Wednesday
January 16, 2008
Regular meeting of the Monson Board of Health was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Dr. Richard Smith. Members present were Phyllis Klick and Robert Bator. Absent were members Gary Allard and Margaret Harrison. Also present was Health Inspector Lorri McCool and Hope Bodwell, Director of the Monson Free Library.
Hope Bodwell met with the Board of Health to explain a program at the Monson Free Library. They have received a grant in the amount of $5,000 to help with health programming at the Library for the community. A questionnaire had been sent out asking residents what was their biggest concern involving health. The community’s response was obesity. A focus group had been set up involving the Senior Center, the schools, the Fire Department, etc. for brainstorming on what needed to be done. January through April the Library will hold a hands on program, which with start with nutrition and fitness. A community walk is planned for the future. The Lions Club is seeking a “diabetes partner” and the Library is working with them to achieve healthy lifestyles for
residents. Ms. Bodwell admitted that the Library is not strong in the health information department.
The Palmer/Monson Family Network is planning a “kid’s fair” and will be working with the Library. They would like to join with our health fair sponsored by the Board of Health. Ms. Bodwell and the Board would like to see the event called something else and/or besides this, as it will be for all ages, not just children. By combining the two events, more people would attend, etc.
Ms. Bodwell informed the Board of Health she had started with them in order to explain her thoughts/ideas. She would be happy to speak with Ms Harrison, who was unable to attend this evening’s meeting, and former member Ms. Jane Jacobs. After discussing, the Board was in favor of the combined events and Ms. Bodwell will contact Margaret Harrison. Board members thanked Ms. Bodwell for attending this evening’s meeting.
Lorri McCool met with the Board to go over several issues, one that involves the water in the Town Office Building. Several employees have complained that there is no hot water to wash with in the restrooms. Not only employees, but the public also uses these restrooms. No formal complaint has been made. She has spoken to Gretchen Neggers, Town Administrator, and found that if water is run in the janitor closet downstairs, the water will get hot. When the water is put on, you have to wait for it to get hot; the water will not be hot immediately. No one is preparing food so this is not an issue; if this were a restaurant, this would be different. Hot water is not necessary to remove germs. Ms. McCool explained that it is the friction of using soap and rubbing your
hands together under running water that removes germs. Ms. McCool stated that the State Department of Public Health has suggested warm water for washing hands in a flu pandemic booklet, and OSHA has suggested tepid water is okay.
The next item was the issue on Thayer Road with the outdoor wood boiler. So far everything is quiet; there have been no complaints in regard to smoke, etc. The Cardano’s have informed Ms. McCool that the boiler is not running. Mr. Allard has gone by a few times to confirm this.
Ms. McCool informed the Board of the acceptance of the NACCHO grant. Part of the funds is earmarked for the hiring of personnel. Ms. McCool suggested that someone could be hired and work for all the towns. She had someone in mind and suggested Ms. Lisa Carney who is doing the same duties in another town.
The next issue involved the site dispensing/staging area for Monson. Ms. McCool has spoken with Michelle Loglisci at the school in regard to this. One end of the building could be used for triage and the other end for inoculating residents. She informed the Board that there is an emergency preparedness meeting next Wednesday.
January 16, 2008 Page 2.
The next topic involved water testing for radon/uranium. Ms. McCool has spoken to the Department of Environmental Protection on their opinion. Before rendering an opinion, the DEP would like to have a copy of the specific water test involved. From there, they would do a case by case opinion on the results. She has just recently received a copy of the water test from Mr. Jerry Talbot. Ms. McCool explained that uranium comes from radon. When there is radon in the water, uranium can register high. She informed the Board that there is a high level of uranium in water in Wilbraham, another town she is employed by. Ms. McCool stated she would do further research during the month on this issue and will contact the DEP with Mr. Talbot’s water test results.
Ms. McCool informed the Board that she had visited Adams IGA Supermarket because they had not returned their questionnaire on the greasetraps. While she was there, she conducted an inspection and was unhappy to discover clutter, debris and rodent droppings throughout the store. After speaking to the manager, she was asked back to the store, as they wanted to correct the situation. She informed them that she was not sure if she would close the store, as it was that bad. Ms. McCool informed the manager that she wanted a maintenance plan and a sign-off of who would do what duties. When she went back the next day, the store was sparkling. The back storage room was immaculate. She was informed that the store would be revamped in the near future. Ms. McCool reminded them
they needed to complete the questionnaire on the grease traps. Ms. McCool feels this store may be a big contributor to the grease situation.
The Board asked Ms. McCool if she had completed the pandemic preparedness brochures. She has and will have 500 copies printed at Staples.
The Board discussed an email they had received in regard to the practice of massage. These licenses will now be handled by the state. This year, half of the holders of these licenses have already paid their fees; therefore, we will still ask licensees to pay for this year’s license. When the licenses are due at the end of this year, license holders will be notified they need to contact the state for their 2009 license.
Dr. Smith stated he received a memo to file a report from the Board of Health for the 2007 town report.
Board of Health Responsibilities:
Beavers – Mr. Allard was not available, but there were no issues.
Body Art Regulations – Mr. Bator had nothing to report.
Bulky Day – Ms. Klick stated that banner approval has been received for the spring and fall Bulky Days.
Communicable Diseases – Ms. Harrison was not available, but there were no issues.
Emergency Preparedness – Mr. Allard was not available, but there were no issues.
Finances – Dr. Smith had nothing to report.
Floor Drains – Mr. Allard was not available, but there were no issues.
Food Safety – Mr. Bator had nothing to report.
Hazardous Waste Day – Ms. Klick had nothing to report.
Health Fair –This was already discussed with Hope Bodwell, who will contact Ms. Harrison and Jane Jacobs.
Housing Safety – Mr. Allard was not available, but there were no issues.
Medical Reserve Corps – This was already discussed.
Outdoor wood boilers – This was already discussed.
Press Relations – Dr. Smith had nothing to report.
Recycling – Ms. Klick informed the Board that she will be doing the data-recycling sheet and will check on MRF grants.
Tobacco – Dr. Smith stated that Gregory Boyce had conducted a check on establishments selling tobacco and there were no violations reported.
Trash – Ms. Klick had nothing to report.
Wells – This was already discussed.
January 16, 2008 Page 3.
Bills and necessary correspondence were signed.
The Board read and responded to the correspondence.
Dr. Smith informed the Board that he would not be at the next meeting on February 6th.
At 8:45 p.m., Mr. Bator moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ms. Klick and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Monson Board of Health
| 
