McHenry Times

McHenry County Public Health & Community Services Committee met May 29

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Members Present: Tracie Von Bergen, Deena Krieger, Mike Shorten, Patrick Sullivan, Gloria Van Hof

Members Absent: Pamela Althoff, Eric Hendricks

Portions of these minutes may include content based on transcripts created by Generative AI technology (Otter.ai). Full comments on all agenda items are included in the video recording of this meeting.

1. CALL TO ORDER

Meeting called to order at: 8:30 a.m.

Also present: Peter Austin, County Administrator; Scott Hartman, Deputy County Administrator; Adam Wallen, Director of Planning and Development; Melissa Adamson, Health Administrator; Sarah Ponitz, Community Development Administrator; Maria Avila, Community Development Specialist; Brandon Kyker, Community Development Specialist; Patricia Nomm, Director of Environmental Health; Connee Meschini, Mental Health Board President; Alex Wall, County Administration Intern.

2. MINUTES APPROVAL

Mover: Sullivan

Seconder: Shorten

Approve previous minutes from the May 1, 2025 meeting.

Aye (5): Von Bergen, Krieger, Shorten, Sullivan, and Van Hof

Absent (2): Althoff, and Hendricks

Recommended (5 to 0)

2.1 Public Health & Community Services - Public Meeting - May 1, 2025 8:30 A.M.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

4. MEMBERS' COMMENTS

None.

5. NEW BUSINESS

None.

6. ROUTINE CONSENT AGENDA

Mover: Shorten

Seconder: Sullivan

To approve the items of the routine consent agenda.

Aye (5): Von Bergen, Krieger, Shorten, Sullivan, and Van Hof

Absent (2): Althoff, and Hendricks

Recommended (5 to 0)

6.1 Resolution Adopting Amended Bylaws for the McHenry County Senior Services Grant Commission (10)

Mover: Shorten

Seconder: Sullivan

To approve a resolution adding amendments to the Senior Service Grant Commission Bylaws and policies manual.

Recommended

6.2 Resolution Authorizing the Reclassification of Positions 051-0953-07 and 051-0973-19 to one Full-time Administrative Specialist Position within the Department of Health’s FY25 Departmental Roster (51)

Mover: Shorten

Seconder: Sullivan

Request that the County Board authorize the reclassification of two part-time positions into one full-time position within the existing MCDH roster.

Recommended

Mover: Shorten

Seconder: Sullivan

Request that the County Board authorize the reclassification of two part-time positions into one full-time position within the existing MCDH roster.

Recommended

6.3 Revision to Article II of the Public Health Ordinance (51)

Mover: Shorten

Seconder: Sullivan

To approve the revision to Article II of the Public Health Ordinance.

Recommended

7. OLD BUSINESS

None.

8. PRESENTATION

8.1 Food Protection Program Overview

Patricia Nomm, Director of Environmental Health, joined the committee for the presentation.

Ms. Nomm provided a general overview of the program and its core activities. She noted that the most frequently asked question from food operators was how the department promotes consistency among its inspectors. She outlined the program's core responsibilities, which included plan reviews for remodeled or new food establishments, as well as reviews for cottage food operations—operations where food is prepared in a home and sold directly to consumers, such as at farmers' markets. She stated that the department conducted opening, routine, follow-up, and complaint inspections, and also oversaw all temporary food establishments in the county. Additionally, staff responded to complaints and illness investigations and provided public education. She reminded attendees that all food inspections were completed electronically and became immediately available on the department’s website upon completion.

Ms. Nomm shared that in 2024, the department oversaw just under 1,500 food establishments and nearly 1,000 temporary food events. Staff conducted 6,455 inspections and responded to 332 complaints. They reviewed 195 new or remodeled food establishments and completed 125 cottage food reviews. The department conducted 2247 consultations with individuals who had questions about food or food protection. Furthermore, the team hosted eight virtual office hour meetings with 514 participants and held eight public education events that reached 1,900 participants.

She explained that virtual office hours, which were introduced the previous year, served as a convenient outreach tool for food operators. These sessions occurred monthly and covered various topics such as required documentation for policies and certifications, updates to the FDA retail food code that took effect in January, plumbing and physical facility maintenance, sanitizing procedures, illness event cleanup protocols, chemical labeling, and menu requirements related to consumer advisories, particularly concerning undercooked foods and allergens.

Ms. Nomm emphasized that as a certified local health department, the program underwent a triennial review by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). This review examined local ordinances, inspection frequency, follow-up procedures, violation citations, public education efforts, and plan review quality. The department followed the 2022 FDA Retail Food Code, which applied universally throughout Illinois, along with IDPH’s 750 Code and additional administrative and permitting requirements outlined in Articles I and II of the Public Health Ordinance.

She acknowledged the challenges both staff and food operators faced in understanding the breadth of these regulations and reiterated that promoting consistency in inspections was a top priority. To address this, the department implemented a robust training protocol for new staff. This included shadowing experienced inspectors, studying relevant regulations, participating in partner inspections with senior staff, and completing a standardization inspection with the Field Staff Supervisor. Inspectors began performing independent inspections at Category 3 (low-risk) facilities and progressed to more complex Category 1 facilities over five to six weeks. Ongoing follow-up and standardization exercises with the Food Program Supervisor were conducted two to four times per year to ensure consistent practices.

She stated that food staff received additional training through IDPH, FDA, and CDC resources. In the first year, topics included public health principles, microbiology, communication, and regulatory practices. In the second year, training focused on illness outbreak investigations, complex food processes, and allergens. By the third year, the emphasis shifted to environmental assessment, the ultimate objective of FDA food inspections. Staff were also required to complete a minimum of five hours of continuing education annually.

Ms. Nomm explained that food staff received consistent supervisory support. Daily meetings lasting 15–20 minutes were held to assign duties and discuss issues. Biweekly meetings allowed staff to share inspection trends and concerns, which were then used to shape future virtual office hour content. Inspectors also had access to on-call supervisors for evening and weekend support, ensuring they were never without guidance.

To further ensure regional consistency, staff participated in the Northern Illinois Public Health Consortium’s food subcommittee, which met quarterly and maintained routine communication. This allowed for alignment with neighboring counties like Lake County. Staff also attended IDPH’s monthly virtual office hours and maintained open lines of communication with both IDPH and FDA representatives for additional guidance.

She elaborated on the significance of adopting the FDA Retail Food Code in 2017, which shifted inspections from a rigid 45-point checklist to a risk-based model. Under this model, inspectors evaluated operational practices observed during their visit, understanding that facilities constantly evolved and each inspection might differ. The goal was to assess food safety processes, not just the facility’s physical condition. Staff were trained to engage with the person in charge, who bore responsibility for ensuring food safety compliance. These individuals were expected to demonstrate knowledge and be accountable for daily operations.

Ms. Nomm also addressed how the department handled disagreements. She acknowledged that errors did occur and stated that most issues were resolved through a phone call or email to the staff supervisor or herself. Inspection records were reviewed, and discussions were held with the inspector involved. If an error was confirmed, the report was corrected, staff were retrained, and the issue was addressed with the entire food program team. Operators dissatisfied with this process could file a formal appeal with the Public Health Administrator and, if necessary, escalate it to the Board of Health hearing committee for a final decision. She emphasized that this appeals process applied not only to food but to all program areas.

She concluded with a common example of inspection inconsistency: a facility questioned why a covered beverage was cited during one inspection but not another. She explained that food staff understood the physical challenges of working in hot kitchens and allowed covered beverages for staff to prevent dehydration, provided certain conditions were met.

Following the presentation, a brief discussion highlighted the importance of maintaining a collaborative and educational approach during inspections, rather than a punitive one. Ms. Nomm confirmed this is a key focus of staff training and standard procedures, noting that inspectors make proactive calls to vendors and provide resources like extension request forms to reduce unnecessary re-inspections and costs. It was also confirmed that re-inspections are typically conducted by the same inspector, when possible, to ensure consistency.

9. REPORTS

9.1 Mental Health Board Update

Scott Hartman, Deputy County Administrator, and Connee Meschini, Mental Health Board President, joined the committee for the report.

Ms. Meschini and Mr. Hartman reported significant activity at the Mental Health Board. The search for a new Executive Director is ongoing, with applications being accepted through the end of June. Karen Frisk, the Director of Compliance and Strategic Planning, resigned effective June 6 to take a leadership role at another agency. Her departure, while difficult, has created a vacancy. To ensure continuity, the Board appointed Bridget Geenen, the current Administrative Assistant, as Acting Director to serve as a point of contact during the transition. Bridget Geenen spends about 8 to 12 hours per week on-site helping with operations, Human Resources coordination, and the Executive Director search. Interviews for the new director will follow Open Meetings Act rules, with finalists giving public presentations and agencies invited to provide feedback. County Administration is supporting the Board through this period and helping plan future operations.

The vacant Compliance and Strategic Planning position will be posted after the job description is reviewed. Ms. Frisk had overseen program audits to make sure agencies met contract terms, while agencies provide their own financial audits. Her two direct reports will continue managing compliance, and a meeting is planned to ensure smooth handover. Usually, a few agencies return unspent funds each year due to delays or fewer services delivered, which is normal.

The Mental Health Board approved a $12.76 million budget for FY26, with nearly $10.86 million going directly to client services and the rest for building maintenance and administration. To balance this budget, $1.9 million will be drawn from the Board’s $10 million fund balance, allowing flat funding of programs through about 2027. New programs cannot be funded without cutting existing ones. Over $1 million in mid-year funding requests have been made, but only about $400,000 is available, making funding decisions very competitive.

A recently hired grant writer secured over $1 million in grants last year, but long waiting lists remain— especially for developmental disability services. Funding is based on overall need rather than fixed percentages among developmental disabilities, mental health, and substance abuse. Agencies submit “warrants of need” to support their requests, and some have asked for much higher amounts than before. The Board is concerned about the end of opioid settlement funds, which will reduce substance abuse resources. Despite challenges, support continues for programs like Pioneer Center’s day services due to few alternatives.

Board members shared stories about families facing difficulties caring for developmentally disabled loved ones, highlighting programs like the County Adult Transition (CAT) program started by local parents to meet unmet needs. Sales tax revenue expansion could increase funds but requires state law changes. No preliminary sales tax data is available yet.

Board members also emphasized the importance of Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) homes, which offer smaller, community-based housing for 6 to 8 individuals instead of large residential facilities. Agencies like Clearbrook and Pioneer lead these efforts, improving care and lowering costs. Collaboration between organizations helps expand these options, although the process takes time.

In summary, the Mental Health Board is managing leadership changes, tight budgets, and growing service demands while working to support essential programs and find ways to improve services for the county’s vulnerable populations.

10. FUTURE TOPICS

None.

11. EXECUTIVE SESSION (AS NECESSARY)

None.

12. ADJOURNMENT

Mover: Van Hof

Seconder: Shorten

To adjourn the meeting at 9:30 a.m. -TCCazares

Aye (5): Von Bergen, Krieger, Shorten, Sullivan, and Van Hof

Absent (2): Althoff, and Hendricks

Recommended (5 to 0)

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