BOH
August 14, 2014
Regular meeting of the Monson Board of Health was called to order at 5:35 p.m.
Members present were Beau Schneider, Carrie Payne and Vicki Alfano.
Potential new Board member, Brian Mushenko in attendance.
Acting chair, Beau Schneider explained his sample copy of an application he composed for any new potential BOH member. This is comprised of a minimum requirement sheet, process of application sheet and the application itself. All three members present discussed the criteria for a potential member. Beau explained the “Conflict of Interest” certification that members need to take yearly and also the Board discussed the Open Meeting Law. Both of these would be addressed with a potential member after there was an actual appointment to the Board. Usually, these are both addressed two weeks after an appointment.
Motion to accept the minutes from July 16th, 2014 was made by Carrie Payne and seconded by Vicki Alfano. All in favor. The minutes of March 20, 2013 cannot be accepted at this time and were tabled.
New rates for licenses and permits were reviewed by the selectman at their meeting August 12, 2014. The rates will be in effect as of the new renewals for 2015.
Carrie Payne suggested to the Board that possibly the monthly meetings could be limited in time to a suggested hour, unless there were pertinent issues that extended the meeting. Beau Schneider and Vicki Alfano were also in favor. Suggestions of changing the meeting time was also discussed for the future, but tabled for further consideration.
Sanitary facilities at construction sites promoted much conversation. Multiple complaints have been received about new construction sites where there are no sani-cans present. Former building inspector, Chip Lapointe had pulled all the OSHA standards and nothing was really in place or could clarify this. Carrie Payne read the outline to the Board and Vicki Alfano stated that if the structure was out in the woods, it would be a different situation that in the downtown/tree barren areas. Town and city limits a different story. Beau Schneider said that there could be “many layers” to new verbage regarding new construction, any construction or homeowner permission to use facilities. Beau stated that he would address such concerns with the new building inspector and try and get her input and recommendations on creating new criteria for
the future. Possibly something very simple could be put in place. Potential new Board member, Brian Mushenko stated that he feels, if there have been complaints, then something should be done to address this.
Carrie Payne asked the Board, if they had heard of another social media group on FB called “Monson Hears”. This new group was started by Scott Malo to bring awareness to substance abuse. Carrie is interested in finding out, if there might be a way the Board could get involved. Vicki Alfano said, her office, Urgent Care on Allen St. in Spfld. is a very active clinic serving substance abuse. The doctor at her facility is co-president of Physicians Social Responsibility. Factors such as demographics, age group of abusers, male/ female, etc. all come into play. Each Dr. carries a max of 100 patients under treatment with subofane. Vicki will speak with her boss about possibly doing speaking engagements with the middle and high school students to raise awareness. Carrie Payne advised, she will check with Cheryl Clark at the school about
such possibly programs. The dangers of K-2 were also discussed.
Bill schedules, abatements and licenses signed. Vice Chair, Beau Schneider will temporarily sign under BOH Chairman until the Board is re-structured.
Correspondence was reviewed. On the lab report regarding the dead bat, rabies was not present. Extreme care should be taken in any contact with bats. Lorri McCool still has #6 from the Jan. 8, 2014 meeting.
Board of health responsibilities:
- Beavers – Carrie Payne –John Morrell, Highway Dept. applied for (#) beaver permits for Bunyan Rd., Nieske and Hospital Rd. After lengthy discussion, it was the Board’s opinion that they would like to contact Conservation and possibly have someone in attendance at the next meeting and also possibly the trapper to discuss this ongoing problem. Permits at this time were not signed.
- Bulky Day –Sat. October 4th. Planning to start shortly. It was decided by the Board that Pro-SHRED would not be contacted again until the spring event.
- Communicable Diseases- Beau Schneider- Ebola in the news. Vicki Alfano stated that flu and pneumonia prevalent.
- Emergency Preparedness –Carrie Payne- nothing new to report.
- Finances- Beau Schneider- nothing new to report.
- Floor Drains- Beau Schneider- Second requests for paperwork sent to three outstanding businesses.
- Food Safety-Beau Schneider – nothing new to report.
- Hazardous Waste Day-Beau Schneider-last event Nov. 2013. Nothing planned at this time.
- Health Fair- Carrie Payne-nothing planned. If the senior center plans an event possibly MRC would be involved or contacted.
- Medical Reserve Corp. Beau Schneider- nothing new to report.
- Outdoor Wood Burning Units-Beau Schneider- nothing new to report. Season starts Oct. 1st.
- Press Relations-Carrie Payne- ad for new BOH members scrolling on M-PACT.
- Recycling- will wait to order more bins until offices moved to new building in Nov. 2014
- Tobacco-Beau Schneider- E-cigs are under FDA. Claire Forgues advised Board, she had received call from Rite-Aid about cigarette lighters and is there a regulation about being on an end-cap or behind the counter. To be safely within compliance, they will stay behind the counter.
- Trash- Republic Services paperwork was on the agenda for Selectmen’s meeting, August 12th and accepted.
- Wells- Lorri McCool-paperwork sent to Echo Hill Orchards and Deborah Carrington who are not on PWS to have their wells tested and the results submitted back to the Board. Beau asked, if the Sportsman’s Club at 215 Woodhill Rd. should be tested? Claire to check.
Next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday September 10, 2014 at 6:00 pm.
Beau Schneider made motion to adjourn at 7:50 pm, seconded by Carrie Payne. All in favor.
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