HEALTH COMMISSION

MEETING MINUTES

OCTOBER 11, 2006

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

                                Dr. R. Stillman

ALSO PRESENT:  John Wozniak, Health Officer

Councilman Jackson came to the meeting room before the meeting was called to order to see if he was needed.  He did mention that the Council was looking into shared services.  Mr. Wozniak stated that there was a recent major push to consolidate local health departments into County units.  The intent is to save money by regionalizing.  If this does go into effect, he stated it would probably take 2-3 years and wouldn’t be implemented immediately.  Councilman Jackson then left to attend the Website Committee meeting.

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

Dr. Girz questioned the attendance of the Health Officer at the meeting.  Mr. Wozniak was not slated to attend as there was a meeting in Montville.  Since there was not a quorum for that meeting, he was able to attend this meeting.

The latest Health Officer’s report was reviewed.  Mr. Wozniak stated that there was a bigger effort put into food inspections for the month.  One-half of them have been done already.  He also noted that a Stroke Prevention Program was held in Montville.  Three residents from Mountain Lakes attended.  The Internet Safety Program scheduled for last month had to be cancelled due to lack of response.  Only two residents signed up for the program.

Mr. Wozniak stated that he dropped off two cartons (4,000) of surgical masks tonight at the Borough Manager’s office.  These are to be used for isolation/quarantine purposes in case of a pandemic flu outbreak.  They were purchased through a flu pandemic grant.  They will be stored in the Borough by Emergency Management until when and if needed.

The Commission noted that Mr. Wozniak had sent them an e-mail with an update on the national E-coli outbreak.  Mrs. Kubliski noted that the spinach contamination was traced back to irrigational water contamination.  The cause of the contamination is believed to be from animal feces.  She also stated, but said it couldn’t be substantiated, that it is believed to be from grain-fed animals rather than pastured animals.

Information on a 2005 New Jersey Student Health Survey was distributed.

Mr. Wozniak received a copy of a letter from the State sent to the Director of Public Works indicating that our public water system had been inspected by the State and was found to be in compliance with State regulations.  Mrs. Kubliski commented that a report is usually mailed out to residents.  The Secretary stated that the report Mrs. Kubliski was referring to is the Consumer Confidence Report that is mailed each year in the summer to residents.  These are two different matters.

Mrs. George noted that a hospital evaluation was attached to the Public Health Nurse’s latest report.  Mr. Wozniak stated that the report has been done for three or four years.  Dr. Girz noted that this is really a report card for hospitals.

Mrs. Kubliski asked if there was any input on Lyme Disease as far as increase or decrease.  Mr. Wozniak stated he did not have information on that.  He did say that there is a desire to remove it from the reportable disease list.  This list was meant to be for communicable diseases.

Dr. Girz stated she had heard that the aerator in Birchwood Lake is not working as planned.  It is supposed to keep the algae down. 

Mrs. Stone reported that some athletically active female students, particularly those that run, have problems with menstrual cycles stopping due to lack of estrogen.  She stated that you stop building bones at age 23, and you need estrogen to maintain bone density.  She has spoken to the nurse at the high school, and a presentation for coaches is being planned for next spring.  The Secretary stated she could ask our Health Educator at Chilton Hospital for some information that could be used also. 

The Commission agreed not to meet in December.  Both Dr. Girz and Mr. Wozniak will not be able to attend the regular meeting in November.  The Secretary reported that the flu clinic will be held on November 15^th and that the rabies clinic will be held on November 18^th.  The Commission agreed that it will be a busy month; and if there were not any business to discuss, they would not meet in November either.  The Secretary will contact members prior to the November meeting date.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 P.M.

                                                                                                Robin L. Steele            

                                                                                                Secretary