Board of Health

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE WESTWOOD BOARD OF HEALTH HELD DECEMBER 12, 2018 Pres. Beckman called the Meeting to order at 7:35 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 12, 2018 and published in the Record on March 26, 2018. A copy of the meeting dates are on file with the Borough Clerk. Present: Mrs. Betsy Beckman, Ms. Maria Costello, Mr. Dennis Farrell, Ms. Susan McCloskey, Mr. Lee Tremble. Excused Absence: Mr. Jon Andresen, Mrs. Donna Bott, Ms. Louise Cue, Dr. Theresa A. Lardaro (Alternate #1). Absent: None. Present: Sharon Blehl-Secretary, Angela Musella-Health Officer. Excused Absence: None. Present: Beth Dell-Council Liaison. Excused Absence: None. Guests: None. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Mr. Tremble 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 Mr. Farrell. 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) OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER HEALTH OFFICER, PUBLIC HEALTH INVESTIGATOR, REGISTRAR, SECRETARIAL The Board Members reviewed the following Activities Reports for October and November, 2018 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 The Board discussed the Activities Reports. Mr. Farrell made a motion that the Activities Reports for October and November, 2018 be approved; seconded by Ms. Costello. Voice Vote: Ayes: All present voted in favor. Nayes: None. Abstained: None. Carried. MINUTES 1) SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 - REGULAR MEETING The September 12, 2018 Minutes will be addressed at the next Board of Health Meeting as there is a lack of quorum available to approve the Minutes. 2) OCTOBER 10, 2018 – REGULAR MEETING The October 10, 2018 Minutes will be addressed at the next Board of Health Meeting as they are not yet completed. PURCHASE ORDERS: Bills for October and November, 2018 in the amount of $18,271.76 were presented to the Board Members. Mr. Tremble made a motion that the following be accepted for payment; seconded by Mr. Farrell. Roll Call: Ayes: Mrs. Beckman, Ms. Costello, Mr. Farrell, Ms. McCloskey, Mr. Tremble. Nayes: None. Abstained: None. OCTOBER, 2018 PURCHASE ORDERS Bergen County Department of Health January – June, 2018 Animal Control Services $7,744.68 Bergen County Department of Health July – December, 2018 Animal Control Services 7,744.68 MGL Printing Solutions Dog & Cat Tags 586.00 NJ State Department of Health-Vet July, August & September, 2018 Dog Monies 36.00 NJ State Department of Health-Vet October, 2018 Dog Monies 2.40 Thomson Reuters-West NJ Statutes Title 26 Full Set 1,276.00 NOVEMBER, 2018 PURCHASE ORDER R.R. Donnelley State Paper-Vital Records 882.00 Carried. NEW BUSINESS: 1) PART TIME/SEASONAL POSITION Mary-Beth Netzer will be out on medical leave effective Friday, December 14, 2018. Mrs. Netzer is expected to be out for approximately one month. This is the busiest time of year in the Health Department due to Establishment license renewals, pet license renewals, rabies clinic preparation as well as handling the day to day work. Ms. Blehl spoke with Pres. Beckman and Administrator Kezmarsky who both agreed that a part time seasonal employee can be hired. Ms. Blehl is accepting resumes with the hopes of hiring someone soon. A discussion was held. 2) HUMANE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER (MHLEO) The State of New Jersey passed S3558/A5231in January, 2018 which requires each municipality to be responsible for the investigation of animal cruelty cases. The Police Chief was required to appointment a Municipal Humane Law Enforcement Officer (MHLEO) by May 1, 2018. The Police Chief made the appointment on August 21, 2018. To hold this position this officer must be trained within one year of the appointment. In addition to the appointment the law requires the town to provide legal transportation of impounded animals, sheltering, veterinary care, necropsies, reports, placement, case follow-up, investigative reports and court appearances. These services must be provided 24/7. Ms. Blehl received an addendum to the 2019 Animal Control Contract from the Bergen County Department of Health Services. The cost of the 2019 Animal Control Contract is $15,816.60. The cost of contracting animal cruelty services is an additional fee. Ms. Blehl met with Administrator Kezmarsky on December 10, 2018 to go over the contract addendum in detail. He will bring this to the Mayor & Council Meeting on December 18, 2018 for discussion and a decision. The County has offered three options as follows: Option1: Westwood will be charged an additional fee of $3, 272.40. This will cover the town 100% 24/7 to comply with the new ruling without any additional costs. Option 2: Westwood must appoint their own MHLEO. The base charge to Westwood will be $1,400.00. In addition to the base fee the town will be charged for legal transportation, sheltering and veterinary care for all impounded animals. These fees could exceed $793.00 per animal on intake and a minimum fee of $58.00 per animal per day. Option 3: Westwood must appoint their own MHELO. Westwood would have to make their own arrangements for legal transportation, sheltering and veterinary care for all impounded animals. If the County is called for emergency animal cruelty services they can only respond if there are four animal control officers on duty and if space is available at the shelter. The cost could exceed $1,446.00 per pet on intake and a minimum fee of $116.00 per day. HISTORY: In 2015- 60 live animals were removed from a house in Westwood along with 4 dead animals. All animals were brought to the Bergen County Animal Shelter. The cost to the shelter for that one case was $150,000.00 per Deborah Yankow, Director of Animal Services. A discussion was held Mr. Farrell made a motion to suggest that the Mayor and Council approve the Option 1 addendum, in the amount of $3,272.40. This amount will be in addition to the 2019 Animal Control Contract amount. These services will be provided by the Bergen County Department of Health Services making Westwood compliant with the new State guidelines; seconded by Mr. Tremble.  Roll Call: Ayes: Mrs. Beckman, Ms. Costello, Mr. Farrell, Ms. McCloskey, Mr. Tremble. Nayes: None. Abstained: None. Carried. 3) FARMERS MARKET - INDOORS The Mayor and Council approved the relocation of the Farmers Market to the Community Center. This was approved by Resolution #18-288 at the October 2, 2018 Mayor and Council Meeting. The Farmers Markets will be held indoors on the following dates: December 1st December 22nd 2019: January 12th January 26th February 9th February 16th March 9th March 23rd April 6th April 20th May 11th May 18th OLD BUSINESS: 1) 2019 SALARY AND OPERATING BUDGET The 2019 Operating Expense Budget in the amount of $129,887.00 was approved by the Board of Health on October 10, 2019, however that amount will need to be increased depending on which option the Mayor and Council choose for the Humane Law Enforcement Officer. The 2019 Board of Health Salary Budget will be discussed when requested from the Mayor and Council. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT HEALTH EDUCATON PROGRAMS Council Liaison Dell explained that she would like to see the following programs offered and is in the process of implementing them: • Mental Health Training • Suicide Prevention-focused on youth issues • Mental Health-focused on teens homelessness, depression and abuse • Baby Sitting Clinic Health Officer Musella will have her Health Educator contact Council Liaison Dell to get some of the programs implemented. A discussion followed. EMERGENT MATTERS: RILEY CENTER Mr. Tremble explained that the Riley Center is looking for Board Members. The Riley Center is a nonprofit organization geared towards the benefit and enrichment of our senior citizens. A discussion followed regarding Westwood For All Ages. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, Mr. Farrell made a motion that the meeting be adjourned; seconded by Mr. Tremble. Voice Vote: Ayes: All present voted in favor. Nayes: None. Carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:38 P.M. Sharon Blehl Secretary The next meeting will be held Wednesday, January 9, 2019 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 9th day of January, 2019.