Kendall County Health and Environment Committee met April 16.
Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:
Call To Order:
The meeting was called to order by Chair Judy Gilmour at 3:07p.m.
Roll Call:
Committee Members Present: John Purcell – yes, Judy Gilmour – here, Member Prochaska - here
Member Giles arrived at 3:14p.m.
Members Absent: Elizabeth Flowers
Others Present: Megan Andrews, KC Soil & Water District, Steve Curatti, Kendall County Health Department, Dr. Amaal Tokars, Kendall County Health Department
Approval Of Agenda – Member Purcell made a motion to approve the agenda, second by Member Prochaska. With three members present in agreement, the motion carried.
Approval Of Meeting Minutes – Member Prochaska made a motion to approve the meeting minutes from March 19, 2018, second by Member Purcell. With three members present voting aye, the motion carried.
Status Reports:
➢ Kendall County Soil and Water District – Megan Andrews distributed a packet of information including the U.S. Drought Monitor, information regarding native plant resources for the County, and the Plano Middle School Native Plant Sale information.
Ms. Andrews also provided an update on their upcoming activities including the Natural Resources Tour with eight to nine stations, on May 2nd and May 10th at the Hoover Forest Preserve between 10a.m. and 1p.m.
The transect survey by all Illinois Soil and Water Districts will also be conducted in the Month of May.
➢ Board of Health – Member Giles reported at their last meeting there was discussion about
having Chairman Gryder meet with the Board of Health regarding increased collaboration between the Board of Health and the County Board. The next meeting will be on April 17, 2018.
➢ Health Department
Discussion of Synthetic Cannabinoids – Dr. Tokars reported there have been 126 cases, and 3 deaths related to use of synthetic cannabinoids. The group most often affected is young adults, 25-34 years of age. Ten side-affects associated with use of these cannabinoids are psychosis, suicidal thoughts, violent behavior, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, paranoia, nausea, vomiting, severe bleeding, and death. Dr. Tokars stated that Minnesota and Texas have had the most calls to Poison Control Centers regarding synthetic cannabinoids and reactions to use of those substances, and that the number in Illinois, Missouri and surrounding areas has increased. The Health Department will continue to warn and educate the community on the dangers of synthetic cannabinoids, and increase the information to schools, police departments, hospitals, and other partners via social media (Facebook and Twitter), and other methods of communication.
Discussion of Tick Surveillance Program – Steve Curatti, Health Department Program Administrator provided information on the Tick Surveillance Program, primarily targeting deer ticks that carry Lyme Disease. Mr. Curatti also said that surveillance that is performed and information also comes from local physicians, veterinarians and civilians through a tool on the Health Department website. Mr. Curatti said ticks are mostly found around the walking trails of tall grassy areas, and can be carried by mice, birds and deer.
Mr. Curatti reported that in 2017, they conducted 10 tick drags at 5 separate sites, and collected 41 deer tick and 12 dog tick, and of the 41 deer tick, 37 were sent to the University of Massachusetts. Of the 37 deer tick sent, 43 percent came back testing positive for the bacteria for Lyme Disease. There were 17 cases of Lyme Disease in Kendall County in 2017, and 98 cases of Lyme Disease in dogs.
The Health Department will continue to educate and inform the community on the surveillance program, the statistics, and the dangers of Lyme Disease.
Old Business – None
New Business - None
Chairman’s Report – None
Public Comment – None
Items For Committee Of The Whole – None
County Board Action Items - None
Executive Session – Not Needed
Adjournment – Member Prochaska made a motion to adjourn the meeting, second by Member Giles. With no objections, the meeting was adjourned at 3:51p.m.
https://www.co.kendall.il.us/wp-content/uploads/4-16-2018-H-and-E-Cmt-Minutes.pdf
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