McHenry Times

McHenry County Board of Health met Sept. 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

1. CALL TO ORDER

Meeting called to order at: 6:38 PM by Cindy Gaffney.

PRESENT: Lorenc (6:42 PM), Gaffney, Clarke, Parrish (Remote), Marcussen, Amsler, Mowery, Zuck, Maguire

ABSENT: Stinson, Morawski, Carman

2. PUBLIC COMMENT

Kim offered her opinion to the Board that for well-being of all, people should be allowed freedom of choice to get vaccinated and wear masks. Kim remarked that people have been lied to about the safety of the COVID-19 shot and the importance of wearing masks. She commented that there are staff shortages in the hospitals, not bed shortages, and mandating vaccines to employees adds to that employee shortage. She also added that the vaccine is not FDA-approved, it has adverse side effects and no long term data on the vaccine.

3. MINUTES APPROVAL

A. Board of Health - Regulation, Ordinance, Promotion and Planning Committee - Public Meeting - Jun 3, 2020 6:00 PM

RESULT: TABLED [3 TO 0] AYES: Gaffney, Clarke, Mowery ABSTAIN: Lorenc, Marcussen, Amsler, Zuck, Maguire ABSENT: Stinson, Morawski, Carman NA: Parrish

B. Board of Health - Special Meeting - Dec 14, 2020 6:30 PM

RESULT: ACCEPTED [4 TO 0] MOVER: Joseph Clarke SECONDER: Barbara Amsler AYES: Gaffney, Clarke, Marcussen, Amsler ABSTAIN: Mowery, Zuck ABSENT: Stinson, Morawski, Maguire, Carman NA: Lorenc, Parrish

C. Minutes of May 17, 2021 5:30 PM

RESULT: APPROVED [7 TO 0] MOVER: Kyle Marcussen SECONDER: Joseph Clarke AYES: Gaffney, Clarke, Parrish, Marcussen, Amsler, Mowery, Maguire ABSTAIN: Zuck ABSENT: Stinson, Morawski, Carman NA: Lorenc

D. Board of Health - Regular Meeting - Aug 16, 2021 6:30 PM

RESULT: ACCEPTED [5 TO 0] MOVER: Barbara Amsler SECONDER: Kyle Marcussen AYES: Gaffney, Parrish, Marcussen, Amsler, Maguire ABSTAIN: Clarke, Mowery, Zuck ABSENT: Stinson, Morawski, Carman NA: Lorenc

4. DEPARTMENT & DIVISION UPDATES

Ms. Adamson said the call center fielded 631 calls in August, a 72% increase from July. They averaged the same amount of calls the first week of September as they did the first week in August.

The Admin Division is struggling to fill the two open positions in accounting and we are continuing to recruit for these positions. Ms. Adamson said that two of the supplemental requests that were included in the proposed budget that was approved are within the Administration Division: Director of Planning and Operations and a fiscal manager. Due to the timing and the need to recruit for these open positions, they will be taken to the County Board in October through the resolution process.

Ms. Howell said there will 3 microchip and vaccine clinics coming up in October. There will be a cat clinic on October 13 and if the cat gets registered and vaccinated, they will get microchipped at no charge. The other clinics will be for dogs on October 20 and October 27.

Ms. Howell introduced Salina Carani, the new Kennel Operator. Ms. Howell said she is working on inventory and is doing a great job and is an asset to the Division.

Ms. Nomm said that Christine Miller who has been the Food Program Coordinator for several years has recently been promoted to the new Field Staff Supervisor position. The Division still has 4 open positions, but 2 have been recently filled.

The Department had the 3rd of 4 electronic recycling events scheduled last Saturday. There were between 250-275 participants and the event went very smoothly. The last event of the year will be on October 16, 2021. The Department will host an alkaline battery drive the first week of October. Residents can drop off their batteries at the Environmental Health office for recycling.

Ms. Nomm reported they are working on the Solid Waste plan update. We will contract with a Solid Waste Specialist to update our solid waste plan. The specialists can give us some of the national, state and regional contexts for our plan in terms of trends and challenges. We did this last time we updated our plan and found it very helpful.

We are beginning the process to renew one of our solid waste franchise agreements. This contract affects approximately 750 residents in the Crystal Lake Manor and Fox Lake Vista area. The contract doesn’t expire until April of 2022 but it will take approximately 6 months to develop quotes and send them out for bids and complete the approval process.

The Division has been working with Ms. Karras on a salmonella outbreak associated with one of our food establishments in Fox River Grove. Ms. Nomm said it appears to be part of a larger multi-state salmonella investigation that’s being done by the State, the CDC and the FDA. Ms. Nomm informed board members that the establishment in Fox River Grove has voluntarily closed for several weeks and remains closed pending clearance of their staff, getting the establishment cleaned and re-stocked. We did collect a number of food samples at the request of the Illinois Department of Health and all were found to be negative of salmonella.

Ms. Karras added to Ms. Nomm’s explanation of the salmonella outbreak. She said the Department is currently trying to work with the State to get clearance with this establishment in accordance with the State administrative code. Ms. Karras noted the establishment has been very cooperative in the investigation. Ms. Karras said there are fifteen cases that have been directly linked to this location, 14 are McHenry County residents and one resident of Will County.

An update was given by Ms. Karras on the influenza vaccine. The Department has received half of our allotment so vaccines will begin to be administered to employees October 5 and 6. Vaccines will also be available on October 18, 2021 prior to the Board of Health meeting.

Ms. Karras said the COVID-19 incident rate remains high, but our test positivity rate is down to 4.4%. This is directly related to schools since we are doing much more testing on individuals.

Emergency room and in-patient admissions are stabilizing. For the past two weeks, data shows all age groups are high, but the highest rate spread was in the 5-9 age group and the 10-14 age group. The age group of 80+ has the lowest rate of spread. Ms. Karras said that the 0-4 age group is experiencing a spread in comparison to historical data, but that number is also declining.

Fifty-five percent of our population is fully vaccinated. The 12-17 age group is at 48%, the 18-64 age group is at 62% and the 65 and older group is at 62%. Ms. Karras said the Department is continuing to see the same trends as far as zip codes, with the northern and western part of the county having lower percentages. By race, the numbers are plateauing however, we are seeing a steady and slight increase in the Hispanic population.

The County has had 166 breakthrough cases that were identified, with 41 of those cases hospitalized and two ICU admissions. The deaths are less than 10.

Ms. Karras updated the board that Curative, our contractor that administers COVID-19 vaccines and testing has terminated the vaccine portion of their contract due to low volume. They will continue to do testing at the old Kmart site in McHenry. They will also help with testing from their mobile unit at school sites.

Ms. Marrin said that a firm has responded to the request for qualifications to conduct an assessment of the department’s future operational needs. Ms. Marrin also said the Department will be meeting with County staff at the end of the month to review the proposal and discuss next steps.

Ms. Marrin said the Division is continuing to update the Board of Health Orientation Manual. She said a lot of the information was dated and some new items are being added, such as the Open Meetings Act and FOIA information.

The Division continues to review and update policies and procedures. Ms. Marrin added they are currently looking at the website and press release policies and seeking to streamline the communications operations with a gatekeeper for a much better flow.

5. CONSENT AGENDA

A. Department 24 - Tuberculosis

1. TB Disbursements

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ted Lorenc SECONDER: Barbara Amsler AYES: Lorenc, Gaffney, Clarke, Parrish, Marcussen, Amsler, Mowery, Zuck, Maguire ABSENT: Stinson, Morawski, Carman

2. TB Income & Expenses

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ted Lorenc SECONDER: Barbara Amsler AYES: Lorenc, Gaffney, Clarke, Parrish, Marcussen, Amsler, Mowery, Zuck, Maguire ABSENT: Stinson, Morawski, Carman

3. TB Program Report

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ted Lorenc SECONDER: Barbara Amsler AYES: Lorenc, Gaffney, Clarke, Morawski, Parrish, Marcussen, Amsler, Mowery, Zuck, Maguire ABSENT: Stinson, Carman

B. Department 51 - Health

1. Health-Disbursements

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ted Lorenc SECONDER: Barbara Amsler AYES: Lorenc, Gaffney, Clarke, Parrish, Marcussen, Amsler, Mowery, Zuck, Maguire ABSENT: Stinson, Morawski, Carman

2. Health-Income & Expenses

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ted Lorenc SECONDER: Barbara Amsler AYES: Lorenc, Gaffney, Clarke, Parrish, Marcussen, Amsler, Mowery, Zuck, Maguire ABSENT: Stinson, Morawski, Carman

3. ADM Report

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ted Lorenc SECONDER: Barbara Amsler AYES: Lorenc, Gaffney, Clarke, Parrish, Marcussen, Amsler, Mowery, Zuck, Maguire ABSENT: Stinson, Morawski, Carman

4. PHN DIvision Report

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ted Lorenc SECONDER: Barbara Amsler AYES: Lorenc, Gaffney, Clarke, Morawski, Parrish, Marcussen, Amsler, Mowery, Zuck, Maguire ABSENT: Stinson, Carman

5. VPH Division Report

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ted Lorenc SECONDER: Barbara Amsler AYES: Lorenc, Gaffney, Clarke, Parrish, Marcussen, Amsler, Mowery, Zuck, Maguire ABSENT: Stinson, Morawski, Carman

C. Contracts & Addendums & Agreements - Renewal

1. IDHS-Breastfeeding Peer Counseling

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ted Lorenc SECONDER: Barbara Amsler AYES: Lorenc, Gaffney, Clarke, Parrish, Marcussen, Amsler, Mowery, Zuck, Maguire ABSENT: Stinson, Morawski, Carman

2. IDPH-Cities Readiness Initiative

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ted Lorenc SECONDER: Barbara Amsler AYES: Lorenc, Gaffney, Clarke, Parrish, Marcussen, Amsler, Mowery, Zuck, Maguire ABSENT: Stinson, Morawski, Carman

3. IDHS-WIC-FMNP

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ted Lorenc SECONDER: Barbara Amsler AYES: Lorenc, Gaffney, Clarke, Morawski, Parrish, Marcussen, Amsler, Mowery, Zuck, Maguire ABSENT: Stinson, Carman

4. IDPH-IBCCP

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ted Lorenc SECONDER: Barbara Amsler AYES: Lorenc, Gaffney, Clarke, Parrish, Marcussen, Amsler, Mowery, Zuck, Maguire ABSENT: Stinson, Morawski, Carman

5. JourneyCare

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ted Lorenc SECONDER: Barbara Amsler AYES: Lorenc, Gaffney, Clarke, Parrish, Marcussen, Amsler, Mowery, Zuck, Maguire ABSENT: Stinson, Morawski, Carman

6. Catalent Pharma Solutions

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ted Lorenc SECONDER: Barbara Amsler AYES: Lorenc, Gaffney, Clarke, Parrish, Marcussen, Amsler, Mowery, Zuck, Maguire ABSENT: Stinson, Morawski, Carman

7. Florence Nursing Home

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ted Lorenc SECONDER: Barbara Amsler AYES: Lorenc, Gaffney, Clarke, Parrish, Marcussen, Amsler, Mowery, Zuck, Maguire ABSENT: Stinson, Morawski, Carman

8. IDPH-PHEP

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ted Lorenc SECONDER: Barbara Amsler AYES: Lorenc, Gaffney, Clarke, Parrish, Marcussen, Amsler, Mowery, Zuck, Maguire ABSENT: Stinson, Morawski, Carman

9. IDPH-Illinois Tobacco Free Communities

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ted Lorenc, Cindy Gaffney SECONDER: Barbara Amsler AYES: Lorenc, Gaffney, Clarke, Parrish, Marcussen, Amsler, Mowery, Zuck, Maguire ABSENT: Stinson, Morawski, Carman

10. IDHS-Supplemental Nutrition Program for WIC

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ted Lorenc SECONDER: Barbara Amsler AYES: Lorenc, Gaffney, Clarke, Parrish, Marcussen, Amsler, Mowery, Zuck, Maguire ABSENT: Stinson, Morawski, Carman

6. NORTHWESTERN MEDICINE DISBURSEMENTS

1. Northwestern Medicine Disbursements

RESULT: APPROVED [8 TO 0] MOVER: Kyle Marcussen SECONDER: Barbara Amsler AYES: Gaffney, Clarke, Parrish, Marcussen, Amsler, Mowery, Zuck, Maguire ABSTAIN: Lorenc ABSENT: Stinson, Morawski, Carman

7. CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS - NEW

A. Alexander Leigh Center for Autism--MOU

Ms. Karras explained the Center reached out to the Health Department to do the required TB testing to their employees prior to starting work.

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Barbara Amsler SECONDER: James Mowery AYES: Lorenc, Gaffney, Clarke, Parrish, Marcussen, Amsler, Mowery, Zuck, Maguire ABSENT: Stinson, Morawski, Carman

B. Heritage Woods of McHenry

Ms. Karras explained this is another closed POD for administering COVID-19 or flu vaccines.

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Kyle Marcussen SECONDER: Barbara Amsler AYES: Lorenc, Gaffney, Clarke, Parrish, Marcussen, Amsler, Mowery, Zuck, Maguire ABSENT: Stinson, Morawski, Carman

8. BOARD ISSUES

A. Governance in Action

Ms. Adamson told board members this is a free course put on by the Michigan Public Health Institute. Ms. Adamson said she has taken the course and said it was very worthwhile and covers some very relevant topics.

Ms. Adamson said she wasn’t sure whether the course could be done as a group and would check into that. If members are not interested in doing it as a group, she stated she will email the link and members can complete it individually. The class is 2 hours, which is broken down into 15 minute segments. A certification of completion is given when the course is completed.

Mr. Marcussen asked if there were any updates on the West Nile Virus. Ms. Karras said there have been no human cases. Ms. Nomm said the Division continues to see the primary vector for West Nile virus which is the Culex Pipiens mosquito and still continue to see fairly good numbers in our traps. Ms. Nomm said we have only had 3 positive batches in our traps this season and only 1 positive bird.

Ms. Gaffney informed board members that the Board of Health Medical Advisor, Dr. Laura Buthod will be leaving but will continue to work until another medical advisor is on board. Ms. Gaffney thanked Dr. Buthod for her contributions during this difficult time. Dr. Buthod thanked the Board for giving her the opportunity to serve as medical advisor and work with a very dedicated group of people.

RESULT: PRESENTED

9. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS

A. Allocation Tracking

RESULT: PRESENTED

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION (AS NECESSARY)

Motion made by Mr. Marcussen, second by Dr.Lorenc to go out of Regular Session at 7:12 pm, and into Executive Session Motion passed unanimously with a roll call vote.

Motion made by Dr. Mowery, second by Mr. Marcussen to go out of Executive Session and into Regular Session at 7:12 pm. Motion passed unanimously with a roll call vote

11. APPENDIX

A. Media Appendix

RESULT: PRESENTED

B. Webstats

RESULT: PRESENTED

C. ENV Lab Report

RESULT: PRESENTED

D. PHN Reports

RESULT: PRESENTED

E. VPH Reports

RESULT: PRESENTED

12. ADJOURNMENT

Motion made by Dr. Mowery, second by Mr. Marcussen to adjourn meeting at 7:20 pm. Motion passed unanimously with a voice vote.

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