Board of Health

Borough of New Providence Board of Health Minutes January 13, 2021 CALL TO ORDER: Diane Wolfe called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. ROLL CALL: Pat Silvagni, Dr. Lake, Dr. Nelson, Chris Stieh, Dr. Carniol Also present: Dr. Robinson. Jaime Lauren, Megan Avallone, Jennifer Aranda, Beau Preston, Nadine Geoffrey PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Diane Wolfe led the Pledge of Allegiance PUBLIC NOTICE: This is a public meeting of the Board of Health of the Borough of New Providence, County of Union and State of New Jersey. Adequate notice of this meeting has been given in accordance with P.L. 1975, Chapter 231, in that an annual notice or revision was made in conformance with Section 13 of the Act. BOARD ORGANIZATION: Nominations for President: Diane Wolfe called for nominations for Board President. Chris Stieh nominated Pat Silvagni for President, Dr. Nelson seconded the nomination. There being no other nominations, Dr. Lake moved and Dr. Carniol seconded the motion that the nominations be closed. Nominations for Vice President: President Silvagni called for nominations for Board Vice President. Dr. Nelson nominated Dr. Lake as Vice President. Christopher Stieh seconded the nomination. There being no other nominations, Dr. Nelson moved and Pat Silvagni seconded the motion that nominations be closed. Mayoral appointments: a. Dr. Richard Nelson, 3 year Appointment b. Christopher Stieh, 3 year Appointment c. Dr. Bob Robinson, 2 year Appointment 1st Alternate Resolution 2021-01 “Resolution Appointing Diane Wolfe as Board of Health Secretary of the Borough Of New Providence.” President Silvagni called to approve Resolution 2021-01 appointing Diane Wolfe as the Board Secretary. Dr. Lake moved and Dr. Nelson seconded the motion. Resolution 2021-02 “Resolution Fixing the Times, Dates and Place of Meetings of the Board of Health of The Borough of New Providence for the year. President Silvagni called to approve Resolution 2021-02. Fixing the times, dates and place of Meetings of the Board of Health, of Borough of New Providence for the year 2021. The Board voted and unanimously approved Resolution 2021-02 on motion by Dr. Lake and seconded by Dr. Nelson Resolution 2021-03 “Resolution Temporarily Relaxing Existing Permit Fees for certain Class 5 restaurants with Over 50 Seats” Ordinance 2021 -01 Ordinance amending Late Fee for BOH permits for Class 5 Restaurants. There was discussion reviewing the different options the Resolution 2021 – 03 and the Ordinance 2021 – 01. The plan was to give relief to the restaurants in New Providence that are suffering with loss of seating since the Pandemic Executive Orders were imposed by Governor Murphy. After much discussion, it was decided to approve the Resolution 2021 – 03 and make it effective immediately. Members agreed unanimously. The board decided the Resolution should be included with the permit application which Diane will make sure each owner receives notification the next day after BOH meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: October 28th, 2020 December 9, 2020 Pat Silvagne moved to approve the minutes from October 28, and December 9 meetings as Submitted, approved by Dr. Carniol and seconded by Dr. Lake. PUBLIC HEARING OF CITIZENS: COMMUNICATIONS: 1. Animal Control Solutions – November 2020 No further action needed 2. Animal Control Solutions – December 2020 No further action needed OLD BUSINESS: Discuss updates regarding Covid 19 Counts and Vaccination info December Covid 19 counts have been trending in the wrong direction. Counts after Thanksgiving have been continuing to climb. The Winter peak had cases up to 10,000 per day. Large gatherings with family and friends getting together have been the main reason for the up take in numbers. Jenn and Megan have been working tirelessly with the schools and family members with Contact tracing. But there have been times when those contacted have lied, and not answered the phone, and will not return the calls. The Parents have also been lying about their kids activities, as to not get anyone in trouble. NEW BUSINESS: Megan discussed sites that hopefully will open up and administer the vaccine in great numbers. Possibly Livingston Mall, ShopRites are on the list to give shots. Dr. Lake mentioned that volunteers are needed to help with the entire process to administer the shots as well as the paperwork. HEALTH DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Megan discussed how there is so much extra work for her staff due to the Covid 19 reports and contact tracing that have to be done. There will be be an increase in the contract they have with the Borough of New Providence. HEALTH INSPECTOR’S REPORT: 1. November and December 2020 Report No further action needed PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE’S REPORT: Jennifer provided an overview of the demographics of the biggest groups presently coming down with Covid 19. Surprisingly it is not the older adults. Lantern Hill and Spring Grove will be starting with giving their residents shots soon. SECRETARY’S FINANCIAL REPORT: 1. November 2020 Report No further action needed 2. December 2020 Report No further action needed ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned 8:00 pm