Board advances nominees to lead‑poisoning advisory panel; pediatrician among appointees

The Board of Alders appointments committee moved Miranda Hipp and Andrea Morell to the lead‑poisoning advisory committee and approved the reappointment of Frank Mangilo during Tuesday’s session.

Dr. Miranda Hipp, a pediatrician who said she has cared for pediatric patients with elevated lead levels for a decade, told the committee that “no lead level is safe in children” and emphasized the need for prevention. Andrea Morell, a nurse and long‑time New Haven resident, said she had experience with a landlord‑led lead abatement process after a tenant tested positive for lead and said she would bring a practical landlord perspective.

Committee members pressed nominees on availability; Hipp said the committee typically meets about once a month in the evening and could accommodate that schedule. The nominations were moved and seconded and forwarded to the full Board of Alders for confirmation by voice vote.