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Wallington Board of Health reviews mortality data, inspections and discusses animal, housing rules and disability supports
Summary
At its Feb. 18 meeting the Wallington Board of Health reviewed causes-of-death trends and local inspection activity, discussed draft ordinances on live animals in retail food establishments and pet reporting in multi-unit housing, and considered a community program for people with disabilities; routine motions passed.
The Wallington Board of Health on Feb. 18, 2026 reviewed local mortality data and routine inspection reports, discussed draft ordinances concerning live animals and tenant pet reporting, and explored a community program to support residents with disabilities.
Health Officer James “Jim” Fedorko presented cause-of-death data for Wallington residents from 2022 through 2025, reporting that heart disease and cancer remain the leading causes of death locally, followed by unintentional injury/overdose and cerebrovascular disease. Fedorko said annual totals vary and cited comparable national trends from the National Center for Health Statistics for context.
Environmental health supervisor Halina Dabrowska reported multiple complaint investigations and routine inspections during January and February. Initial inspections of food establishments returned satisfactory ratings, a dog daycare and boarding facility passed inspection, and a grooming facility failed because of lack of hot water and will require a follow-up inspection. Dabrowska also described one resolved property complaint after frozen pipes were repaired.
The board reviewed financial and licensing deposits for January 2026. The registrar report recorded sales and EDRS receipts; dog and cat license revenues totaled $2,471 (158 dog licenses, 19 cat licenses). Several retail license categories reported no receipts for the month.
During old business the board discussed outreach for the upcoming “Love Your Heart” event and planned follow-up with Mid-Bergen to increase participation among neighboring communities and senior centers. Members also reviewed a draft ordinance on live animals in supermarkets and other retail food establishments, discussing enforcement, applicability, signage requirements and exceptions for service animals and permitted live seafood. Separately, members discussed a possible ordinance that would require larger multi-unit residential complexes to provide annual, updated information on tenants with dogs or cats to assist local licensing enforcement; board members debated thresholds for applicability and potential penalties for noncompliance.
In new business the board discussed creating a community program to support individuals with disabilities and their families, including resource-sharing and an initial informational event possibly in partnership with the library or other community organizations; Mid-Bergen indicated it may be able to assist as the idea develops.
Votes at a glance - Approval of Jan. 21, 2026 minutes: Motion by Rosemary Sandor, second by Patricia Barnas; roll-call approved (ayes: Barnas, Pinto, Tomko, Majchrzak, Sandor). - Approval of reports presented Feb. 18, 2026: Motion by Cheryl Majchrzak, second by Rosemary Sandor; roll-call approved (ayes: Barnas, Pinto, Tomko, Majchrzak, Sandor). - Adjournment at 8:21 p.m.: Motion by Barbara Pinto, second by Rosemary Sandor; roll-call approved (ayes: Barnas, Pinto, Tomko, Majchrzak, Sandor).
The board did not receive public comment at the meeting. Discussion items including the draft ordinances and the disability-support program were left for future review and potential follow-up with the mayor and council; no ordinance votes were taken at the Feb. 18 meeting.
