Wednesday
November 7, 2007
Regular meeting of the Monson Board of Health was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Dr. Richard Smith. Members present: Gary Allard, Phyllis Klick and Robert Bator. Member Margaret Harrison was absent.
The Board discussed the next meeting scheduled for November 21st. This is the day before Thanksgiving, and the Board decided they would not meet again until December 5th.
The Board read and reviewed the Minutes of October 17, 2007. Mr. Bator moved to accept as presented, seconded by Mr. Allard and voted unanimously.
Discussion followed of a letter received from Craig Jalbert, Water/Sewer Superintendent, and Health Inspector, Lorri McCool’s response in regard to a grease policy for restaurants. Mr. Jalbert informed the Board that after a fall inspection of the sewer lines on the Main Street trunk line, it was found to be approximately 80% clogged again. Without camera evidence it was not possible to determine which of the three restaurants (Norcross House, Adams or China King) was responsible. One or more of the three restaurants is not maintaining their grease trap properly. Ms. McCool responded by informing Mr. Jalbert that she has spoken to several health departments in Western Massachusetts and Hampden County to inquire if any one of them has developed or implemented a policy of this type. A
letter and questionnaire will be sent out to restaurants for them to complete and return.
The Board mentioned that a new restaurant would be opening soon at 107 Main Street adding to the situation. The Board determined this would not be a problem, as they would be made to comply with all new regulations. The Board reviewed the letter and questionnaire that will be sent to all restaurants and felt this was a good idea.
Board of Health Responsibilities:
Beavers – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
Body Art Regulations – Mr. Bator had nothing to report.
Bulky Day – Ms. Klick informed the Board that we have received the bill for electronics in the amount of $1,200, which hadn’t increased. She felt that Bulky Day went well. She mentioned that in the future incoming vehicles must be unloaded by the person bringing the materials, but there would be some help at the site, if it was necessary.
Communicable Diseases/West Nile – Ms. Harrison had informed the secretary that she has spoken to the Department of Public Health. Next year, the Board of Health will be able to participate more with the flu clinic. Email confirming a student has MRSA. Lori McCool is working closely with the school nurse and Superintendent Dr. Nabel. The student has been to the doctor’s, treated and returned to school with the doctor’s permission. Fact sheets have gone out to parents. Ms. McCool stated that the school is following proper protocol.
Emergency Preparedness – Catherine Mitchell sent an email informing the Board that she is willing to put up a display at the Board of Health office (in the hallway) of material in regard to pandemic readiness and suggested a banner could be hung across Main Street announcing the launch of GETPandemicReady. The Board stated that no banner will be requested, but she could set up a small display keeping the information basic, simple and easy to understand, i.e. such as the brochures from the Summerfest booth on what people should store in case of an emergency. The Board would like to view the display before it gets set up in the hallway.
Finances – Dr. Smith had nothing to report.
Floor Drains – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
Food Safety – Mr. Bator had nothing to report.
Hazardous Waste Day – Ms. Klick informed the Board that a memorandum had been received in regard to a complaint from Mr. Robert Kaddy on a hot tub and bags of trash at a house near the Monson/Hampden line. Mr. Allard informed the Board that the people in the house were just seeing if someone wanted the hot tub free as they were doing renovations.
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Health Fair – Ms. Harrison was unavailable.
Housing Safety – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
Medical Reserve Corps – Ms. Harrison was unavailable.
Outdoor Wood Boilers – A nuisance complaint in the form of an email had been received in regard to 128 Thayer Road. Mr. Allard stated he and Lorri McCool had visited the site on the smoke complaint. He further informed the Board that in the last two weeks, he has driven by at least eight times and did not smell smoke. The smokestack is 15 feet high. Mr. Allard felt the owners may be cycling the boiler wrong – they may be burning wood by the instructions for burning coal.
Press Relations – The Board discussed a press release for the outdoor wood boilers. After discussion, the Board voted that the regulations in place for OWB’s would become effective November 15, 2007; owners of these boilers have until December 15, 2007 to register the boilers; any boilers discovered after that date, will be dismantled and removed from the premises. Owners are to apply for the application at the Board of Health office and pay a $50 registration fee.
Recycling – Ms. Klick had nothing to report.
Tobacco – Dr. Smith had nothing to report.
Trash – Ms. Klick had nothing to report besides the Kaddy complaint.
Wells – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
The Board signed all bills and necessary correspondence.
The Board read correspondence and discussed #6 memorandum from Finance Director, Deborah Mahar, in regard to the 2009 budget. The letter asked that departments level fund their budget, but calculate any contractual wage increases. Ms. Klick suggested that the Board increase the budget for part-time help to cover the full-time secretary, who has six weeks vacation or if there be any illness, etc. The Board will ask for $2,300 for part-time coverage. The Board questioned why the budget did not reflect the purchase of the mosquito briquettes under the Menace Account and Dr. Smith will check with Ms. Mahar.
Board of Health Conferences/Meetings Account will be reduced to $300.00.
At 9:00 p.m. Mr. Bator moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Allard and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Monson Board of Health
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