Wednesday
January 21, 2009
Regular meeting of the Monson Board of Health was called to order at 7:33 p.m. by Chairman Dr. Richard Smith. Members present: Gary Allard, Margaret Harrison and Jane Jacobs. Absent: Phyllis Klick.
Health Inspector, Lorri McCool , met with the Board to discuss several issues. One of the issues pertained to the state’s newly adopted regulations on outdoor wood boilers. Also present at this meeting were members of the OWB group, which is made up of owners of the outdoor wood boilers. Ms. McCool stated that manufacturers of these boilers must meet specifications from the state which became effective December 26, 2008. Anyone who already has these units installed will not have a problem. Any new installation must meet the new state regulations. The state regulations must be adopted by the local boards of health. They can be made more stringent, if the Board desires, but not less stringent. A member of the OWB group informed the Board that they would simply like to see the
state regulations adopted. The Board explained that they would like to discuss this at another meeting, and then make a decision.
The Board discussed the burn season which could be lengthened and new installations could be allowed. It is very important that clean dry wood be used. The group members stated that they share ideas and tips and may have made improvements to their burn techniques. One of the members asked how the Board determined their burn season. The Board responded that they used what the state mandates for housing codes – October 15th to April 15th.
The Board wants to have another meeting to allow all those that are for and against to come in and listen/speak on the OWB regulations. They will do this at their meeting of February 4th and it will be published in the paper that the public is invited to attend the meeting of February 18th.
The Board reminded those that attended that by March 1st, chimney heights must be met. Chimneys must be 2 feet higher than any residence within 150 feet. Lorri McCool will attend the Board meeting of February 4th. Members of the OWB group were thanked for attending the meeting.
Ms. McCool discussed with the Board Kathleen Norbut’s request to update Monson’s COOP Plan. Jane Jacobs was asked for her phone number and email address for the records. Ms. McCool went over details/information on who would be responsible in case of a pandemic flu or other disaster. Jill Cafarelli and Robert Bracci will become more involved in case Ms. McCool is unavailable. Ms. McCool has all vital information on a zip-drive. The Board of Health is concentrating on how the Board will function in case of a crisis. Jeremy Bedson is responsible for all the plans of the other departments and will be put together by him when he receives them. Ms. McCool informed the Board that she is meeting tomorrow with Kathleen Norbut and will go over the COOP Plan with her then.
Ms. McCool informed the Board of a situation which occurred last week at the China King Restaurant. The owner had shut the heat off on one of the coldest nights of the year. The next day when they turned the heat back on, the sprinkler system had burst a pipe. 2 Inches of water was on the floor when she arrived. The food area was not that affected. Most of the water damage occurred over the seating arrangements. Ms. McCool informed the owner what needed to be done to correct the problem and the next day when she returned for the inspection, it was clean.
January 21, 2009 2.
Ms. McCool had received a complaint from a resident in regard to a bug in a pizza ordered from 10th Planet Pizza. On receiving the complaint, she conducted an inspection and found the premises very clean. It is difficult to determine where the bug came from once the box was opened.
Ms. McCool informed the Board that the school pool has pool covers. Don Smith and the pool committee were able to get them before the deadline. Monson is in compliance with the code. The two outdoor summer pools only have side suctions and nothing on the bottom of the pools, so they are alright.
Minutes of December 3, 2008 were read. Ms. Jacobs moved to accept as presented, seconded by Mr. Allard and so voted.
The Board read and reviewed the December Expenditure Balance Report from Finance Director, Deborah Mahar.
Board of Health Responsibilities:
- Beavers – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
- Body Art Regulations – Ms. Jacobs had nothing to report.
- Bulky Day – Ms. Klick was absent but there was nothing to report.
- Communicable Disease – Ms. Jacobs informed the Board that there were 1 or 2 cases of Lyme Disease.
- Emergency Preparedness – Ms. Harrison informed the Board that she will be attending the meeting next week.
- Finances – This was already discussed.
- Floor Drains – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
- Food Safety – Ms. Jacobs had nothing to report.
- Hazardous Waste Day – N/A -Nothing to report.
- Health Fair – N/A-Nothing to report.
- Housing Safety – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
- Medical Reserve Corps – This was already discussed.
- Outdoor Wood Boilers – This was already discussed. The group that attended tonight’s meeting was well informed.
- Press Relations – Dr. Smith had nothing to report.
- Recycling – Ms. Klick was absent but there was nothing to report.
- Tobacco – Dr. Smith had nothing to report.
- Trash – Ms. Klick was absent but there was nothing to report.
- Wells – Mr. Allard had nothing to report. The Board discussed the copy of the letter addressed to the DEP from the Water/Sewer Department in regard to the coliform found in the town water. The Board felt that they needed to know as soon as possible whenever anything like this happens. Mr. Jalbert will be notified of the importance of this by Ms. Taft.
The correspondence was read and reviewed.
The Board signed and initialed all necessary correspondence.
January 21, 2009 3.
Dr. Smith read a memo from Gaylin Bingle in regard to the Board submitting a report for Monson’s 2008 annual town report. Dr. Smith will do this.
The Board next discussed an issue in regard to a child who is deeply affected when she enters the middle school. This child has been having severe allergy attacks whenever she enters the school. Consequently, she is being tutored at home. It has been determined that some cleaning supplies and some building materials may cause allergic reactions. The Acting Superintendent feels that the school has done all that it can, unless it can be proven that the school is causing the child to have these attacks.
At 9:15 p.m. Mr. Allard moved to adjourn the meeting seconded by Ms. Jacobs and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Monson Board of Health
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