HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-02-08 Board of Health MinutesCLERK
1 EADII'G, MASS.
Board of Health Meeting
Minutes
February 8, 2001
2001 MAR 1 P W. 51
The meeting was called to order at 6:04 P.M. Reading Town Hall, Berger Room, and 16
Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts Acting Chairman Nancy Carlson, Colleen
Henessey - Seferian and staff liaison Jane Fiore, Health Services Administrator were
present. Chairman James J. Nugent arrived at late.
The minutes of the January 11, 2001 were read. Colleen Seferian made a motion to
accept the minutes as read. The motion was seconded by Nancy Carlson and approved -
vote. 2:0:0.
Next order of business:
• Review of operating guidelines. Continued adjustments made. Tables until March
meeting.
- • Discussion of BOH fee reviews. Last review of entire fee schedule completed and
voted 1997. Partial review and adjustment of fees in 2000. At this time the Human
Services Department Head and Assistant Town Manager, Russ Dean participated in
the Board meeting regarding the fee changes and the issues with budget and the
upcoming operation override. If the override passes HS will need to cut the budget
$14,000 and if it does not pass the HS budget will need to be cut $25,000. The
Assistant Town Manager reminded the BOH last year the Human Services
Department took many cuts i.e.: decrease veterans services hours, lost of zoning
officer and deletion of one clerk, cut in programming. The plan for the budget will be
to increase fees were possible and support the proposal that staff hours not be cut. The
BOH fees were reviewed only minor changes were made with the maximum increase
at $15. In 2001 approx. $26,000 and in 2001 expected fee intake to equal approx.
28,000. Fee schedule changed and voted 3:0:0. The BOH fee is 1.5% ( $28,000 )
of the $150,000 health budget excluding the 4 annual grants of $75,00OTobacco (3
communities), $20,00 W/M) and $18,760 SDFS.
• Discussion was held concerning the name of the Department after the consolidation
of the two departments to Community services. The Board had concerns regarding
the lack of health in the title. Chairman, James Nugent stated the BOH is established
though the statues and requires easy access by the public. Name, phone access and
efficiency and increase of error were concerns of Nancy Carlson, Board Member.
This is a concern for the clerical staff responding to regarding the effectiveness in
responding to 8 Divisions with a variety of responsibilities. The Assistant town
manager agreed with the concerns and expressed his hope for the willingness and
patience of the Board
• The Landfill closure - time -table Aug. 2001. Building should begin by December
2001. Cambridge health Department Environmental Eng. Will offer assistance if
requested. Track animal displacement, methane off gassing, buildings should have
with emergency release valves for methane gas, heavy metal testing soil samples
should be done of soil on cap. Dickinson will present to the BOH at the March
meeting.
• Variance voted:
• MBGC - 2cubic yard Dumpster 3:0:0, emptied 3 x per week, fences 6 foot white
chainlink privacy.
• 265 Ash St. variance septic conversion by June 1, 2001. letter signed to allow
estate to pass papers on property. 3:0:0
• Review of preliminary plans for the Beacon street development; 40B has been tabled
by ZBA.
• Review Building Inspectors plans for "Finagle the Bagel". Company representative
has not had meeting with health department as of this date.
• Administrators report reviewed - annual report will be mailed separately to Board
Members next week.
• Hep b clinics middle school 150 6 th graders
• Hep b clinic fire fighters #3 May 8 - 42 adults
• BP clinics continue
• IAQ issues increase complaints
;rief Browns main St Garage remains closed until issue DEP requirements met.
• review of monthly correspondence to the Division.
Motion to adjourn made at 8:15 p.m. seconded and voted 3:0:0
Respectfully submitted
mane M. Fiore, RN, CHO
Health Services Administrator