOH if there needs to be further discussion of plans prior to approval. Trustee Henry suggested having a task force to assess possible violations and to circumvent unapproved construction. Director Hodges mentioned that the closest thing we have is the Mayor’s on the Block task force. HO Kuteyi shared that he has gone out with Inspector Simmons from Property Maintenance, Zoning Officer (Carolyn Whitehead), to conduct a task force on every auto garage throughout East Orange. Officer Whitehead reviewed their zoning permits, Inspector Simmons reviewed their environment and layout and HO Kuteyi reviewed their sanitation practices. Each garage was citied due to their lack of compliance and was issued a warning notice to resolve issues. President Harris inquired if those places that were citied have complied, HO Kuteyi stated they had. HO Kuteyi would like a committee that meets quarterly to tackle issues such as the bodegas. President Harris reminded HO Kuteyi that this has been an issue that we have been trying to get established for some time. Trustee Corbitt asked HO Kuteyi to confirm that he is striving to coordinate a committee for business related ordinances. HO Kuteyi explained when the idea of a task force came about, Policy and Planning did not have a director, so it was difficult to approach staff from that department. They are now under new leadership, so HO Kuteyi will reattempt to establish the task force. President Harris tasked members of the BOH to contact organizations that can provide services such as neutering and microchipping, food and articles for play for cat care ASAP. At the conclusion of Board business, President Harris adjourned the meeting at 7:07 pm. Respectfully submitted, Jo-Ann Mills Board Clerk pg. 9  EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 October 16, 2018 MEETING MINUTES pg. 10