2022-08-04 Board of Health Minutes

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The Coalition is planning their annual Recovery and Remembrance event on September 28i^ at 6:00 pm on the Town Common to celebrate those living in recovery, and those lost to substance misuse. The Coalition is also embarking on Its own needs assessment for themselves and for the Town. Mr. Sexton encouraged Coalition Director Erica McNamara to get in touch with Mr. Solarin, as that seems like something on which the Health Department and Coalition should collaborate. Climate Advisory Committee David Zeek, Chair of the Climate Advisory Committee, presented a proposed bylaw to prohibit the use of polystyrene disposable food service Items. The bylaw is limited in scope, as it does not affect Items made of other materials, and focuses on food service. Mr. Zeek presented the problems with polystyrene including Its carcinogenic properties, harm to wildlife, inability to biodegrade, and Its Inability to be recycled. He also provided examples of polystyrene, as well as acceptable alternatives. Massgreen.org tracks similar bylaws and lists 47 such bylaws in Massachusetts. Mr. Zeek stated that most of the substance for the proposed bylaw came from Arlington's, which seemed like a good Flt for Reading. Mr. Zeke reviewed the details of the proposed bylaw, including definitions of polystyrene, food establishment, and disposable food service containers, as well as the regulation and enforcement, and he explained the waiver process that would give establishments time to comply should the bylaw be accepted. Enforcement would be the responsibility of the Health Department and the Health Director would have the authority to issue additional rules and regulations. Mr. Solarin stated that It Is not extra work for the Department, as this can be included In regular Inspections. He noted the only problem might be altering their food inspections forms, but he will look Into it. Board members expressed their agreement and support for the proposed bylaw. They noted that ideally, all single use plastic would be banned in the future, and expressed their disappointment that the commonwealth does not pass a law so that communities do not have to create their own bylaws. Health Department Monthly Report Public Health Director Ade Solarin updated the Board on the Department's July activities: • Food Inspections: 25 • Food Re -inspections: 3 • Food Complaint Inspections: 1 • Housing Complaints: 3 • Swimming Pool Inspections: 1 • Swimming Pool Re -Inspections: 1 • Septic Abandonment: 1 • Percolation Test Hole: 1 • New Septic Application: 1 • Annual Inspections: 11 • Rat Complaints: 3 • Temporary Event Permits issued: 3 • Annual Keeper of Animals Permits renewed: 11 (all) • Annual Body Art Establishment and Practitioner renewed: all except Round Table Tattoo. Further steps will be taken to get Round Table into compliance. The latest COVID data includes: • Total Cases: 5,456 • Active Cases: 50 • Deaths: 53 Page 1 3