Milton, Massachusetts - Board of Health Minutes, June 2007

5. Mr. Blanchard informed the Board that the Health Inspector conducted her opening inspection of the Cunningham Park pool and found everything to be in order. The new changes rooms had been completed, the men's and women's rooms were properly marked and ventilation was installed.

6. The Director provided an update on the department's Emergency Preparedness and MRC plans. He distributed samples of the pet emergency preparedness brochures and explained that copies will be placed in the literature display rack outside the Board of Health office. Brochures were also given to the Animal Control Officer for use at the Animal Shelter.

He further explained there will be an MRC drill in October. At that time volunteers will be required to assume a supportive role to nurses and staff by monitoring patients conditions and vital signs at an Influenza Specialty Care Unit (ISCU).

In addition, the Public Health Nurse will be assisting Milton Hospital in the establishment of an ISCU. In the event of an emergency of major proportions, Milton Hospital will be responsible for providing 25 beds for an overflow of patients from Milton and a small portion of Canton. Mrs. Whitney invited the Board members to a meeting of all the parties involved in this endeavor which will be held on July 11, 2007 at the Milton High School Field House. She also stated that she and a representative from Milton Hospital will be attending the MRC drill in October which will hopefully assist them in the development of Milton's plan.

7. An update of the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Program's treatment program was given. The Director passed around colored maps of the areas which have been sprayed. He explained that the office has received several calls from residents unhappy with the protocol necessary to request spraying but stated that overall the program seems to be working well. He also mentioned that another announcement was placed in the Milton Times informing residents on what they need to do if they want or do not want their property sprayed.

He said that he has been looking into requesting an additional collection site for a mosquito trap in town and the possibility of relocating the one trap presently situated at the DPW yard. At previous Board meetings Ms. Musto suggested more accurate information might be available if a trap was placed at each end of the town rather one trap in the middle. However, after researching the matter, Mr. Blanchard learned that there are two different traps located at the DPW yard which are tested for two different types of mosquitoes. He also stated that the MDPH limits the number of mosquitoes they will test and therefore it doesn't appear likely that additional traps will be installed this year.

8. The Director explained that there have been new concerns over a septic system at 610 Harland Street. This is a situation with which the Board has had extensive prior involvement in recent years. He took a few minutes to provide a brief overview of the history of the situation for the benefit of the new Board of Health member, Ms. Fidler, as well as to refresh everyone in attendance.

The latest development concerns a cess pool located on an adjacent property which was sold within the last few months. Mr. Sandquist advised Mr. Blanchard that landscaping work on that property resulted in filling in a cesspool and he wants the cesspool restored to its previous state. Mr. Blanchard explained how the cesspool in question was found to be completely dry during an engineer's inspection and that his professional opinion is that filling it in should not affect the system's function. He believes this is a civil matter between the two property owners and not a public health matter as the system is already in failure and going to be replaced. After discussion of the matter, the Board agreed with Mr. Blanchard and asked that he notify Mr. Sandquist of this decision.

9. A discussion was held about a property at 64 School Street which was declared unfit for human habitation last year. The Director stated that after one year the Board of Health is able to take further action if they find it warranted. Public health laws allow for action if the building presents an imminent threat to neighbors. However, following an inspection of the property by the Health Inspector, the building was found to be secure so Mr. Blanchard feels no imminent threat exists.

10. The Director informed the Board that to date the Mutual Aid agreement has been finalized between the Region 4B towns and Boston following Town Meeting approval and signing by the Board of Health. Town Counsel and Board of Selectmen approval are still needed.

Each department was also asked for budget projections for the next three years. Mr. Blanchard shared his goals with the Board beginning with getting funding back to where we were prior to the receipt of grants since the future of grant funding is uncertain. One specific concern the Director had was replacement of staff, particularly the part-time Public Health Nurse, in the event of retirement. His concern was shared by the Board that most qualified candidates would be interested in a full-time position.

12. The Director distributed a draft of proposed monthly educational press releases. While many of the topics are timely depending on the time of year, he explained that the list was tentative and could be changed at any time if something more important arises.