HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-12-14 Board of Health MinutesRECEIVED
TD CLERK
READING, MASS.
Board of Health Meeting
Minutes
December 14, 2006
yll JAN I I A 10= 55
The Board of Health meeting was called to order on December 14, 2006 by Chairmen
Barbara Meade at 6:00 pm at the Town Hall, Berger Room. Those present at the meeting
were Colleen Seferian, David Singer and staff liaison Jane Fiore.
Business:
• Minutes of October 12, 2006 were accepted as read 3:0:0. Minutes of November
16, 2006 tabled.
Next order of Business
CDC poster on "cover your cough" project discussed
o All town reception areas have poster in plastic frame with pump bottle of
Purell. That includes 23 spaces - Town Clerk, Finance, Assessor's Office,
recreation /DPW, Engineering, Library - children's room, reference desk,
and circulation desk, Fire and Police Departments and all school building
offices. The health staff is waiting for the response from elder services if
they are willing to have 8xl 1 sign on senior center desk.
o This project has had a very positive response from municipal and school
staff. Total cost from revolving fund $50. The outcome will hopefully
encourage good cough protocol and frequent hand washing during flu
season. All Board members supportive by this prevention project.
o Barbara Meade suggested all school bathrooms have the CDC poster. The
Health Administrator will connect with the school's nursing supervisor,
Lynn Dunn with the continuation of the project in all school building
bathroom
• Keeping of Dogs Bylaw and the Board of Health responsibility of kennel
inspections. The Health Administrator reported all private dog owners were
notified by the Town Clerk's office that the new license for them is $150 and
requires an inspection by the Board of Health.
o Background information - as discussed previously with the Board and
Chairman the BOH continues to inspect and license the commercial kennels
annual and respond to all complaints. The license is issued by BOH on July
1 - June 30 (not in sequence with the Town Clerk dog licenses April -
April). The BOH commercial kennel license is $100. The two kennels have
on average 50 - 60 dogs per day. The inspection protocol covers
immunization record, noise control measures, animal and public safety,
septic hauler and dumpster contracts, pest management contracts, review of
all sanitization procedures of feeding and watering and cleaning procedures.
And finally review of all worker compensation and training certificates of
staff.
o Issues with private companion pet owner of 4 -10 dogs.
■ There is no standardization of laws to follow that would cover the
inspector during the inspection.
• Housing code, animal code, rabies protection, annual
dumpster, septic, and communicable disease for Isolation
and quarantine do not apply until there is a specific
complaint.
• The above complaint gives the agent of the Board the police
power to perform an inspection.
• If the BOH does not issue the license any longer but does
what ever the BOH designates as standards through local
regulations how. would this be enforce without non-criminal
disposition fining and no ability to revoke a license not
issued by the Board of Health?
• The Health Administrator and health inspector have
requested information from the state department and from
other local community. To date the MDPH does not have
state code to assist and recommends if this has become an
issue with numerous complaints the BOH reinstitute the
rescinded BOH Keeping of Dogs regulation and continue to
` license the kennels or have town clerk assume the
responsibility for inspection with requirements designated
by the Board of Selectmen not the Board of Health. To date
no cities of town's BOH inspect private homes for the set
purpose of "companion kennels".
• It was noted by David Singer - a dog owner would go from
paying $40 to $150 if they owned 4 dogs. This is correct.
Responding to the above concerns the Board voted 3:0:0 to send the attached informational
letter from the Health Division to all licensed dog owner of 4 -10 dogs according to the
Town Clerk records. This letter will be sent to the companion dog owners prior to the end
of the year.
Upon the recommendation of David Singer the BOH will send fluoride recommendatation
by the American Dental Association and Massachusetts of Department of Public Health to
all Reading Pediatric practices.
Reports
• Barbara Meade reported on Logan Airport Noise Control Committee - no specific
complaints form Reading residents regarding fly over air travel noise. No
committee meetings.
Reports: cont-
• Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse (RCASA) by Barbara Meade- bylaws
and 501c3 have been filed with the Attorney General's office the second meeting
will be held on October 24. at 5 pm Town Hall. Jane Fiore reported the health
Division and the School wellness coordinator have filed for a $10, 000 planning
grant through MDPH Healthy Communities.
• Town-wide construction reports were tabled.
• Emergency Response Coalition Update
o Volunteer Information Guide letters sent out to all school employees 700
requesting volunteers for EDS. At present time early response. Late fall
training for volunteers will be planned when 25 have volunteered.
o RN and paramedic training on chemical response planned for October 19,
2006. Emergency response back packs to be distributed at this training.
Barbara Meade and David Singer will attend training to represent the BOH.
Invitation will be sent to BOS chairman Ben Tafoya.
o Killam Flu clinic to be used as an Emergency Dispensing Site for training
exercise for regional Coalition
o CDC auditing MDPH and local pandemic plans in October.
o Cable program on pandemic discussed - opening all set. Health Admin has
not completed script - DPH is rolling out cable program Nov 1.
Public Health Community Communication
o Web page progressing. The development is requiring much more staff time
for "construction" than anticipated. Therefore the staff has extended the
goal to early 2007 for the webpage to be up and operational.
o Weekly News Column receiving positive public response
■ increase in cholesterol clinic appointments x 4
■ Calls increased on mercury exchange program
■ Sharps exchange program T by 12 /month
■ Call and comments on general information.
8:40 pm meeting adjourned
Next meeting January 11, 2007
;RR pectfull submitted,
e M. Fiore
Health Services Administrator