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Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Board of Health
Date: 2018-01-16
Building: Reading Town Hall
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: General Business
Attendees: Members - Present:
Time: 5:30 PM
RfiEGEIVED
TOWN CLERK
READING; MAA.
2010:FEB 21 AMD 06
Location: Berger Room
Session: General Session
John Costigan, Kevin Sexton, Heidi.Pfieier
Members - Not Present:
Dan Ensminger
Others Present:
Jean Delios - Assistant Town Manager, Laura Vlasuk - Health Agent,
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kristen Grover
Topics of Discussion:
Costigan called the Board of Health meeting to order at 5:30pm in the Berger Room at the
Town Hall. There were no members of the Public present.
CHAIR REPORT
Costigan reported that regarding influenza, many states are reporting higher rates. There
has been a slight drop in January, but it's expected there will be a spike again as in the past
two years. Sexton commented that the January thaw may contribute to the up and down of
cases. Costigan speculated flushots may have helped keep numbers down. There was
discussion regarding the effectiveness of this year's vaccine versus the strain that is going
around. Costigan stated he recommends still getting vaccinated if a person hasn't already.
Costigan stated that in regard to the Public comment regarding caffeine abuse from the last
meeting, he looked into current legislation and is not sure if it included caffeine as it was
talked about. There was discussion as to how it might be listed and if legislation is still
pending. Costigan confirmed legislation should be voted on by July and it includes but is not
limited to thermogens, lipotropics and appetite suppressants. He said he is waiting to hear
back about legislation pertaining to caffeine as discussed and will report back once he hears
more on the matter.
Costigan mentioned he would like to address the minutes of past meetings and elaborated
that he received correspondence from Darlene Foley where she stated she did not create
the minutes of 10-18-2017 and wanted her name removed from the document. Delios
presented an email dated 10-19-2017 where Foley announce that she will be stepping down
as recording secretary and will have the minutes for the 10-18-2017 meeting completed
and ready for review. It was confirmed that Foley was the recording secretary on 10-18-
2017, resigned the next day, that she created the document, and adjustments were made
to it. It was noted that the document was created with her name on it and an incomplete
paragraph was completed by Vlasuk. There was discussion as to if Foley created the
document to which it was stated that the document came from her computer, and that the
minutes belong to the Town and are often corrected or amended. Sexton stated the
minutes belong to the Town and Pfiefer stated if Foley gave her resignation the day after
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then her name can be on the document. Costigan continued that the person listed as the
creator Foley - has an issue with the document. Sexton stated that culpability falls.on the
Board for approving the minutes. Pfiefer agreed. Costigan then raised the issue that on the
11-28-2017 minutes; the location is listed as the Library, but in fact the meeting was in the
Berger Room. Costigan requested that someone speak to Town Clerk Laura.Gemme about
changing the location on those minutes and also pertaining to Foley's minutes of 10-18- . . .
2017 if there was a dispute what is the procedure. Delios asked Costigan if he had anything
in writing as far as this dispute and correspondence because it is the Town's practice to,
respond to written complaints. Costigan did not respond.
Costigan brought forth his last item for discussion - how he would like to increase
immunizations of residents in Town. *He mentioned the purpose of the Board is to increase
public health and added that some residents might not know what immunizations they have
had or need to have. He stated he would like Vlasuk to grant him access to MIIS for public
immunization records so that he may log in under the Town instead of from his day job. He
also stated he would like to create some publicity for increasing immunizations. Sexton
agreed that the goal of the Board should be education, but questioned what Costigan would -
do with the information from the website, citing -privacy concerns. Costigan stated that
individuals would have to give permission for him to view -their records.
Costigan asked if there .were any questions from the Board and Sexton stated he had a topic
of discussion for after the Health Agent Report.
HEALTH AGENT REPORT
Vlasuk reported that inspections are going smoothly and only 3 additionalinfluenza_vaccines
have been administered. She noted the Region 3B meeting was cancelled due to the storm,
and about 48 permits remained outstanding. She added that applications were sent.twice
by email blast, mailed by USPS and she is now hand delivering applications to those still
outstanding.
Minutes of 12-19-2017
Motion by Sexton to approve minutes as presented; motion seconded by Pfeifer. Roll Call
vote: Sexton (yes), Pfeifer (yes),. Costigan (yes). Motion carries 3-0-0.
Next meeting Tuesday February 20, 2018 at 5:30 - Reading Public Library
OTHER BUSINESS
Sexton addressed an issue raised over social media that was brought to his attention
regarding Lincoln Street and the.soon to be Reading Village. He mentioned that the
neighbors expressed concerned on social media about a rodent problem a.nd how it may
impact the demolition of the buildings. It was advised that all information will -be on the
Town website, and explained how the developer had a certain series of procedures to go
through in order to demolish a building - which includes pest control. There was discussion
regarding a previous rodent issue from insufficient trash removal, and what.the procedure
will be to monitor and control.a potential problem. Sexton suggested the Town keep the
neighbors updated as .to when and how things may occurs Vlasuk stated she would like to
have an informational session about rodent control the same way the Health Department
held one for mosquitos. Delios mentioned that she spoke with the developer this morning
and. already asked him to follow up on this concern. Sexton reiterated keeping the
neighbors informed and Delios stated she believes there is an email group for the group.
Sexton said he will check into if.there is an email. list.
Motion to adjourn by Sexton; motion seconded by Pfeifer. Motion carries 3-0-0 -
Meeting adjourned at 6:08Pm.
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