ATTENDANCE: Judith Rivas, Chairperson; J. Olmstead-Sawyer, Barbara

STAFF: Peter Callahan, Health Department Director

The Chairperson opened the meeting at 7:50 p.m.

** MS. RIVAS MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES AND APPROVE THE

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT STRATEGIC PLAN

Mr. Callahan discussed the Mission and Goals of 2001-2202. The programs through June 30 were divided into four areas and weighted. The categories are Financial, Operational, Customer Satisfaction and Learning and Innovation.

In May of 2002 a process was begun for 2002-2003. The strategy includes seven items. The vision is "Excellence with efficiency."

The opportunities for action by the Health Department include lack of affordable health care; bio-terrorism; educating the public on prevention; providing social services; education on changing lifestyles; elder care, coordination of information on services and issues and collaboration ventures with NHC, Norwalk Hospital and the United Way.

Threats include lack of health care; bio-terrorism planning, funding for changing lifestyles, tight employment market, new strains of viruses, elder care monitoring, improving "public health system."

Strengths included a relationship with the Mayor’s office, getting things done, working well with others. Weaknesses are constraints by bureaucracy; City has no strategic plan; lack of social services, working with the Law Department and level of technology within the City.

Departments within the Health Department work together through staff meetings, ongoing training, and incentives to use e-mail and creative funding. Weaknesses include financial constraints and personal relationships causing difficulties in doing things.

Management of change is supported by motivated people, getting people involved, strong follow through, broad sense of ownership and an active director. Weaknesses include no "carrots" to make things happen, no incentives to excel, sometimes stopped by City Hall directives.

Ms. Hudgins arrived at 8:10 p.m.

The Mission for the Health Department has not changed, but remains solid. Three areas will be focused upon Improving operations, Coordinating efforts and making greater use of technology. Goals were established and weighted: Financial 20%, Operational 60%, Customer Satisfaction 10% and Innovation and Learning 10%.

Ms. Hudgins inquired whether the details of the new personnel system would affect performance activities within the department. She asked Mr. Callahan to keep the Personnel Committee informed. The Health Department uses a balanced scorecard to set goals and evaluate performance.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: AUGUST 29, 2002

** MS. HUDGINS MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES AS

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

HEALTHY FAMILIES INITIATIVE

Mr. Callahan distributed the Healthy Families Initiative through the United Way. Norwalk is coordinating the project in this area. The funding of $120,000 per year will be supplied to the Health Department to carry out the grant project guidelines over the five-year period.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT REPORT

Mr. Callahan commented that there was a positive find at Rowayton School of mosquitoes with the West Nile virus. It bites mammals not humans. This time of year the mosquitoes increase. Mr. Callahan commented on the calculations on the number of dead birds in the area. Larva locations were found in June and August by the vendor. During the large rainfall the areas were looked at again to determine whether another treatment would be required. The cool nights should cause the mosquitoes to abate. People have been encouraged to wear protective clothing, long pants, long sleeve shirts, socks and body spray for preventing bites. He also said that people have been advised to remove all pools of collected water to keep their property clear of the mosquitoes. The City does not want to spray because of the impact on the citizens.

A food establishment survey was conducted. There were 26 multi-choice questions that were tested on ten owners. In April, 514 food establishments were sent the questionnaire that was sent back to Fairfieldson for tabulation and confidentiality. The purpose was to rate the Health Department inspectors’ knowledge and assistance with health issues. There was a question whether the establishment uses the Health Department web site. A detail of the results of the survey was discussed with the Committee. The response rate of 25% was exceeded in that 27% responded. The full report is on file in the Health Department office.

The flu season has arrived and the shot sessions will begin October 29th for those over 60 years of age and at high risk. The season will run through November 26th. Various areas throughout the City will immunize as well. Lists will be posted in the local Libraries and Senior Centers.

Ms. Hudgins inquired about the "lack of social services" section in the report.

Mr. Callahan said that the Health Department no longer handled social services as directed by the City. The shortcoming is the adults who need assistance who do not fall within the area of "elderly." Some of these people are not elderly (60-65), but need help.

OLD BUSINESS

The Chairman stated she is still awaiting information from Hatch & Bailey. A letter has been issued, however, she has not received it as yet.

The Chairman said that a statement by a resident in the last meeting regarding a council member being in conflict of interest has not been resolved related to the Hatch & Bailey situation.

Mr. Wien said that the spokesperson for South Norwalk needs to give the Chairman the information so that it is not a part of the issue regarding the noise and dust. If there is a Council person connected with Hatch & Bailey, it needs to be looked into more closely so that there is no conflict.

NEW BUSINESS

Councilman Krummel is drafting a proposal regarding non-smoking in City buildings.

The Chairman suggested meeting with Chairman Poruban regarding a pill that will protect the thyroid from radiation. The Health department will also attend the meeting so that all three entities can collaborate on the distribution.

ADJOURNMENT

** THE CHAIRMAN MOVED TO ADJOURN.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 9:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Alvina L. Richardson Decker

Telesco Secretarial Services

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