Wednesday
January 17, 2007
Regular meeting of the Monson Board of Health was called to order at 7:34 p.m. by Chairman Gary Allard, with members Dr. Richard Smith, Jane Jacobs, Robert Bator and Phyllis Klick present. Also present: Health Inspector Lorri McCool and Stephanie Merick from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Lorri McCool and Stephanie Mereck from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health met with the Board to discuss the Medical Reserve Corps. This is a federal volunteer initiative that was formed after the 9-1-1 disaster. The members are volunteers. Ms. Mereck met with the Board to explain and define the mechanism to train volunteers. This network is part of the Freedom Corps and local volunteers are important to support the public health infrastructure. The object is to increase public health literacy and for emergency preparedness. The MRC can be non-medical personnel, with volunteers being 18 years or older from all walks of life.
The requirements would involve: 1. Filing an application, 2. Having a CORI check performed and 3. Study of the incident command system. Web site: www.mamedicalreservecorps.org. Holyoke is the emergency dispensing site.
The MMRS (metropolitan medical response system) has $21,000 of person protection equipment (PPE).
Help can be found at the following web sites:
On April 17, 18 & 19 the national MRC will be held in Providence.
The Board reviewed the Minutes of January 3, 2007. Ms. Jacobs moved to accept the minutes with the following change: page 2, paragraph 8 –change from: Mr. Allard mentioned to Ms. McCool that he had a coop plan to read: Mr. Allard mentioned to Ms. McCool that he had a personal preparedness emergency plan, seconded by Dr. Smith and voted unanimously.
The Board discussed the budget. Dr. Smith stated he had spoken to Town Accountant Deborah Mahar. Most of the items were kept the same. The trash contractor fee is estimated. The Board needs to make an estimate for $600,000; Mr. Allard suggested an estimate of $650,000. The Board needs to get a proposal from Allied Waste.
The Board discussed the finalization of the regulations for outdoor wood burning boilers. Mr. Allard will check the internet for the state guidelines. This will be tabled until the next meeting.
The Board approved and signed the following Disposal Installer’s Licenses for:
Tetreault Clean Septics in Ludlow
William C. Skinner in Hampden
Swift River Construction in Belchertown and
Gregoire Landscaping & Excavating in Monson.
The Board discussed the update of responsibilities:
Beavers – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
Body Art Regulations – Mr. Bator had nothing to report.
Bulky Day – Ms. Klick informed Board members that the next bulky day would be held on May 5th.
Communicable Diseases – Ms. Jacobs stated there were 5 cases of staph, which is spread by hand, air and mucous.
Finances – already discussed.
Floor Drains – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
January 17, 2007 Page 2.
Food Safety – Mr. Bator had nothing to report.
Hazardous Waste Day – Ms. Klick informed the Board that two prices have been received, one from Clean Harbor and one from PSC Environmental Services. A household hazardous waste day will be held on June 2nd from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The banner will be given to the Fire Department to hang and banner request to be sent to the Selectmen.
Health Fair – Ms. Jacobs stated 2008 would be the next time a health fair is held.
Housing Safety – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
Massage Licenses – Dr. Smith had nothing to report.
Press Relations – Dr. Smith had nothing to report.
Recycling – Ms. Klick and Mr. Bator had nothing to report.
Tobacco – Dr. Smith had nothing to report.
Trash – Ms. Klick had nothing to report. Allied Waste will need to be contacted and asked to send the Board a proposal.
Wells – Mr. Allard informed Board members of an unresolved problem with a well installation on Bradway Road. The well was moved and now is in the middle of the basement of the house. Ms. McCool is waiting for information from the state on this issue.
With no further business to address, the Board voted to adjourn the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Monson Board of Health
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