HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-12-11 Board of Health MinutesBoard of Health Meeting
Minutes
December 11, 2003
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The meeting was called to order at 6:04 P.M. Reading Town Hall, Berger Room, 16
Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts, Chairman, Colleen Seferian. Member present
David Mitchell Singer and staff liaison Jane Fiore, Health. Services Administrator.
Barbara Meade excused.
The minutes of the October 9, 2003 accepted 2:0:0. September 18, 2003 minutes tabled.
Next order of business:
• Supervisor of water treatment plant, Peter Tassi and Director of Public Works
Department presented the plan for the change in the disinfection of the town's water
system. The time line will be a public mailing on January 12, 2004 of the attached
flier to all residents, physicians, facilities, hospitals, VNA and pet shops. The flier
will have frequently asked'questions. The town will move from chlorine to
choramines to lower the level of trihalomethanes a suspected carcinogen. The lower
level of TTHM's in public water supplies is ordered by the Department of
Environmental Protection. The second phase is a public meeting on January 21, 2003
during the posted water and sewer meeting. Finally the system will be inspected by
the DEP and go on line by late February or early March. This system of disinfection
is the same that is used by MWRA therefore if Reading connects as a secondary
water source at the Woburn line the systems have similar match. There was some
discussion with the board following the presentation. The Board thanked the
presenters.
• Review and change in BOH well regulations Section 8: 8.2.3 aquifer district wells.
The board discussed the addition of one section. The permit fora private well in an
aquifer district must come before the BOH in person for the waiver. Section voted
2:0:0.
• Administrative report:
• Cholesterol screening clinics Fire Department groups 1 and 2 l0 men and
women. Group 3 and 4 October 21. Increase education on nutrition.
• Flu immunization difficult with no vaccine. State has promised a small
amount to Reading by late December..
• Pertussis Program for CEU's presented to 7 school nurses well received. We
are now planning a HIPAA program with DPH privacy attorney.
• Communicable disease update
• BOH looking to begin limited health and wellness screening
Oral cancer screen, skin cancer, cholesterol, BP, glucose, nutrition
and exercise. Discussionmill continue with staff and BOH members for
support of wellness day in March. This wellness day may happen at the
primary election day in March. Health Administrator will mail the
information to the BOH when compiled.
• 115 Eaton Street/ property discussion by family members. Owner and her lawyer
were not present. Nieces and Nephews want to know why they can not have property
belonging to owner who is well and living with a friend. The board was pleasant
listened but there was no decision to be made. The administrator made not the owner
is not of diminished capacity and does own all that is within her house and can make
her decision of when she will live in the house following the final inspection by the
BOH representative on 12/16/03. Family appeared to be unhappy the BOH could not
vote on any action.
Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by David Singer at 7:45 seconded by Colleen
Seferian and voted 2:0:0.
Next meeting January 8, 2004
Respectfully submitted,
Jane M. Fiore
Health Administrator