HEALTH COMMISSION

MEETING MINUTES

SEPTEMBER 13, 2006

PRESENT:                   Dr. B. Girz, Mrs. J. George, Mrs. A. Stone & Dr. R. Stillman

ABSENT:                     Mrs. J. Kubliski

ALSO PRESENT:       Mr. J. Wozniak, Health Officer & Mr. G. Jackson, Council Liaison

Dr. Girz, Chairman of the Health Commission, opened the meeting at 8:10 P.M.

The Commission reviewed the latest Health Officer’s reports as well as the Public Health Nurse’s reports.  The Commission commented on how well written the nurse’s reports were.  They asked if she was an employee of the Borough or paid through our contract with Montville.  The Health Officer stated she is paid by the Borough. 

The Borough’s website was briefly discussed.  Councilman Jackson noted how well designed it was.  The Secretary commented that she was very happy with any dealings she has had with Mr. Bulfer or Mr. Knowles.  She urged those on the Commission who have not gone on to do so and also to look at all the health information that she has posted there. 

The Secretary reported that the 2006 Goose Addling Program yielded 24 eggs from 4 nests.

Dr. Stillman noted that there seems to be more swans than geese now.

The fecal coliform counts from the beach were reviewed.  It was noted that the beach had to be closed once this summer due to high counts.  The high count was much lower than in previous years.  All in all, the counts were low this year. 

Mr. Wozniak stated that a fox pup was tested for rabies.  It was found dead in a yard; and because of the possibility of an exposure to pets, it was sent to Trenton for testing.  It was negative.

Mr. Wozniak reported that monitoring for West Nile Virus was again done this year.  Only one crow was logged in for Mountain Lakes, but it was not sent for testing.  There was one positive bird in Parsippany.  There were 3 human cases reported in Hudson and Essex counties.

Councilman Jackson asked Mr. Wozniak if he was set for next year as far as submitting a proposal for services for 2007.  Mr. Wozniak replied that he is working on it right now.  It needs to go through his Council.

Dr. Stillman stated he thought a few years ago there was talk about regionalization for various services.  Mr. Wozniak stated that the new minimum standards require this.  Mountain Lakes has joined the Morris Regional Public Health Partnership.  You do not lose local home rule by joining.  The partnership has issued a 2005 Annual Report.  Mr. Wozniak will make a copy available to the Commission. 

Dr. Girz questioned Mr. Wozniak about the item on his report about a resident interested in conducting a spice distribution from her home.  Mr. Wozniak spoke with her and explained it was a zoning issue for one thing and if approved for a home business, her kitchen would have to meet the Chapter 12 requirements of the State.  It is believed she will be using a kitchen at a licensed facility.

Mr. Wozniak reported that no rabid bats were found in Mountain Lakes this year, but he did have one in Montville.

There are two scheduled health programs this month – an internet safety program and a stroke prevention program.

The Commission members present agreed to keep the meeting date as the 2^nd Wednesday of the month for the rest of the year.

The Health Commission is scheduled to meet next on October 11^th.  Mr. Wozniak stated he would be unable to attend, as he has a meeting in Montville.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 P.M.

                                                                                    Robin L. Steele                                                                                                             Secretary