Lake County Health and Community Services Committee met Aug. 3.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
Chair Simpson called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m.
Others present:
Matt Meyers, County Administrator's Office
Cassandra Torstenson, County Administrator's Office
Angela Panateri, Communications
Gary Gibson, County Administrator's Office
Mark Pfister, Health Department
Catherine Sbarra, County Board
Sandy Hart, County Board
Paul Frank, County Board
Mike Danforth, County Board
Christopher Anderson-Sell, Communications
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call of Members
Present 7 - Vice Chair Altenberg, Member Barr, Member Casbon, Member Cunningham, Member Maine, Member Roberts and Chair Simpson
* Electronic Attendance: All Members
4. Addenda to the Agenda
5. Public Comment (Items not on the agenda)
6. Chair's Remarks
Chair Simpson stated that Lake County is in the orange for COVID. She asked everyone to stay safe.
7. Unfinished Business
8. New Business
CONSENT AGENDA (Items 8.1)
Approval of Minutes
8.1 21-1132
Minutes from June 29, 2021.
A motion was made by Member Maine, seconded by Member Cunningham, that the minutes be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Vice Chair Altenberg, Member Barr, Member Casbon, Member Cunningham, Member Maine, Member Roberts and Chair Simpson
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
8.2 21-1089
Joint resolution accepting the Illinois Department of Human Services stipend and authorizing an emergency appropriation in the amount of $5,000 for the Lifeline Call Center Stipend.
A motion was made by Member Cunningham, seconded by Member Roberts, that this item be approved and referred on to the Financial and Administrative
Committee. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Vice Chair Altenberg, Member Cunningham, Member Maine, Member Roberts and Chair Simpson
Not Present: 2 - Member Barr and Member Casbon
REGULAR AGENDA
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
8.3 21-1090
Joint resolution accepting the Illinois Department of Public Health grant and authorizing an emergency appropriation in the amount of $55,050 for the Local Health Protection Grant.
Mark Pfister, Health Department Executive Director, gave an overview of the Public Health grant to offset existing staff's salaries and fringe benefits.
Member Casbon joined the meeting at 10:34 a.m.
Member Barr joined the meeting at 10:36 a.m.
A motion was made by Member Cunningham, seconded by Member Roberts, that this item be approved and referred on to the Financial and Administrative
Committee. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Vice Chair Altenberg, Member Cunningham, Member Maine, Member Roberts and Chair Simpson
Not Present: 2 - Member Barr and Member Casbon
8.4 21-1117
Joint resolution accepting the Illinois Department of Public Health grant and authorizing an emergency appropriation in the amount of $3,000,000 for the COVID-19 Contact Tracing grant.
Mark Pfister, Health Department Director, gave an overview of the grant for funding for the Contact Tracing Grant which has been extended to December 31, 2021. A lengthy discussion ensued in regards to the vaccine.
Ann Maine left the meeting at 10:50 a.m.
A motion was made by Member Altenberg, seconded by Member Maine, that this item be approved and referred on to the Financial and Administrative Committee. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Vice Chair Altenberg, Member Barr, Member Casbon, Member Cunningham, Member Maine, Member Roberts and Chair Simpson
8.5 21-1118
Joint resolution accepting the Illinois Department of Public Health grant and authorizing an emergency appropriation in the amount of $25,000 for the HIV/AIDS Quality of Life Program grant.
Mark Pfister, Health Department Director, gave an overview of the additional funding for preventing the transition of HIV/AIDS and risk reduction.
A motion was made by Member Cunningham, seconded by Member Roberts, that this resolution be approved and referred on to the Financial and Administrative Committee. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Aye: 7 - Vice Chair Altenberg, Member Barr, Member Casbon, Member Cunningham, Member Maine, Member Roberts and Chair Simpson
9. County Administrator's Report
There was no County Administrator's report.
10. Executive Session
There was no executive session.
11. Members' Remarks
Vice Chair Altenberg asked Director Pfister questions in regards to the vaccine and mask requirements. Director Pfister stated if someone is still not sure about the vaccine to talk to their health care provider. The individual school districts will decide on the mask requirements. The Health Department has recommended districts to follow the CDC guidelines.
Member Roberts stated that all of the Committee members need to spread the word about the vaccine.
Member Barr asked a question in regards to the Ambassador's. Director Pfister stated if there are any medical questions the Ambassador's should advise them to consult with their provider. They have been trained not to give any medical advice.
Chair Cunningham stated the virus is affecting young people and encouraged them to get the vaccine.
Member Casbon asked when the date will be approved for kids. Director Pfister stated Pfizer will most likely be the first to get approval. The vaccine would be the same just a smaller dose for children. The vaccine may not be approved until the end of 2021 or beginning on 2022.
Member Danforth stated there are issues with the talking points for the Ambassadors and stated the Ambassadors should tell constituents to consult their medical doctor. Discussion ensued.
Member Frank asked how to combat people from receiving inaccurate information. Director Pfister stated again that people should talk to their health care provider. Constituents will not be forced to get the vaccine.
Chair Hart stated that she is so grateful to Director Pfister and the Ambassadors for all of their work.
Member Altenberg also thanked the call center volunteers with assisting the Health Department.
Director Pfister stated the Delta variance is much more contagious and dangerous than the other COVID-19 variances.
Member Roberts thanked Director Pfister.
12. Adjournment
Chair Simpson declared the meeting adjourned at 11:24 a.m.
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