Township of Mahwah s30

TOWNSHIP OF MAHWAH BOARD OF HEALTH MINUTES OCTOBER 12, 2010

The regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Board of Health of the Township of Mahwah, held at the Municipal Offices, 475 Corporate Drive, Mahwah, New Jersey, was called to order at 7:35 PM by Vice-President, Patricia Spiech. The Opening Statement was read according to the Sunshine Law and was followed by Roll Call.

PRESENT: Mrs. Spiech Mr. LaMontagne Mr. Ackerman Mrs. DeSilva Dr. Welch

ABSENT: Mr. Harris Mr. Wasson

PROFESSIONALS: Mrs. Musella, Health Officer Mr. Mason, Attorney Mrs. Campbell, Secretary Mrs. Homler, REHS

APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

Moved by Mrs. DeSilva and, seconded by Mr. Ackerman and, unanimously agreed by all present to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 14, 2010.

APPROVAL OF HEALTH ACTIVITIES REPORT

Moved by Mr. LaMontagne and, seconded by Dr. Welch, to approve the Health Activities Report for September 2010.

Mrs. DeSilva inquired if malaria was contagious, noting it was unusual for us to see this communicable disease reported. Mrs. Musella responded that while not contagious, malaria is actually the 2nd highest cause of death world-wide. -2-

Regarding a court fine of $50 levied against Rainbow Caterers for not licensing his mobile food truck, Mr. Ackerman inquired as to the cost of that license. Mrs. Homler stated the license fee for a cold truck was $25 plus $5 for a milk license. Mrs. Campbell stated in addition to the court fine, the inspectors destroyed a substantial quantity of food that had been on the truck at the time the summons was issued.

Mrs. Spiech noted that defendants in three of our court cases did not appear as scheduled. She asked Mr. Mason what the consequence for this was. Mr. Mason responded it was the judge’s prerogative to continue the case to the next scheduled session, or have bench warrants issued for the arrest of the principals.

Mr. LaMontagne questioned two summonses issued to a resident whose dog was urinating and defecating on a wood condominium deck. Mrs. Homler explained that the owner was violating two separate sections of the Health Code; one summons was issued for each violation. She then stated the case had been rescheduled for this evening.

Mr. Ackerman inquired if the Department forecast revenue as well as expense. Mrs. Campbell responded no; further, revenue generated by the Department it is not credited back to us, but deposited to the township’s general fund.

HEALTH OFFICER’S REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 2010

Moved by Mrs. DeSilva and, seconded by Dr. Welch to approve the Health Officer’s Report for September.

Mrs. DeSilva inquired about the new HACCP plans for establishments serving sushi. Mrs. Musella stated that establishments serving certain high risk dishes are now required to develop Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plans. Mrs. Homler continued that monitoring of temperatures and pH levels, source of supply, chain of custody and preparation procedures are all components of these plans. Mr. LaMontagne noted that given the proliferation of sushi restaurants, we do not have many reports of people getting sick from it. Mrs. Musella noted that if not properly prepared, the acidified rice commonly served with sushi is more potentially dangerous than the fish itself.

Mr. Ackerman asked about two water complaints. Mrs. Homler responded that one complaint received from Ramapo College concerned -3- discoloration; the other, from a tenant in the Abex building, was a complaint that their water service had been shut off without notice. A call to the Water Department resolved the issue at the College; emergency repairs were required on the water main that supplies the Abex building.

Mrs. Spiech offered her assistance at the upcoming flu clinic on October 22nd and asked for a head count on pre-registrations. Mrs. Campbell responded that the list stood at 130. She then inquired about the so called “super flu” shot and if it would be available. Mrs. Musella responded that this particular formulation was four times the strength of the regular flu shot. Mahwah will only be offering the regular strength flu shot at our clinic.

Mrs. DeSilva inquired if we would be offering vaccination against pneumonia. From a public health standpoint, Mrs. Musella has not been promoting this vaccine due to differing opinions in the medical community about the duration of immunity and vague guidelines for re-vaccination. She feels these are decisions best left to the patients and their doctors.

Mrs. Musella reported that the tone of the Business Administrator’s last Department Head meeting was very serious, especially as regards the 2011 budget. Each department was asked to examine their needs carefully, and reduce line item requests wherever possible. Administration will be scrutinizing CEU requirements and associated training costs of credentialed staff.

Mrs. Musella has discussed several options with the staff to reduce operating expenses, including elimination of our contract with Garden State Labs for food sampling. On the revenue side, we will be assessing our license fees to ascertain that they are commensurate with those of surrounding municipalities. She believes that some of our permit fees, especially those pertaining to septics may be on the low side.

Mr. Ackerman asked what it cost us to run the flu clinic. Mrs. Campbell stated that the attending doctor was paid $300 and the vaccine cost approximately $10 per dose. However, reimbursement from Medicare submissions covers the cost for all participants.

Mrs. DeSilva asked if cuts would be made in personnel. Mrs. Musella said the Mayor assured the Department Heads that this would be his last resort consideration.

Dr. Welch inquired if the Health Department collected animal licensing fees. Mrs. Campbell responded that these fees were collected by the Clerk’s office and deposited to a trust fund. -4-

Use of these funds is restricted to rabies prevention, education and licensing compliance. Mr. Ackerman asked if this was a County or Township account. Mrs. Campbell responded that it belonged to the Township. Mr. Ackerman then asked how much money was in the fund. Mrs. Campbell stated there was in excess of $35,000 in the Dog Trust.

Mr. Ackerman asked how much has been spent out of this account on an annualized basis. Mrs. Campbell was only aware of the expenses we submitted for our rabies clinics; in 2010, that amount was $1000. Mr. Ackerman opined that so much money should not be sitting in an account doing nothing.

Mrs. Campbell noted that Mrs. Homler has long advocated for an animal licensing software program that would provide both the Health and Police Departments with 24/7 access. Mrs. Homler confirmed that over the past several years she has made repeated attempts to accomplish this upgrade. The database provided by the Clerk’s office is a hard copy and only current as at the moment it is printed or transferred to CD.

This week, Mrs. Homler requested and received the first updated print-out since April. She also requested and will now receive manual supplements regularly via inter-departmental mail. She is frustrated that even though the money is available and the software is compatible, we are still behind the curve both in terms of technology and service to our residents.

Dr. Welch stated that Mahwah’s licensing rate may be the lowest in the area. She feels this is because Mahwah residents must come to the Municipal building to license their pets. Most towns send an application and an envelope to accomplish license renewal by mail. She estimates that 80% of her Mahwah clients do not license their pets. She further stated that many towns, such as Pompton Lakes, send a licensing official to the rabies clinic. The residents obtain both vaccine and license in one trip.

Mrs. Spiech asked how best to institute these procedural changes. Mr. Ackerman suggested that Mrs. Musella present the issue to the Business Administrator. Mrs. Musella responded that she had already done this, but had not received a response. Mr. Ackerman then suggested that she contact the Town Council. Mrs. Musella agreed to draft a letter, but felt as a matter of protocol, it should come directly from the Board. The Members agreed. Mrs. Musella will draft a letter on behalf of the Board and submit to Mr. Harris for approval and signature.

There being no further questions or discussion, the Health Officer’s Report for September was unanimously approved.

Moved by Mrs. DeSilva and, seconded by Dr. Welch and, unanimously agreed by all present to pay the bills for September.

SUNSHINE COMMITTEE REPORT

Dr. Welch will be running in the New York City Marathon to benefit Ronald McDonald House. She thanked Mrs. DeSilva for her support and contribution.

REPORT OF ATTORNEY

Mr. Mason contacted the prosecutor prior to the October hearing re. the DeMarino rooster case. He explained to Mr. Harraka that while we had no matters pending, the Board was ready to move forward with summonses for rooster harborage. In a letter to Mr. Harraka dated September 17th he requested that the case proceed without further adjournment. Mr. Maas attended the actual hearing on October 7th where the court agreed Mr. Mulvey, Mr. Lane and Mr. DeMarino should come to an agreement over which of the fines will be paid and which can be set aside. In return, Mr. DeMarino agreed to phase out his fowl operation completely over 90 days. This action is scheduled to be formalized in court on November 4th.

Mr. Mason then provided an explanation of the terms in the Zoning Board’s resolution (Docket No. 1291-09), denying Mr. DeMarino’s application without prejudice.

Mr. Mason reported that he had attended the New Jersey Local Boards of Health meeting in Sayreville to earn his Board of Health Member Certification. He also attended a pandemic preparedness seminar on the same day. He found the experience to be worthwhile, and noted that the organization meets monthly in Sayreville. Mrs. Musella stated that their Annual meeting would be held on October 23rd at the Middlesex County Fire Academy. She feels that eventually, certification will be required of all local Board of Health members in New Jersey. -6-

Mr. Mason noted that he had been retained by North West Bergen Regional Health Commission. As agreed, [and confirmed in writing to this Board in a letter dated October 12, 2010] in the event of a conflict of interest, Mr. Mason’s first allegiance will be to Mahwah.

OTHER BUSINESS

Mrs. Musella related that she had attended a Health Officers meeting with the State Commissioner of Health last week. Accreditation of local health departments was discussed. One health jurisdiction in New Jersey participated in a trial accreditation study; Mrs. Musella surmised from their experience that orchestrating the process is a full time job itself. Nonetheless, she feels that accreditation will eventually become mandatory.

The Commissioner encouraged the Health Officers to work smarter, not harder, citing budget and program cuts. Money however, may eventually become available for emergency preparedness (only).

CORRESPONDENCE

10/2010 From: Mrs. Spiech To: Mahwah Board of Health Mrs. Campbell received and read a note from Mrs. Spiech thanking the Board and the Township for her 25 year service gift, and for the opportunity to work with such a dedicated group.

10/12/2010 From: Jeff Mason, Esq. To: Mahwah Board of Health Notice of retainer by North West Regional Health Commission

There being no further questions or discussion, a motion was made at 8:30pm by Mr. Ackerman, seconded by Mr. LaMontagne and unanimously approved by all present to close the meeting.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 9, 2010 at 7:30pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Marianne Campbell Secretary