MINUTES OF MEETING
SHARON BOARD OF HEALTH
March 14, 2012
A meeting of the Sharon Board of Health was held on Monday, March 14, 2012, beginning at 7:45 PM at the Sharon Town Office Building. In attendance were Suzi Peck, Chair, Vice-Chair Jay Schwab, Stanley Rosen, and Andrew Stead.
Suzi Peck informed the Board that she had questioned some of the DEP attorneys about her concerns regarding the Board’s authority (according to Animal Regulations) to deny an animal permit if the application is in compliance with the regulations. She reported that the DEP attorneys had responded with their opinion that the Board does not have the authority to deny such a permit. Suzi Peck further suggested that the Board send this question to Town Counsel. . Stan Rosen pointed to the statement in the regulations which says that Animal husbandry is not allowed by right. Andrew Stead suggested that, rather than having to pay for Town Counsel on this issue, Linda Rosen send an email to Cheryl Sbarra, legal counsel for MAHB, with the question.
The Board postponed voting on chair and vice chair until a full board is present.
The Board postponed voting on minutes of February 29th and March 5th until a full Board is present.
It was noted that the Personnel Board would not be meeting on March 15th, as previously scheduled. The next meeting of that Board will be April 12th.
The Board members reviewed various drafts and comments for the revision of the position description for Health Administrator. Andy Stead had taken previous suggestions from other Board members, as well as samples from other communities, and provided a draft in the format suggested by the Personnel Board. Linda Rosen had added to that draft according to instructions of the Personnel Board.
Jay Schwab: Someone should be in charge of the department, providing information to the Board on all aspects of running the department. He further noted that the office has been staffed with a limited budget for many years and has run well.
Suzi Peck emphasized her concerns about a requirement for independence for the Public Health Nurse. She expressed concerns about the statement in the draft regarding the Health Administrator directing and supervising all daily activities of the department, etc., she was concerned about the hierarchy being set up.
Stan Rosen suggested adding the following to the end of the sentence in question: not withstanding the professional licensed responsibilities of the Public Health Nurse....and the provision of direct patient care. The other members agreed to this change.
Linda Rosen will make the proposed changes to the draft (3/14/12 draft attached) and circulate to the Board Members for review, comment, and vote on March 26th. Suzi Peck will provide a draft vacancy announcement for that meeting. The Board discussed various possible advertising locations, including various professional organizations, websites, as well as newspapers and schools of public health. It was also noted that only finalists must be interviewed in public; the BOH will screen the applications and conduct initial interviews in Executive Session and will invite participation by Eric Hooper or Peter O’Cain from the DPW.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM.
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