Chairman Stephanie Wilkie called the meeting to order at 7:10 P.M. Present were Vice Chairman Edward Sheehan, Clerk Susan Sullivan, Director of Public Health Thomas Carbone and Recording Secretary Dawn Cathcart.
There were no public hearings scheduled.
The Board reviewed a proposal by the Land Use Committee to seek the preservation of certain Tewksbury Hospital land parcels. Mr. Carbone stated that all parcels identified are in the water shed. Mr. Carbone stated that this is a good idea for the Town.
MOTION - Ms. Wilkie made a motion to support the Land Use Committee article. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Sullivan and unanimously voted 3-0.
Mr. Carbone stated he would send a letter to the Land Use Committee stating that the Board of Health is happy that this would help protect the Tewksbury Hospital’s water supply.
Mr. Carbone stated that based on the last couple of months and the hearing on 320 Old Main Street this board needs to set up a policy on which hearings are televised. There are some hearings coming up and some might deal with sensitive issues.
Mr. Sheehan stated that personal problems should not be put on TV. Ms. Wilkie stated that it is no different than the Board of Selectmen hearings. Mr. Carbone stated he is not concerned with embarrassing a storeowner, but is concerned with someone like a tenant. Mrs. Sullivan agreed with Mr. Sheehan.
Mr. Carbone stated that everything on the agenda is part of the public record. The question is should we avoid televising appeals. Also, this poses a problem with scheduling. Ms. Wilkie stated that she feels strongly that public hearings should be televised. This board needs to be consistent on what is televised. Mr. Sheehan stated that if a personal issue comes up, then the cameras should be turned off.
Ms. Wilkie asked that when letters go out, they should state that the hearing will be televised and if there are personal issues involved, they can request it not be televised. Ms. Wilkie instructed Mr. Carbone to come up with the language for the letter and review it at the next meeting.
Jennie McCarthy stated that this was a successful campaign. The Group will try to start pulling this together for next year in January. The tobacco fines were very useful.
Ms. Wilkie stated that she is going to send a T-shirt to someone at the Boston Globe in hopes of garnering some publicity for the program.
Mr. Carbone stated that an article should be submitted to the Massachusetts Associated Health Boards. Ms. Wilkie stated that she would write it.
Ms. McCarthy stated that a letter should go out to everyone who participated. Ms. Wilkie stated that she has T-shirts for the Board of Selectmen, Liz Carey and Tom Birmingham. Ms. McCarthy stated that the kids really enjoyed the programs.
Ms. Wilkie stated that the group plans to expand it next year. They will be formalizing it and trying to find funding. They are also looking into making a Health and Wellness program for the whole town, not just for kids. It was suggested to get a hypnotist. Ms. Wilkie stated that she would donate her salary from the Board of Health to the summer program.
Mr. Sheehan suggested getting some health movies from Dana Faber to combat smoking issues.
Ms. Wilkie stated that they are looking to develop a senior stretch at the Senior Center in the fall.
Ms. Wilkie stated that there would be a September 11th ceremony at 7:00 PM at Town Hall. This is still in development.
Mr. Carbone stated that the Greater Lowell Mental Heath Association has a grant to offer services for those who might be in need. Ms. Wilkie stated that they could be invited, but they should blend and not stand out. Ms. Wilkie instructed Mr. Carbone to check with Mrs. Carey.
Approval of Minutes
MOTION - Ms. Wilkie made a motion to approve the Board of Health minutes of May 16, 2002, June 6, 2002, June 13, 2002, June 24, 2002, July 11, 2002 and July 18, 2002. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sheehan and unanimously voted 3-0.
Director’s Report
Mr. Carbone stated that he talked with Attorney Sullivan about the over hang at 320 Old Main Street and about the hotel bill. Attorney Sullivan said that the over hang would be fixed tomorrow and they would only like to pay $100 a night, not the $160 for the Raes’ stay. Ms. Wilkie stated that it is not the Board’s problem, they need to pay the bill in full.
Mr. Carbone stated that Mr. Treachis returned to work on Monday unrestricted. The Town’s doctor has approved him.
Mr. Carbone stated that the Tobacco Control budget has been massively cut. He still doesn’t know the local impact yet. There is some money that has been carried over from the previous fiscal year.
Mr. Carbone stated that the Department of Public Health sent a letter about the Town getting designated as “Heart Safe”. They encourage CPR certifications and defibrillators in public buildings. Ms. Wilkie instructed Mr. Carbone to call the Red Cross and find out about getting certified to teach First Aid and CPR. Mr. Carbone stated that if the Town gets enough “Heart Beats” then signs go up stating that Tewksbury is “Heart Safe”.
MOTION - Ms. Wilkie made a motion to adjourn at 8:01 PM. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Sullivan and unanimously voted 3-0.