Skip Navigation
This table is used for column layout.
 
meeting of 2011-01/05
Wednesday
January 5, 2011

Regular meeting of the Monson Board of Health was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman Gary Allard.  Members present: Phyllis Klick, Jane Jacobs and John Schneider.  Member absent: Margaret Harrison.  Also attending the meeting was Health Inspector, Lorri McCool.

The Board read and reviewed the minutes of December 15, 2010.  Ms. Klick moved to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by Ms. Jacobs and so voted.

The Board signed necessary correspondence and initialed all bills.

Ms. McCool updated several issues for the Board.  She informed them that she had been contacted by the owner of the China King Restaurant on Main Street.  The owner had received a phone call from someone posing as a food inspector, but she became suspicious and contacted Ms. McCool.  Ms. McCool informed her that she should not let anyone enter the building for an inspection.  The owner assured her that if they appeared for an inspection she would call Ms. McCool.  These “inspectors” must charge the owner/restaurant with “violations” that are extremely expensive and perhaps chose this restaurant as the owner is learning English and may not fully understand.

The next topic for discussion was possible guidelines for testing of wells for establishments that provide food and/or liquid to the public. These would involve establishments that are not listed as public water supplies by the Department of Environmental Protection but provide a food service to the public.  Permitted kitchens will be asked each year to provide the Board of Health with a water test result prior to issuance of their licenses if on a private well.  The first year requirement will be a test that is taken by anyone who installs a new well in town (copy attached); then each year thereafter they must test for nitrates, coliform/bacteria and sodium prior to receiving their license.  The Board briefly discussed possible guidelines.  The Board would also like to have the water test include the testing for pesticides.  Mr. Allard will call the lab in Belchertown (Quabbin Analytical) to see how much they would charge for this test.  It was determined that these tests should be taken by professionals to ensure quality testing.  Ms. McCool informed the Board that she will contact the State for rules/guidance on this issue.  After discussing, the Board decided that it would be best if a letter is sent to these establishments informing them of the Board’s determination in regard to their licensing.  In the meantime, the Board and Ms. McCool will receive the information from the State and form/adopt guidelines.  The Board asked Ms. Taft to contact Town Administrator, Gretchen Neggers, to see if the Board needs to hold public meetings to establish/set these guidelines.

Ms. McCool apprised the Board of a tenant complaint on the third floor at 136 Main Street.  Last year the propane gas tank was removed from its location when the renters stopped paying.  Recently, the renter called to get the tank reinstalled and was informed by the gas company they could not install it as the location/wiring was illegal.  Ms. McCool had been contacted by the renter and brought the owner of the building to court.  The owner took measures to correct the issue.  The gas company hooked into the owner’s 1,000 gallon tank and spliced it to run on two meters.  The renter now has the capabilities to hook up.  However, now the renter has informed Ms. McCool that she has no money to purchase the gas.



January 5, 2011 (cont.)                                                                 2.

Ms. McCool’s last topic was the COOP Plan.  She is working on upgrading the plan and went over the essential functions, i.e. who would be responsible for what duties in the case of an emergency.  The Board was informed that Jill Cafarelli now lives on the Cape so she is unavailable to “stand in” for Ms. McCool during emergencies.  Robert Bracci is still available.  

In regard to the COOP Plan it was decided as follows for the order of command:

        Overall control of Operations –Gary Allard or next available member
        Safe Water/Food/Shelter Operations – Ms. McCool and Ms. Harrison
        Safety Officer -        Mr. Allard and Mr. Schneider
        Communications – Ms. Harrison and Ms. Jacobs
        Communicable Disease Surveillance – Mr. Schneider and next available Board member
        Isolation/Quarantine – Ms. McCool and Mr. Schneider
        Enforcement of Laws/Regulations that Protect the Public – Ms. McCool
        Maintains Board of Health Vital Records – Ms. Taft and
        Ensure Equipment/Supplies Available – Mr. Schneider.

Ms. McCool informed the Board that she will be doing an inventory of the supplies stored downstairs for the report.  The Board thanked Ms. McCool for attending the meeting.

Board of Health Responsibilities:
  • Beavers – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
  • Bulky Day – Ms. Klick had nothing to report.
  • Communicable Diseases – Mr. Schneider reported (1) case of Hepatitis C and (3) Lyme diseases
  • Emergency Preparedness – This was already discussed under the COOP Plan.
  • Finances – Ms. Klick informed Board members that she had spoken to Town Accountant Deborah Mahar in regard to the budget for FY12.  There is presently $12,376 in the grant that is used to help supplement Ms. Taft’s salary.  $7,378 would need to be taken from this account (leaving $4,998), as well as $6,120 from the Trash Account and $16,567 from the Board of Health Account.  The Board was in agreement that Ms. Taft should be paid from this account as long as possible.  Ms. Taft was asked to inform Ms. Mahar of the Board’s decision.
  • Floor Drains – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
  • Food Safety – Ms. Jacobs had nothing to report.
  • Hazardous Waste Day – Ms. Klick will contact a few companies to get prices for a date in June.
  • Health Fair – Ms. Jacobs stated that September is being considered and will be discussed further at a later date.
  • Housing Safety – This was already discussed with Ms. McCool
  • Medical Reserve Corps – There was nothing to report.
  • Outdoor Hydronic Heaters – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
  • Press Relations – Ms. Jacobs had nothing to report.
  • Recycling – Ms. Klick had nothing to report.
  • Tobacco – Mr. Schneider had nothing to report.
  • Trash – Ms. Klick informed the Board that the trash contract with Allied Waste will be up next year.  Ms. Taft was asked to consult Ms. Neggers to see if the Board could entertain different companies to educate the Board on various options.
January 5, 2011                                                                         3.

  • Wells – As discussed with Ms. McCool.
The Board read and reviewed correspondence.

At 8:00 p.m. Ms. Klick moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ms. Jacobs and voted unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Monson Board of Health