BOH
February 12, 2014
Regular meeting of the Monson Board of Health was called to order at 5:33 p.m.
Members present were Beau Schneider, Vicki Alfano, Carrie Payne and Lorri McCool. Mike Szczepan from Republic Services was in attendance, along with Deb Mahar and Paul Demaio. Charles Conynoyer also in attendance.
Motion to accept the minutes from January 22, 2014 was made by Beau Schneider and seconded by Vicki Alfano. All in favor. The minutes of March 20, 2013 cannot be accepted at this time and were tabled.
Mike Szczepan wanted to thank the Town for being patient with the trash collection and delays during all these storms. The average trash truck puts on approximately 100 miles a day and some commercial routes are 300 miles a day. Out of Auburn there are 64 routes in total. In this weather, it makes it very difficult for pick-ups and safety comes first.
Republic Services was interested in the BOH ideas for monies they are to donate this year for Gifts to the Town. Ideas consisted of a sharps kiosk, contribution toward the new spray park, donation towards additional play scape equipment at Veteran’s field, signage at the various Town athletic fields and donation towards the new river walk at Veteran’s field all of which would really show the residents the partnership between the Town of Monson and Republic Services. Mike Szczepan will bring all the suggestions back to Bruce Stanas the Senior Municipal and Government Affairs Manager for consideration. This gift is in addition to the yearly $750.00 scholarship that is given to a graduating senior.
Lorri McCool explained about the sharps kiosk and a system that Charlton, Ma. currently uses with Harrington Hospital, as the collecting agent. The Town pays by the pound. Carrie Payne asked, if there is any liability involved or insurance necessary? In some cases, such as a pharmacy, cameras might be necessary for monitoring. Deb Mahar mentioned that currently she uses sharps for her pet and she returns the used sharps to her vet. If a kiosk was possible should this be something installed in the Town office building hallway or directly in the BOH office for monitoring. Mike Szczepan said, he was not directly familiar with what might be out there, but would refer to Bruce Stanas. Republic Services has a mail-a-way program, postage paid.
Paul Demaio, Town maintenance supervisor discussed the type of trash containers he would like to see purchased and installed in the new Town office building when completed at 110 Main St. Mike Szczepan said that he would consult with a couple of distributors/contacts to provide Paul with literature on what’s available.
Claire Forgues advised Mike Szczepan that Call 2 Re-cycle said the Town of Monson did not qualify for their program, as we did not have a large enough usage. Mike to check and see, if the Town might connect with another Town.
Plans for our Spring Bulky Day were discussed and the possibility of Republic Services providing all the equipment to make the event all inclusive. The BOH is looking to have a paper shredder, Styrofoam truck, electronics and also a tire truck. Charles Coynoyer asked why tires have to be off their rims? He was told by the Board that the Town has never taken tires on rims and it is up to the individual to remove. If the rims are brought to Bulky Day separately off the tires, then the metal scrap truck would take them. Items containing Freon are actually taken from our collection site and then off loaded to someone else for disposal. National Grid currently has a program to take old items also. Vicki Alfano will check the details of the program which we believe the unit has to be running and being replaced to qualify for free
removal. Vicki also has another contact that might take Freon items and she will report info back to the Board. Mike will refer to Bruce Stanas and see what extra services they can provide.
Carrie Payne said that the printed literature the BOH has on re-cycling might be outdated and could Republic look into current do’s and don’ts of the program. Mike Szczepan to e-mail current materials to the BOH. Discussion about how the Town benefits from all the re-cycling was explained by Mike Szczepan.
Bill schedules, abatements and licenses signed. Vice Chair, Beau Schneider will temporarily sign under BOH Chairman until the Board is re-structured.
The committee’s re-organization tabled for discussion at the next meeting.
Board of health responsibilities:
- Beavers – Carrie Payne –Lorri McCool to date has not submitted her new cover letter that is being drafted for potential new beaver situations. Carrie Payne working on literature that can be added to the Town’s website at a later date.
- Bulky Day –Questioned fielded to Mike Szczepan about the capability of having Republic Services be inclusive at Bulky Day. That would possibly include a paper shredder, electronics, tire and styro-foam trucks. Requests to be forwarded to Bruce Stanas.
- Communicable Diseases- Beau Schneider- checking MAVEN on a regular basis and will catch-up on any open cases.
- Emergency Preparedness –Carrie Payne- Carrie Payne couldn’t connect with Liz Manley to set up a time to visit the shelter. She will try and set something up over school vacation.
- Finances- Beau Schneider- Claire Forgues advised the Board that Hazardous Waste Day came in under budget and remaining monies returned to gifts to the Town.
- Floor Drains- Beau Schneider- Bill Gallagher, Project Mgr. for the new Town offices, asked for information and the chapters of the law governing floor drains for the installation at 110 Main St. Lorri McCool spoke with him and Claire Forgues provided BOH paperwork.
- Food Safety-Beau Schneider-Nothing new to report.
- Hazardous Waste Day-Beau Schneider- see above-Finances.
- Health Fair- Carrie- Nothing new to report.
- Medical Reserve Corp. Beau Schneider- BOH would still like to have a meeting in regards to the shelter and emergency preparedness. Carrie Payne to work on scheduling.
- Outdoor Wood Burning Units-Beau Schneider- Beau Schneider asked Vicki Alfano about the smoke level emitted from the OWB on Hovey Rd. Heavy smoke still present, but no complaints.
- Press Relations-Carrie Payne- Nothing new to report.
- Recycling- Claire Forgues to receive e-mail from Mike Szczepan at Republic Services with updated re-cycling material. Will be copied for Town residents and added to website.
- Tobacco-Beau Schneider- No new descriptive policy on e-cigarettes. Following the State lead.
- Trash- Delayed pick-ups due to the massive storms, we have been receiving. Posted delays on the Town’s Website under News & Announcements per Republic Services.
- Wells-Lorri McCool & Beau Schneider-Nothing new to report.
Reviewed correspondence and mail. Beau Schneider returned item #5 from the Jan. 8th meeting. Lorri McCool still has with # 6. Medical marijuana meeting to be held Tues. Feb. 18th at 7:00pm in the Building Dept. Board members are invited to participate. Public hearing March 18, 2014.
Next meetings scheduled are for Wednesday, March 5, 2014 and March 19th at 5:30pm.
Beau Schneider made motion to adjourn at 7:45 pm and seconded by all.
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