MONMOUTH COUNTY REGIONAL HEALTH COMMISSION NO. 1 REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, SEPTEMBER 21, 2011 7:30 P.M. CALL TO ORDER: President Roman called the meeting to order at 7:41p.m. He then led the Regional Board of Health in the salute to the flag. President Roman next read the Open Public Meeting Act Statement. ROLL CALL: Brielle Jim Langenberger, Fair Haven Dr. Brian Lawless, Keansburg Jim Cocuzza, Little Silver Les Mathis, Monmouth Beach Joseph Nardone, Township of Ocean Vinnie Buttiglieri, Red Bank Gale Soler, Sea Girt (J. Dooley, note taker), Shrewsbury Boro Paul Roman Upon completion of the roll call, the Secretary reported that a quorum was present. ABSENT: Boro of Highlands, Boro of Rumson, Boro of Sea Bright, Township of Shrewsbury, Boro of Spring Lake, Boro of Spring Lake Heights, Boro of Tinton Falls, Township of Wall, Boro of West Long Branch OTHERS PRESENT: Sandra Van Sant Secretary/Health Officer, Barbara Birdsall, Esq., Heather Frketich Senior Administrative Assistant, Justin Dooley, Sea Girt Administrative Assistant WELCOME TO: Dr. Brian Lawless, the newly appointed Fair Haven Commissioner. Dr. Lawless is a Chiropractor and an 11 year resident of the Borough of Fair Haven. We are glad to have you with us. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: OPEN SESSION: Jim Langenberger motioned to approve the August 17, 2011 Open Session minutes. The motion was seconded by Vinnie Buttiglieri. Page 1 of 7
CLOSED SESSION: Jim Langenberger approved the August 17, 2011 Closed Session minutes. The motion was seconded by Gale Soler. Brielle Yes Shrewsbury Boro Yes Little Silver Yes Shrewsbury Township Not Present Monmouth Beach Yes Spring Lake Not Present Ocean Township Yes Tinton Falls Not Present Red Bank Yes 6 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 Abstain 3 Not Present. Motion carries. COMMUNICATIONS: The Health Officer spoke briefly on the following topics: 1) Families eligible for free school lunch programs may look into taking advantage of a Comcast offer of internet @ 9.95/mo no installation fee 2) NACCHO 2010 national profile of local health departments is out 3) Hep B Vaccine Reimbursement for municipalities (up to $5,000.00) annual offer from the State Health Dept. 4) State Health Benefit plan rates have still not been determined for 2012. 5) NJLBOH sponsors online training for BOH members important as we are looking forward to accreditation process HEALTH OFFICER S REPORT: The September 2011 Health Officer s Report and the August 2011 Conferences & Meetings were previously mailed/e-mailed. The August 2011 CDRSS report from the Epidemiologist is also in tonight s package. An updated town coverage list is in tonight s folders, showing the updated REHS assignments. This list was requested at the August meeting. The REHS staff was very busy with Food Assessment inspections in the wake of Hurricane Irene related power losses and flooding. The Health Officer, REHS Beears, REHS Groves and REHS Kowal spent time working the Wall Township Emergency Shelter occupied by displaced area residents. The staff was originally called in on the evening of August 26, 2011 as the Hurricane hit and continued their assistance through the weekend that followed. The Health Page 2 of 7
HEALTH OFFICER S REPORT (continued): Officer stated that the LEPC is preparing an after action report to gather opinions on what went well and what can be improved in the future. She noted that there are definite lessons to be learned. President Roman expressed his regard for the volume and quality of work the Health Officer and MCRHC staff became involved in as a result of the emergencies created by Hurricane Irene. Their efforts were extremely professional and so important to the many needing support at this time. The Health Officer stated that 14 contracts have been received back from our towns and the Boroughs of Monmouth Beach and Tinton Falls will have them on their October agendas. Current outstanding contracts : Deal, Highlands, Keansburg, Spring Lake Heights, Shrewsbury Township and West Long Branch Duplicate contracts have been directed to the Boards of Health of Little Silver, Red Bank, Shrewsbury Boro, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights. None of this group has been received back to date. Les Mathis motioned to accept The Health Officer s Report, seconded by Vinnie Buttiglieri. Attorney Birdsall discussed the use of e-mail communications as they relate to our Commission. Problems have been experienced in other counties between members of various boards. Her brief statements pertained to e-mails that are required to be forwarded to the full Commission (ex. voting) or in the situation where the public has a right to be present. She explained that failure to do so in applicable situations could invariably be considered in violation of the Open Public Meetings Act. President Roman addressed some concerns about two of his recent purchases. He stated that it has been the MCRHC s past tradition to render rewards for long and outstanding service. He continued to note the two items in question were a plaque and clock with citation presented to Mr. Greg Nagy, Sr. REHS (approx. $127.00) at his August 26 th retirement party. President Roman stated that a quick mention of this gift of recognition was made at the previous meeting. The second was a crystal basket with inscription intended for Mr.Ted Panis, the Commission s accountant for the past 20-25 years. President Roman told the Commission members present that he would personally pay for the aforementioned items if anyone took objection. No further comments were made. He added that Greg sent a note of thanks for his gift. TREASURER S REPORT: Presented by President Roman in the absence of Liz Finnerty, Treasurer. He briefly reviewed the Statement of Accounts for period ending August 31, 2011. It was brought to everyone s attention that the CFO is starting the 2012 budget process along with an analysis of union and payroll issues. Joe Nardone inquired about a specific financial report illustrating percentages budget vs. expenses for the purpose of tracking where the MCRHC stands month to month following recent losses of revenue. The Health Officer pointed out that the Abbreviated Detail Revenue Account Status YTD was available that Page 3 of 7
TREASURER S REPORT (continued): provided the percentages. Commissioner Nardone felt it was not the exact format previously presented President Roman advised he would convey this question to the CFO. President Roman mentioned the possibility of a draft budget being ready for discussion at the October meeting. It would be preceded by a Budget & Finance Committee meeting. The Treasurer s Report was accepted as presented. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: At 8:10 pm, Commissioner Mathis motioned to enter into Closed Session for the purpose of discussing Union Negotiations and the Senior REHS position. The motion was seconded by Vice-President Soler. Heather Frketich exited. A motion to return to Open session was made by Les Mathis at 8:17 pm seconded by Jim Langenberger. Mrs. Frketich rejoined the meeting. Les Mathis motioned to approve the appointment of REHS Lisa Muscillo to Senior REHS effective 9/21/11 with a salary increase of $5,000 which will be prorated to the end of the year. The motion was seconded by Jim Langenberger. The Health Officer reminded the Commission that the volunteer employee furlough days and 1.5% employee contributions toward health benefits began September 1 st for the remaining months of 2011. Page 4 of 7
FINANCE COMMITTEE: PAYMENT OF BILLS: Gale Soler found one discrepancy with the bills presented for payment. A check for the Verizon Wireless bill was made out for the incorrect amount. Once the correction is made everything will b in order. Vinnie Buttiglieri motioned to pay the September 2011 bills in the total amount of $67,843.28. The motion was seconded by Les Mathis. OLD BUSINESS: Per Commission approval, and in keeping with the MCRHC s Capital Procedures policy, the Bookkeeper has offered for sale to our member towns the 2005 Dodge Caravan SE. The price is set at $5,800.00. She has requested a response by the end of September. In addition to the surplus vehicle, the Health Officer announced there will also be an office copier (Royal 3530) available to an interested town (the Bookeeper will forward an e-mail to all borough clerks). If a bid is not received and approved by the Finance Commission on either item, it will be placed in the November Tinton Falls auction. A suggested change to the MCRHC meeting time for the convenience of many of the Commissioners was made at the August meeting and requires a vote. Vice-President Soler motioned to change the time of commencement for the Commission s monthly meetings from 7:30 pm to 7:00 pm. The motion was seconded by Jim Cocuzza. Brielle Yes Monmouth Beach No Little Silver Yes Shrewsbury Boro Abstain 6 Ayes, 1 Nay, 1 Abstain. Motion carries. **The new time will be effective with the October 19 th meeting. There was a brief discussion regarding the November meeting date. Historically, it has presented a quorum issue due to timing which conflicts with the NJ League of Municipalities. Additionally, this year, we extend congratulations to Mrs.Van Sant, our Health Officer who will Page 5 of 7
OLD BUSINESS (continued): be elected the VP of Suburban Forum of the NJ Health Officers Association and will also be attending the Atlantic City conference. Vice-President Soler motioned to change the November Commission meeting date from Wednesday, November 16, 2011 to Wednesday, November 2 nd, seconded by Vinnie Buttiglieri. Heather Frketich will immediately submit the announcement of these changes to the Asbury Park Press and will also update the website to reflect the new schedule. In regard to our lease that is up for renewal, President Roman announced confirmation that it will contain no rate increase to the MCRHC rent for a five year period. This confirmation has been received from the American Red Cross Jersey Coast Chapter CEO, Nancy Orlando. NEW BUSINESS: In light of the Health Officer s new position, a request is made to cover her one night hotel expenses for attending the November League of Municipalities. The room expense, fees and taxes run approximately $200.00. Jim Langenberger motioned to approve payment of the Atlantic City accommodations for Mrs. Van Sant, seconded by Vice-President Soler. PRESIDENT S REPORT: On Saturday, September 24, 2011, the NJ Local BOH holds its annual meeting including an educational session at the Middlesex Fire Academy. A $25.00 registration fee applies, If any Commissioner or BOH member is interested in attending, please contact the Health Officer or Mrs. Frketich. Page 6 of 7
PRESIDENT S REPORT (continued): On Thursday, November 3, 2011, Mercer County College will be the location of the NJDHSS State and Local Health Officials Conference. Pre-registration is required. The State Health Department Commissioner historically addresses the body of both Health Officers and the BOH members. President Roman presented an item of awareness for any municipality: Bedbugs He relayed a situation involving Shrewsbury Boro s First Aid Squad that picked up an individual that was later found to have bedbugs. Mayors & Councils have been briefed by JIF there could be a huge bill for a town to pay. Prevention and protocol to be followed in any similar circumstance. A very effective method is to kill by the heat/steam method. SHREWSBURY TOWNSHIP: On July 21, 2010, MCRHC received notice of The Township of Shrewsbury s intention to discontinue their contract for public health services with the MCRHC. President Roman met with Township s Mayor, CFO and Administrative staff on August 18, 2011. A follow-up discussion between the CFOs to follow as the town has not yet made a final decision. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: None There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:32 pm on a motion by Gale Soler, seconded by Jim Cocuzza.. Next Meeting of the MCRHC #1 Commission will be held on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. at the Regional s headquarters located at American Red Cross building 1540 West Park Avenue Suite # 1, Tinton Falls, New Jersey. Respectfully submitted, Sandra Van Sant SECRETARY Page 7 of 7