HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-06-21 Board of Health MinutesTown of Reading
Meeting Minutes
t C I{j{
17 C,
i i. �J .
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Board of Health
1011 JUL 24 A U 38 ;
Date: 2017-06-21
Building: Reading Town Hall
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: General Business
Attendees: Members - Present:
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Berger Room
Session: General Session
John Costigan, Chair, Beth Shurland, Nancy Docktor, Associate
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Dan Ensminger, BOS Liasion, Jean Delios, Andy Friedmann, Laura Vlasuk,
John Fralick, Emmy Dove, Peg Drummey
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Darlene Foley
Topics of Discussion:
Board of Health meeting came to order at 5:30 pm on June 21, 2017 in the Berger Room of
Reading Town Hall.
Minutes
Minutes of May 17, 2017 were presented. Motion was made by Docktor to accept the
minutes, seconded by Shurland. Motion passed 3:0
BOH Appointments
Costigan introduced Laura Vlasuk as the new health agent who then provided some
background information having worked in Malden and Everett. In accordance with MA
General Law Chapter 111, Section 27 regarding the appointment of a health agent, Docktor
inquired if the health agent would be reporting to the Board of Health (BOH) or the town
manager; the concern being that Boards of Health are not being influenced by any local
politics. Vlasuk responded she hoped to work together with both to ensure everyone's
needs are met and everything is safe for the community. Docktor posed a question to
Delios and Ensminger as representatives of the town manager and Board of Selectmen, if
the town was willing to authorize any expenditure of the town's funds to defend any
possible legal suits which may be created or exist regarding the appointment. Ensminger
responded asking why the question was being raised. Docktor stated she wanted to make
sure that the Board did not have any legal obligation or risk for making the appointment.
Ensminger was unable to answer the specific question. However, he did state that the
town has primary coverage of liability for errors and omissions; any board member acting in
his or her capacity was covered.
Shurland stated the loss of three members of the Health Division staff within the past six
months was not the kind of turnover that was beneficial to the town and there needs to be a
type of management style in place to ensure staff will stay intact for a longer period of time.
Docktor added that a recent Boston University study indicated twenty-four percent of
municipalities do not have public health nurses. With the loss of the public health nurse,
Page 1 1
Donna Pierce, she couldn't begin to calculate the impact it will have on the town. Pierce had
presented a resume that one does not often come across. She was over qualified for the
position and practiced with professional autonomy using excellent clinical judgement.
Docktor stated she doubted another resume unfortunately would be received that comes
close to that of Donna's with all the certifications that went beyond what the job required.
In speaking for all board members she stated they regret losing her and felt this was a big
loss for the town. Costigan stated he was saddened by the loss and her service to the town
was exemplary. Shurland added the services of Joan Vitale were exemplary as well.
Costigan asked if there was a motion to appoint the health agent. Docktor inquired if there
was a probationary period allowed for the appointment to the Board of Health and what
happens if an appointment is not made. Delios stated probationary periods are covered
under personnel policies. Ensminger stated the Board was not allowed to meet in executive
session. The appointment of the health agent is according to State statute. Cheryl Sbarra,
Legal Aide through MAHB could be contacted for clarification regarding the appointment of a
health agent. Costigan stated he would like to move forward with the appointment.
Docktor stated she had serious concerns in terms of the last resignation moving forward
with the appointment despite having received assurance from Vlasuk that she would be
reporting to the Board and assurance from Ensminger that the town was willing to fund any
type of defense that might arise around the appointment as representing the Board.
Costigan stated that the Board expected open dialogue from the health agent. Costigan
asked if there was a motion to appoint Laura Vlasuk as health agent. No motion was given.
Ensminger inquired what additional information was needed to make the appointment of the
health agent. Docktor responded that because of prior information she had received as a
board member regarding personnel she was not ready to make a motion. Vlasuk stated the
matter being referred to had nothing to do with the board. She was aware of the matter,
has sought legal counsel, and was aware of her rights. Going forward she asked to discuss
matters pertaining to the town and the board and how each could accomplish their jobs.
Ensminger inquired if that could be done. A motion to appoint Laura Vlasuk as health agent
was made by Costigan. No second was given.
Docktor was appointed to continue to serve as a voting member of the BOH.
John Fralick was introduced as the part time health inspector working 14 hours per week.
He gave his background information working as the full time health agent in Stoneham. A
motion was made by Docktor to appoint Fralick as the part time inspector effective
September 11, 2016; seconded by Shurland. Motion passed 3:0
Chair Report
Costigan had met with Delios and Vlasuk and discussed a plan for coverage with North
Reading. He also spoke with Representative Brad Jones' office regarding a bill in the
legislature. He registered his opposition to H.1112; a bill that would usurp boards of health
and conservation commissions' authority in regards to wetlands and Title V issues.
Costigan drafted a letter to Speaker Robert DeLeo in support of House Bill 2864, raising the
legal age to purchase tobacco to 21 and prohibiting tobacco sales in health care facilities.
A recent CDC article headlines report the first decline seen in vaping among US teens. The
drop was significant, falling from 3 million in 2015 to 2.2 million in 2016. The overall
decline in tobacco use by high school and middle school students dropped from 4.7 million
teens in 2015 to 3.9 million in 2016. It seems the efforts of the public health communities
have done some good.
Page 1 2
Pesticide Regulations
The proposed pesticide regulations were discussed including the opinion from town council.
Additional changes will be incorporated. Costigan will meet with the town manager for his
input. When a final draft is available it will be sent to Jane Kinsella, Public Works
Department who had given prior input along with Bill Keating, the former tree warden.
Shurland suggested having a time line for the approval process including a public hearing.
Open Discussion
Meeting adjourned at 6:30pm.
Materials Distributed:
Draft minutes of May 17, 2017
Letter to Speaker DeLeo
Page 1 3