EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 March 17, 2026 pg. 1 City of East Orange NEW JERSEY MEETING MINUTES Meeting Call to Order – 5:37 PM Board President Christine Harris read the following Sunshine Law: This meeting, which conforms to the provisions of the Open Public Meeting Act, Chapter 231, and Public Law of 1975, is a regular meeting of the City of East Orange Board of Health. Notices have been filed with our official newspaper, with the City Clerk, and posted on regular bulletin boards. The public is permitted to participate at this meeting. Zoom Communication ID: 863 8609 9273 Meeting Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86386099273?pwd=TChVsXwsUDAadHo6R8lqsjVG169hwm.1 After the roll call, it was determined there was a quorum to convene the meeting. Board Members Present: Christine Harris, President Tobbia M. Corbitt, Vice-President Deanna Phillips Angela Jones-Williams Dr. Tonya X. Cook Council Liaison: Sammed Monk - absent Board of Health Counsel: Attorney Emeka Madubuogo - absent Health Department Staff: Valencia Maponya, HHS Director Health Officer None Mayoral Staff: Donyale Harris Eladio Negron Joylyn Perez � EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 March 17, 2026 pg. 2 City of East Orange NEW JERSEY Guests: None Public in attendance: None Approval of February 16, 2026, Meeting Minutes: Minutes Were Approved Unanimously President Harris Announcements: STOMP President Harris registered to attend a meeting called STOMP (Stop Tobacco Offenses Merchants Program) on March 31st at Hackensack Meridian in Maywood, from 10 AM to 1 PM. The focus: strategies to address advertising of smoking products to young people and children, including ways to inform the public and other initiatives. Meeting locations, in the northern, central, and southern parts of the state, were previously shared. Director Maponya Updates: Community Health Assessment (CHA) President Harris and Director Maponya discussed the Community Health Assessment Project and confirmed that a report had been submitted to the Administration with preliminary outcomes. She mentioned the need for an implementation plan and her efforts to secure funding for strategic advisors to continue developing it. Although funding had not yet been received from a grant, the team resubmitted a request so that consultants could proceed. Director Maponya shared that the strategic plan was expected to be presented to the group that Friday with further discussions to take place. President Harris asked whether a copy of the report would be sent to the Board members for review, and Director Maponya agreed to send it after the Friday session. President Harris also asked whether the report submitted to the Administration had been written or verbal. Director Maponya explained that the report was presented via a PowerPoint report. She noted that the final report would be shared after the upcoming Friday meeting, once the strategic advisors completed the document. President Harris asked Director Maponya whether there would be substantial differences between what was reported to the Administration and the final report. Director Maponya replied that there would not be significant differences, noting that the final report would address limitations but that the core findings, such as birth, weight, injury, and chronic diseases, would remain the same. It would simply be a formal document. President Harris then requested that Director Maponya submit the report given to the Administration to the board. VP Corbitt voiced a concern about why the report had not been shared with the board before it was sent to the Administration. Director Maponya responded that there had been no particular reason for not sharing it, explaining that she wanted the Administration to have the first � EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 March 17, 2026 pg. 3 City of East Orange NEW JERSEY opportunity to understand the report before it was circulated. She emphasized the importance of informing the Administration properly about the report. VP Corbitt agreed that it was essential for the Administration to see the report first, but expressed that the Board should have been informed beforehand since discussions were already happening. She also supported the need for the report to be shared with the community after the Administration had seen it. Director Maponya acknowledged that not sharing the report with the Board may have been an oversight. VP Corbitt expressed a concern that the Board was not kept informed about many important issues in the city. She emphasized the need for better communication to ensure the Board could have input on significant matters. Director Maponya acknowledged this concern and agreed to send a preliminary document for review before the final version was completed that Friday. President Harris asked about a previous discussion regarding a meeting with stakeholders, inquiring whether these individuals had been involved in the initial study or were from outside the project. Director Maponya clarified that the meeting with stakeholders, which had been postponed, was scheduled for Friday and would include relevant groups, such as the focus group involved in the initial study, before any community outreach. President Harris confirmed her understanding that these stakeholders would be from the focus group and project participants. She further asked whether the NACCHO grant would fund any actions for the project's implementation. Director Maponya responded that the NACCHO grant was nearing its end and would not cover planned actions for the project. NACCHO Grant Director Maponya explained that there was no funding left in the NACCHO grant to support any ongoing activities within the Health Department after that month. The sustaining part of the NACCHO grant finished on March 31. The enhancing portion was extended to July 31 after her request for additional funding was approved. This extension provides about three more months of financial support. President Harris asked when the extension took effect, and Director Maponya clarified that it was effective immediately, transitioning from March into July. Director Maponya mentioned that the department received an additional $80,000 from the NACCHO grant, which would primarily cover salaries and wages. She noted that this funding would not be sufficient for implementing the desired programs based on trial findings, as it was earmarked only for specific salary expenses. President Harris asked whose salaries the NACCHO grant would cover, and Director Maponya stated that it depended on their requests, including coverage for the health officer’s position along with overtime and interns. The NACCHO grant had been essential for the department’s budget over the years, covering many salaries and various projects, but was nearing its end. Director Maponya discussed the status of a grant related to funding for a health officer position. Without requesting an extension, the grant would have expired at the end of the month. President � EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 March 17, 2026 pg. 4 City of East Orange NEW JERSEY Harris asked how the budgeted money for the health officer had been utilized, requesting details on its history. Director Maponya clarified that the NACCHO funding was intended to cover the interim health officer’s salary after the previous officer, Dr. Gina, left in January. The City was working toward replacing this full-time position, indicating that City funding would play a role in the future. President Harris pointed out that the health officer’s position was a line item in the budget, confirming its existence. Director Maponya explained that the line item in the City budget had been used to pay the health officer’s salary and that specific additional funds were requested to cover the service agreement for the interim health officer until July. The NACCHO grant could fund health officer salaries if requested in the grant’s initial phase. She mentioned that a request for $750,000 had been submitted to cover various needs, such as a Community Health Needs Assessment and ADA compliance, but only $80,000 was funded. VP Corbitt asked whether the line item for the health officer would remain until the position was filled and whether the NACCHO grant would be used to fund the interim health officer’s salary. Director Maponya confirmed that approval had been sought to use the grant for this purpose, and it was granted. VP Corbitt asked about the grant’s maturity, and Director Maponya affirmed that it would reach maturity on March 31 and questioned whether it could be renewed. Director Maponya stated that no indications of renewal had been received and asked about the requirements to extend it, noting that a final decision on the NACCHO grant’s continuation had not been made. She also explained that funding from the state was crucial for the grant’s extension, and the department was hopeful for future funding while waiting for instructions on when to submit the renewal application. VP Corbitt and Director Maponya discussed a significant grant for the City. Director Maponya expressed excitement about its impact. VP Corbitt confirmed that the grant had been extended to July, along with an $80,000 increase. Director Maponya explained that the extension was due to additional funds being available for distribution across counties and cities. They had requested $750,000 but were informed that the available funds were exhausted. Director Maponya mentioned having a letter that detailed this situation. Grant Coordinator President Harris asked about the hiring status of a new grant coordinator. Director Maponya responded that a decision was still pending. President Harris recalled a previous conversation about a grant writer in the Department of Finance. VP Corbitt confirmed that this had been mentioned previously. Director Maponya clarified that Ms. Ortiz, the grant writer, had taken on some consulting work related to grants in the City but was no longer serving as a full-time coordinator for the Health Department. President Harris pointed out that there was a budget line for a grant coordinator, and Director Maponya agreed. She explained that Ms. Tameka Chandler, the previous coordinator who handled Health Department grants, left in January, and they were seeking a replacement for her. � EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 March 17, 2026 pg. 5 City of East Orange NEW JERSEY President Harris confirmed that Ms. Chandler’s official role had been that of a Community Services Aide with responsibilities as a grant analyst. President Harris asked whether candidates were ready for interviews. Director Maponya stated that they had intended to identify someone, but would need to advertise the position again through HR. VP Corbitt asked who was currently monitoring the grants, and Director Maponya acknowledged that she had been overseeing them, with support from another colleague in accounts. She added that other specific grants were managed by Nurse Niasse and Ms. Blue. President Harris asked whether the young woman assisting Director Maponya was qualified for the coordinator role. Director Maponya affirmed that she had experience but noted that this individual did not want to continue in the role once a new hire was found. VP Corbitt emphasized the urgency of hiring a new coordinator to monitor grants effectively and ensure compliance. Director Maponya shared that her primary concern had always been compliance and her personal involvement in managing other grants to correct any issues. President Harris asked if the primary grants of concern for compliance are the Healthy Homes and PrEP programs. Director Maponya mentioned ongoing issues in the hiring process for a grant coordinator and highlighted the necessity for effective monitoring of grants within the Health Department. LHC&HH Program Director Maponya was working with two primary grants: a State-led program and a Federal-led program, along with the PrEP Grant. The focus was on utilizing the remaining funds and ensuring all reporting requirements were met for both programmatic and fiscal aspects. President Harris mentioned a Child Lead program managed by Nurse Niasse, stating she had not been aware of any issues with it. Director Maponya clarified that there was no issue with the Child Lead program, but confirmed that the State-led program was separate and referred to as a Healthy Homes program. President Harris asked for clarification about the state-led program, confirming it was the Healthy Homes program that was currently non-compliant. They acknowledged known issues with the program. Director Maponya explained that two main grants were being discussed: the Lead Hazard & Healthy Homes and PrEP programs, but emphasized that there was also a federally-led lead program worth $4.8 million. Although she did not recall the full name of the Federal program, she referred to it for convenience as the “Fed” program under HUD. Director Maponya was working to keep the Federal program in compliance, which focused on lead remediation and abatement of housing units in the City. The state program, which had a budget of $2.3 million, had gone out of compliance, but efforts were being made to correct that. The state program aimed to remediate 14 units, while the Federal program sought to address 87 units. The state program was set to end in December of that year, while the Federal program was scheduled to finish the following September. President Harris asked about the possibility of reapplying for the grants once funding became available, and Director Maponya confirmed that the Health Department would apply if the opportunity arose.� EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 March 17, 2026 pg. 6 City of East Orange NEW JERSEY PrEP Program President Harris also brought up the PrEP program, noting that Director Maponya had previously mentioned hiring a physician to prescribe for that program. President Harris asked about the presence of a nurse practitioner in the Health Department. Director Maponya confirmed that there was a nurse practitioner but highlighted some challenges. A physician, Dr. Hoskins, had agreed to manage the PrEP program and was already seeing patients. President Harris asked whether Dr. Hoskins was already tenured with the department, and Director Maponya confirmed that she was already involved in the STD program and had consented to take on the PrEP program. President Harris wanted to know why the PrEP program had not been implemented earlier. Director Maponya explained that the program had been out of compliance, and upon her arrival, the nurse practitioner lacked prescriptive privileges, which complicated the situation. However, Dr. Hoskins had accepted responsibility for the PrEP program, which was in the process of being brought back into compliance and could become operational quickly. Director Maponya indicated that the program had already started and mentioned that they had about four or five people ready to enroll. Plans were in place to conduct interventions to increase enrollment and promote the availability of the PrEP program within the community. WIC Relocation President Harris inquired about the status of the 33 Evergreen project, and Director Maponya responded that discussions were still ongoing. While there were no concrete details yet, further meetings with the owners and architects were planned, and Director Maponya expected to be invited. President Harris mentioned that key figures, including the Business Administrator, the Administration, the past director, the health officer, and Ms. Blue from the WIC program, supported moving to this location and had verbally approved the move. She questioned whether discussions beyond finances were taking place, as she understood that finances were the main issue delaying progress. Director Maponya confirmed that finances were a significant aspect, but there was also a need to finalize drawings and agreements. She was waiting for the Business Administrator and the Administration to determine the next steps. President Harris also asked whether recommendations for an IT position in the new area had been submitted, and Director Maponya replied that the Business Administrator, who was also the Director of IT, would make that decision, but the focus remained on the financial situation and final approvals. VP Corbitt sought clarity on whether the discussion was about the Evergreen building and the build-out for the WIC program. Director Maponya stated that four programs were scheduled to be housed there, including WIC, a clinic, and nursing services. President Harris noted that the priority was to relocate WIC first, with the option for other departments to move at a later date. She emphasized the importance of not losing the opportunity to relocate, as it had been a long-standing goal. Director Maponya acknowledged the significant space challenges at the Health Department, particularly for WIC and nursing. She expressed concern over compliance with health regulations, noting that the current space issues could lead to failures in compliance checks. She reassured the � EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 March 17, 2026 pg. 7 City of East Orange NEW JERSEY group that securing solutions for WIC and addressing the overall space challenges were high priorities that required immediate attention. Cannabis Dispensaries President Harris discussed the existence of a new cannabis dispensary in the City during a recent meeting and asked whether additional dispensaries were under inspection by the Health Department. Director Maponya stated that while cannabis regulation fell under State authority, smoke shops were managed locally, and efforts were underway to regulate them. She also noted that two smoke shops had recently been closed following enforcement actions. VP Corbitt clarified that the discussion concerned dispensaries, not smoke shops. She expressed concern that the opening of a dispensary on Prospect Street had not been communicated to the board, despite council members attending its grand opening. She emphasized the importance of being informed about developments involving cannabis dispensaries for public health purposes. Director Maponya confirmed that two State-licensed dispensaries were operating. Ms. Donyale Harris, the secretary for the cannabis board, added that one dispensary was open on Prospect Street and a second was scheduled for its official opening on April 7 on Main Street. A third dispensary was planned for the summer, though no specific date had been set. Donyale Harris clarified that the State was responsible for issuing initial licenses for dispensaries, which then required approval from the local cannabis board before receiving final approval from the City Council. If a dispensary was rejected by the council, it had to restart the application process. Director Maponya appreciated the clarification regarding the State’s role in licensing. VP Corbitt and Ms. Donyale Harris discussed the number of dispensaries needed in Little East Orange. Ms. Harris stated that there would be more than three dispensaries. She explained that dispensaries would be distributed across each ward according to the City’s zoning map, noting locations such as one across from the old Harris Diner and another in the Kless building on Central Avenue. She also mentioned a new dispensary under construction at Main and Walnut Streets, expected to open in August. Mr. Negron added that a maximum of 12 dispensaries was allowed in the City under State licensing and clarified that the municipality had no control over the total number. VP Corbitt questioned whether 12 dispensaries were necessary given the community’s size. Ms. Harris stated that the City did not have to reach the maximum number, but applicants who completed all legal requirements could open dispensaries. She also clarified that some locations would serve not only as dispensaries but also as cultivation sites. Mr. Negron commented on the diverse nature of cannabis-related business operations, including retail dispensaries, micro-dispensaries, and delivery services. President Harris expressed concern about the size of the cannabis industry in a community with fewer than 70,000 residents, especially given the goal of deterring youth from using cannabis and tobacco. She highlighted the contradiction between allowing numerous cannabis operations while trying to protect young people. Ms. Harris responded that minors were not allowed in dispensaries but acknowledged that they could still access cannabis easily.� EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 March 17, 2026 pg. 8 City of East Orange NEW JERSEY Mr. Negron reflected on the ad hoc committee’s efforts to manage issues surrounding cannabis access, particularly through smoke shops where minors might be obtaining products. He mentioned that meetings had taken place involving various City departments to address compliance and potential shutdowns of non-compliant smoke shops. Three smoke shops had already been closed due to compliance issues. Mr. Negron added that information about smoke shops and dispensaries was shared with the Cannabis Board to ensure that only compliant businesses were granted licenses. He noted that ongoing legislation was being developed to address these concerns and that the Health Department was also involved in monitoring smoke shops. He reassured the group that collaborative efforts across the City were underway to address these challenges. Ms. Harris emphasized that minors were not obtaining cannabis from licensed dispensaries but rather from smoke shops, gas stations, or older family members. She explained that dispensaries were required to have security measures such as cameras and ID checks to prevent minors from purchasing cannabis. In contrast, smoke shops had fewer controls, allowing minors to buy products without showing identification. Ms. Harris and President Harris highlighted the need for stronger oversight of the increasing number of cannabis businesses in the City, noting that some locations were operating without proper authorization. President Harris expressed concern over the illegal sale of cannabis to minors through smoke shops and the lack of feedback from the Health Department regarding enforcement actions. Ms. Harris mentioned the closure of one unauthorized location and addressed the illegal sales occurring at various businesses, stressing that a license was required to sell cannabis legally in New Jersey. Ms. Harris explained that cannabis was a significant industry and noted the financial benefits that legal sales could bring to the City. At that time, one dispensary was open, with others planning to open later in the year. Mr. Negron highlighted the surveillance efforts by police to monitor smoke shops, including a recent closure due to cannabis being found on the premises. He emphasized the importance of compliance with licensing laws and ongoing efforts to reduce non-compliant smoke shops. Director Maponya shared that, since joining, she had been working with the ad hoc committee to identify issues concerning smoke shops. She mentioned the recent closure of specific facilities that violated both cannabis and tobacco regulations, leaving nine smoke shops still operating within the City. The group aimed to address these businesses diligently with police assistance to ensure compliance. Mr. Negron concluded by acknowledging the need for better information sharing with the Board regarding enforcement actions and ongoing efforts to manage the situation concerning the sale of cannabis and tobacco products. President Harris asked Mr. Negron to state his name and position within the City. Mr. Negron shared his name and stated that he was an aide to the Mayor. President Harris asked whether any revenue was being generated for the City from marijuana businesses. At that time, the City was not generating revenue because only one dispensary had recently opened, and another was set to open in April, � EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 March 17, 2026 pg. 9 City of East Orange NEW JERSEY meaning it would take about six months before the City saw any financial benefits. President Harris expressed concerns about how the Health Department budget relied on revenue from these businesses and noted that information on how tax revenue was determined remained unclear. Ms. Harris stated that while cannabis businesses were required to perform community service, there had been limited discussions about cannabis since earlier conversations with the Cannabis Board years prior. These businesses were required to engage with the community beyond selling cannabis, including partnering with nonprofits or sponsoring local events. Mr. Negron mentioned that this requirement was referred to as “Community Benefits,” but he did not have detailed information on it and advised contacting the director for further clarification. President Harris stressed the need to focus not only on the business side of cannabis but also on its public health implications, which she felt had been overlooked. VP Corbitt echoed this concern, highlighting the negative effects of marijuana on children and young people. They expressed the contradiction between discouraging youth from using marijuana while allowing cannabis businesses to expand in the community. VP Corbitt noted that this sent mixed messages to young people about cannabis use and availability, pointing out that while cannabis could be accessed in various places, introducing more businesses into the City risked normalizing its use among youth. VP Corbitt expressed concerns from a public health perspective regarding cannabis in the City, emphasizing the lack of involvement of the Board of Health in discussions about cannabis regulation. She felt excluded from forums that addressed the topic and stressed that, as the Board of Health, members should be informed about cannabis-related decisions affecting public health. VP Corbitt pointed out that the Board’s role was crucial in protecting both young people and seniors in the community. Mr. Negron responded by mentioning that the Director of the Health Department was working to improve communication and involvement between the Health Department and the Board. He acknowledged the importance of the Health Department in various City functions, including those related to cannabis, and noted that the City had a limited number of cannabis shops. He assured the group that compliance was being monitored and that non-compliant businesses would face consequences. Mr. Negron also committed to enhancing information flow to Board members. Ms. Harris raised a question regarding the Board’s stance on cannabis being allowed in East Orange. President Harris clarified that it was not necessarily the Board’s official position, but noted that a survey of residents had been conducted without including Board members in the decision-making process about cannabis legalization. President Harris expressed her personal opposition to cannabis in the community, particularly due to potential negative effects on children. She highlighted that introducing cannabis could attract youth, who were already facing numerous societal pressures, and she was troubled by child secondhand smoke exposure to marijuana. President Harris voiced concerns about the impact of marijuana use on children’s development, including psychological and physiological harm. She emphasized that marijuana use was not suitable for children and shared her belief that it should not be present in the community. She then opened the floor for other Board members to share their thoughts.� EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 March 17, 2026 pg. 10 City of East Orange NEW JERSEY VP Corbitt expressed concern about the lack of communication regarding the introduction of cannabis in the community. She emphasized that the Board’s role was to protect public health and that they should have been informed about the cannabis situation from the beginning, which was about three years earlier. VP Corbitt noted that the Board had not been invited to community forums where cannabis was discussed, indicating a lack of inclusion in the decision-making process. Even after cannabis businesses began operating in the City, the Board still lacked basic information, such as the number of smoke shops. Despite requesting this information for more than six months, no answers had been provided. VP Corbitt stressed that the Board believed it should have a significant role and relevance concerning cannabis issues in the City, but felt excluded from ongoing discussions and decisions. Director Maponya discussed the current situation of cannabis dispensaries in East Orange. She stated that while she could not comment on the past, she was focused on understanding the next steps forward. She assumed that existing dispensaries would have been prepared to operate after completing the necessary processes. She emphasized the importance of communication from the Health Department once an application for a new dispensary was received, noting that the application was State-managed and shared with relevant City units. There was a confirmed allocation of 12 dispensaries for East Orange, and she believed discussions among City leaders were needed to determine whether they wanted to approve that number or reduce it. Director Maponya expressed a desire to stay informed about developments concerning cannabis and related establishments. Ms. Harris added that the process of opening a dispensary took a considerable amount of time, noting that the dispensary on Prospect Street took three years from start to opening. She explained that if an application was perfect, the process could take six to eight months; if not, it would take longer, followed by additional steps such as zoning approval in East Orange. She planned to share a zoning map showing possible dispensary locations in commercial areas, such as Main Street and Central Avenue, emphasizing that these locations could not be near residential homes. Ms. Harris stressed that East Orange residents, especially those with prior marijuana-related records, were prioritized for dispensary opportunities. She highlighted an individual opening a dispensary the following month who had turned his life around after incarceration. She stated that she would provide details about the application process and any necessary paperwork for the Cannabis Board. Ms. Harris expressed her willingness to help and apologized for any previous lack of communication regarding cannabis inquiries, encouraging open lines of information. President Harris thanked VP Corbitt for summarizing efforts and the history related to cannabis, along with Mr. Negron for providing information. She noted that this level of detail about cannabis operations had not been available before and appreciated the transparency regarding the number of smoke shops. President Harris expressed gratitude for the information shared during the meeting and hoped for continued updates from the Administration and the Health Department. She acknowledged Director Maponya for her quick engagement in the issue, while Ms. Harris extended her availability for any further questions or information requests through the Administration. VP Corbitt thanked the attendees for their presence and acknowledged the representation from the Administration in recent meetings. She expressed appreciation for the connection with Ms. Harris and emphasized the importance of her feedback to the Commission. She invited Ms. Harris to return for � EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 March 17, 2026 pg. 11 City of East Orange NEW JERSEY further discussions. VP Corbitt also noted that while she and President Harris attended the H&E meetings, the topic of interest was not widely discussed there, and they did not receive the meeting agendas despite receiving invites. She highlighted that in-person meetings were challenging for her schedule, making regular attendance difficult. Ms. Harris mentioned that Ms. Perez had shared concerns about cannabis following the previous meeting, which prompted her to join the current meeting to address any questions or concerns related to cannabis, drawing from her experience as the secretary on the Board. She reassured the group that Ms. Perez was attentive to their issues and communicated back to the Board regularly. President Harris thanked Ms. Harris for her participation and also expressed appreciation to Ms. Perez for sharing information with Ms. Harris. This reflected a collaborative effort to ensure communication and address concerns within the community regarding cannabis-related matters. Smoke Shops Director Maponya updated VP Corbitt and President Harris about the number of smoke shops in East Orange. She reported that there had originally been 11 smoke shops, but since 3 had closed, there were now 9 active ones. She mentioned that the Committee of Health and Education, part of the council, was reviewing an ordinance that would prevent any new smoke shops from opening in East Orange. Existing smoke shops would be allowed to remain if they met certain conditions; otherwise, they would have to close. Director Maponya noted that no new smoke shop applications had been accepted since February of the previous year. The focus was now on ensuring that the current shops complied with regulations. She highlighted that there had been some expansion of retail shops, which were being monitored and addressed by the Health Department, Code Enforcement, and Public Safety. She also mentioned that invitations had been sent out for the council committee meetings, where health and education matters, including the smoke shop issue, were discussed. She expressed her intention to send any relevant information to the director and stated that she would continue to support the matter. Lastly, she acknowledged the community’s concerns over more than three years without significant discussions on the topic. Marijuana & Smoking Ordinance President Harris inquired about an ordinance related to marijuana that was being created. Director Maponya explained that she had reviewed the draft of the ordinance and provided feedback, but it was still in progress and had not been finalized. The ordinance aimed to address smoke shops and paraphernalia, noting that regulating smoke shops and cannabis dispensaries involved different issues. Director Maponya mentioned that East Orange was not unique in facing these challenges, as other towns, particularly Jersey City, were also working on similar regulations. Director Maponya stated that recent State guidelines had emerged and that enforcement might begin soon, potentially around April 13 or 16. She emphasized the complexity of the issues and the need for � EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 March 17, 2026 pg. 12 City of East Orange NEW JERSEY the City to adapt these State guidelines while considering what other towns had implemented. President Harris recalled that a draft ordinance had been created several years earlier and asked whether Director Maponya could share the current draft with the Board. Director Maponya responded that she did not have access to the document at that moment but could share it the following day. She acknowledged the importance of collaborating with stakeholders, including DECO, to ensure the ordinance met legal requirements. President Harris expressed interest in reviewing the draft, noting that the previous version had been comprehensive and that changes may have occurred since then. Director Maponya confirmed that she would share the draft with President Harris and the Board. Department Expenditures President Harris asked Director Maponya whether any actions had been taken regarding budget cuts in their department. Director Maponya responded that no decisions had yet been made about cuts. She explained that they were in the budget season, with the Administration suggesting a reduction of 10% to 15% in their budget. Some adjustments had been made to operations in an effort to meet these reductions. Director Maponya noted that the department faced challenges due to the loss of the NACCHO grant, which had previously covered a significant portion of their functions. They hoped the grant would be renewed. She stated that although the department had submitted its budget for salaries and wages and made some operational cuts, layoffs had not yet been considered. She added that they were preparing for upcoming budget hearings and discussions with the Council, though the date for those meetings had not been set. The primary concern remained salaries and wages, which had been significantly supported by NACCHO funding. Director Maponya confirmed that their efforts were focused more on streamlining operations rather than making severe cuts to essential functions. City Handbook President Harris asked Director Maponya whether she was working on a handbook intended for new residents. Director Maponya responded that she had begun a “division tour” as she approached her 70th day in her role. She was learning about each division of the Health Department from staff members, focusing on gaining insights into aspects of public health that were not widely recognized. She emphasized that while many people were familiar with clinics and child health, there were lesser-known departments that played significant roles, specifically highlighting Weights and Measures and Vital Statistics. Director Maponya planned to include these lesser-known departments in the handbook to help the community understand the full scope of the Health Department’s work. For example, she noted that Vital Statistics handled marriages, reporting that more than 400 marriages had been conducted the previous year. She also emphasized the importance of Weights and Measures in protecting consumers � EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 March 17, 2026 pg. 13 City of East Orange NEW JERSEY against inaccuracies in pricing, packaging, and labeling in stores. Her goal was to inform the community about these essential but often overlooked public health functions. President Harris suggested using a bulletin board to display carousel statements about these departments, allowing the public to engage with and learn about them as they passed by. Director Maponya agreed that there were multiple approaches to effectively market and promote the Health Department’s offerings, including utilizing the website, social media, flyers, brochures, and potentially starting a newsletter in East Orange, which did not currently exist. She affirmed that the booklet would provide an overview of the Health Department and highlight some of the lesser-known divisions to better communicate with the community. Director Maponya discussed her approach to improving understanding of the Health Department’s functions, emphasizing the importance of identifying both the main programs (the “arches”) and the lesser-known aspects (the “veins”) that contributed to public health. She highlighted recent successes, noting that the immunization program had passed the State vaccine audit, with Newark and East Orange being the only locations in Essex County with a full vaccination program. Director Maponya expressed pride in the achievements of the 70,000-resident community. President Harris acknowledged Director Maponya’s efforts and the importance of acclimating to the department and the City’s culture. She reassured Director Maponya of the Board’s support, emphasizing their shared passion for public health and the welfare of the City. President Harris reiterated that the Board was available to assist Director Maponya as she navigated her new role and the various programs. Director Maponya appreciated the support and outlined her learning process, noting that this was her third Board of Health meeting. She mentioned her commitment to gathering information and addressing concerns raised during meetings. Director Maponya was determined to find answers as she learned more about how the City operated and how to enhance the Health Department’s effectiveness. She expressed confidence in her ability to handle challenges and communicate with the Board, stating that she was open to figuring things out collaboratively. President Harris agreed, indicating a shared commitment to the process. Open Discussion: President Harris asked Board members whether they had any comments after the extensive discussions held during the evening. Dr. Cook expressed her frustration after three years on the Board with repeatedly asking questions and receiving no responses. She stated that the current discussions had been enlightening and thanked Ms. Perez for bringing information back from the Administration, noting that no progress had been made despite the Board’s concerns. She questioned the Board’s overall contribution and emphasized their care for the City. Dr. Cook appreciated the presence of the individuals who attended the meeting and hoped for forward momentum. She affirmed the Board’s support for the new director. President Harris acknowledged Dr. Cook’s remarks. VP Corbitt agreed with Dr. Cook and expressed the Board’s passion for their volunteer work. Even in retirement, Board members dedicated their time � EAST ORANGE BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING East Orange Department of Health & Human Services 143 New Street East Orange, New Jersey 07017 March 17, 2026 pg. 14 City of East Orange NEW JERSEY because they cared for the City. VP Corbitt noted that the Board often felt overlooked and urged that unanswered questions and concerns be addressed. She thanked Ms. Harris, Ms. Perez, and Mr. Negron for their presence and the valuable information shared. VP Corbitt requested to be kept informed, especially regarding cannabis issues, as they related to public health, which was part of the Board’s responsibility. She assured the Director Maponya of their support but emphasized the need for inclusivity and communication. VP Corbitt expressed appreciation for the wellness call from the Administration, thanking Ms. Perez for reaching out to seniors. President Harris reminded Board members up for reappointment to submit their re sume s to Ms. Harris at the Administration by Friday of that week, stating that this was the deadline. President Harris concluded by stating that the Board engaged in robust discussions where all opinions were respected and welcomed, ensuring that everyone was included. At the conclusion of Board business, President Harris adjourned the meeting at 7:20 pm. Respectfully submitted, Jo-Ann Lowe Board Clerk �