Milton, Massachusetts - Board of Health Minutes, April 2008

4. Mr. Mohammad Islam, the owner of Tedeschi's Food Shop, Houston Avenue, attended to speak about the sale of tobacco products to a minor during a recent tobacco compliance check. He was accompanied by a man who operates a similar store in Boston. This is the second violation in less than twenty-four months under the same ownership. The Director read along the section of the Board of Health regulations explaining that this results in a $200. fine and up to a ten (10) consecutive day suspension of his license.

The Board posed several questions to Mr. Islam including the extent of training provided to new employees. They also learned a system is in place on the store's cash register to prevent sales to minors but that this system can be and is manually overridden at times by entering in a legal date of birth. In reply, the Director asked if there was some way to prevent employees from being able to override the system. The Board strongly advised that every person purchasing tobacco products should be asked for identification since it is very difficult to visually determine a person's correct age.

Mr. Lowney said he felt this violation was inexcusable and Ms. Fidler expressed concern that this establishment's location is near both the Town's middle and high schools. Ms. Musto inquired about the sale of chewing tobacco and was advised that this is treated the same as any other tobacco product.

Following a discussion of the matter, Mr. Lowney moved t to support a full ten (10) day suspension of the sale of tobacco products in addition to the $200. fine due to the fact that the two violations occurred during less than a five month period. This motion was seconded by Ms. Fidler and unanimously voted by the Board. They also urged the Director to inform Mr. Islam that a third offense may result in the permanent loss of his tobacco retailer's license.

Mr. Blanchard will visit the store on the first day of the license suspension to assure that all tobacco products have been removed from the retail sales area and are boxed in the storage area. The Police Department will also be notified of the suspension. Random visits during the suspension period will also be made to assure compliance.

5. Mr. Blanchard updated the Board on his meeting with the Personnel Board to discuss the timing for payment of sick leave benefits to the former Public Health Nurse. In a review of their policy regarding this matter, that Board felt changes would be beneficial to the retiree. They would support the Nurse receiving her money as soon as possible. The Director explained that the next step is to meet with the Warrant Committee following Town Meeting to determine when these funds will be available.

6. The mosquito spraying project was discussed. Ms. Musto explained that she had been approached by Ms. Marjorie Jeffries, a resident opposed to this project. Ms. Jeffries learned the cost to join the NCMCP from the Town Accountant and wonders if that money would be better spent elsewhere; perhaps addressing the large population of deer that is responsible for the increase in Lyme disease. The Board asked the Director to compile information on the mosquito control program so that they would be prepared to answer any questions that might arise at Town Meeting. A particular point of interest to the Board is the Blue Hills which account for a significant portion of Milton's total land area, possibly as much as twenty-two (22) percent, which is exempt from spraying but is formulated into the Town's contribution to the project.

The Director mentioned that a press release on the aerial spraying and larviciding of storm drains was sent to local media but that he will also be following up with a release specific to ground spraying in the coming weeks. He will also prepare information about what residents should and should not do on their own property to protect their families.

7. In light of recent house fires in Town which were made more hazardous due to the presence of large amounts of clutter, the Director wanted to inform the Board members of the role and responsibilities of the Health Department in housing issues. He explained that he has been working together with other departments including Police, Fire and Building to identify and hopefully correct potentially dangerous situations.

Mr. Blanchard also explained that he can only cite a resident for the external conditions of a residence unless he is specifically invited inside by the owner or his representative. The Director also noted that he must provide full disclosure of the consequences to the if in fact he does identify unsafe or unsanitary conditions in the home. These consequences may be as severe as condemnation of the property until the dangerous conditions are corrected. He noted that because of this fact, residents often do not allow the Health Department access to the inside of their homes.

8. The Director reported the increase of complaints to the Board of Health with the onslaught of spring and summer. More residents are out of doors, noticing the unkempt condition of neighbors' properties and calling the Health Department for help. In some instances the Health Department can intervene but often there are a combination of factors overseen by various departments which come into play. In these cases also Mr. Blanchard works in conjunction with the respective departments in an effort to remedy the situation.

12. The meeting planned for the purpose of reorganization of the Board which will be held at the high school prior to Town Meeting on May 5, 2008 was discussed. The Medical Advisor and staff will be reappointed at that time as well.