Milton, Massachusetts - Board of Health Minutes, April 2006

Terry Donahue of the Tobacco Control Collaborative Program attended to answer any questions the Board may have concerning proposed revisions to Milton Tobacco Regulations. The Director has been working closely with Ms. Donahue in recent months to discuss the Board’s intention of increasing existing fines and suspension periods for violations in the sale of tobacco products to minors. Using tobacco regulations developed by both the Town of Dalton, MA and the state as guidelines, the Director reviewed the allowed changes.

Following discussion, it was agreed to impose the fines set forth by the state, i.e. $100/$200/$300 for the first/second/third violations. The Town will also issue the state’s ticket when a violation occurs rather than the town’s ticket that has been used previously.

While the state specifies allowable fines for violations, local Boards of Health have the ability to set the suspension and/or revocation period. Along these lines, the Board agreed on a warning for the first violation; ten days suspension for a second violation; and thirty days suspension for a third offense. Wording in this area was also discussed and it was voted to change the words may be suspended to shall suspend and may revocate.

On the topic of retailer training, Needham has written a new policy which requires bringing the tobacco retailers together annually prior to the renewal of their tobacco permits. The Board agreed with this idea since it would allow for an opportunity to review and reinforce the information on the employee forms, as well as any new changes that have been made during the year. The retailers would then be required to sign the form stating that they understand their responsibilities.

A public hearing on these regulation changes will be held at the next meeting of the Board of Health following publication of a notice in the local media and filing with the Town Clerk. Ms. Donahue stated that the Collaborative’s legal representative, Mr. D. J. Wilson, would be happy to attend the public hearing.

The Director updated the Board on the status of the FY07 budget. On March 18, 2006 the Department received notification that next year’s budget would be $10,000 less than requested. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Blanchard attended a meeting of the Warrant Committee to plead our cause and learned that some funds had been returned and now the Department would be short $4559. for FY07. That amount still stands and the Director proposed using Consulting funds from the Region 4B Bioterroism grant to cover $2,000. for the Animal Inspector’s annual contract. The remaining $2,559. would be taken from General Expenses.

The Public Health Nurse showed the Board the Emergency Operations Plan for the Town of Milton which was compiled by a representative of the Region 4B program using data gathered by this department’s staff. This data has been edited and revised during the last few years as needed. In relation to the progress made in this area, Milton is in good standing compared with other communities.

Mrs. Whitney also updated the Board about a Pandemic Flu Conference she recently attended. Attendees were told that vaccine would probably not be available until at least six to nine months following an outbreak and based on the size of our community, we would be eligible to receive 25 to 50 doses which will be used to vaccinate health care workers. The vaccine will be stored in a refrigerator in the office’s vault for security purposes.

Boards of Health have been urged to be pro-active and Mrs. Whitney explained that Milton has already posted flu pandemic information on the department’s website. These guidelines encourage residents to take responsibility for themselves and their families by having a three day supply of food and water ready. A proposed motto for this campaign is “Help Us Help You”.

The conference also urged that local Boards of Health should identify a credible spokesperson, preferably with a medical background, and have that person in place and ready to go in the event of an emergency. It was also suggested that the Selectmen, Council on Aging, and medical providers be involved in the process.

Mrs. Whitney noted that while information published by the CDC and World Health agencies on this topic has been useful, to date many professionals believe the state has been lacking. However, she did add that the state had just released information within the past few days.

The Public Health Nurse stated that health departments were considering conducting pneumonia clinics since many people die of complications from pneumonia rather than from influenza.

In the event of a pandemic, the Board of Health plans to continue operating by staggering work hours, identifying other Town Hall personnel to help and by tapping into the local medical reserve.

The Medical Advisor stressed the importance of bringing everyone together now to begin thinking the process through. Once again she mentioned the importance of having school department personnel involved.

Ms. Musto updated the Board on the status of the bioterrorism mailing being sent to all of the Town’s residences in conjunction with Milton Hospital. She said it has been temporarily delayed due to a change in the telephone numbers that will be included as well as other minor changes in information. She will keep the Board updated.

The next meeting of the Board of Health was scheduled for Monday, May 1, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at Milton High School prior to Town Meeting for the purpose of reorganization.