Board of Health

Regular Meeting

Norwalk, CT · July 22, 2025

Minutes

CITY OF NORWALK BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JULY 22, 2025 ATTENDANCE: Deanna D’Amore, Director of Health; Frank Ehrlich, MD; Norman Weinberger, MD; Joan McNiel, DNP; Anthony Santella, DrPH; Janet Karpiak, MD (joined at 8:06 a.m.) OTHERS: Brian Weeks, Program Director of Epidemiology and Informatics I. CALL TO ORDER Ms. D’Amore called the meeting to order at 8:01 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Ms. D’Amore called the roll. III. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES A. Regular Meeting: June 24, 2025 **DR. WEINBERGER MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS CORRECTED. **DR. EHRLICH SECONDED. **THE MOTION WAS PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. IV. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There were no members of the public present. V. EPIDEMIOLOGY UPDATES Mr. Weeks presented the latest data on respiratory illness activity, reporting that emergency department visits for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV remain low. Supporting this trend, wastewater monitoring showed minimal viral presence across all three illnesses. Although overall seasonal virus levels continue to decline according to the NREVSS dashboard, a slight uptick in SARS 2 COVID 19 activity was noted. In a shift to national concerns, Mr. Weeks shared that the U.S. has reached a milestone of 1,309 measles cases in 2025, raising concern for potential exposure and highlighting the ongoing need for vaccine outreach. He also reviewed local mosquito surveillance, explaining that while no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported, mosquitoes testing positive for the virus were found in Stamford, Easton, and especially Bridgeport. City of Norwalk Page 1 Board of Health Regular Meeting July 22, 2025 The environmental conditions in Fairfield County were also addressed. While drought is not currently a concern, the area is experiencing abnormally dry weather. A minor heat risk alert had been issued for the county, projected to increase to moderate by the end of the week. During discussion, Dr. Ehrlich asked whether any national public health groups had issued a position on the measles vaccine. Ms. D’Amore responded that NACCHO has shares several resources regarding vaccination and public protection. Dr. Ehrlich also asked whether West Nile virus could be linked to swimming pools. Mr. Weeks clarified that well-maintained pools are not at risk, and that birds and standing water, particularly in coastal communities like Fairfield County, are more common contributors to mosquito activity. VI. REPORTS A. Director’s Report Ms. D’Amore reported on several departmental updates and ongoing concerns. She explained that the President’s proposed federal budget does not currently include funding for local public health preparedness or the preventive services block grant, which are two areas that are vital to local health department operations. On a more encouraging note, she confirmed that the state had received federal funds to continue the Immunization Action Plan, and the department is working to finalize the related contract. She also shared news of staffing developments, announcing that a part-time employee has officially transitioned into a full-time Health Inspector role. Additionally, the department will be hosting quality improvement (QI) training sessions for staff, particularly to members of the Quality Improvement Workgroup. VII. NACCHO ANNUAL RECAP Ms. D’Amore shared insights from the recent NACCHO annual conference, highlighting themes such as workforce development, mental health, the value of public health infrastructure, and the ethical integration of artificial intelligence in health systems. These themes prompted a broader conversation among board members about the public’s limited understanding of the department’s full scope of work. Dr. Santella noted that the department is often perceived solely through its food safety role, which makes it even more important to correct misinformation and increase visibility through other city agencies. Dr. McNiel added that communication and public education are areas where the department could improve. Dr. Ehrlich stressed the need for proactive messaging, stating, “The negatives got first say and once they get first say we’re reactionary. We need to be primary, upfront, and propagating all the good things that public health is responsible for.” Dr. Karpiak reflected on an earlier public awareness initiative that was interrupted by COVID and suggested the Board resume such efforts. Dr. Weinberger supported the idea of increased City of Norwalk Page 2 Board of Health Regular Meeting July 22, 2025 public engagement through school programs and town halls. He also noted the strong example set by the American Academy of Pediatrics in public outreach. Dr. Ehrlich added that promoting vaccine awareness and general health education should not fall solely on the Board but also on the broader medical community. Ms. D’Amore concluded by stating she would move forward with organizing more presentations and advocacy efforts, with the support of Board members. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:35 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Jada Caballero City of Norwalk Page 3 Board of Health Regular Meeting July 22, 2025

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Page 1 of 5 Page 2 of 5 CITY OF NORWALK BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING JUNE 24, 2025 ATTENDANCE: Frank Ehrlich, MD; Janet Karpiak, MD; Joan McNeil, DNP; Anthony Santella, DrPH; Norman Weinberger, MD; Deanna D’Amore, Director of Health OTHERS: David Reed, Medical Director; Brian Weeks, Program Director of Epidemiology and Informatics; Theresa Argondezzi, Assistant Director of Health, Community Health; Aniella Fignon, Project Coordinator; Darleen Hoffler, Supervisor of Clinical Supervisors Services CALL TO ORDER Ms. D’Amore called the meeting to order at 8:01 a.m. ROLL CALL Ms. D’Amore called the roll and announced that a quorum was present. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Ms. Diane Lauricella of Little Fox Lane greeted the Board Members and said that she had spoken to the Board in the past regarding transparent communication about artificial turf field health concerns and other environmental health issues. She would like the department and Board of Health to address concerns about the increased artificial turf fields in Norwalk. Ms. Lauricella said that there was an item on the agenda regarding the appointment of a Medical Director and the Epidemiological Report that she would like to comment on. She shared her thoughts and hopes for the new Medical Director. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES • May 27, 2025 Regular Meeting ** MR. SANTELLA MOVED THE MINUTES OF THE MAY 27, 2025 MEETING. ** MS. MCNEIL SECONDED. ** THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MAY 27, 2025 MEETING AS SUBMITTED PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. V. REPORTS City of Norwalk Board of Health Regular Meeting June 24, 2025 Page 1 Page 3 of 5 • Director's Report. Ms. D’Amore said that she and some of the staff would be doing an on demand presentation for the National Association of County and City Health Officials at the Annual Conference. They will focus on workforce development that the department has done. Word has been received that the Public Health Preparedness Funding should be available for at least another year while the program is being reviewed. This funding is used for the part time Preparedness Coordinator and the part time Emergency Response Team Volunteer Coordinator. Ms. D’Amore said that the Quality Improvement team discussed the Board’s suggestions about the Flu Clinic from the previous meeting and will be working on implementing some of these suggestions. She reminded everyone that there would be an Executive Session regarding the appointment of a Medical Director. EPIDEMIOLOGY UPDATES Mr. Weeks greeted everyone and presented his report. He noted that the wastewater viral monitoring for COVID-19 had moved to the moderate category for the NB.1.8.1 virus. He explained that that it was now called “Nimbus”. Allergens are at a moderate level. There are 1,214 reported measles cases in the country. Mr. Weeks reviewed the measles protocols. The City is experiencing a heat wave and it is expected to peak at 100 degrees later in the day. The City has activated the cooling centers, which he listed and reminded everyone that the Air Quality Index is currently in the yellow range, which is moderate. COMMUNITY HEALTH UPDATES Ms. Argondezzi presented the Community Health Summer Update report and encouraged everyone to be aware of the heat safety. The Norwalk BOE Summer Meals program is starting up. For children aged 18 and under, there are 10 sites that will be open to provide breakfast and lunch on site. The NorWalker trail guide is now available with a list of walks on Mondays. School physicals and vaccines flyers will be available for the public. The flyer is available in both English and Spanish. They are encouraging families to call their physicians now to schedule physicals. City of Norwalk Board of Health Regular Meeting June 24, 2025 Page 2 Page 4 of 5 The Farmer’s Markets are starting up and the flyers with the dates and locations are available in English and Spanish. The Growing Gardens program has started up at Fodor Farm. The program initiative helps families grow their own healthy food. Tick and mosquito information are being posted on social media with reminders on how the general public can protect themselves. EXECUTIVE SESSION • Medical Director Appointment ** DR. WEINBERGER MOVED TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THE APPOINTMENT OF A MEDICAL DIRECTOR. ** DR. EHRLICH SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The Board entered into Executive Session to discuss the appointment of a Medical Director at 8:23 a.m. They returned to Public Session at 8:46 a.m. No actions were taken or votes made while in Executive Session. ** DR. EHRLICH MOVED TO APPOINT DR. KATHERINE GOLAR TO THE POSITION OF MEDICAL DIRECTOR FOR THE NORWALK HEALTH DEPARTMENT. ** DR. WEINBERGER SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Ms. D’Amore thanked Dr. Reed for his years of service and noted that she was looking forward to working with Dr. Golar. ADJOURNMENT Ms. D’Amore adjourned at 9:48 a.m. Respectfully submitted, S. L. Soltes Telesco Secretarial Services. City of Norwalk Board of Health Regular Meeting June 24, 2025 Page 3 Page 5 of 5