Board of Health

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE WESTWOOD BOARD OF HEALTH HELD JUNE 8, 2016 Pres. Beckman called the Meeting to order at 7:33 P.M. Pres. Beckman read the "Open Public Meeting Act" as follows: In compliance with the "Open Public Meeting Act,” P.L. 1975, C 231, the annual notice requirements have been satisfied. The meeting dates for the year were posted on the Borough Web Site on January 14, 2016 and published in the Record on April 28, 2016. A copy of the meeting dates are on file with the Borough Clerk. Present: Mrs. Betsy Beckman, Mrs. Donna Bott, Ms. Maria Costello, Ms. Louise Cue, Dr. Theresa A. Lardaro (Alternate #1), Mr. Lee Tremble. Excused Absence: Mrs. Sabrina Johnston. Absent: Mr. Dennis Farrell. Present: Sharon Blehl-Secretary. Excused Absence: Angela Musella-Health Officer. Present: Robert Bicocchi-Council Liaison. Guests: None. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Ms. Cue led those present in the salute to the flag. PUBLIC FORUM Mr. Tremble made a motion to open the floor to the public to discuss any topic; seconded by Ms. Cue. Voice Vote: Ayes: All present voted in favor. Nayes: None. Abstained: None. Carried. There being no public discussion, Mr. Tremble made a motion to close the public forum; seconded by Ms. Costello. Voice Vote: Ayes: All present voted in favor. Nayes: None. Abstained: None. Carried. ACTIVITIES REPORTS 1) MAY HEALTH OFFICER, PUBLIC HEALTH INVESTIGATOR, REGISTRAR, SECRETARIAL The Board Members reviewed the following Activities Reports for May, 2016 which are on file and available to the public: Administrative and Supporting Services Animal Control Laboratory Services Vital Records Monies Received Environmental Health Communicable Disease Maternal and Child Health Chronic Illness Health Education Nursing Supervision Miscellaneous A discussion was held. Mr. Tremble made a motion that the Activities Reports for May, 2016 be approved; seconded by Dr. Lardaro. Voice Vote: Ayes: All present voted in favor. Nayes: None. Abstained: None. Carried. MINUTES 1) JANUARY 13, 2016 – REGULAR MEETING There is a lack of quorum available to approve the January 13, 2016 Minutes, therefore they will be presented during the next meeting. 2) APRIL 13, 2016 – REGULAR MEETING Mr. Tremble made a motion that the Minutes of Regular Meeting held April 13, 2016 be approved; seconded by Dr. Lardaro. Roll Call: Ayes: Mrs. Beckman, Mrs. Bott, Ms. Cue, Dr. Lardaro, Mr. Tremble. Nayes: None. Abstained: Ms. Costello. Carried. 3) MAY 11, 2016 – REGULAR MEETING There is a lack of quorum available to approve the May 11, 2016 Minutes, therefore they will be presented during the next meeting. PURCHASE ORDERS Bills for May, 2016 in the amount of $23,813.07 were presented to the Board Members. Mr. Tremble made a motion that the following be accepted for payment; seconded by Dr. Lardaro. Roll Call: Ayes: Mrs. Beckman, Mrs. Bott, Ms. Costello, Ms. Cue, Dr.  Lardaro, Mr. Tremble. Nayes: None Abstained: None. Carried. MAY PURCHASE ORDERS Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission 3rd Quarter 2016 Health Services Contract $23,637.07 Thomson Reuters – West NJ Title 24 & 26 Subscription 176.00 Carried. NEW BUSINESS: 1) 1st QUARTER BIRTH STATISTICS 2014/2015/2016 Pres. Beckman informed the Board of the increase in babies born at Hackensack UMC at Pascack Valley as follows: Year Number of Births – First Quarter 2014 98 2015 137 2016 197 A discussion followed regarding the steady increase in births at the hospital. 2) MOSQUITOES – ZIKA VIRUS Pres. Beckman explained that our residents are concerned about the spread of the Zika virus. To date the virus has not spread locally; however, the virus being linked to the serious birth defect Microcephaly has increased anxiety among women of child bearing age. New Jersey has 18 documented cases of Zika all of which contracted the virus during foreign travel. A baby born on May 31, 2016 at Hackensack University Medical Center to a mother from Honduras was the first born in New Jersey and the third born in the United States with serious Zika-linked birth defects. Mosquitoes become infected with the Zika virus when they feed on a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites. Numerous calls are coming into the Health Department. Ms. Blehl is handling the calls as they are received either by performing inspections or educating the public about eliminating standing water and preventing mosquito bites. A discussion followed. 3) SUSTAINABLE JERSEY The Board of Health has been asked to do various Sustainable Jersey incentives regarding pet education, wildlife interaction and lead education outreach. Pres. Beckman provided the necessary information to the Borough Clerk to initiate the process with the State. A discussion followed. OLD BUSINESS 1) 2016 BOARD OF HEALTH BUDGET The 2016 Operating Expense Budget was submitted for approval during December, 2015. The Mayor and Council adopted the 2016 Operating Expense Budget on May 17, 2016. The Board of Health’s Operating Expense Budget was adopted as submitted in the amount of $123,924.00. This item will remain on the agenda until the 2016 Salary Budget is adopted by the Mayor and Council. COUNCIL LIAISONS REPORT Council Liaison Bicocchi explained that the Finance Committee is requesting the 2017 Operating Expense Budgets earlier this year. A discussion followed. The 2017 Board of Health Operating Expense Budget will be discussed by the Board as soon as the worksheets are available. EMERGENT MATTERS: 1) WATER TESTING RESULTS – WESTWOOD REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Pres. Beckman read a letter regarding water testing results that was sent from Raymond A. Gonzales, Ed.D., Superintendent of Westwood Regional School District, which was distributed to the parents, students and staff of the District. (Copy annexed). Health Officer Musella is aware of elevated lead levels in some of the consumable water sources in the school district. Mrs. Musella has spoken with the Business Administrator of the District. Retesting is being done on Friday, June 10, 2016. Any locations under question have been taken off line and will not be used until the issue is resolved. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, Mr. Tremble made a motion that the meeting be adjourned; seconded by Ms. Cue. Voice Vote: Ayes: All present voted in favor. Nayes: None. Carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 P.M. Sharon Blehl Secretary The next meeting will be held Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 7:30 P.M. in the Municipal Complex. These Minutes were approved at a meeting of the Board of Health of the Borough of Westwood held on the 12th day of October, 2016.