HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-10 Board of Health Minutes EV iVtJ
BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING Tlt1"Jni C L E P X
MINUTES
February 10, 2011 Wi NOY -8 PM 12: 52
The Board of Health(BOH)meeting was called to order on Febm 10 2011 t 5:40 pm
in the Berger Room, Town Hall,by Barbara Meade, Chair. TMV'present T meeting
were Barbara Meade Chairman,Dr. David Singer and Colleen Seferian. Larry Ra nim,
Health Director(Public Health Administrator)/Staff Liaison.
In attendance: Peter Sikari,Manager K&G Men's Mart, Joan Vitale,Health Inspector.
Tobacco Control
Larry Ramdin advised that Ron Beauregard,Regional Tobacco Control Project
Coordinator,was unable to be at the meeting and will reschedule for another date
New License Application: K&G Men's Mart
Larry Ramdin advised that the applicant has applied for a permit so sell food at retail;
they intend to sell prepackaged candy and chocolate. Joan Vitale Health Inspector has
inspected the facility and found it to be in compliance,save for handwashing sign in
bathrooms.The Health Director recommended approval of the application and the Board
voted 3:0:0 to approve the permit.
Administrative Report
The Health Administrator presented the Department report and it was accepted 3:0:0.
The Health Director presented the Draft Annual report to the Board iselw&mrd'for its
approvalbefore release. The Board approved the report 3:0:0
Minutes
The minutes of the January 13,2011,meeting were read and accepted 3:0:0
Old Business
Provision for Health Services in Reading after July, 1 2011
The Board inquired as to the status of service provisions for Health administration in
Reading after July, 1 2011. The Health Director advised,that there have been no
significant changes his position is to be cut to 18.75 hours as of July 1 and the only new
information he has is that the Town has submitted a Letter of Intent to regionalize
services with Melrose and Wakefield.The Board inquired as to the details of the
program. Mr.Ramdin informed he has no details to share as he was not advised of the
process or included in the application process.Barbara Meade,Chair, informed also that
she is not privy to any plans for regionalization and has not been advised by town
administration about their regionalization plans.
Colleen Seferian asked if the Board is required to approve any regionalization plans.
Larry Ramdin advised that per the changes to MGL Chapter 111,the Board of Health and
Town meeting are required to approve any regionalization plan. The Board expressed
disappointment that despite being legally required to approve any regionalization efforts;
they are being kept out of the process.
Further, they there can be positives with regionalization, as it main premise is to improve
Public Health Services. Also,without any information forthcoming from Town
Administration,they are not in a position to make an informed decision on the Town's
regionalization efforts. Barbara Meade advised she will contact the Town Manager and
advise him of the Board's concerns.
New Business
Joan Vitale, Health Inspector, attended the meeting and expressed concern about
inspections at Jimbo's Restaurant,the owner is absent from the restaurant at times and
there is no Certified Food manager on duty in violation of State Food code. Additionally,
there have been several occasions where, the restaurant was cited for employees not
wearing hair restraints when preparing food. The owner Dorian Keka has indicated when
cited for employees not wearing hair restraints, that he is not paying the ticket and has no
intention of providing a certified Food manager,when he is not at the facility.He has
been rude and condescending towards Joan in the performance of her duties.
The Board has indicated that they are not in a position to regulate personal behavior and
Joan indicated that she understood,but dealing with Mr. Keka is challenging because
despite knowing that employees are required to wear hair restraints and that he has to
ensure that there is a Certified Food manager at the restaurant,he chooses not to adhere
to the regulations. The Board discussed the matter and indicated that since the ownership
of Jimbo's has repeatedly flouted the regulations concerning Hair restraints and the
requirement to have a certified food manager present,if the violations continue they will
-require Mr. Dorian Keka, owner of Jimbo's to appear before the Board for a hearing to
show cause why his permit to operate a Food Establishment should not be suspended.
with notice per 105 CMR 590.
Other Business
There being no other business the Board voted to adjourn with a 3:0:0 vote.Meeting -
adjourned at 8:05 pm.Next meeting will be held on March 10, 201lat 5:30 p.m. in the
Berger Room,Town Hall.