Board of Health

Skokie Board of Health November 14, 2013 Present____________________ _ Absent Excused Mr. Abbasi Dr. Polin Ms. Nickisch Duggan Dr. Luka Dr. Drachler Dr. Prince Mr. Pandya Dr. Plotkin Dr. Gaynes Dr. Sood Dr. Usman Mr. Gordon Dr. Topouzian Dr. Williams Dr. Herwitz Ms. Urbanus Dr. Kaplan Ms. Varma Mr. Nidetz Dr. Veis Dr. Counard, Director of Health Bruce A. Jones, Staff Call to Order - The meeting was called to order at 7:33 p.m. Approval of Minutes – The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as submitted. Former Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) Site Clean-up – a two part presentation Nancy J. Huston & Linda Josupait – with Tall Oaks Associates/NICOR spoke about the former Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) Site Clean-up project at the corner of McCormick and Oakton. The presentation included an overview of MGP sites, history of the Skokie site and historical structures, investigation of site contamination, community outreach, the clean-up plan and progress to date. She also discussed the Public Health aspects of the project, including the ongoing Air Quality monitoring, and emergency response plans. A copy of the presentation is attached. Mr. Gordon asked who is paying for this project. Ms. Huston stated that we all (utility consumers) are paying for these clean-up projects and it can be found on your utility bills. Dr. Polin asked what processes they have in place to protect workers and the public. Ms. Huston explained workers are trained to work under these conditions and have all the necessary personal protective gear (PPG). She added that continuous air monitoring is done both on-site and around the site perimeter, to ensure that air quality is not adversely affected by the clean-up. Daily testing records are sent to the Health Director and Environmental Health Supervisor. Mr. Nidetz asked about how and where the excavated materials are being disposed. Ms. Huston explained that the majority of waste materials are taken to a licensed waste management disposal facility (in Joilet). This is a big improvement over the current situation because the contaminants are contained rather than being in the environment. Dr. Drachler asked if there are other sites in this region. Ms. Huston stated the other regional sites are Kenilworth and Evanston Dr. Veis mentioned that while he was at the Evanston Subaru dealership on Oakton across from the clean-up site, they complained about dust on their cars. Ms. Huston stated that NICOR has spoken to the owner, and has agreed to wash his cars. Ms. Huston mentioned that there are other industries in the areas that may create dust and particulate materials. Dr. Counard wanted to stress that the groundwater was tested during this process. Ms. Huston explained that the water testing has shown that water on site is contaminated but no contamination has moved off site. All off-site well samples have meet IEPA standards. Michael Rea – Superintendent of Parks with Skokie Park District spoke about the proposed plans for the property after all the remediation is complete. Mr. Rea showed a proposed site plan layout of the location, complete with new baseball fields, soccer fields, cricket pitch field, fitness stations, whiffle ball field, batting cages, refreshment stand, restrooms and other amenities. A copy of the site plan is attached. Dr. Veis asked how long it will take to build this facility. Mr. Rea estimated 12 months once they start and will have a series of Public Hearing on the facility. Ms. Huston explained that the final approval from IEPA and no further remediation letter could take until late 2015 or early 2016. Mr. Rea stated that once they get direction from Tall Oaks Associates that they are close to completion the Park District will move forward as they have funds budgeted for both 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 to get the project done. Dr. Veis and Mr. Abbasi asked who owns the land and questioned how long the Park District has a lease with the Water Reclamation District. Mr. Rea explained the property is still owned by the Water Reclamation District and they have a 50 year lease. Mr. Abbasi asked how much the clean-up project is going to cost. Ms. Huston could not give an exact answer but it is listed on your utility bill. Chair’s Report Dr. Drachler mentioned he is still working on recruiting another physician to be on the Board. He asked the members to also look to recruit any interested physicians and attorneys to join the Board. Director’s Monthly Report Dr. Counard presented the October monthly report (attached). The highlights included: Community Flu Shot Program The annual Community Flu Shot clinics were held at the Park District Oakton Park facility during October. Nearly 3,000 individuals were vaccinated over three days, with assistance from Oakton Community College nursing faculty and students, the Skokie Medical Reserve Corps and Board of Health. In addition, 37 non-medical volunteers from Skokie provided support and most volunteered for all three days. Many thank you notes and phone calls were received by the Department. Oct. 21 Beekeeping Regulation Presentation to Board of Trustees A multi-disciplinary team from Health, Legal, Community Development and the Village Manager’s Office recommended regulations for backyard beekeeping to the Village Board at their Oct. 21 meeting. Included was a report from the Health Director, describing the health risks involved with beekeeping, based upon consultation with local medical experts, and review of the scientific and medical literature. A few individuals would like to pursue backyard beekeeping as a hobby in Skokie, however, with lot sizes typically less than 1/8 acre, this activity poses risks for individuals on neighboring properties. The proposed ordinance regulating backyard beekeeping balances the desires of beekeepers with the concerns of neighbors. Community Health Plan Initiatives Updates  Access to Healthcare – – Dr. Drachler and Dr. Counard attended the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Erie facility. It is a great facility and we need to promote it wherever and however we can. Dr. Drachler was very pleased with the support from the NorthShore Health Care System. Dr. Counard distributed a layout of the facility and gave a summary of all the amenities. Dr. Drachler mentioned that they do need to increase the Mental Health services offered. Dr. Counard has scheduled the December BOH meeting at the new Erie Evanston/Skokie Family Health Center. Dr. Avery Hart, site Medical Director will speak at the December meeting.  Obesity Prevention – Dr. Drachler explained that we are still looking at healthy vending machine options – with more to do on this topic. The topic of collecting data only on children’s Body Mass Index (BMI’s) has been put on hold but may be reinitiated in the future.  Tobacco Use Prevention – Dr. Drachler and Dr. Counard both highlighted the upcoming presentation by Dr. Williams geared towards healthcare providers to spread the word on this important topic. Also, the Skokie Library will become a smoke-free campus on January 1, 2014. Discussion ensued among the BOH concerning the Village becoming a smoke-free campus. Dr. Counard explained that this must be brought to the Mayor, Board of Trustees and Village Manager in order to make such a change and a BOH recommendation should be in order. Mr. Abbasi made a motion that the BOH recommend to the Mayor, Board of Trustees and Village Manager that all Village of Skokie properties be made smoke-free. The motion was seconded by Dr. Herwitz and unanimously approved by the Board. Dr. Counard also mentioned that Nurse Sue Reisberg is working with Turning Point on smoking cessation and health programs for individuals with mental illness.  Healthy Environment – Dr. Drachler spoke about the need for more bike paths and the continued support from Village leadership on this issue. Mentioned the recent newspaper articles about the Divvy bike rental program being utilized in Chicago. Evanston and Oak Park have been deemed bike friendly towns and Skokie needs to work towards this also. Old Business Dr. Drachler asked about the TB testing supply shortage. Dr. Herwitz mentioned that things are getting better; the shortage issue will hopefully be resolved soon, possibly by January 2014. Dr. Counard mentioned that the Food Pantry and Turning Point are the only agencies remaining on the list to speak to our Board. Ms. Urbanus asked about having the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) speak about recycling. Dr. Counard she will look into having a SWANCC representative speak to the BOH. Dr. Drachler asked again about promoting commercial recycling. Mr. Jones mentioned that there will be an article about the Village recycling program in the upcoming December NewSkokie. Dr. Drachler feels we need to promote this program more widely. New Business Mr. Gordon spoke about the issue of fat content in hamburgers and how the the higher the fat the more flavor which conversly causes an obesity issue. While Mr. Gordon felt the BOH should try to specifically address (regulate) the fat content in hamburgers sold in Skokie. The BOH dicussed the issue and felt that this would be too narrow of a focus and not neccessarily impact the obesity issue. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:01 p.m. REMINDER – DECEMBER 12 BOH MEETING AT THE NEW ERIE EVANSTON/SKOKIE HEALTH CENTER 1285 HARTREY STREET, EVANSTON!