Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-01-29-BOH-min Lexington Board of Health January 29, 2004 Meeting Minutes Police Guard Room, 1575 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, Massachusetts Attendees Board of Health: James Fearnside, Chair; Burt Perlmutter; Wendy Heiger-Bernays; Jean Kelley; Sharon MacKenzie Health Department: Kathy Fox; Derek Fullerton Linda Vine, Ethan Mascoop, Nursing Students for Observation The meeting began at 7:05 p.m. There was no public participation. Fearnside expressed concerns about the direction of the Health Department. Fearnside has communicated with the Town Manager’s Office expressing his concerns regarding the competenancy of the staff of the health department and the staff cuts in general. Fearnside gave examples of other town’s health departments showing public health nurse comparisons. Fearnside also mentioned that towns comparable to Lexington have at least 1 or 2 full time nurses. Fearnside also mentioned that comparable towns seem to require that someone of their staff be a registered sanitarian. Fullerton indicated to the Board that he will be taking the registered sanitarians exam this year and that Fox will also be taking the sanitarian exam. Fox informed the Board of her recent completion of the Certified Pool Operator’s Certification. Fox mentioned that Fullerton is scheduled to take the Certified Pool Operator’s Course in the near future. Fearnside informed the Board that the Town Manager, Richard White will meet with members of the Board after every Board of Health Meeting. Fearnside also informed the Board that the Health Director’s position will be reopened once White feels the budget situation is resolved. He also stated that the Board of Health needs to advocate their positions to the selectmen about funding for the Health Department. Vine made the Board of Health aware that they requested funding from the Selectmen for the Animal Control position and a full time Public Health Nurse. Heiger-Bernays said the Board should promote the health and well being of Lexington residents immediately and for the long-term future. Perlmutter was encourgaged by the prospect of reopening the Health Director position.He would also like input into the Health staff evaluations. Fearnside and Heiger-Bernays said they would draft a list of qualifications for the Health Director. They also would like to see the qualification requirements for other towns. Heiger Bernays stated the Health Director should have qualifications for writing grants and securing funding. She wondered why we had such an inadequate group of applicants where the Town of Winchester had more qualified applicants. Fearnside discussed the budget and was concerned about the lack of control that the Health Department has over the budget since it is all Community Development and not a separate Health Department budget. Heiger-Bernays was also concerned about the lack of control over the Health Department budget. Vine stated that the budget has a specific line item for Health. Vine indicated that the Board needs to work with the Health Director concerning budgetary issues. Perlmutter felt strongly about advocating for increasing the Health budget. Vine volunteered the intern Kerry Evans of the Town Manager’s Office to assist the Board with the Health Department Survey of other towns. Fearnside agreed utilizing the Town Manager’s Intern, would be helpful in implementing the survey. Vine and Heiger-Bernays spoke about trying to coordinate all health related programs town wide, such as senior center health programs, school nurse programs. Fearnside wanted to know if it would be possible for the school nurses to work for the Health Department. Perlmutter would like more interdepartmental cooperation especially for something like a Walk to School Program. Heiger-Bernays feels staff is incompetent to be able to get the job done now and in the future. Fearnside would like Board of Health members to each make a list for the survey for the th February 12 meeting of what they would like to be included on the survey. He would also like a list from the Town Manager’s Office of all on-going health related programs throughout the Town. Perlmutter suggested that they each provide input for the re- opening of the new Health Director position. Heiger-Bernays expressed concerns about the lack of a public health nurse and was concerned about who is answering questions. MacKenzie said she would email Fox regarding nursing services she recommends. Vine would like the Board to think about how they will be able to move forward with the current staff to work together in the future. MacKenzie asked what the health staff would like from the board to move forward in the future. Perlmutter asked what would the Town Manager’s want from the Board to move forward in the future. Heiger-Bernays expressed her concerns about the water quality of the reservoir. Fullerton informed the board that there has been in the past, a specific team who is working on the problems of the reservoir. Fullerton is very familiar with the problems at the reservoir. Fullerton informed Heiger-Bernays that the Old Reservoir team will be meeting soon and invited Heiger-Bernays to attend and participate in this meeting and all future meetings. Fearnside motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Perlmutter seconded. All approved.