HomeMy WebLinkAbout1948-09-1721
BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING
September 17, 1948
A regular meeting of the Board of Health was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building on
Friday, September 17, 1948 at 3:00 p.m. Chairman Mc-
Quillan, Messrs. Russell, Terhune and Lamont were
present. The Clerk was also present.
Report was received from W. C. Aageson giving the
results of the milk analysis made August 31, 1948 and
September 9, 1948. The analysis revealed very high Milk
counts on samples of H. P. Hood milk and also on
samples of Lawrence Farm milk. Analysis
The Clerk was instructed to write to both the
H. P. Hood Company and Lawrence Farms and advise
them that tests made by the Board of Health chemist
reveal a high count in the milk supplied by them to the
Town of Lexington, and to further state that the Board
has no reason to believe the analysis is incorrect and
indications are that there must be some source of un-
cleanliness or contamination. The compaines were also
to be told that every effort should be made to correct
the situation and that it would be necessary to prohibit
the sale of milk in Lexington if the counts remained high.
Application was received from Elisabeth R. White, Infant
26 Downing Road for the renewal of her license to main- Boarding
tain an Infant Boarding Home. Homes
The Chaifman reported that he had discussed, with
Mr. Powers of the Lexington Visiting Nurse Association,
the possibility of a public health nurse investigating
such homes before the licenses are approved. However,
Mr. Powers felt that the members of the Association have
no particular powers to make such inspections and was
not favorably inclined to do so.
Mr. Russell explained that if such a duty is delagated
to them by the Board of Health, they will then have the
power.
It was decided to write to the Chairman of the Board
of public Welfare and ask him to discuss with his Board
the possibility of having the Welfare Social Worker visit
such homes and submit a report to the Board of Health
before any licenses are approved.
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Report of
Health
Inspector
Health
Officer
Health
Council
Report for the months of August and September
was received from the Health Inspector.
Consideration was again given to the type of
report to be submitted by the Health Inspector.
The members of the Board are of the opinion that the
names of all stores, restaurants, etc. about Which
complaints have been received, should be included
in the report.
Mr. Russell called the Inspector's attention
to the brook located in the vicinity of Dr. Richard's
house on Spring Street. Mr. Lamont assured the Board
that there is no danger of contamination from the
Spring Street development. He agreed, however, to
have a test made as soon as the brook begins to
flow and explained that a test made at this time would
not be a fair one.
Mr. Lamont retired at 3:45 p.m.
The Chairman said that, in view of the amount
of money appropriated for health inspection, he feels
very strongly that some thought should be given to
the matter of appointing a permanent full-time Health
Officer.
Mr. Russell said that he believed the Massachusetts
State College has a course for Health Officers.
Mr. Terhune suggested that the Board contact the
State on the subject.
The Clerk was instructed to write Commissioner Vlado
A. Getting of the State Department of Public Health and
ask if he will advise the Board as to where a trained
Health Officer may be obtained, the salary the Board
might be expected to pay and any other pertinent infor-
mation that he may have.
The possibility of organizing a local Health
Council was discussed. The Chairman stated that the
activities of the Board of Health, Visiting Nurse
Association and School Department could then be co-
ordinated.
Mr. Russell stated that such a group would not
be acting with any legislative power and the Chair-
man said that he understood that.
Mr. Terhune explained that many of the States
are set up by County instead of Towns and have Health
Councils which include the schools, health agencies,
Community Fund and Red Cross.
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The Clerk was instructed to invite the
members of the School Committee and the Lexington
Visiting Nurse Association to meet with the Board
of, Health on Friday, October 15, 1948 at 8:00 p.m. in
the Selectmen's Room for the purpose of discussing the
possibility of organizing a local Health Council.
The reports of individuals Aao were x-rayed T. B.
twice by the Lexington Chest X -Ray Survey were con- X -Rays
sidered. The original reports were mailed to the
patients' doctors who were instructed to advise the
Board of Health whether or not the patients had
reported for further check-up. Out of a total of
seven persons x-rayed only one doctor had returned
a report.
The Clerk was instructed to write the physicians
and request them to return the desired information.
Mr. Terhune called the Board's attention to the
fact that the Board of Health ha0no record of Vital
Statistics and he was under the impression that this Vital
information is retained by the Town Clerk. He Stat -
suggested that the Town Clerk be requested to submit istics
a complete report each month of all births and deaths,
this data to be for the calendar month preceding the
Board of Health meetings.
Mr. Russell agreed with the suggestion and the
Chairman instructed the Clerk to write to Mr. Carroll
and request this information.
Application was received from Arlene D. Knight
Treasurer of the Beta Sigma Phi, requesting permission
to conduct a rutlm:age sale in the Barnes property.
Mr. Terhune moved that the application be approved
and permit granted. Mr. Russell seconded the motion,
and it was so voted.
The Chairman reported that he and Mr. Terhune
inspected the Central Block and found the following
conditions:
1. Hallways and stairways in an unclean and
unsanitary condition.
2. Only one garbage container for 47 persons.
3. Unsanitary conditions in rear yard.
4. All sinks and traps working properly.
5. Toilets all in working condition.
Central
Block
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The Clerk was instructed to bring these condi-
tions to the attention of the owner, Mr. Scott, and
request that they be remedied immediately.
Upon motion of Mr. Russell, seconded by Mr.
Terhune, it was voted to appoint Mr. McQuillan
Chairman of the Board of Health for the ensuing year.
The meeting adjourned at 4:25 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
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