Board of Health

Skokie Board of Health Thursday, October 13, 2022 7:00 pm Board of Health Members Zoom/Virtual Meeting MINUTES Present: BOH Chair: Dr. Edward Linn; BOH Members: Dr. Swapna Dave, Margaret Keeler, Jan Shiffman, Dr. Kyungran Shim, Romil Sood, Irtaza Usman, Patricia Urbanus, Ruth Varma, Dr. Michael Vernon, Dr. William Werner, Dr. Larry Williams, Sibyl Yau; Staff: Mike Charley, Cameron Hendricks Absent: BOH Members: Dr. Bruce Gaynes, Juliet Haido, Maureen Hanlon, Dr. Girija Kalyan Kumar, Juliet Haido, Heidi Nickisch Duggan, Rohit Pandya, Dr. Jeremy Schwartz, Emeritus Member: Dr. Michael Drachler; Trustee Liaison Keith Robinson, James Johnson; Staff: Sue Reisberg I. Call to Order at 7:00 PM II. Approval of Agenda: Agenda approved by consent. III. Approval of Minutes, September 8, 2022: Minutes approved by consent. IV. Chair’s Report, Dr. Linn: Dr. Linn communicated that there COVID-19 transmission is still prevalent, and many experts are forecasting an increase in upper respiratory illnesses this fall. Dr. Linn shared that only a small percentage of individuals have received their bivalent booster and individuals should get their booster to be protected, especially high-risk individuals. Now entering flu vaccine season. Experts are predicting a higher than normal flu season. Finally, there is RSV that is prevalent. Dr. Werner related that him and his wife visited the HHS Department’s flu vaccine clinic and it was very efficient and well run. V. HHS Food Inspections & Rat Control, Cameron Hendricks, Environmental Health Supervisor (HHS): Cameron provided an overview of the Health and Human Services food protection and rat control programs. Cameron provided an overview of Skokie’s HHS Department being a state certified Health Department. Discussed the process to start a new restaurant including the plan review process and change of ownership process. Discussed how restaurants are categorized high to low risk and frequency of inspections. Discussed Village Sanitarians inspecting restaurants and the fact that the Village is also using a contracted company, Health Inspection Professionals to inspect food establishments. Provided data on number of food establishments in Skokie. Provided examples of common violations and process to gain compliance including re-inspections, enforcement and embargoes. Provided a summary of other food programs including: Mobile food, Temporary food, Cottage food, Food complaints including foodborne illnesses. Cameron then discussed the rat program where he provided general information regarding rat activity in metropolitan areas throughout country, discussed specific attributes of rats in Skokie and observed behaviors, provided an explanation of the current rat control program including the process to request service and the use of Village staff and Rose pest solutions and discussed contributing factors that resident can correct to assist in rat abatement. Document Number: 601961 Version: 1 Doc #601398-v1  VI. Director’s Monthly Report, Mike Charley, Director of Health and Human Services: Mike provided the following updates as part of his monthly report: Skokie COVID-19 cases have decreased slightly since one month prior, the Cook County CDC Community Level is “low”. On October 12, the CDC Director approved the administration of bivalent boosters to children 5+. HHS continues to administer all Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. There have been three Skokie resident cases of Monkeypox. HHS is in the midst of the IPLAN community health needs assessment process with a community meeting scheduled for November 18 to identify priorities for the next IPLAN 5-year period. HHS hosted two community flu clinics in October with slightly over 1,000 individuals registered. Mike provided brief updates on the Assist a Family Program and provided an update on Asylum Seekers being housed at a Skokie housing location. VII. Old/New Items of Business A. BOH Onboarding Subcommittee: Dr. Linn communicated that Heidi recommended at a previous email that the BOH create an onboarding document. Mike Charley communicated that he met with Heidi earlier today and Heidi has already drafted an outline for the BOH onboarding. Mike shared that Heidi was out of town and could not attend the BOH meeting tonight. Mike communicated that Heidi would be coordinating a time with a small number of BOH members to work on the BOH onboarding documents and process. B. Sue Reisberg, Personal Health Supervisor Retirement/Recognition: Dr. Linn communicated that Sue Reisberg, Personal Health Supervisor is going to retire effective Friday October 14 after serving the Village for a number of years. Dr. Linn thanked her for everything she did for the Village. Mike Charley communicated that Sue Reisberg will be missed and that Jennifer Davis was promoted to the Personal Health Supervisor. Jenn has been with the Village for several years serving as a public health nurse with the Village’s COVID response. C. Partners in Public Health Excellent Awards Presentation Recap: Mike Charley related that on October 4, 2022 Dr. Linn, Mike Charley and Sue Reisberg, Personal Health Supervisor presented the annual Public Health Partners of Excellence Awards to two deserving Skokie organizations Heartland Health Centers and Kid’s First Pediatrics. VIII. Public Comments: No public comments IX. Adjournment @ 8:05 PM, First by Dr. Williams, Second by Dr. Werner Next Meeting: November 10, 2022, 7:00 p.m. Document Number: 601961 Version: 1 Doc #601398-v1