Board of Health

Approved 1/16/2020 BOARD OF HEALTH ` BOROUGH OF TENAFLY, NEW JERSEY BOARD MEETING, November 7, 2019 Board President Howard Bader called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. The announcement was made regarding compliance with the Sunshine Law. The following members were present: Howard Bader Etta Frankel Daniel Feit Berton Greenberg Mark Alvarez Absent: Maria Xylas Michael Basista Also present: Council Liaison Lauren Dayton Sam Yanovich, Health Officer Ruby Parra, Registered Environmental Health Specialist Valerie Nicolosi, Board of Health Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made to approve the minutes of September 26, 2019. A voice vote carried the motion. All voted in favor; none were opposed. NEW BUSINESS A motion was made to approve the 2020 Meeting Schedule for the Board of Health. A voice vote carried the motion. All voted in favor; none were opposed. REPORTS OF STAFF Mr. Sam Yanovich, Health Officer, briefly reviewed his November 2019 report. The report covered the following topics: Influenza 2019, Mosquitoes/West Nile Virus (WNV) & Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), vaping disease and hoarding. It was noted that an article was put in the newsletter regarding smoking regulations in the Borough. The board had a brief discussion regarding hoarding. Councilwoman Dayton would like to have a procedure for dealing with hoarding situations in the Borough. Ms. Parra works with the Senior Services Coordinator in concert if a case of hoarding is brought to their attention. It was noted that Fort Lee might have a hoarding ordinance in place. Councilwoman Dayton will research this issue. Ms. Parra, Registered Environmental Health Specialist, reviewed her report with the board. The report covered the period from September 15, 2019 – November 5, 2019. Many inspections were done at numerous food establishments. Thirteen (13) food establishments received satisfactory ratings. Six (6) businesses received a Conditional Rating; Ms. Parra will re-inspect again in the future. Approved 1/16/2020 Tenafly Board of Health November 7, 2019 Page 2 There were three (3) temporary events in the Borough during this period which required temporary permits for vendors. Spot checks of the dumpsters by food establishments on Washington Street, Railroad Avenue, County Road, Riveredge Road, Clinton Avenue, and Piermont Avenue were completed. Complaints were investigated about lack of hot water and heat. Summons were issued. Ms. Parra commented that there are many problems with landlords/owners not fixing ceiling and roofing problems. Councilwoman Dayton advised the board that she had a tenant lined up to occupy a space on Riveredge Road, but the business pulled out of the deal because the landlord wouldn’t fix the leaking ceiling and roof. Ms. Parra will follow up with another letter to the landlord. There were several complaints regarding the schools; she will follow up with those issues as well. A resident from The Plaza reported issues with on-site DEP testing. She commented there is a drilling rig in the parking lot adjacent to the development and crews are pumping fluids into the ground. She has spoken with representatives at the State Board of Health and the NJDEP regarding the testing going on at the site. Mrs. Nicolosi briefed the board on the history of the development of that property. The Planning Board had approved a resolution permitting a remediation building on the premises. Testing was to be ongoing with reports going to the DEP. Councilwoman Dayton commented that there had been a settlement agreement between the Borough and the developer that the site had to be cleaned up in order for construction to commence. Further, the Borough has been conducting water testing in the area as well. The resident needs answers regarding the environmental cleanup of the site. She is concerned for her health. Councilwoman Dayton will meet with the resident about this issue and discuss at the Mayor & Council level. Councilwoman Dayton asked which board members’ terms were expiring this year. Mrs. Nicolosi advised that Dr. Feit and Mrs. Xylas are said Board members. Councilwoman Dayton noted that the Mayor-elect would like to reappointment them both if they are willing to serve again. He will be reaching out to them in the near future. Mrs. Nicolosi advised the board that she was working on the 2020 Board of Health Budget. The board would like to work with the same contractors as last year, i.e., Mid-Bergen Regional Health Commission, HARP (Health Awareness Regional Program), and Cooper Pest Solutions. She is working to keep the budget under the 2% state cap. Councilwoman Dayton indicated that the Mayor & Council will use Open Space funds to build a new dog park on the site of the old swim club. They are investigating outdoor fitness equipment and a one- mile jogging track on the property as well. Mrs. Xylas, in her absence, had indicated in an email to Mrs. Nicolosi that there were several vaccines not included in the latest article in the Borough newsletter, specifically polio and meningococcal vaccines. A short article will be put in the next newsletter stressing that all vaccinations are necessary for children and adults. Approved 1/16/2020 Tenafly Board of Health November 7, 2019 Page 3 The board would like to see letters sent to all food establishments in the borough stressing the importance of hand washing and food handling procedures to prevent Hepatitis A. There have been numerous cases reported recently. This is a very serious issue. Mr. Yanovich will write the letter. Councilwoman Dayton will follow up in getting the names/addresses of the food establishments. The next meeting of the Board of Health is Thursday, January 16, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. in the Richard D. Wilson Committee Room. A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:36 p.m. A voice vote carried the motion. All voted in favor of the motion; none were opposed. Respectfully submitted, Valerie B. Nicolosi Board of Health Secretary