Grundy Reporter

City of Elgin Board of Health Met Oct. 12.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Elgin Board of Health quarterly meeting was held in thefirst floor conference room at City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Dr. Poulos at 7:31 p.m.

Members Present: Dr. Dorothea Poulos 

Cynthia Applehoff-Siedsma 

Jeanine Seitz 

Joni Courtney

Jason Smitht

Saff Present: Brad Bohner, Neighborhood Services Manager of Public Health

Members Absent: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Dr. Poulos moved to approve the minutes from the July 13, 2020 Board of Health quarterly meeting as submitted. Cynthia Applehoff-Siedsma seconded the motion. The motion was adopted by a vote of four yes, zero no, and one abstention.

DISCUSSION OF THE ELGIN HEALTH DEPARTMENT RESPONSE TO THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC

Mr. Bohner stated that routine inspections of food establishments were temporarily halted in late March 2020 when the Health Department began responding to concerns, questions and complaints regarding the Covid 19 pandemic. In addition, many restaurants were temporarily closed during the early stages of the pandemic. Therefore, routine food establishment inspection are currently down over 50% this year. The Health Department does expect to inspect every food establishment once this year.

The Health Department staff is currently conducting on site investigations regarding complaints related to Covid 19, including complaints of food establishments and other businesses operating without proper social distancing, improper or non-use of face coverings, and other possible public health violations. The Health Department is inspecting outdoor dining areas that many restaurants have erected to ensure they meet health, fire and zoning requirements.

Dr. Polous asked if the Health Department had enough enforcement power to ensure that businesses are complying with the Restore Illinois Guidelines for Covid 19. Mr. Bohner stated that recently the City of Elgin was empowered to issue a Notice of Non Compliance, and a Notice to Disperse to any business not in compliance. Estrellas de Millenium was issued a Non Compliance Notice, and Old Republic was issued both notices. Bothe businesses are currently in compliance with all guidelines.

Dr Poulos was also concerned that the Board of Health was not more frequently informed of decisions made by all City of Elgin Departments and other governing bodies in response to the Covid 19 situation. Mr. Bohner stated that the number of meetings and decisions made regarding Covid 19 at the municipal level have slowed considerably, and that the Board of Health will be provided all pertinent information regarding Covid 19 decisions made by every City Department, so that the Board may provide appropriate opinions whenever it is deemed necessary.

In addition, Dr. Poulos asked that the City of Elgin Health Department make available a list of all Covid 19 testing sites, as well as information such as days and hours of operation, appointment requirements, billing and insurance requirements, and contact information.Mr. Bohner stated he would check with the City Manager’s office to ensure this information is available on the City website.

REVIEW OF THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2020

Four food establishments opened and eight closed. Food was discarded from three food establishments due to temperature abuse. One public swimming facility was closed for four days due to high disinfectant levels.

Adjournment: There being no further items to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:43 p.m.

https://www.cityofelgin.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/7148