MINUTES OF MEETING

SHARON BOARD OF HEALTH

September 24th, 2012

Community Center

The meeting of the Sharon Board of Health was called to order at 7:30 PM by Suzi Peck, Chair.  In attendance were:  Suzi Peck, Chair, Jay Schwab, Vice-Chair and Andy Stead

Also in attendance was Jim Andrews Health Agent for Engineering, Sheila Miller Public Health Nurse and Bridget Sweet, Health Administrator.  

Suzi introduced and welcomed Bridget Sweet as the Health Administrator.  It was stated that the Board would like to see a shift to public health outreach and education in this newly acquired role.  Stated that there were over 80 applicants, and this has been an arduous process to fill this role.  Expressed hope that the department continues to run as well as it has in the past under the previous Health Administrator, Linda Rosen who was with the department for 29 years.     

Suzi stated that the role of the Health Administrator is to operate under the broad policy of the Board of Health.  It was stated that the job required supervision of Linda Callan; and that at some point in the future Linda Callan’s job description should be redrafted.  The work week was presented as a flexible 37.5 hour week, attempting to keep the office staffed as much as possible between normal business hours.  Discussion ensued regarding posting a schedule; this was deemed difficult due to unexpected inspections, complaints etc.  Sheila stated that the posting of clinic hours should be sufficient as the majority of the town is aware that the Health Department is a “drop in office”. 

The Board informed Bridget to please call or email any member of the Board for support.  Payroll requires two signatures prior to being submitted, and the Board would like their packets for the upcoming Board meetings the Thursday prior to the meeting.  

Sheila gave the BOH a synopsis of the Health Department’s activities and community outreach during the summer months.  This outreach included educating the public about ticks and mosquito borne diseases.  Sheila updated the Board on the upcoming flu clinics.  There is no charge to be immunized through the Health Department, and encouraged that all persons over the age of 5 come to a flu clinic.  Please bring a copy of the insurance cards.  If an individual is homebound, they are encouraged to call the Health Department at 781-784-1500 X 1206 to schedule a home visit. 

The flu clinics are to be held on October 11, 2012 at the Community Center from 5:30-8:30 pm; October 18, 2012 at the Community Center from 4:30-7:30 pm, and lastly at Temple Sinai on October 23, 2012 from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm. 

Clinics have been advertised on the Patch, the Advocate on the Town of Sharon website, and the banner in the center of town.  All residents over the age of 5 are eligible to receive vaccine.  The insurance form is available online to download and print out ahead of the clinic to expedite the process. 

It was noted by the Board what an excellent job Sheila has done this past summer with mosquito outreach.  Sheila reminded the Board that precautions must continue to be taken even though the risk levels for Sharon have not changed.  These precautions include wearing long sleeves, avoid activities after dusk and to always wear bug repellent with DEET. 

The Board also acknowledged what an exceptional job Linda Callan has done keeping the office running from day to day.  The Board expressed gratitude to Linda and Sheila for doing an exemplary job. 

Suzi stated that she would like to see a planning process to determine what avenues the Board should pursue to become more proactive.  Through discussion, Jay stated that the community has a wealth of resources through the public, and these resources should be utilized.

Jay stated that Dr. Hartman, a pediatrician from Westwood who spearheaded prevention of tobacco sales to youths under the age of 21 from buying tobacco in nearby towns would be coming to the next Board Meeting.  Dr. Hartman will present on October 15^th, 2012. 

Discussion regarding the Castle Drive Settlement: Jim Andrews stated that the last two lots are in question, lots 8 and 11 and showed the Board on the map where these lots were located.  Discussion ensued on whether a variance would be granted, and if the BOH can deny approvals based on BOH regulations.  Jim felt that due to this settlement agreement, the Town could only impose regulations that were in place at the time the agreement was drafted.  It was decided that BOH wait to receive an application on these lots prior to making any decisions.  If necessary at that time, the BOH can request clarification regarding the settlement agreement from town counsel. 

Jim requested that the BOH come up with a clear and concise definition for new construction in Article 7.  Many additions and renovations are occurring with no clear guidance on new construction.  The Board agreed to take this request under advisement. 

Suzi made a motion to approve the redrafted minutes from the July 9^th meeting.  Andy seconded the motion, and Jay agreed.  The motion was approved.   

Discussion surrounding the revision of the Health Administrator job was initiated by Suzi.  This discussion including added the certifications RS OR CHO in Massachusetts to the job description was tabled until more Board Members were present. 

The dog regulations at Memorial Beach were reviewed, and a discussion of service dog restriction followed.  Discussion involved legality of asking for proof that the dog is a service animal and leashing the animals.  This discussion was also tabled pending more information and ability to change regulations. 

Correspondences were reviewed. 

Regular BOH meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.

Next BOH meeting is scheduled for 10/15/12.

Respectfully submitted:

Bridget Sweet