PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
December 5, 2011
7:30 p.m.
South Windsor Council Chambers
PURPOSE: To receive citizen input on the a Proposed Ordinance establishing “Regulations of Food Establishments, Water Supply Wells and Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems”
Mayor Delnicki called the Public Hearing to order at 7:30 p.m.; and requested that the Clerk of the Council read the call of the meeting (a copy of which is attached hereto). There were approximately eleven (11) people present in the audience. The Public Hearing was recessed at 7:32 p.m. in order to finish the previous Public Hearing. The Public Hearing reconvened at 7:35 p.m.
As stated in the previous public hearing, Dr. Schwartz, Director of Health explained that the Health Department is proposing broad new health codes for food establishments, subsurface sewage disposal systems, water supply wells, cosmetology and body arts, which include, but are not limited to hair salons, barbershops, nail salons massage parlors, spas, electrolysis, tattoo parlors and body piercing. Several citizens in our community have registered complaints and upon investigation, each has had merit. There were unlicensed staff, lack of proper medical supervision where required, unsanitary conditions and failure to prominently display licenses. Restaurants needed to be temporarily closed and others educated. The Connecticut Department of Public Health, while licensing individuals in certain occupations, specifically
has delegated regulations of the business to local health departments in the State Health Statutes. Inspections are good for businesses to keep them on their toes, educating and stimulating awareness of up-to-date methods, minimizing spread of infections, perhaps reducing insurance costs and certainly for the public reassuring and responsive to the best health practices.
The Health Department also proposes a very reasonable fee schedule to be attached to the new codes. The Town will not penalize nor levy fines, only bring newly regulated businesses under code to protect the health of the clients that are served. The only right the Town will retain is to suspend or revoke a license to operate if the businesses owner refuses or cannot meet health code requirements. Public Health is vitally important to the community and needs attention and support.
Dr. Schwartz added that the State has jurisdiction of licensing over individuals but has completely passed the buck when it comes to licensing and inspecting businesses. All establishments are inspected locally and licensed locally.
Mayor Delnicki asked if there was anyone from the public that would like to speak.
Ms. Sheri Fiveash, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce came before the Council and stated that businesses are feeling the effects from Storm Albert and feels it is not the right time to add any fees onto businesses. This may be something that should be looked at in the future, but not at this time.
Town Council – Public Hearing Minutes
December 5, 2011
Page 2
Mayor Delnicki asked for a Straw Vote, the results of which were as follows:
Those in favor of the proposed Ordinance establishing “Regulations of Food Establishments, Water Supply Wells and Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems”: - 4
Those in opposition of the proposed Ordinance establishing “Regulations of Food Establishments, Water Supply Wells and Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems”: - 6
The public hearing was closed at 7:41 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________________
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
Public Hearing Notice – Exhibit A
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