Tuesday, August 3, 2021
Zoom Virtual Meeting

Members Attending: J. Dethoff, B. Hospidor, Kathy Schorn, M. Kelleher
Others Attending: S. Smith, A. LaMano, C. Reed, M. Sninsky, J. Abodalo

Dr. Dethoff called the meeting to order at 4:02 pm. He stated that a quorum is present.

Public Comment

None.

Approval of Minutes

Motion was made by Ms. Schorn, seconded by Ms. Bohn, to approve the June 1, 2021 meeting summary as written. Motion carried unanimously.

Ms. Bohn introduced herself and stated that she is currently a PA Dept of Health Food Inspector and was formerly a health inspector for Reading.

Health Office Report

Mr. Reed stated that there have been a large number of businesses transferring ownership.

Dr. Dethoff noted the reduced need to wear masks for those who are vaccinated. He questioned if mask regulations continued to be followed. Mr. Reed stated that masks are not mandated at this time.

Mr. Reed noted the increasing nuisances of bottle clubs.

COVID-19 Update

Deputy Chief Sninsky stated that there has not been an uptick in COVID-19 contacts. He stated that EMS continues to mask and that 72% of the Fire Department has been vaccinated. He stated that there is planning occurring to address the Delta variant and stated that the current expectation is that cases will once again begin to rise in September with another surge beginning in October. He stated that this will come into clearer focus as time moves forward. He stated that the Department has adequate supplies at this time.

Dr. Dethoff questioned if supplies may once again become scarce. Deputy Chief Sninsky stated that this is unknown but supplies are readily available at this time.

Dr. Dethoff questioned if unvaccinated employees are monitored. Deputy Chief Sninsky stated that they are not. He stated that the last COVID case in the Department was in the early spring. He stated that testing has been reduced at this time. He stated that the Department will return to weekly testing and social distancing if cases continue to rise.

Dr. Dethoff stated that case numbers are public information and that the situation can change quickly.

Health Code Amendment

Ms. LaMano stated that she and Ms. Smith have restarted work on this amendment and that it will be presented to the Board when the draft is completed.

Berks Teens Matter

Ms. Smith stated that she was unable to attend their last meeting and has no report this evening.

Lead Abatement Coaltion

Mr. Abodalo stated that the Community Development Department is working on a pilot program with the PA Department of Health to abate ten homes at a cost of $127,000. He stated that the City is also working with US HUD for a grant to abate 70 homes per year at a cost of $3 million. He stated that there has been no word yet on the award of this grant. He stated that the program will partner with the Berks Community Health Center, Tower Health, and Penn State Health St. Joseph Hospital. He stated that he will continue to update the Board on these projects.

Eviction Moratorium

Dr. Dethoff stated that the moratorium has not been extended nationally but that it has been extended locally for an additional 90 days. Mr. Abodalo agreed and noted his hope that additional people can be helped during this time. He stated that the Human Relations Commission continues to process assistance applications. He explained that the County process is more flexible and some applicants are referred to the Homeless Coalition but that all are being assisted.

Dr. Dethoff noted his hope that COVID would have begun to lessen by now.

County Department of Health

Dr. Dethoff provided a brief background on this issue. He stated that discussions continue but he has no report. He stated that Dr. Kelleher is involved in this project.

New Members

Dr. Dethoff welcomed Ms. Bohn to the Board. He questioned if the Board is now full. Ms. Smith explained that there are two vacant alternate positions.

Hybrid or in Person Meetings

Ms. Smith explained that some Boards have begun meeting in person or in a hybrid setting with some members present in person and others present virtually. She questioned if the Board would be interested in moving in this direction for future meetings.

Dr. Dethoff suggested that meetings remain fully virtual. He stated that there has been better attendance with virtual meetings and stated that there may be another COVID surge in the fall when the Board next meets.

The Board agreed to continue meeting virtually.

Other Matters

Ms. Schorn reported that the RHS boys basketball team will be cleaning up the areas around the middle schools on Saturday, August 7.

Dr. Dethoff stated that he is a member of the recently established Reading Education Foundation. He explained that the Foundation will fundraise for special Reading School District projects. He stated that he may email event flyers to Board members from time to time.

Ms. Schorn questioned if progress had been made in identifying the disease killing birds. Dr. Dethoff stated that he has not heard any updates on this problem. He suggested that bird feeders should not be used until the problem can be solved.

Dr. Dethoff questioned if Spotted Lantern Flies continue to be a problem. Ms. Bohn stated that they continue to be problematic.

Next Meeting

Dr. Dethoff stated that the next meeting of the Board is scheduled for Tuesday, October 5 at 4 pm.

The meeting adjourned at 4:27 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Shelly Smith, CMC
Deputy City Clerk