HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-09-13 Board of Health Minutes,n t °
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Board of Health Meetin 11
Minuteka%
September 13, 2007
The Board of Health meeting was called to order on September 13, 2007 by Chairman
Barbara Meade at 6:03 pm at the Town Hall, Berger Room. Those present at the meeting
were Colleen Seferian and David Singer, Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager, and staff
liaison Jane Fiore. Also present was Board of Selectmen liaison Ben Tafaya
Old Business:
• Minutes of June 14, 2007 were read and accepted 3:0:0
• Minutes of August 9, 2007 were read and accepted 3:0:0.
Next Order of Business
• Request of a waiver from the Board of Health of Massage Therapy Business and
therapist. Fines regarding Karen Fayne were tabled. Karen Fayne called office at 5
pm unable to attend Board meeting. After discussion with Health Administrator,
Fayne noted one day a week in Reading is, not feasible for her operation and
therefore she will not renew the licenses. It was strongly recommended she
communicate this in writing to the Board. The BOH agreed with this approach and
requests outcome report by the Health Administrator for the October meeting
• The request by the Board for Crupi massage Therapy to formalize her mailing
address change in writing after the September hearing to forgive her fines has not
been received by the health office to date. 30 days from notice.
• It was suggested by the Board to review the massage therapy regulations and
licensing procedures at the October meeting to avoid this extensive time consuming
licensing process. It was also noted by Colleen Seferian licensing is their
professional responsibility and whether the state or the local board of health
licenses them they must be responsible for the process. Health Admin proceeded
with the review of the existing licensing procedure.
o Renewals and operations of massage therapists is time consuming and non-
response from the 6 businesses and 32 therapists licensed in Reading.
o Health admin was asked for summary of process:
■ Business or massage therapist signs a document during initial
licensing interview along with the health administrator to confirm
they understand there is no prorating of licensing fee and fining
process if they miss the renew final date and time. '
■ Annual renewal letters are sent 6 weeks prior to due date. With
notice of fining procedure
■ Calls are made 4 days before due date
■ Fines are instituted on July 1.
■ Fines are sent by certified mail.
Mercury Collection Project Dan Harty, Covanta Waste management mercury
program coordinator presented to the BOH a project to offer free collection of
mercury containing bulbs from small businesses. As coordinator, he will
communicate with all businesses and Covanta will pay, collect and properly
dispose of all bulbs. He requested from the BOH a regulation to request all
business have a proper disposal of mercury products -contract before being issued
a license to operate.
o Presently the city of Haverhill has a BOH regulation
o The Health Administrator was directed to start a search of other LBOH for
regulations regarding this public health effort.
o The Health Admin reminded the BOH we continue to offer information on
mercury spills and contaminated fresh water fish sites to the public as well
as old thermometer collection, heating thermostat collection and all tanning
salons are required to have a mercury bulb collection contract.
o The BOH voted 3:00 to review and discuss the establishment of mercury
removal and disposal regulations
• Agents of Board of Health - Reading Memorial High School administrators, Vice
Principals Gary Hart and Michael Scarpitto request renewal to act as agents of the
BOH by enforcing BOH regulation Section 16.11 tobacco product use enforcement
on and around school property. Review of the procedure and their responsibility
was completed by Health Administrator. Barbara Meade read the attached into the
minutes and Colleen Seferian moved to accept the two vice principals as agents of
the BOH regarding tobacco use on RMHS property. The motion was seconded and
passed 3:0:0.
• Staff responsibilities and assignments to other staff legal public health
responsibilities after September 14 when the Health Administrator retires and the
Public Health Nurse resigns.
o Town. Manager noted new hire for Fiore will begin work on Oct 1 - That is
if the admin is only on vacation. The newly hire Elder Services Nurse
Advocate will run the flu clinics
o Barbara Meade will sign death and burial certificates
o New businesses will wait
o Plan review will wait
o Septic issues is an emergency remains an issue
o Emergency preparedness 24/ 7 coverage remains an issue
o A quick review of businesses pending opening and open cases. - The open
cases will be handled as best as possible by part time inspector. The
increase in inspectional staff has not been advertised. Town manager wants
to wait for new administrator. Chairman questioned availability of funds
were on July 1 for this part time position and. retirement was filed 6 months
ago. The delay is now in the middle of flu season. What will happen to the
clinics?
o Town Manager responded Fiore and Faulkner have done all that could be
done to plan the clinics. To date
o The Chairman and Board remained concerned. with the approach Barbara
Meade noted again the town is growing the existing staff 1 FTE and 2 part
positions and with the increase of population and increase in multi-family
housing and housing complaints and the increase in food establishments
there is a dire need for staff.
o No response by those present at the meeting.
• A brief administrative report was present by Fiore, Health Administrator.
The Board thanked Jane Fiore for her years of service and dedication to public
health and the citizens of Reading. Board members presented Jane with a bouquet
of flowers.
Due to the late hour, David moved to table the remaining items on the agenda. Tabled until
the October meeting seconded by Colleen with a 3:0:0 vote to adjourn. 10 pm.
Following adjournment the Board held a reception.
Next meeting October 11, 2007
Rep lly submitted,
Jane M. Fiore, RN CHO
Health Services Administrator