Board of Health

Skokie Board of Health April 11, 2013 Present____________________ _ Absent Excused Dr. Drachler Dr. Prince Dr. Kaplan Dr. Gaynes Ms. Nickisch Duggan Mr. Shah Dr. Vicencio Mr. Gordon Dr. Sood Dr. Herwitz Dr. Topouzian Dr. Luka Ms. Urbanus Mr. Nidetz Dr. Usman Mr. Pandya Ms. Varma Dr. Plotkin Dr. Veis Dr. Polin Dr. Williams Dr. Counard, Director of Health Bruce A. Jones, Staff Call to Order - The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Approval of Minutes – The minutes of the previous meeting were approved. Presentation: Mr. Jeff Burman, Chair - Skokie Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission Mr. Burman gave a very enlightening presentation on the “Skokie Environmental Sustainability Advisory Commission”. Mr. Burman mentioned he has lived in Skokie for 44 years. Mr. Burman is Chair of the Skokie Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission and also serves on the Board of Director for the School District 219 foundation. He mentioned they are looking into changing the Commission name. Mr. Burman outlined and gave detailed information on each of the following areas that the Commission has focused on in the last year: Skokie Environmental Sustainability Advisory Commission • Chemical Free landscaping • Proper disposal of prescription drugs • Anti-littering campaign • Appreciation for Skokie community slogan • Establish a more formal Earth day celebration • Expanding website to be more informative to include these and other environmental issues • Public forums to speak on issues: Emily Oaks Nature Center, The “Talking Farm” • Business to Business forums to speak about unique environmental programs Mr. Burman said that Environmental Sustainability Advisory Commission would be very willing to work with the Board of Health on any of these issues or other topics of interest. Ms. Urbanus indicated there is a littering problem at the Village Green area between Village Hall and the Skokie Library. Mr. Burman said he would speak with Max Slankard (Director of Public Works) about this concern. Hopefully the Anti-littering campaign will address some of these problems. They are looking at both the residential and commercial components to the ordinance. Dr. Polin brought up the topic of asking big box stores from not selling lawn chemicals. Mr. Burman did not feel the Commission has the ability to put pressure on stores at this time, but would speak with the Commission member handling this topic. Dr. Polin and Mr. Pandya both mentioned litter in their neighborhoods. Mr. Burman explained Police can enforce the Anti-littering law, but it comes down to staff and time. Mr. Gordon discussed the issue of people in need of food. He questioned chains throwing food away, rather than donating it to Skokie families, and wondered if there was a need for The Talking Farm to sell food to restaurants. Mr. Burman explained that the Commission cannot control any business and The Talking Farm is a 501c3 business that needs to sell produce to raise funds. Mr. Burman also discussed the School District 219 education foundation work to ensure that all children have access to healthy food, as 33% of children in the district are on the free or reduced hot lunch program. They have food pantries and provide back packs with some other essential food items. Dr. Williams spoke to the community involvement issue around littering, and suggested the Commission enlist other community groups e.g. scout groups, schools, etc. to help. Also, possibly look to establish a Skokie community beautification day. Mr. Burman thought they would do this and have the day coincide with Earth Day. Dr. Plotkin stated that Aldi’s used to donate foods but due to a lawsuit alleging food poisoning now corporate policy requires all food to be destroyed. Dr. Drachler brought up the topic of Chemical Free landscaping and what type of salt Skokie uses for snow and ice control. He thought Skokie could look at using a more environmentally friendly product. Mr. Burman said he would bring the issue to the attention of Skokie Public Works. Dr. Veis mentioned how private landscapers apply a large amount of lawn chemicals and asked if this could be addressed somehow. Mr. Burman mentioned their intent to add links to the Village website for environmentally friendly products, environmentally friendly vendors and gardening associations. Dr. Williams stated Chicago has banned spray paint cans. Skokie could look to have an ordinance prohibiting chemical products. Dr. Drachler asked if Skokie has a collection day for recycling items. Mr. Burman stated yes that the “Spring Green” event for just this purpose was held last weekend and was very well attended. Dr. Counard asked why he joined the Commission and became the Chairperson. Mr. Burman answered that he was asked to join the Commission becuase he is very interested in the environment, and their Chair resigned so he volunteered to be Acting Chair. Dr. Drachler and Dr. Counard spoke briefly about the IPLAN and the environment portion which includes creating a comprehensive environmental plan. Chair’s Report Dr. Drachler mentioned that both Mr. Nidetz and Dr. Vicencio have been reappointed to the Board for two year terms. Dr. Drachler stated that he, Dr. Counard, Sue Reisberg and Bruce Jones attended the April 3rd Board of Trustees meeting in order to present the student tobacco use prevention poster contest awards, and the Public Health Partners of Excellence Awards to the Skokie Public Library and North Shore Mosquito Abatement District (NSMAD). Personal Statements Dr. Veis gave a brief overview of his background for the Board’s information. Dr. Drachler asked that Ms. Nickisch Duggan be prepared to give the same brief background overview to the Board at the May meeting. Director’s Monthly Report Dr. Counard presented the March monthly report (attached). The highlights included: Village Manager thanks Health Department staff for excellent customer service Village Manager Albert J. Rigoni attended the March 6 Department all staff meeting, to share the results of the 2012 citizen survey which gave Village employees very high marks for knowledge and customer service. Additionally, overall Health Department Services were rated “Excellent” or “Good” by 81% of those completing the survey, and Animal Control Services received an “Excellent” or “Good” rating by 73%; both ratings were much above the benchmark. Mr. Rigoni congratulated the staff for a job well done. IPLAN state re-certification document submitted The Department finished the 250 page document required for state re-certification, completing two years of work on this project. This was a transformative experience for the Department, which strengthened community bonds and lead to meaningful, measurable health goals. Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) Site Clean-up: District 219 “Ask the expert” days Dr. Counard joined a team of experts including Ann Tennes, Marketing Director, John Orlund, Skokie Park District, and Nancy Huston, Nicor contractor, to share the MGP site clean-up details with high school students at Niles North and West. Three presentations, focusing on collaboration and possible careers, were given to Environmental Health students over two days at the schools. The students and teachers were very interested in the project, and pleased to have a multi-disciplinary team present! Kick Butts” Tobacco-free Week During “Kick Butts” week, the Department partnered with PEER Services to provide fun, educational activities about the hazards of using tobacco to 6th – 8th grade students attending Skokie public schools. At Lincoln Jr. High School, Officer Liz Ronderos of the Skokie Police Department went out of her way to ensure a successful week, which culminated in hanging 600 T-shirts outside of the school. Many thanks to Public Works for hanging the shirts! The kids want to do it again next year. Dr. Veis asked if the Health Department inspects nursing homes. Dr. Counard explained that they are checked every other month by Department Sanitarians and Nurses for environmental, health, safety and infection control issues. Dr. Drachler mentioned the next IPLAN meeting will be held on Wednesday May 8th at 3:00pm. Dr. Williams brought up the topic of oral health and how it ties into nutrition and healthy eating. There is a great need for conducting more education on items that impact the teeth, and the beltline, and we can use a more holistic approach. Mr. Nidetz mentioned an article in the Wall Street journal where industry is looking at health factors of employees and profitability issues and how rewards or punishment can be used e.g. paying more for health care if health outcomes are not met. Community Health Plan Initiatives Updates • Access to Healthcare – Dr. Drachler, Nurse Reisberg, and Dr. Counard met with Dr. Avery Hart, the new Medical Director at the Erie Evanston/Skokie Health Center. We learned that nearly 30% of the patients at the temporary location are from Skokie, although it is not accessible by public transportation. Patients are being asked to call back in a few months for appointments for routine issues, once the permanent clinic is completed. There is certainly a need for the Erie clinic, where people can receive medical care regardless of their health insurance status or ability to pay. • Obesity Prevention – Dr. A. Michael Drachler, Chair of the Board of Health (BOH), Public Health Nurse Susan Reisberg, and Health Director Dr. Counard attended the March Niles Township school nurse meeting, where we discussed the planned childhood obesity assessment. Addressing childhood obesity is a priority established by the Community Health Plan. • Tobacco Use Prevention – Sue Reisberg is still working very hard on this topic using the “Courage to Quit” program. • Healthy Environment – The most notable item is the Sustainable Environmental commission is very interested in joining forces with the Board of Health to address various environmental issues. Old Business Dr. Drachler mentioned the New Animal Control truck is in the parking lot. New Business Dr. Counard mentioned that Dr. Vicencio requested a presentation on Tuberculosis in Skokie. Thus, for the May meeting Dr. Counard has scheduled Demian Christiansen, DSc, MPH, Assistant Director & Tuberculosis Surveillance Program Manager, Communicable Disease Control, Cook County Department of Public Health to address: Tuberculosis Overview for Skokie and Cook County. Dr. Counard mentioned at the June meeting she would conduct a year in review for the BOH and possibly conduct a survey on how things are working for the BOH members and what more could be done. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:57 p.m.