Will County Gazette

Will County Public Health & Public Safety Committee met Aug. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

Ms. Costa led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

III. ROLL CALL

Chair Mica Freeman called the meeting to order at 9:04 AM

Attendee Name	Title	Status	Arrived
Mica Freeman	Chair	Present
Raquel M. Mitchell	Vice-Chair	Present
Daniel J. Butler	Member	Present
Elnalyn Costa	Member	Present
Katie Deane-Schlottman	Member	Present	9:10 AM
Sherry Williams	Member	Present

Also Present: K. Fladhammer, T. Cooke

Other Board Members Present: S. Balich, J. Diaz

No one from the State's Attorney's office was present.

Minutes taken by P. Perez

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. WC Public Health & Public Safety Committee - Regular Meeting - Jul 9, 2024 9:00 AM

RESULT: APPROVED [5 TO 0] MOVER: Raquel M. Mitchell, Vice-Chair SECONDER: Sherry Williams, Member AYES: Freeman, Mitchell, Butler, Costa, Williams AWAY: Deane-Schlottman

V. OLD BUSINESS

VI. NEW BUSINESS

1. Spanish Community Center Presentation

(Sylvia Acosta Chavez)

Ms. Acosta introduced herself and thanked the members for the opportunity. She is the Executive Director of the Spanish Community Center. She stated that she already had the opportunity to meet some of the members at the center and then proceeded with her presentation.

Chair Freeman asked if the center has partnered with local gardeners for the food pantry. Ms. Acosta said that they are already doing that and working towards working with them more frequently. Chair Freeman then asked about the small community library. Ms. Acosta stated that this goes hand in hand with the other educational resources they offer. Books in Spanish and English are available for people to borrow or keep. Their partnerships with other organizations help replenish all the materials. Chair Freeman asked about the progress they are making with Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) requirements. Ms. Acosta explained all the challenges that they are facing with their four-story building. She added that they have some funding to be able to complete the needed repairs in the building. This is why they opened another location in Joliet. Chair Freeman asked about the number of employees and volunteers. Ms. Acosta said that they have about 60 employees and 15-20 volunteers for the food pantry. She explained the process that volunteers go through. Ms. Williams asked if there are resources/programs available for people that have been formerly incarcerated. Ms. Acosta stated that unfortunately, they do not have this available right now.

VII. OTHER NEW BUSINESS

Chair Freeman stated that certain things have come to her attention. Covid started spreading again in the Sunny Hill Nursing home. They have gone back to wearing masks and testing. There were 22 Covid cases in the nursing home.

Also, she said that there was a grant or house bill that came through (but she did not specify). A question was brought up in an endorsement meeting with the AFSCME Union. Chair Freeman said she would forward all the information regarding this.

VIII. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS

1. PHS August Report

(Maggie McDowell)

2. Monthly Substance Use Initiatives Update

(Dr. Kathleen Burke)

3. Monthly Update August 2024

(Elizabeth Bilotta)

4. CPA Invitation Letter

(Elizabeth Bilotta)

5. IDPH News Release

(Elizabeth Bilotta)

6. WIC Presentation - Attachment Updated

(Sylvia Muniz)

Ms. Muniz introduced herself and WIC Manager, Diana Visvardis. She then proceeded with her presentation. Ms. Visvardis asked if anyone had any questions. Ms. Mitchell asked what the income requirements are for WIC. Ms. Muniz said that it varies based on household residents. Ms. Visvardis added that for a family of one, it is $30,000. Overall, it is 110% of the state poverty guidelines. This information can also be found on the Will County Health Department website WIC page. Ms. Mitchell asked if they have worked with the University of Illinois Extension Nutrition program. Ms. Visvardis said that they used to coordinate with them before because University of Illinois used to do cooking and demos. But since they moved to their new location, they have not been able to do this anymore due to lack of space and covid restrictions. But they want to partner with them again along with The Northern Illinois Food Bank. Ms. Muniz then continued with the presentation. Regarding the Milk Bank, Ms. Mitchell asked what the process/requirements are for milk donors to assure that the milk is healthy. Ms. Visvardis explained that the process involves a blood test and drug screen. In addition, applicants need to provide a weekly detailed medication intake list. The Milk Bank takes care of the entire process.

Chair Freeman explained the importance of having a program like this especially due to premature babies. She shared her own personal experience with this issue along with other people’s experiences regarding the benefits of this program. She reminded everyone about La Leche League, which is an organization that helps/supports moms with breastfeeding issues. Ms. Visvardis shared details on a recent event that took place that included this. She also shared information on the Mothers’ Milk Bank and brought flyers to disseminate to members.

Chair Freeman asked how WIC recipients get the nutrition education. Ms. Visvardis said that they need to have contact with their clients every three months. She then explained the process. Someone in the public asked a question. But Chair Freeman stated that she should speak with Ms. Muniz and Ms. Visvardis directly.

Handout from Sylvia Muniz at Committee

(Handout)

7. EMA Update

(Allison Anderson)

Chair Freeman discussed the EMA update regarding the storms. They had presented at one of the Executive meetings. One of the issues that were mentioned was that nursing homes did not have generators. Residents were being taken to the hospital but were being discharged because there was nothing wrong with them. Another issue dealt with an emergency shelter at a mobile home park. But the manager would not unlock the door. One of the community members broke through the window and the people were able to go in. She added that either Land Use or the Ordinance Committee would be looking into this matter.

IX. PUBLIC COMMENT

Jean Heniff introduced herself and her husband, Bob Heniff. Ms. Heniff stated that they live in the Chartwell Downs subdivision in New Lenox. The subdivision consists of 42 residents, and it is built in a wooded area where there is a lot of water and hickory creek running through the subdivision. They have lived there for 28 years. There are a couple of homes that are being constructed. One of the homes is very large and has been under construction for two years. The covenant and plat are filed in the Will County court system. The requirement is that only one residence and one cavitette septic system per property can be built. People on both sides of their property have also installed seepage fields. This is concerning and the installs are inappropriate. One of them is 11 ft. from Hickory Creek and is in a flood plain. The sewage will flow into the creek, and this would be against the plat. The other is 5 ft. from their property, and it is installed on a hill with a 12 ft. slope pitch. It is a trench system that was installed on a hill that point to the pipes of the trenches. When the system fails, it will flow into their property. Sewage tanks were also placed 5 ft. from their property line and frontage. The 10-ft. easement from the property line is supposed to be followed by everyone and they have not done that. Construction has been going on for two years. There does not seem to be oversight or proper permits. The lay of the land has also been altered and elevated their foundation line 6 ft. above the lay of the Heniff’s land. The entire property has been built up. It is illegal to change drainage. The Heniff’s drainage has been cut off to a sewer by elevating their property. After complaining for a year and a half, a sewer was installed to help with the flooding in the Heniff’s frontage.

Chair Freeman stated that many of these concerns mentioned will need to be brought to the Land Use Committee, which starts at 10:30. She then asked the Health Department if the sewer and testing are done by them. They stated yes and Chair Freeman directed the Heniff’s to speak to them directly regarding these issues. Mr. Balich, like Chair Freeman directed the Heniff’s to Land Use. Mr. Butler asked the Heniff’s for the address so that he could look into this. He also explained that today they do not have septic fields; they have habitat systems that are attached to drip fields. He explained this and added that health codes need to be followed. Chair Freeman stated that they would connect her with the Health Department to get their address so that the area can be tested.

Mr. Balich brought up the issue of safety. He explained that the cameras in the Will County Building do not have sound. He was told by the police officers that they do not have sound probably because it costs too much money. He expressed his concerns regarding this and explained what would possibly happen in case of an emergency. He proposed that this topic be added to the agenda and be discussed in this committee. It is concerning not to have sound, especially in an emergency. Chair Freeman said that September is already full but maybe they can add this to the October agenda.

X. ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS BY CHAIR

Chair Freeman shared and read information provided by Maggie McDowell regarding Covid cases. She added that there were 22 residents and 28 staff members that tested positive for Covid. They are wearing face masks and are testing again.

CNA funding was then discussed. The Nursing Home Rate Reform House Bill 246 was reviewed in August of 2022. This was not a grant, but an opt-in or opt-out option. Sunny Hill opted out. When this was evaluated, their reimbursement system had already exceeded or met the requirements to participate in it. She encouraged members to reach out to Ms. McDowell with any questions.

Mr. Butler asked if masks actually prevent the transmission of Covid. He also asked if Covid was dormant and is now back. Ms. Muniz said that masks minimize transmission and Covid spreads more easily in the nursing homes. Mr. Butler asked for further explanation. Denise Bergin from the Health Department explained that the N95 masks are the ones they wear in their facilities. Mr. Butler then asked how many masks need to be worn a day and for how long. Member Diaz stated that it is for two hours. Mr. Butler said that maybe vitamins such as Zinc and others can be added to build the immune system. Ms. Bergin explained the protocol they follow to protect people in their facilities, especially the most vulnerable. Chair Freeman explained that vitamins in health facilities need to be administered by physicians. Mr. Butler said if you can mandate masks, then you can mandate vitamins. Chair Freeman said that one goes into your body and the other is just placed on your face. Mr. Butler said if that is the case, then if vaccines do not need to be mandated either. Ms. Diaz explained the intake of vitamins and medications and their risks. Ms. Williams reminded everyone that these facilities are the residents/seniors’ homes. Personally, for her, no one is going to tell her to take medication she does not want to take, not even her doctor. She added that the residents have the option of not taking medication if they do not want to. Ms. Mitchell agreed with Ms. Diaz regarding vitamins and medications. She said that however, masks make it difficult to breathe for people that have conditions such as COPD and heart conditions. She shared that she lives with someone with these issues - breathing with a mask. Other people also have psychological triggers with masks. She is not advocating for wearing or not wearing masks, but simply stating that arguments can be made for both masks and vitamins.

Chair Freeman reminded everyone about the Side-by-Side Burn event in September. She encouraged members to invite people. Instructions regarding this event will follow.

XI. EXECUTIVE SESSION

XII. ADJOURNMENT

1. Motion to Adjourn @ 10:11 AM

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Raquel M. Mitchell, Vice-Chair SECONDER: Elnalyn Costa, Member AYES: Freeman, Mitchell, Butler, Costa, Deane-Schlottman, Williams

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