PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
December 5, 2011
7:15 p.m.
South Windsor Council Chambers
PURPOSE: To receive citizen input on the a Proposed Ordinance establishing “Regulations of Hair Salons, Nail Salons, Barber Shops and Tattoo Parlors”
Mayor Delnicki called the Public Hearing to order at 7:15 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.
Dr. Schwartz, Director of Health came forward to propose 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.
Mayor Delnicki asked if there was anyone from the public that would like to speak.
Mr. Robert Pellegatto, Chapel Road came before the Town Council and stated that he does not have a problem with the health issues, but does have a problem with Dr. Schwartz saying there have been several complaints. The licenses that these professional people have, were earned through an education which included public health and health issues. Someone can not open a business in Town without a license through the State of Connecticut.
Mr. Daniel Bell, owner of Little Taste of Texas came before the Town Council and stated that when he opened his business he had a lot of inspections done and had to pay fees and get licensed. Through the State had to get food license. Mr. Bell stated he does not mind following the rules, but additional fees at this time when the economy is not doing good should not be allowed.
Town Council – Public Hearing Minutes
December 5, 2011
Page 2
Mayor Delnicki recess the Public Hearing at 7:30 p.m. in order to call another Public Hearing to order. The Public Hearing reconvened at 7:32 p.m.
Mr. Robert Benson of West Road came forward and suggested that these establishments be policed because as a member of the public he would like to know that there will not be any problems at restaurants in Town.
Mayor Delnicki asked for a Straw Vote, the results of which were as follows:
Those in favor of the proposed Ordinance establishing “Regulations of Hair Salons, Nail Salons, Barber Shops and Tattoo Parlors”: - 3
Those in opposition of the proposed Ordinance establishing “Regulations of Hair Salons, Nail Salons, Barber Shops and Tattoo Parlors” - 7
The public hearing was closed at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________________
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
Public Hearing Notice – Exhibit A
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