Board of Health

Regular Meeting

Skokie, IL · December 10, 2020

Minutes

Skokie Board of Health Meeting Minutes December 10, 2020 Present Ms. Dave Mr. Sood Dr. Drachler, Emeritus Ms. Urabanus Mr. Gaynes Mr. Irtaza Ms. Haido Dr. Vernon Ms. Hanlon Dr. Werner, Chair Mr. Pandya Dr. Williams Ms. Shim Ms. Yau Michael Charley, Bruce Jones, Staff A. Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Dr. Werner, Chairman. Dr. Werner reminded that the meeting is being recorded and read a statement that meetings will be held electronically until further notice per the State of Illinois Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation. Members of the public may submit questions to Mr. Michael Charley and they will be presented and read during the relevant portion of the meeting. There was a moment of silence for long standing member Mr. Abbasi who recently passed away. The board shared several memories of their beloved member. B. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the November 2020 meeting that were sent to members electronically were approved as well as the agenda. C. Introductions: Introduction started with newly hired Health Director Michael Charley. The 19 other members in attendance gave short introductions. D. COVID-19 Updates: Michael Charley: Mr. Charley reported the Health and Human Services Department still working diligently on contact tracing and planning for distribution of the vaccine. He reported the data is showing cases are still rising. The Skokie positivity rate is at 15%. He stated for more detailed info on Skokie’s COVID data is posted on the Village of Skokie website. He also reported that COVID vaccine has just been approved and the Village will be receiving a shipment soon. The shipment will be delivered to the local hospital for storage. He stated the tiers of dispensing will be done according to CDC recommendations: hospital, health department staff, first responders, vaccination staff and OCC nursing students. He says the vaccine must be administered in 2 doses. There is 95% effectiveness of the vaccine. He says the goal is to vaccinate 38,000 residents. He stated that point of distribution (POD) planning is well underway, they are looking at locations for the POD sites, acquiring volunteers, consent forms and keeping up with the data. He opened the meeting up for Q&A and a lengthy discussion followed. E. Chair’s Report: Dr. Werner gave recognition to Bruce Jones for taking the role as Interim Director. Dr. Werner added that the board should look at the impact the pandemic has on mental health. F. Director’s Report: Mr. Charley reported outside of COVID-19 info the, Community Giving – Assist A Family program received generous donations and will be giving out gift cards to needy families in the community. The rental & utility assistance programs are receiving several inquiries. Also, the Senior Outreach Program has been well received. G. Old/New Items of Business: Mr. Charley says he will be happy to work with the board on flavored tobacco products and the next steps to get an initiative started. H. Citizen Comments: Mr. Jones reported no citizen comments to report. I. Adjournment: Meeting adjourned 8:05p.m. Next Board of Health Meeting: Thursday, February 11, 2021, 7:00 p.m. Board of Health Members-Virtual via Zoom Meetings

Agenda

Skokie Board of Health Thursday, December 10, 2020 Staff Liaison’s Village Hall Board of Health Members – Virtual via Zoom Meetings 7:00 p.m. AGENDA U Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting is being held virtually. Members of the public who wish to comment as to an item on the published agenda must submit their statement or question in writing to Michael Charley with the Skokie Health Department and all properly submitted statements or questions will be presented and read during the relevant portion of the meeting. Written comments also may be submitted by email to citizencomments@skokie.org by mail to Village of Skokie, Attn: Michael Charley with the Skokie Health Department, 5127 Oakton Street, Skokie, Illinois, 60077; or via the Village’s drop box located by the public entry to Village Hall I. Call to Order Statement to be read by Chairman Dr. Werner: Until further notice, meetings of the Board of Health will be held electronically, with a majority of members participating via remote access in order to comply with the State of Illinois Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation. Members of the public who wish to comment as to an item on the published agenda must submit their statement or question in writing to Michael Charley with the Skokie Health Department; and all properly submitted statements or questions will be presented and read during the relevant portion of the meeting. Written comments also may be submitted by email to citizencomments@skokie.org by mail to Village of Skokie, Attn: Michael Charley –Director of Health and Human Services, 5127 Oakton Street, Skokie, Illinois, 60077; or via the Village’s drop box located by the public entry to Village Hall. II. Approval of Minutes III. Covid Updates: Michael Charley, MS, LEHP Director Health and Human Services IV. Chair’s Report V. Director’s Monthly Report VI. Old/New Items of Business VII. Citizen Comments (See information at top of page) VIII. Adjournment. Next Meeting: January 14, 2021, 7:00 p.m. Staff Liaison’s Village Hall Board of Health Members – Virtual via Zoom Meetings #582807 V1