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Norwalk
Health Department
Board of Health Actions
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June 20, 2006
8:00 AM
Library
Call to order at 8:05 AM
Present: Board of Health – Ken Lalime, RPH, Martha Lemmon, PE, (via telephone),
Edward Tracey, MD, and Ivy Burke
Staff – Tim Callahan
Minutes of May 9, 2006 meeting
A motion to approve the minutes as corrected was made by Dr Tracey, seconded
by Mr. Lalime and passed unanimously.
Personnel Updates
Various changes are occurring with personnel.
Health Marketing Specialist – 3 finalists are being considered an offer will
be made this week
Emergency Response – The scope of this project continues to broaden, most recently
with the planning for avian and pandemic influenza. Bill Mooney, RS commits
2 days per week to this project. He is becoming overwhelmed. Mr. Callahan and
Darleen Hoffler, RN, Clinical Supervisor, are developing a plan to utilize one
of the staff nurses in this project.
Grants Coordinator – Helene Heissenbuttel Daly is going to relocate at the end
of the summer. A search is underway for a person to work part time, 10 – 15
hours per week.
HIV Coordinator – Beverly Gibson Mohamed resigned in May effective June 30,
2006. The position was advertised and interviews conducted. There are 2 excellent
candidates under consideration. The Board recommended moving forward with hiring
for this position as soon as possible so that the rebuilding of this program
can be initiated.
HIV Outreach - The two part time positions are open and recruitment is underway.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Program – The grant funding was reduced necessitating
a reduction in personnel. Gerald Hedley, MD, who has provided clinical supervision
for 3 hours per week will be leaving at the end of July 2006. In recent years
hands on clinical care has been provided by a nurse practitioner. Ruben Mendoza,
MD, Medical Director is available by phone for consultation during clinic hours.
Environmental Health Program
Tom Closter, Director of Environmental Health, provided an update on several
programs. Mr. Closter reviewed the Food Establishment Light house program shoeing
the steady increase in the number of restaurants attaining three lighthouses.
Mr. Closter also pointed to positive effect the reinspection fee has had on
the operation of food establishments. There have been fewer reinspections in
the most recent 2 years, which indicates the charge for reinspection is an incentive
to the owners to follow sanitary practices.
The relocation program was also reviewed. The Health Department assumed responsibility
for this program in 1997. Since then the annual expenditure for relocation has
declined from an average of $300,000 to less than $5,000 per year. Close oversight
of temporary housing placements is the main reason for the success of this project.
Mr. Closter also reviewed the Eviction Program. The City is required by Connecticut
law to move and store belongings for 15 days. The cost for this service averages
$45,000 per year.
Adjourn 8:40 AM
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