Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council reviews no-cost lease for food pharmacy with Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health
Summary
An ordinance would authorize a five-year arrangement to allow Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health to operate a food pharmacy on city-owned property; Health Department director called it a no-cost lease and Corporation Counsel said he would review contract consideration and amend if needed.
The council reviewed a proposed five-year agreement to allow a food pharmacy to operate on city property in partnership with Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health.
Kellen Alsberg, director for the Department of Health, described the proposal as "a no cost lease agreement" and said the partner would provide food counseling, nutritional education and fresh groceries to patients and residents facing food insecurity or managing chronic illnesses.
Council members raised a technical legal question: if the instrument is called a "lease" but contains no monetary consideration, is it enforceable? Corporation Counsel Kenny Adasoit said he would reread the contract and, if necessary, amend it to include a nominal dollar amount and provide a written confirmation to the council before the next meeting.
No formal adoption or amendment was made on Feb. 17; staff committed to provide written clarification on contract consideration and any edited contract language ahead of the vote.
