Milton, Massachusetts - Board of Health Minutes, April 2007

1. After welcoming Anne T. Fidler as its newest member, the Board reorganized for the coming year. Roxanne Musto was selected as Chair, Timothy J. Lowney as Secretary and Anne T. Fidler as Member. The following reappointments were also made and unanimously approved: Michael J. Blanchard as Director; Mary A. Whitney as Public Health Nurse; Nelly Browne-Janga as Health Inspector; Deborah M. Manning as Principal Clerk; Linda M. Grant, MD as Medical Advisor; and Morton Wolf, DVM as Inspector of Animals.

3. Minutes of the March 26, 2007 Board of Health meeting were approved with one wording change following a motion by Mr. Lowney, which was seconded by Ms. Musto. Ms. Fidler abstained as she was not on the Board at that time.

5. The Director updated the Board on proposed Private Well regulations, a topic which was discussed last month. He advised that he has researched various nearby communities to determine what, if any, regulations are in place. He reiterated his concerns about how new regulations could be drafted so that they would encompass both new and pre-existing wells. Mr. Blanchard also stated that he has found variations in testing requirements for private wells. Mr. Blanchard stated that he will continue to look into this matter.

6. Mr. Blanchard advised that the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Program has begun larviciding by helicopter and ground spraying for mosquitoes is expected to begin around Memorial Day. A press release will be submitted to the local media tomorrow covering many important facts about personal protection from mosquitoes as well as information about what steps residents must take to either exempt their property from spraying or to request spraying. The Board felt that the reminder stating that you must exempt your property each year should be in bold lettering.

Ms. Musto inquired about the possible relocation of mosquito collection sites to opposite sides of town rather than one site in the middle of town. Mr. Blanchard said he would contact the NCMCP about this.

7. The Director updated the Board on a housing matter at 155 Blue Hill Avenue that was discussed at last month’s meeting. He stated that Mr. Vincent Fredricks, the owner of the property, was unable to repair the heating system as directed because the apartment was still occupied and no heat would be available for up to two weeks. Mr. Fredericks had planned to replace the furnace at the end of March, 2007 when the tenant’s lease expired and the apartment would be vacant. However, Ms. Darlene Odom, the second floor tenant, is a section 8 applicant who has received approval from that agency to reside there until suitable housing is located.

Based on this new information, Mr. Blanchard inquired as to what action the Board would like to take and offered his professional opinion for their consideration. Mr. Blanchard stated that since the tenant can potentially be in the apartment until May 30, 2007, it would be wise to begin the repair now. Although the apartment may be occupied, the absence of heat during these warmer days should not present a problem. The Board agreed with Mr. Blanchard’s comments and said they would contact the owner and tenant with their complete decision tomorrow by phone and in writing. Ms. Odom also requested copies of the March and April, 2007 meeting minutes.

Following discussion, the Board agreed to require Mr. Fredericks to begin work as soon as possible so that it would be completed within one month’s time. He must also inform both the Board of Health and the tenant of the starting date in writing as soon as he has information on the starting date.

8. The Director advised that a Medical Reserve Corps drill is planned in Norwood next October. It will focus on Influenza Specialty Care Units as hospitals need to prepare alternative sites that can be used in the event of an emergency to accommodate large numbers of people. Milton Hospital will use the Milton High School field house should the need arise. In past years the Milton Board of Health Department has participated in a telephone drill and an emergency dispensing drill in Needham.

9. Mr. Blanchard suggested that the Board might consider setting goals for the coming year. His thoughts included working with public health and nursing students on a community health assessment, getting files automated and monthly press releases. He mentioned there are also two accreditation programs offered for Health Departments. This topic will be discussed next month.

10. The Director showed the Board some supplies the Department has received through various grants. These included a high quality display board showing the steps residents should take to prior to the event of an emergency and tote bags filled with practical notions for members of the Volunteer Medical Corps as a way of saying thank you for their interest and cooperation