Board of Health

Regular Meeting

Skokie, IL · February 11, 2021

Minutes

Skokie Board of Health Meeting Minutes February 11, 2021 Present Dr. Drachler, Emeritus Mr. Pandya Dr. Gaynes Ms. Shim Ms. Haido Mr. Sood Ms. Hanlon Ms. Urbanus Ms. Keeler Ms. Varma Dr. Kumar Dr. Vernon Dr. Linn Dr. Werner, Chair Ms. Nickish-Dugan Michael Charley, Staff A. Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Dr. Werner, Chairman. Dr. Werner reminded that the meeting is being recorded and read a statement that meetings will be held electronically until further notice per the State of Illinois Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation. Members of the public may submit questions to Mr. Michael Charley and they will be presented and read during the relevant portion of the meeting. Introduction from Ms. Hanlon who is a new Skokie resident and she is a P.A working in a clinic in the city. All members welcomed her. B. Approval of Minutes: The minutes for the December and January meetings were approved. C. COVID-19 Updates: Michael Charley: Mr. Charley reported he statistics from Skokie’s COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign: • 6199 doses of vaccine administered • 11 vaccination clinics scheduled • 3750 Pizer doses shared with NorthShore University Healthsystems • Over 25,000 people have pre-registered to receive a vaccination • COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Grant has been applied for • 5270 positive cases in Skokie • 109 total COVID-19 related deaths • average cases per day have gone down • The positivity rate is at 3.82% • Currently in phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan A brief Q&A followed on suggested changes to the pre-registration list and how to volunteer at the vaccination clinics. Dr. Linn, Dr. Vernon and Dr. Werner wanted to comment that the vaccination clinics are running very smooth. Mr. Charley and staff are very professional. D. Chair’s Report: Dr. Werner shared an article from the American Public Health Association on electronic nicotine dispensing systems (vaping). The article showed there is a drop-in tobacco use in high school students but a spike in vaping. He wants the Board to investigate this topic. He also wants a discussion on the equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine and how is the Health Department addressing homebound, minority and people with no technology available. Mr. Charley was receptive to discuss these issues with the board and is open to suggestions. E. Director’s Report: Mr. Charley reported the AARP free senior tax program is being provided by Skokie Health and Human Services Department in conjunction with the Skokie Library and have been able to schedule almost 80 seniors to receive the service. Also, the department is working with Connections for the Homeless to provide finical assistance to 16 Skokie Residents in need during this pandemic. F. Old/New Items of Business: Dr. Vernon provided a very informative presentation on the new COVID-19 variants. A brief Q&A followed. Mr. Charley reported he submitted a memo to the Village Manager to amend the ordinance on banning flavored e-cigarette sales and he will keep the board posted on any new updates. G. Citizen Comments: No citizen comments to report. H. Adjournment: Meeting adjourned 8:00 p.m. Next Board of Health Meeting: Thursday, April 8, 2021, 7:00 p.m. Board of Health Members-Virtual via Zoom Meetings

Agenda

Skokie Board of Health Thursday, February 11, 2021 Staff Liaison’s Village Hall Board of Health Members – Virtual via Zoom Meetings 7:00 p.m. AGENDA Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting is being held virtually. Members of the public who wish to comment as to an item on the published agenda must submit their statement or question in writing to Michael Charley with the Skokie Health Department and all properly submitted statements or questions will be presented and read during the relevant portion of the meeting. Written comments also may be submitted by email to citizencomments@skokie.org by mail to Village of Skokie, Attn: Michael Charley with the Skokie Health Department, 5127 Oakton Street, Skokie, Illinois, 60077; or via the Village’s drop box located by the public entry to Village Hall I. Call to Order Statement to be read by Chairman Dr. Werner: Until further notice, meetings of the Board of Health will be held electronically, with a majority of members participating via remote access in order to comply with the State of Illinois Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation. Members of the public who wish to comment as to an item on the published agenda must submit their statement or question in writing to Michael Charley with the Skokie Health Department; and all properly submitted statements or questions will be presented and read during the relevant portion of the meeting. Written comments also may be submitted by email to citizencomments@skokie.org by mail to Village of Skokie, Attn: Michael Charley –Director of Health and Human Services, 5127 Oakton Street, Skokie, Illinois, 60077; or via the Village’s drop box located by the public entry to Village Hall. II. Approval of Minutes III. COVID-19 Updates: Mike Charley, MS, LEHP Director Health and Human Services IV. Chair’s Report V. Director’s Monthly Report VI. Old/New Items of Business A. COVID-19 – IDPH Genomic Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 Variants (Mike Vernon) B. Update on E-Cigarette Sales Ordinance: Banning the Sale of Flavored E-Cigarette Products VII. Citizen Comments (See information at top of page) VIII. Adjournment. Next Meeting: March 11, 2021, 7:00 p.m. Village Hall-Board of Health Members – Virtual via Zoom Meetings