HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-01-09 Board of Health MinutesBoard of Health Meeting
January 9, 1997
The meeting convened at 6:30 PM in the Berger Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading,
Massachusetts. Present were Chairman James Nugent, member Cynthia Richards, Health
Administrator Jane Fiore, Clinical Director of Eastern Middlesex Outpatient Clinic, Lawrence
Berkowitz, EdD.
On motion by Cynthia Richards seconded by the Chair the minutes of December 16 and 12 were
approved by a vote of 2-0-0.
New Business
Larry Berkowitz director of Eastern Middlesex Outpatient Clinic Riverside Community Care
made a presentation to the Board of Health regarding the programs and care offered to Reading
residents and residents in surrounding towns dealing with mental illness and mental retardation. It
was pointed out that 91 individuals were serviced equaling 1,535 counseling sessions. This was
$41,247 free care. Department of Public Health Substance Abuse Prevention grant subsidizes
care. The merger with Riverside has increased efficiency and saved money for the agency.
Reading has been able to benefit from summer programs and early sobriety programs. The Board
thanked Larry for his informative presentation.
The issue of regulating tattooing and body piercing artists was raised. The chairman noted the
artists are looking for the state to regulate and would prefer to wait until sometime after the city
of Quincy passes their regulations.
Old Business
Burial permits; Peter Hechenbleikner was removed from the privilege of signing permits and Jane
Fiore, Health administrator was appointed by the Board as an authorized Health Agent
representing the Board in this capacity.
Adjourned at 7:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted by,
Jane M. Fiore
Health Administrator