HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-12 Board of Health Minuteso rx ei
Town of Reading
i Meeting Minutes
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Board of Health
Date: 2024-09-12 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Virtual Location: Zoom
Address: Session: Open Session
Purpose: Open Meeting- Remote Session Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Chair Richard Lopez, Kerry Dunnell, Kevin Sexton, loan Wetzel, Geri
Cramer, Sophie Hansen
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Health Director Ade Solarin, Olivia Bartolomei, Cassidy Keegan, Jennifer
Kileen, Roy Welch, Bit Sullivan, Nancy Doktor, Linda
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Haley Murphy
Topics of Discussion:
This meeting was held remotely via zoom
Board Chair, Richard Lopez called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM.
Roll Call: Kevin Sexton, Geri Cramer, Kerry Dunnell, Sophie Hansen, loan Wetzel, Richard
Lopez
Dr. Lopez reviews the agenda; Public Health nurse introduction, minute review, public comment,
dog bylaw, dog complaint, Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), monthly report,
closing comments.
Ade introduces Olivia Bartolomei as the new Public Health Nurse
Minutes Approval:
Richard makes a motion to approve the August minutes. The motion was unanimously
approved.
Public Comment:
Jennifer Killeen, resident of Pinevale, herself and the neighborhood have ongoing concerns about
dumpster management. Roy Welch is curious about how to learn about cancer patterns in
Reading. He has noticed certain patterns that have concerned him. Sophie and Geri directed him
to National Cancer websites for more information.
Dos Bylaw Revision:
Bill Sullivan, who is the chair of the Town Forest Committee, is proposing a bylaw amendment
to the Animal Control section of the General Bylaw that would require a limit of two unleashed
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dogs per handler in the town forest. Bill is requesting that the Board of Health co-sponsor the
Bylaw change at the Town Meeting. Residents are concerned about their safety when it comes to
off leash dogs. Signage will be posted at all entrances of the forest stating the new law. There are
some concerns from the board members about implementation and enforcement of the bylaw.
Our animal control officer is an independent contractor and works with other cities and towns as
well, there is no way the Animal Control Officer can enforce this amendment. Nancy Doktor, a
member of the Town Forest Committee, says that with proper education and patrolling of the
forest, no enforcement will be needed. Richard wanted to make a motion to vote but since this
topic was not an agenda item it could not be voted on. A new meeting will be set up within the
next week to vote on this co-sponsorship.
Doe Complaint:
A Dangerous Dog complaint was filed under state statute. This requires an investigation of the
complaint and hearing to be held. Ade wanted to keep the Board of Health informed since
Animal Control now falls under the Health Department. The public hearing will be held by the
Animal Control Appeals Committee and the date is in the process of being finalized.
Community Health Improvement Plan:
The Board of Health has four responsibilities: regulation, infection control, disease prevention,
and healthy lifestyle. We lack appropriate staffing for disease prevention and healthy lifestyle
aspect of our responsibilities. Richard believes we need proper staffing and resources in all areas
in order to have a successful execution of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). A
suggestion was made for a CHIP project manager who would work under Ade and the Board of
Health. The manager would help with allocating resources and coordinating joint efforts between
entities and agencies. A Steering committee for CHIP would provide broad oversight and consist
of a diverse group of individuals with different roles. We don't want to introduce this plan into
the community until actual steps can be taken along with allocated resources. Ade suggests that
combining departments under a Health and Human Services model would give us the ability and
flexibility to apply for grants for this program. Roles for the steering committee would also be
filled from this model. Ultimately, the structure and resources need to be settled.
Monthly Report:
• Permit application reviews and approvals
• 2 fire incidents at food establishments
• 9 COVID cases
• Vaccine Clinic- Sept. 27'
• Multiple FLU clinics
• Intermunicipal Agreement was approved
Final Comments:
None
Adjourn:
Motion to adjourn at 8:38 PM
Roll Call: Kevin Sexton, Geri Cramer, Kerry Dunnell, Sophie Hansen, Richard Lopez
Materials Used:
• Monthly chart
• PowerPoint
• BOH document
• CHIP document
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