MINUTES OF MEETING
SHARON BOARD OF HEALTH
March 28, 2011
A meeting of the Sharon Board of Health was held on Monday, March 28, 2011, beginning at 7:30 PM at the Sharon Town Office Building. In attendance were Suzi Peck, Chair; Jay Schwab, Vice-Chair; Stan Rosen, Andrew Stead, and Ed Welch. Jim Andrews, Health Agent for Engineering, was also present.
Discussion on banning tobacco sales in pharmacies
The Board reviewed comments received on the proposed ban from the Municipal Tobacco Control Technical Assistance Program; from D.J. Wilson, Public Health Liaison to the Mass. Municipal Association; and from the Retailers Association of Massachusetts.
Jim Andrews raised questions re discrimination, i.e., why ban such products at CVS and Rite-Aid, but not at Shaws. There were no other comments from the audience. D.J. Wilson noted in his letter that the proposed ban is not discriminatory, as it includes any facility providing medical advice and/or services.
Suzi Peck suggested that the comments received be scanned and placed on the town website.
Stan Rosen noted that, as a pharmacist, he always thought it strange that pharmacists sell tobacco products as they are more involved with provision of health care. He stated that some pharmacies have elected not to sell tobacco since it is incongruous ; and that many other communities have already instituted this ban. If voted by the BOH, a ban would go into effect 30 days after the vote is published in the local paper. BOH agreed to leave the discussion open until the next meeting.
8 Ames St. Proposal: Ian Gopin
Mr Gopin is petitioning ZBA for 2 special permits: for a garage and additional bedroom. He is now returning to BOH with information requested by the Board on March 7. Stan Rosen stated that the information seems to respond to requests made at last meeting.
Voted: Peck/Rosen unanimously that the Board of Health send a letter stating that the septic in place is fully compliant with the proposed expansion; that because of this and because there are no variances, the BOH does not see any need to make changes to the four bedroom septic system. This approval is dependent upon the proposed expansion meeting the definition of 4 bedrooms as defined by Article 7.
Following further discussion, the Board agreed to waive a requirement for a deed restriction (suggested by Stan Rosen) since, to date, the BOH has required deed restrictions only when variances were granted. Jim Andrews suggested the deed restriction for small lots for protection. Suzi Peck responded that this is the ZBA’s responsibility...that it would make sense if the property were in a Zone I or II.
Minutes of March 7 2011
VOTED:( Welch/Rosen) unanimously to accept the minutes of the meeting of March 7th, as written.
Potluck suppers
Suzi Peck presented a revision to the information sheet which is not a policy, but an explanation of the state’s interpretation of DPH regulations. Stan Rosen suggested that, since this was just presented to the Board, members review it individually and readdress at next meeting. Jay Schwab noted that the goal of the restrictions is to prevent possible
spread of disease.
Position descriptions: Suzi Peck reported that both Linda Rosen and Sheila Miller had agreed to meet with Suzi Peck regarding reviewing job descriptions together ...to be sure everyone knows who is doing what and what needs to be communicated...and to bring the results of that meeting back to the BOH.
Jay Schwab asked who would review the descriptions should there be any requested revisions. It was agreed that both Linda and Sheila would provide input.....the BOH would review...then, if changes were requested, they would go to the Personnel Board. Jim Andrews suggested that it would be a good idea for him to be in attendance as well......to understand who is responsible for what.
In addition, Suzi Peck reported that both Linda Rosen and Sheila Miller had agreed to provide the Board and each other with anticipated schedules for the next week at the end of each week; i.e., when they anticipate to be out, who is covering, etc, with the understanding that things may change. Suzi Peck will email Sheila and Linda of this decision.
Residences at Sharon Commons
The Board reviewed a memo from Atty. Bob Shelmerdine in which he noted that the Residences at Sharon Commons is eligible under the state Permit Extension Act to an automatic extension to 3/20/12. However, the Board noted that the proposal would need to come back to the BOH for approval if the proposal is changed.
Crescent Ridge Dairy Groundwater Discharge Permit
Following review of further monitoring reports for this facility, Stan Rosen suggested the BOH communicate with DEP for feedback to see if DEP is satisfied with actions as recommended by Marc Parrish...let DEP know of the Board’s concerns....and also ask DEP to please keep the BOH in the loop. It was agreed to wait until the next meeting (April 11) for comments from DEP....and then to invite whoever if in charge of operations as well as Marc Parrish to a meeting on April 25th. to provide the BOH with comfort regarding both the pasteurization process and the situation re the groundwater discharge permit. Suzi Peck asked that, since she works for DEP, Jay Schwab sign the letter to DEP and attach a copy of the information from Crescent Ridge Dairy.
Flu vaccine
The state Department of Public Health has advised health departments that it anticipates providing to health departments only about half the doses of influenza provided this year for adults. Health Departments are being encouraged to purchase vaccine to cover the shortfall....and to bill various insurances for the vaccine. Linda Rosen noted that she had reviewed this issue with Linda Callan and Sheila Miller, and that it was recommended that we purchase an additional 600 doses (over and above the standing order of 100 doses) to cover the anticipated shortfall...utilizing the Health Department Revolving Fund.
VOTED: (Rosen/Welch) unanimously that the Health Department order an additional 600 doses of influenza vaccine for the 2011-2012 season.
Fire Safety in Barns
The Board reviewed correspondence from resident Beverly Wilkins with suggestions regarding fire safety in barns, as well as correspondence from Fire Chief Dennis Mann on the subject. It was the Board’s consensus to defer to the Fire Chief on this matter.
The meeting was adjourned at 9 PM.
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