BOH
February 24, 2016
Regular meeting of the Monson Board of Health was called to order at 6:02 p.m. by Chair, Carrie Payne.
Members present were Wayne Yee, Vicki Alfano and Beau Schneider. Joanna Sorreiro was absent. Lorri McCool, Health/TitleV Inspector was also in attendance.
Beau Schneider made motion to accept the minutes from the February 3, 2016 meeting, seconded by Vicki Alfano and all in favor. The minutes of March 20, 2013 cannot be accepted at this time and were tabled. Lorri McCool retaining #6 from Jan. 8, 2014 meeting. Beau Schneider returned item #4, correspondence from meeting Jan. 6, 2016 to be re-filed.
Claire Forgues advised the Board of Active shooter/AED training scheduled for Mar. 8th from 10-4p.m. at the Town offices. Wayne Yee, Vicki Alfano and Beau Schneider to also attend.
Beau Schneider commented on the conference to be held April 9th, 2016 at the Blue Bonnet in N’Hampton. He will not be attending.
Lorri McCool received a call from Mass Dept. of Public Health in regards to barn inspections. Wendy LeSage is no longer doing these inspections and Monson has not conducted these inspections for a very long time. Palmer is currently in the application process for a new inspector for their barns. A stipend of $1000.-1500. is being addressed. Funding would have to be discussed with the Town Administrator and the Accounting dept., as this currently is not in the 2016 budget, as a line item. Lorri explained this would entail horses, chickens, cows, sheep, etc. llamas are not included under this umbrella, as they have “soft hooves”, as well as goats, per Vicki Alfano. A carbonized log is kept on inspection for cleanliness (ex. manure removal, water, food, shelter ), animal count and completion date. Lorri will contact the State
again to firm up details on exactly how these inspections are to be conducted. Information on barns in Monson are likely outdated. Zoning by-laws dictate where animals can be located and numbers in each category. No actual registration for animals exists, except for dogs on the Town census. Lorri McCool being the Health Inspector/ Title V inspector for Monson, Wilbraham and Hampden does not currently have dedicated hours to complete these inspections. Board member, Vicki Alfano with her horse/animal knowledge and experience with animals could be a good candidate for these inspections, should she were interested. How residents would be notified and contacted, to be discussed and determined. Carrie Payne suggested a general letter in the newspaper to alert residents with these animals was a suggestion. Possibly including this category on future censuses another thought. That option would have to be discussed with the Town clerk’s office. More discussion tabled for the next meeting.
Lorri McCool advised the Board, Totally Tan on 170 C/D Main St. is still closed until proper licensing, permits, insurance and 2015-16 fees are paid and provided to the Town.
Lorri McCool presented the Board with a resume’ from Finn McCool to serve as an Alternate Health inspector. Currently, Robert Bracci is the Town’s appointed alternate, but Mr. McCool is currently studying in the field and holds his associates degree in Integrated Science studies and shadowing under his mother, Lorri McCool. Mass Institute of Public Health offers online certificate training courses which are through Boston Uni. that Mr. McCool has also taken. This is not to replace Mr. Bracci, but to provide additional back-up. Further discussion tabled for next meeting.
Discussion and review of well information tabled for meeting in the future with full compliment of the Board.
Recommendations on license and permit fees tabled for meeting in the future with full compliment of the Board.
Carrie Payne initiated discussion on tobacco regulations and the State prompting local health Boards to discuss changing regulations on the age for tobacco and e-cig. sales. The Tobacco coalition has been pushing for the age to be raised to 21. Wayne Yee stated, “ where do we draw the line?” At age 18, one can vote and also enter the military. Beau Schneider inquired as to who might have seen the National security advertisement? If we can’t help or fix the problem, what are we to do as a Board? Even with regulations in place, those that chose to smoke or use e-cigs, can purchase in another city or town with different regulations. Who would be monitoring and enforcing fines for violator’s? Beau Schneider feels the State should be taking the lead. Wayne Yee stated, ”each individual should be responsible for their own
health.” Lorri McCool felt possibly, e-cigs should be included under this umbrella. Carrie Payne inquired, “does the State tax and regulate the same for tobacco as well as e-cigs with the same regulations?” Beau Schneider said,” the State is under considerable pressure to change these regulations.” Lorri suggested, the Board invite Sara McCullum from the Tobacco Coalition to a Board meeting and put something in the paper opening the meeting here to public for discussion. Wilbraham has made the changes to 21 and also increased their fines for violator’s. Vicki Alfano asked, “should these questioned changes, go on a non-binding ballot or Town meeting. Lorri McCool, answered, “no.” We have the authority to discuss, change and put regulations in place. It was also noted that some pharmacies such as CVS that in the past sold tobacco products have discontinued the sales, as the store felt, they were promoting health and with the sales of tobacco products, this would be
contradictory. The Board would have the jurisdiction to mandate others in Town such as Rite Aid to discontinue sales, if the regulations were altered. Carrie Payne stated, she has strong feelings about separation from government and personal choice. Lorri will contact Sara McCullum to provide the Board with her statistics and schedule her to attend a meeting to answer questions. More discussion tabled for next meeting.
Correspondence containing an animal bite report and letter regarding 80 Bethany Rd. containing oil release and hazardous waste material removal completion reviewed.
Vicki Alfano asked the Board about their feelings on weekly trash and bi-weekly re-cycling. What are their thoughts? The current trash contract is in effect thru mid 2017. Any adjustments? Further discussion tabled until Joanna Sorreiro’s attendance.
Vicki Alfano asked, if anyone knew where the red, metal, house marker flags could be obtained? Claire Forgues advised either through the fire dept. or the senior center.
Licenses, permits, payroll and bill schedules signed.
Next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.
Carrie Payne made motion to adjourn at 7:40 pm, seconded by Vicki Alfano.
Carrie Payne , Chair Person ________________________
Beau Schneider, Vice Chair ________________________
Vicki Alfano ________________________________________
Wayne Yee ________________________________________
Joanna Sorreiro ___________________________________
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