1996-12-12 Board of Health Minutes

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Board of Health Meeting December 12, 1996 The meeting convened at 6:01 p.m. in the Berger Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Jim Nugent, members Cynthia Richards and Jean Garofoli, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Funeral Directors John Doherty and Paul Bekkenhuis. On motion by Richards seconded by Garofoli, the minutes of the meeting of November 13, 1996, were approved by a vote of 3-0-0. The Town Manager reviewed the status of hiring a Health Director. He went through an analysis and indicated his inclination is to promote Jane Fiore, Health Education Coordinator to the position. The Board reviewed the material, and the Town Manager suggested that the Board set up a time to meet with Jane to discuss the position. They will be meeting on Monday, December 16 at 6:00 p.m. They asked her to put together a resume, and suggested that one requirement for the position be attainment of the certified health officers rating within 1 to 1 1/2 years. The Board discussed further organizational issues including a possibility of getting a grants writer on staff. The Board supported this very strongly. John Doherty and Paul Bekkenhuis spoke with the Board of Health regarding the issuance of burial permits. They feel that the system as it works now is fairly good - each Funeral Director in Town has two blank burial permits for their own use, or for use of out of town Funeral Directors is Town Hall is not open. They have suggested that these be unnumbered so that it does not create a problem in terms of where in the "book" they go. Having Carol Decoste being able to sign the forms is a big help. They suggested that perhaps the information be faxed to the Board of Health in advance so that the Funeral Directors won't have to wait so long for the forms when they come in. The other option is for the Funeral Directors to make out the permits themselves. The Board of Health agreed to make these changes, and the Town Manager will arrange to have the necessary procedure modified. The Town Manager also suggested that two. or three people be authorized Burial Agents - the Secretary, the Health Director, and perhaps the Town Clerk. The Board felt this was appropriate. On motion by Garofoli seconded by Richards the Board of Health adjourned at 7:00 p.m. by a vote of 3-0-0. Respectfully submitted, ~"'Secretary