Board of Health

MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE WESTWOOD BOARD OF HEALTH WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2022 @ BOROUGH HALL, 101 WASHINGTON AVENUE, WESTWOOD, NJ 1. Opening of the meeting @ 7:00 pm by Louise Cue This meeting, which conform with the Open Public Meetings Law, Chapter 231, Laws of 1975, Is a regular Board of Health Meeting, Notices have been filed with our local official newspapers and posted on the municipal bulletin board. 2. Roll Call Susan Blake – present Donna Bott – present Maria Costello- present Louise Cue - present Nataly Hook - present Su McCloskey - present Andrew Merlo- present Maria Montana-absent Cheryl Pletsch- present Additional Attendees Dureen Ayer – Borough Administrator, CFO Cheryl Hodges – Councilwoman, Liaison to the Board of Health Gary Dorsi – NWBRHC Representative Marissa Tarateta – Senior Services Program Manager 3. Salute to the Flag led by Andy Merlo 4. Public Forum. Motion to open to public forum by: Susan Blake 2nd: Donna Bott No public present Motion to close public forum by: Su McCloskey 2nd: Susan Blake 5. Approval of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 8,2022. Andy Merlo requested a change in documentation regarding his report on the collaboration with Westwood Senior Services. The change was read by Andy, and minutes were approved pending insertion of that change. Susan Blake - approve Donna Bott- approve Maria Costello- approve Louise Cue- approve Nataly Hook- approve Su McCloskey- approve Andy Merlo- approve Maria Montana-absent Cheryl Pletsch- approve Approval of the Minutes of the Closed Session of the Meeting of June 8, 2022. Susan Blake- approve Donna Bott- approve Maria Costello- approve  Louise Cue- approve Nataly Hook- approve Su McCloskey- approve Andy Merlo- approve Maria Montana-absent Cheryl Pletsch-approve 6. Activities and Health Officer report by Gary Dorsi for June, July & August Reports from June, July & August were highlighted and reviewed. Follow up requested regarding October Flu Vaccine Clinic and plans for a Health/Wellness Fair. Replacement for Gina Behre, Judy Migliacci, is a temporary position while a search is conducted to fill Gina’s position. 7. Council Liaison report by Cheryl Hodges. “Lunch and Learns” (funded by AARP grant) conducted by Marissa Tarateta were reported to be very well received. Westwood has a new ambulance. Staffing shortages being helped by cross coverage with nearby towns. Food trucks might be permitted in town, but only for private events. Deer population discussion. Seniors were surveyed about topics of interest. Top 3 were: Hypertension, Emergency preparedness, and injury prevention. 8. Discussion of collaboration with Westwood Senior Services and plans for Health Fair by Andy Merlo and Marissa Tarateta. Westwood HAS many programs & services, but a broader collaboration is needed. Main issues are how to reach those in need and have face-to-face time as well as how to identify the most vulnerable residents. 9. Update on Social Media Project by Susan Blake. Susan has a meeting with Jean-Marie Vadovic, Deputy Borough Clerk during the week of September 19, 2022. Board of Health site will only be “one way”…information out only. 10. Discussion and vote on moving meeting time from 7:30PM to 7:00PM for October, November, December 2022 and January 2023. Vote: Susan Blake- approve Donna Bott- approve Maria Costello- approve Louise Cue- approve Nataly Hook- approve Su McCloskey- approve Andy Merlo- approve Maria Montana-absent Cheryl Pletsch- approve 11. Emergent matters for October meeting: Health Department Manager position. Follow ups from Gary Dorsi  Alexandra Fox from community outreach 12. Adjournment Motion to adjourn by Maria Costello 2nd: Susan Blake All present members voted in favor and meeting was adjourned @ 8:20PM