Board of Health Minutes
Minutes for: August 26, 2008
Date
Attendance: Vincent Forte Guy Fleuette
Michael Graf Louise Arnold
Called to order at: 7:35pm / Vincent Forte
Time / by whom
Approval of Minutes The minutes from 8/12/08 were reviewed. Ms. Arnold motioned to accept the minutes as amended, Mr. Forte seconded the motion and the Board voted unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
Tobacco Regulations The Board reviewed a draft of the tobacco regulation. Mr. Fleuette spoke with Sarah McColgan and shared contents of discussion with the Board. The Board made additional revisions and the final version of the tobacco regulation will be at the next meeting.
Suspension terms for establishments that sell to minors were discussed. The Board decided that a three day suspension for first offense, 10 day suspension for second offense and a 30 day suspension for the third offense would be put in to place. Mr. Forte motioned to approve suspension terms, Ms. Arnold seconded motion, and the Board voted unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
Flu Clinics It was discussed that residents will be able to get flu shots at the Senior Center with the VNS. Town employees will be able to get the vaccine from Walgreens. Dates will be provided on website.
Area Salon Owners Diane Consoletti, a local salon owner, appeared before the Board along with a dozen other salon owners. Ms. Consoletti and the other owners expressed concerns that the tight tanks are being required at properties in which the salon owner only rents the facility not own. Once the tight tank is installed there is no way to take with them if they moved. The expense of the tight tank will be very expensive and too expensive for the majority of the small salons in town. A few of the salon owners addressed the Board and advised them that they would have to close their shop if the tight tank was mandatory.
Mr. Fleuette advised the public that the law governing the tight tanks for salons was passed in 1993. He pointed out that the current Board members were not on the Board in 1993 and could not explain why this law was not enforced prior to now. He explained that the Board can not negotiate the regulation but the Board could negotiate the timeframe for complying.
The Board suggested to the salon owners to consult with their State Association since that group might be some help. Mr. Fleuette mentioned that if there is another way to abide by the law that the Board would approve it.
The salon owners asked the Board for more time to research. The Board decided to waive the 90 days to comply with the terms in letter and allow the salon owners to define alternative approaches to comply with the law. The Board will send notice to undue the 90 day requirement. Mr. Fleuette motioned to waive the 90 day requirement for tight tank design/installation and notify all salons involved by mail and to revisit at the December 9th meeting, Ms. Arnold seconded motion and the Board voted unanimously.
Website Ms. Arnold brought to the Board’s attention that the Bellingham Board of Health’s website needed more information added to it. She gave the Board a list of ideas to add to the site for additional information. She asked that the Board review the list and later discuss what might be added.
Board of Health Energy Forum Ms. Arnold brought up through her role at MEMA that this coming Winter is predicted to be severe. It was suggested that the different town boards should get together and discuss a resolution to the heating crisis before it happens. It was also suggested that a meeting with the different boards occur in late October to allow the public time to get information that will be available. Ms. Arnold will coordinate the meeting and will advise the Board at its next meeting of the details. A proposed energy forum date of September 25th was discussed.
CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence for the Food Establishment Inspection List and Betterment Request Letter were reviewed and acknowledged.
BILLS none
HEALTH AGENT REPORTS
The Board reviewed and acknowledged the Health Agent Log and Reports
PLANS FOR REVIEW
The plans for 316 Hartford Avenue and 829 South Main Street were reviewed and discussed. Ms. Arnold motioned to approve the plans, Mr. Fleuette seconded motion and the Board voted unanimously.
ADJOURN
Ms. Arnold motioned to adjourn the meeting at 10:05 pm, Mr. Fleuette seconded, and the Board voted unanimously to adjourn.
Kelly McGovern
Board of Health Minutes Clerk
8/27/08
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