And this we are convening the December meeting of the board of health and present are Terry Putnham, chair, >> Trisha Leiniac, >> Erica Prrowy, >> Trisha Sedlo, >> Bailey Simons.
>> Okay. And let me pull up my agenda while of course I had a bunch of stuff opened up and my computer's trying to update. All right. So, do we have anybody from the public uh on I think it's just us right now.
So, we'll kind of keep that in mind if somebody should join should join us. And so, did everybody get a chance to review the minutes? We had I think October and November. Is that correct, Kaen? >> Yep. October 23rd and November 10th.
>> Okay. I have a couple of corrections that are that are um that we can do. I certainly don't want to take up meeting time, but things like I think Tom's uh Tom's title is not board of health director. I think it's health director and I'm listed as chair in some places
and vice chair in others. >> Um okay. >> And so we just we we'll clean that up. Um >> yes, I will let Cindy know. >> Yep. >> Yes, I noticed that too with um just some gramm grammatical kind of things. And at the bottom with the signatures, I'm not listed. Do I need to be there?
>> Yeah. Uh, if you were at the meeting, yes, you need to be there. >> I think so. I noticed that my I'm not there, but uh I think everyone else is. >> Okay. >> Well, you got voted off the island that that
>> So, do I hear an approval of the minutes with our with our uh typo changes? I think the content is is there and was captured, but I think we can we can do a few corrections there.
>> Do I hear a motion to agree to accept >> a motion to accept the meeting minutes for are we doing both October and November? >> Yes. Yes, please. >> And I second that. >> Okay. And all in favor, please say I. >> I.
>> And Terry Putnham says I. So, that's unanimous. Okay. Um, since we have Do we want to go ahead and and go to Trish's nursing report while she's here with us and then we'll start in with the um with the old
business and and Kaen's report to Trish. >> All right. So, um I tried to do a few new things um presentationwise with the library in November, but we weren't very successful. Uh, I tried to do like a hand washing with the glow germ with the
smaller children, but we didn't get any signups. And um, we tried to do stop the bleeds for stop the bleed for teens, but very like I think you have one or two signups. So, we're going to revisit in the spring and see if you know that's a better time of year. So, just looking to
do different things with the library. Um, >> Trish, do they let you into the school at all or is that a separate >> We're trying to get in. We actually have a presentation that Kaen and I are doing in January. Um, it's on um like uh and
um pandemics and endemics. So, they asked us to do that. So, we're we're trying, but it's it's slow going for sure. >> Okay. And if I can help by, you know, help you help you get in in or or uh
contact whomever, I I I I would suggest I would guess you're working through the superintendent or through the principal. >> Yeah. And I even to like talk to the nurse there, the lead nurse, because I talked to her a lot and I said, you know, these are things we could do and and she, you know, gave out the
information. So, but we could pursue other options, too. >> Okay. >> With other people at the school. >> Sure. >> Can I ask a question? Mhm. >> You offer and we you have may have mentioned this in the past and I just um I'm not remembering CPR classes to the students.
>> No, I don't. The um for employees um town employees, the fire department does it and I when I did the stop the bleed, we had people ask who are Southwick residents and I told them to contact um Jessica Bis Bishop. She's the one that
does it and uh I don't I don't know if that ever was successful or not. >> Yeah. I was just thinking maybe combining the two, you might get a better response. >> Yeah, >> you're doing the CPR. Let's do the stop the bleed. >> I thought >> that's a good idea. >> See if she's interested in maybe doing that together.
>> Um Yeah, why not, right? >> Um yeah, so I mean the stop the bleeds have been successful. The thing is I get people from everywhere. They come from all over. We even had the last one, they were about an hour and a half drive. They came out from the eastern part of
the state. So, it's not necessarily all Southwood people, but I can't really stop that because it's advertised on the stop the bleed site and it's available to anybody who wants to come. So, but I figure, hey, we know training people what that's what we want. The end goal
is to help people who are in need. So, um, but I've been doing, um, a lot of work with the food pantry right now because of course when SNAP was I mean it has since changed, but there was a lot more families that signed up, we were trying to get word out to get
people in, so they have picked up a lot and um, we've been very busy there. So, which is great. Daniel, can can I can I uh offer a suggestion, you know, to to be kind of in line or or uh to be in
line with with the public health piece as well. Is there anything that you are you can offer those folks because those folks are probably uh whether it's whether it's a an insert or or you know
offering uh because I would imagine uh I would guess those people are pretty underserved as far as public health needs. Um, so, so I kind of because I I noticed that that does that that that is taking up a lot of your time and I just
wonder if uh I if if if we could develop something as as a board or as if if if uh uh you and your colleagues could come up with with some piece to tie in the public health um the public health piece. Mhm. I mean, I wish it were
bigger because I the goal was always to have a space so that I could offer blood pressure clinics or talk to people one on- one, do presentations. This space is just not there. >> I'm just wondering, of course, now not
in December and January popup would be like a freezer, but but I just wonder if if that might be a possibility because the parking lot is big that >> Yes. And they have the back too. So, >> um or if if Joe would offer some of the the um community center, uh because
that's right there. But but I encourage you and Kaen um uh to to to get together and see if there's there's some way to >> kind of and thank you for what you do with them to tie more into the public health piece. Um if there were things we
could be offering. >> Okay. Yeah, absolutely. We can look into that. Well, with the warmer weather, >> could you do it like in the back of the town hall, like in the grass? >> Yeah, absolutely. Yep. Mhm. And I've
been going to the senior center. Um, we actually have um a program that we're starting with the AHA and it's um uh I can't think of what it's called right now, but it's like basically getting uh blood pressure machines to use in
libraries and um senior centers. So, Lisa signed up for one and she should be getting that anytime. So, they'll they'll always have it there and it's going to be at the South Library, too. And at the library, they could actually rent it out. So if they had to watch their blood pressure over a period of
time, they would be able to do that. So um you know um I think it's libraries with heart. Is that what it's called, Kaine? Yeah. >> Yes. >> So a new program they're trying to get out just to get you know more and more blood pressure cuffs out there so that people can um you know have the option
of using it when they need, not necessarily when the nurse is offering hours you know during the week when they're probably working. So, our demographic is, you know, um, smaller because of that. And I I've tried blood pressure clinics at night. They don't work. I mean, I don't get them. So, it's
not worth the me going out at night to do it, but I do get some seniors at Southwick. I'm getting more and more. So, and, you know, we're building it. And, um, Granville, I don't really get anybody. I get one person usually. So, I'm rethinking that. We do a lunch and
learn in Granville now, which is new. but we haven't been doing that. So, it's been successful. So, I said maybe I'll do the blood pressure clinic after the lunch and learn. So, we're just learning what works best >> and going from there. >> Yeah. And anytime you have elderly and I'm now counting myself beginning to
myself in that group, we don't like to drive after dark. >> Yes, exactly. It's very true. >> I don't like to drive after dark. So, >> yeah. Yeah. Um, so that might that that might be why you don't have a lot of a lot of and you know something to think of too is is during the summer months
having something out of the playground. You know that that I think there's there are a lot of possibilities and thank you for for thinking of those because things are only going to get I believe tougher from a health care perspective. >> Yes. >> Going forward. So any any way we can
help those people, I I would, you know. >> Well, and I did do the turkey trot that the school had, powder mill. I brought the van and we handed out water, but um they didn't, you know, it was a good way for them to see me, meet me, and it was
good and and you know, it's just meeting people, seeing faces, you know, and it went really well. So I said, you know, we'll definitely do it next year. And um you know, they were appreciative that we were there. So, it was it went well and it was good and opened doors for all of
us. So, >> very good. Um, and I was looking back at your report and I know you and Kaen had talked about um a newsletter that you were looking for extra spend, you know, looking for for things to spend um uh was how how's that going or were you
able to develop that? Yeah. So, we did develop it for November, December, and every single thing we're doing now has to get approval through the state just I think because they're worried about what each of the shared service agreements are spending money on. Um, so to my
surprise, it actually got declined. Um, so I we weren't able to do the mailings. So, I'm hoping in December, this has been a main goal of mine, to do something where we can print them out, get them out. um food safety, holiday stress, seasonal depression, all of those big topics um that the nurses and
I have been working on. Um I was pretty disappointed that those couldn't get out, but >> uh they did actually, funny enough, approved tick kits. So for the summer months, we're going to have kits to pass out to residents, do some education on tick removal, safe tick removal. So I
was surprised that that was approved in the month of November. Yeah, >> you know, it's a constant what's going to get approved, what's not. Um, and I know they're, you know, we're just trying to make it work, but I think the opportunity to get into the schools, I I agree with the food pantry aspect, too.
We got to, we have to bump it up because I do think it's going to get harder, unfortunately. >> And if you're talking about um uh the the newsletter, you know, we're doing the the bags at the South Congregational Church. We would we would certainly put
the newsletter, especially if there resources listed in that because we're already putting a resource list in there. Um and and having those available at the food pantry would would be fantastic as well. >> Senior center and I know you're already
thinking that and I I apologize. I I'm probably stating the obvious, but I I I do and I I know you you all share the feeling of of a sense of urgency for our community right now. >> Absolutely. So, I will get those done and printed and try to get them to as
many of our residents as I can. Just unfortunately, we weren't able to do the mass mailings. It was also kind of a logistical nightmare when it came to the accounting office because they don't do invoices. So yeah, it just didn't pan out, unfortunately.
>> I wish it was different. >> Uh um you know, you wonder if we could upload into a web, you know, onto our website uh and and those with at least uh computers would know. Um but I think any any hard copies you got would be or
or posting it in in area churches, you know, wherever you can do. I think schools, but but you guys know that better than I. >> Absolutely. Um, >> we will get those out. >> Okay. Well, anything else, Trish? >> Uh, flu is on the rise in Southwick. So,
yeah, I'm sure you know. Um, so yeah, so I asked Lisa to post a sign on her door. She did it last year. Both entrance doors to the senior center just, you know, notifying people that we're seeing more flu cases. Please stay home if you're feeling unwell, what symptoms to
watch out for, and if symptoms worse, then contact the, you know, your physician. But we did that last year and we kind of had good success with that. So, we're doing that again. Um, she's just going to post the signs. And the only other thing that um I wanted to
talk about was that statement that Maryanne Deming does that she sends to me. I don't know if we still want to do that or if how we want to proceed with that cuz the timing doesn't work. Like when she does it, sometimes it comes
late to me when I do my report. So, it's not on this report because she sent it to me late. Um, so it's kind of been a a theme um the last few months with not getting the statement from her. So, I don't know how to how you want to pursue that because she gives the statement to
the Western Hammond County Board. You know, she and Erica attends that meeting. So, I don't know if that was sufficient or if we want somehow come up with a different plan, have her come back to the meeting. Um, I apologize. Um, meltdown mode behind me. So, what
did I miss um about me being somewhere? >> We volunteered you for something, Erica. The Western >> Hington. >> Okay. Again. Yep. Okay. >> The the district meetings that happen kind of quarterly. That's next Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.
>> Okay. Hold on. Let's So, December 10th. >> Yes. Uh it's the WH >> CPD CPHD. >> Yes. >> See, it's quarter three meeting. No,
>> quarter two. >> Quarter two. Okay. Um I will do my I should be able to make it. Um I'll actually be in Vegas um for something that's called midyear for >> pharmacists all around the country. So,
um, I'm the director of our residency program over at Bay State, so kind of have to go. But, so I will be there, but I don't see why I shouldn't be able to make that meeting. >> I'm not sure who our secondary member is, but they are also able to come if if
you have a conflict. Um, >> okay. >> I don't know if we had ever appointed a secondary. >> I'm not sure we did. Um uh and in after December I'll be able to to because I am retiring at the end of the year, you
know. I am at least right now. At least right now the big boss wants to talk to me on Friday. So at least right now I'm retire. My plan is to to retire. Um, and so I can I can uh would would you know
unless Trish and and I would think a small a board as we have, we we should be able to to uh uh share that responsibility. Um I unfortunately I'm in uh California this next week. So I I'm not sure my time the time zone will
allow me to do it on the 10th this time. Um, and I think what I would ask, unless Trish and um, Erica have have a difference of opinion, is that Trish Trish Sedlo, we we'll let you and Kaen
take this take take that offline. Um, take and and decide. But I I I know I for one would appreciate having um at least Maryanne's report at some even if it's a month late um or or whomever
whoever attends the meeting to bring a um to bring a a summary um from the from the um the the health district meeting. How does how does that sound, Trish and and Erica? >> Yep, that's Oh, sorry.
That sounds fine. >> Okay. And I can always on Wednesdays I just I get out of work right at five. I can join. I just might be a few minutes late. >> Yeah. As long as we have a quorum, I I'm always happy to share what was talked about if Southwick's not able to attend. The host town is usually the easier town
to tell everybody about because I see you all once a month. Um, but as long as we have a quorum and can hold the meeting, that's the most important part because we have to at least have the meeting quarterly to be within the grant requirements. So, >> okay. >> And the three of us can certainly talk
about sharing the responsibility so so it doesn't always fall on Erica. I mean, I would hate to take her away from the gambling tables on >> Listen, I I am looking forward to not getting interrupted overnight and
being able to sleep past 6 6 a.m. >> I know I I I can still remember those days. That is bliss. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, anything else, Trish? >> Yes. So, to echo what you just said about retirement, I am leaving retiring
next year. I don't know a date yet, but I am retiring early. So, but maybe May. I don't know yet. I'm meeting with the retirement board, but we are telling the board next week. So, I wanted to tell you folks first. So, >> but early retirement,
>> thank you for what you've done and thank you for what you'll do between now and then. So, we gonna really keep you busy between now and then. >> Yes. Yes. >> Load her up. >> Yes. And Kayleen, do you want to bring up the um sensors while I'm on? >> Oh, yeah, of course. Um so that that
could have been part of my report, but I Trisha is here, so I will say it now. Um so one of the grant requirements in the work plan for our shared district was to diversify funding. So just trying to go for as many grants as possible. Um so I a few weeks ago applied for they're
called Purple Air Flex Air Sensors. Um so I applied. It's a mass D grant. I thought it was a long shot, but I applied for Southwick because I'm only allowed to apply for one town. So, I'm going to try to get it to all the district towns as well. Um, and I actually did get accepted for three air
sensors. So, they would be placed at town hall, the library, and the high school. And the biggest thing that we're trying to monitor is PM 2.5. Um, a known pollutant in the air. um just to see where we're at because obviously the
high one of the highest levels of childhood asthma is right across right across the stream we'll call it in Springfield. Um so we really want to get a sense I think this will be really important for our communities to get a sense of what is happening in the air around us. Is it linking? I had a
conversation probably two weeks ago now with the nurse at the school Ashley who said they are seeing a high number of kids with asthma. So, I thought it would be interesting. Trisha and I have talked about it a lot to apply. I have to I talked today with the select board. It
needs to go to the select board to be approved, but obviously I was like I want to talk to the board, my board first um see if you guys we haven't accepted it. So, totally up to you guys if you if this is something that we want to pursue, but I think it could be a really interesting opportunity for us.
Um, and then I would go to the Slackboard and make sure they're okay with us putting up the air sensors in those three locations. Um, >> now why I understand um, each location, but is that a diverse enough or far enough distribution between the sensors?
>> So, the struggle was they need Wi-Fi and they need electricity. So, that limited me a ton. If I had it my way, I would have wanted one by the lakes. Um, I was hoping the town beach, but I was informed they don't have Wi-Fi, unfortunately. So, that limited me. I
definitely wanted one at the high school, just, you know, that's the population we're really trying to get to. Ideally, I wouldn't want so close between the library and the school. Um, I was trying to think of other places. I talked with the DPW. They didn't have a
lot of suggestions that were able to be accessed by the town. Um, you know, our maintenance guy. >> Okay. So, it can't be like Kurt Saunders or something like that. It has to be a like a government body. >> I think ideally
>> I think if we I think it would need to be like a contract with Kurt Saunders. Um, which maybe he would have been open to, but >> I didn't I didn't know if our lawyers would want to be involved with that. >> Okay, understood. >> Yeah. So >> I think it's an interesting opportunity
kind of will get us um another thing to start educating about because if we collect this data maybe Trisha you can talk about a little more too but we get this data coming in and we see you know what's in our air we can start talking about you know with kids what can you do to prevent I don't know how much
prevention we can really do but you know what can you do >> yeah no I mean when I worked in the Connecticut district we had an asthma program we would go out and teach them especially if they had an acute hospital visit. Are they using their inhalers right? Are they using them when? A lot of times they don't even know the
difference between a rescue inhaler in the long term. So, it may open the doors to something, you know, down the line. >> Yeah. >> And just getting in and educating people. And if you um if this does go further as far as asthma goes, um I
would be willing um and able to assist because actually um I'm starting recently I started um a specialty clinic over at Bayate Pulinology. Um asthma, COPD are two of my primary disease states. So
>> great. not for not for children, but if it was just for >> non-paid educational purposes, then that's totally fine. >> Yeah. >> And I and I guess my my question uh Kaen and Trish would be are we are we trying
to target kids as early as we can? And if so, would the middle school or or the elementary school have been a good place or or >> That's Yeah. So, we can put it I said any school because I know the schools are kind of close together. So, if you
guys want it to be at the elementary school, that makes a lot of sense. >> No, I just I I I asked the question, but if we want to, you know, want to get the interventions out as quickly as we can. >> Um, >> yeah, that's a great idea. >> Elementary school. Um, certainly.
>> Yeah. >> So, it could be the elementary school, the library, and the town hall. And I'm gonna try to pos I don't think they ne necessarily need to be pretty high up. So it's probably going to be right outside the senior center. Um right outside the entrance to the library and
then I'm not sure where it would go with the elementary school yet, but just wherever the DPW thinks it can get electricity and it can connect to the Wi-Fi easily. So >> Okay. >> Great. >> I'm excited about it. It it's should be good. I think >> I think it's great.
>> Well, Trish and Erica, what do you think? Do you think that's a good undertaking? >> I love I'm all about the environment and uh healthcare. So, yeah, >> I agree. >> Okay. So, so Kaen, I think you got a unanimous
and Trish, that that sounds like a good project. >> Yep. >> I'm excited about it and I will go to the select board, see if they're okay with it going at town halls and town town establishments um and then go from there. Um the maintenance guy already in the town of Southwick told me he's on
board with it. He also said he was a big environmental guy. Um >> so it was exciting. >> Good. >> Great. Good. Wonderful. Looking forward to this. >> All right. Well, anything else from from nursing? >> No. Thank you.
>> Right. Any questions of Trish before she leaves us tonight? >> All righty. Thank you, Trish. >> Yep. Thank you. Have a good night. >> You too. Okay, Kaen, I will turn it over to you. >> Yes. So, old business, I know we wanted
to talk about the crepes tea house um I don't want to call it a situation, but the meeting that they've been having with the planning committee or planning board, excuse me. >> It's a continuing Yeah. Just a continuing um >> I don't want to say saga. It's not a you
know, no, but but it's been in the >> been on our plate for quite a while. >> Yes. So, we do have a new building inspector, Joe, who I did talk to a little bit because I I want to say his name was Joe, but he's the survey land surveyor that I think is working with
Crepes Tea House. He's tried to be in contact with us a few times. Um, and I know we had emailed and uh I told him, "You want to stick with what Tom had put in place already." Um, so he was aware
of that. And I think what is happening now to my knowledge, I talked with Alvin the planner a little bit. Um, right now it's in fire in the fire department's hands. They want to kind of understand what these buildings are, what the fire code should look like in these
buildings. Um, so I really don't think it will involve health very much. I think they're going to stay with what Tom said, his recommendation. Um, I I don't know much about the situation. I Tom kind of told me very little so I
don't I don't want to speak on it. I don't feel like I know enough. >> Yeah, it it's from and I think none of us on on the current board were were on the board when all of this transpired. I think just you know from my recollection it's
because of the issues and and what what uh had been brought to Tom. But if if I'm remembering correctly, the board of from a board of health perspective, we're concerned about the number of the number of seats that you know the stress
on the septic, etc., etc. And and as far as what's what building is approved for what, that definitely is not is not a board. Um, and I think they understandably the owners want to
get this resolved, but but by coming to us after Tom has departed, you know, I think we stick with the stance because he had the history and he already he he gave them >> uh the bigger issue is not board of health. >> Yeah. So, I think the the only thing
that involves health is, and this is what Steve kind of mentioned to me, is them moving the chairs capacity-wise, the chairs from the building to inside and flip-flopping, you know, if it's not in use or if it is. And my concern, again, you know, I don't know a ton
about Title 5 yet, but obviously it's stress on the septic system. So, I think Tom set a recommendation of let's be weary about this. Maybe let's keep some chairs in the g I think they're called gazeos. Let's keep them in there. I don't know if we'll be switching. And when I go into food
establishments for their routine inspections, I take a quick glance at the seating capacity, you know, monitor, is there tons of seats in here? Is it a fire hazard? Are there means of egress? But I'm not counting. >> Yeah. >> I don't sit in there and count the
chairs. So, I don't want to I don't want to do that to crepes. Um because I don't do that anywhere else. And I think that's unrealistic to to think that we can police that. So whatever plan they come up with with planning board, select board, whatever board, it's going to
have to be a little more easy a little easier to monitor. We we >> Exactly. >> You know, that that's unfair. And to expect a restaurant to be taking chairs back and forth. >> Yeah. So, I'm thinking I don't know what fire is leaning towards, but that seems
more of a fire building and planning ultimately just has to decide if they want to pursue this or not. Um, I haven't heard their their stance on it yet. So, I think they have a meeting. I don't think they're talking about it tonight. >> I think Alvin said their next meeting in December. They're they're maybe going to
decide. It could be it could be January, too. I'm not sure. Well, and and I would just suggest while you're interim um that uh that that if they if they ask for a board of health opinion that one of us go with you so so that
>> we can help you represent um >> Y >> uh represent that because what what I I I don't want you to get led down the path of iniquity. >> Of course. >> And Tom Fitzgerald also said he would be happy to kind >> Yes. and he would probably be the more
appropriate um person to attend. Um and I know you had said that we were hoping Tom could be here uh to talk about I think perks as well, correct? Or >> Yeah. >> Um but maybe if that happens if if it looks like you were on on the agenda um
uh if if Tom could come and kind of kind of walk us through Yeah. >> Um h how to help with that, I would appreciate that. >> Yeah, absolutely. Um, so that's that situation. Um, and the other two old business items, I
haven't really run into much of the septic um, the perk expiration dates or anything like that yet. I honestly this month has been a little crazy, so I haven't investigated it um, more in depth. um the well one uh the wellregs
that is seeming I I looked at a lot of Trish's um email in the different um surrounding towns that I think is going to be very hard to adopt um with the testing and and and
what goes into that. I don't know if we want to talk more about that at a later date or when we have a full health director. I don't think we want to change things right now as we have an interim health director. Um, don't know if you all agree, but it's just I don't know enough about
those two topics yet to say we >> I think you have a lot of irons that you're trying to keep in the fire. Uh, and and I for one for and and I would look to Trish and Erica for opinion as well would say that I I I think we table that for right now.
>> Okay. Okay. Great. I I agree. I think it's >> okay. Yeah, I agree too. tableing it cuz I mean there's a 5year expiration currently. >> Yeah. >> Right. So >> I haven't run into anything so far, knock on wood. Um I know Tom had a few instances, but I don't think it's anything where we need to act quickly.
>> Um it's not like we're getting them once a week saying, "Hi, we have an old perk. We want to use it." Um a lot of the new builds in town have have slowed down as well. So, it's not like we're seeing perks being done and we're waiting a long period of time for these houses to
be built that they need another um at least in the month that I've been here. So, so that's that. Any questions on the old business before I kind of go into the report on the
month of November? >> I do not have any. >> Okay. So, this month has been a lot of housing to be honest. Um, we had 41 applications done because we're in the midst of renewal season. Um, that's been
going pretty good. I'd say Cindy and I today sent out about 27 letters. Um, with the new system, Perodize, they were sending emails. I don't you know the same old establishments that have had issues in the past were having issues
with again trying to get the permits done. Um so we sent 27 mailings today which I think is a pretty good number compared to other years for the beginning of December. So we're happy with that. Um so 41 applications done. So that's about $6,500
to our accounts which is pretty good. >> Pretty good. Yeah. >> Um so I think that's going well. So permits no problems yet. I think we'll have a couple of establishments who who will need some more care, but we'll figure that out when we come to it. But
I'm I'm hoping we won't need to track them down too too much. Um, so housing cases. I do have one in particular that I want to raise some concern. 16 Congaman Road. It is a housing authority property.
I was reached out to by Karen, who is the I'm not sure her title, but with the housing authority. Um, and she said she had tried to been in contact with Tom. Um, I'm not sure if the emails just didn't get through to me or what happened there or if Tom had started a case. I just was not able to see it. I
couldn't get into his system. Um, so this property has had numerous issues with trash outside of the home that was cleaned up. The housing authority did about $3,000 worth of cleanup in the last month. Um, so the outside of the
house looks great. They have about it's a two-bedroom home. They have about six to eight kids according to the records. They have a sister who's living there with some kids as well. Um in a two-bedroom home and the school resource officer reached out to me and the kids have been complaining that they have
rats in the basement and they've missed collectively about 25 days of school since the start of the school year because they can't sleep due to the rodents in the basement. Um, so I was in contact with Karen at the housing authority and asked why the kids were
sleeping in the basement to begin with. You know, is there a bedroom down there? What's happening there? As well as are you aware of this rodent issue? So, she told me there's one trap put outside where they caught one rat. And that's all they've seen so far. Um, so I did
try to schedule three housing inspections with the tenant. They've all been cancelled, postponed. I'm hoping tomorrow. Um, we have one scheduled for tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. Um, I know some departments
have been in contact, police, fire. Um, we're all trying to get in the home. I want to, you know, I want to inspect and see if there is rodents. Do we have a rat problem? Do we need exterminators in there? Um, are the kids sleeping in the basement? Do they have means of eress? I have a lot of concerns. Um, mostly for
the kids. I I got I got chats from different police officers saying um they have been donating food and clothing to the kids. So I know that there is some other agencies outside of the town of Southwick involved in the case. Um you
know protective services and whatnot. Um but I am concerned about the kids. So I am trying to get into the house. I'm concerned about the it's a single mom. Um, so the whole situation is I'm trying to get into the house. I think the housing authority is also trying to get
get into the house. I want to correct get some pest control in there. See what we can do. Um, also connect her with resources from the public health standpoint and from our shared service coordinator standpoint. You know, we want to help her in any way we can. Um, so that's the main one. I don't know if
you guys have questions on that situation. >> I I do. That seems like a a a a potentially volatile situation. I mean, I'm seeing that there's dog there's a dog on the property. There's rats. They obviously don't want someone in there.
Do you need to do that by yourself? >> No. So, the housing authority will be going out with me tomorrow. >> Okay. Okay. >> Um they've never had problems with the family. I think the family, from what I can tell, the family is great. Um the dog, the first reason she wanted to cancel was because the dog was going to
be loose on the property. So I asked, you know, let's make sure the dog's away if that's going to be a safety concern. Um and then we were supposed to have another inspection done on Monday and the mom said her and many of the kids were sick. Um so then we rescheduled to
Wednesday to which I told the housing authority, you know, this is becoming we we we need to get in the house. Um, I, you know, I respect her privacy. I respect her her her home and I want her to know that first and foremost. But, you know, we want to help her, uh, you
know, just from the health standpoint and make sure that this property is cleaned up. The outside looks fantastic. I remember it from last year. There was a lot of refues outside. They've done a lot of cleanup and they're working with her as much as they can. Um, the housing authority has been great so far. So, I'm
hoping I have more updates at the next board meeting. Um yeah, going to try. We're trying our best um to get into the house and conduct a a thorough inspection and just make sure
um everyone's safe involved. So, that's a big one. I also have another housing situation, two Aaron Circle. We get a lot of complaints from this particular resident at two Aaron
Circle. Um, she calls quite frequently. She never wants a thorough inspection done. I know Tom has probably talked about her um, in the past because he he dealt with her uh, quite quite often. She never wants a thorough inspection. I went out a couple weeks ago.
She was upset because they're building a sidewalk for snow purposes for the outside of their property um, kind of in the backyard. Um she's very aggressive towards the vendors, towards the property manager. Um and she calls the
health department quite frequently to the point where um I've been in contact with the police department just kind of trying to figure out what's the best situation. They've gone out to her establishment a few times because property, excuse me, because the property manager has called the police
on her. Um, she I don't have any inspection because she always declines the inspection of her property. I've taken photos. I have no there's no housing issue on my end. Everything's up to code. Everything's safe. They're trying their best to get this sidewalk
done quickly and efficiently. Um, and they're hoping I want to say they did a great job because she hasn't contacted me today about the snow. So, I'm thinking that means the sidewalk was put in properly and they were able to plow and everything is good now, but it was
not good a couple weeks ago. So, she's had some some situations. Um, I try to listen to her as much as I can. Uh, but it can be hours. Um, it's a Yeah. So, I have the, you know, they
take messages. Karen and Cindy in the office take messages for me. Um, but I haven't been able to get out there as much as I think she would want. So, I just want you all to be aware of that. I've gone out twice um in the last month and there's no issue. But just so you're
all aware um of that uh as well >> and at some point if it's not a legitimate if if you assess on the phone if it's not a legitimate health department >> uh issue
we need to refer her to >> another uh yeah >> or refer her back to the housing authority or >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I've tried I mean some of her complaints were sticks outside the apartment and I told her this is more of
a landscaping problem and she become you know she becomes a little angry. Um so I'm trying to kind of avoid any situation over >> you do not need to be harassed. So if >> it's getting to that point with Karen and Cindy that I'm I'm getting concern
for them too. I mean, we're constantly getting emails or sorry, excuse me, calls. Um, >> and and if we need to intervene and and Trish and and Erica, please chime in if we need to intervene with a with a letter, that would certainly go through
our attorneys, but but some some way to to say, you know, we're not going to we're happy to help with things that fall within our realm, but but we also don't tolerate negative behavior. >> Yeah. And I know since I've been here
with Tom, I mean, it's been we go through cycles with her. It's one thing and then a few months later, it's another thing. And I want to appreciate like you said, like you just said, I want to reiterate that if it was anything with the housing code and there was violations, I would be acting on it,
but there's just nothing >> um nothing that I can see. So >> yeah, I do recall Tom mentioning >> many instances and and he has redirected her at times. So that may just be the way to go. I don't know.
>> Yeah, I Yeah. So I told the property manager that I believe this is more of a landscaping vendor issue. I don't think she likes the vendors who were making the sidewalk. It didn't really seem like a housing problem, but I wanted to bring it to your guys' attentions just in case
we get a complaint that, you know, I'm not doing enough. But, >> no, we we don't we we don't have tolerance for for you being abused either. >> No, >> I Yeah, I feel bad for this property manager. She's trying her best. Um I think she deals with more complaints
than than the board, you know, the health department does. So, um yeah, they're trying their best as well with with this tenant. So, that was that. Um, and then on a positive note, uh, we did a short-term
rental inspection at 34 Beach Road. That was great. Four bedroomedroom home right on the water. Very, it had all the safety features it needed. Fire was there. Building was there. It was all set to go. Looked good. Um, 403 College
Highway. Um, we did have a police officer come and ask us to put out a violation. And there was a lot of garbage in the driveway. There was some building got involved as well. There's a couple of unregistered vehicles um as well as an RV. They did I sent a letter,
certified mail. They did refuse it. So, I did send it um just regular mail. I'm hoping that that gets corrected. I gave them 30 days. Um it's a lot of just it's a lot of garbage in the in the driveway. So, hopefully um I'll have positive
words to say in 30 days. Um, so that's good. Uh, Tom Fitzgerald was able to do two, uh, plan reviews for us. Um, at 377 North Lumis and then he disapproved one
for 662 College Highway. He had a few revisions. Um, they haven't gotten that back to me yet, but when they do, I will give that back to Tom issues them a permit. Uh, he also, we're still waiting. There is a property at 772 College Highway. I believe it's
going to be a dentist office. Um they had a stop work order with the building department and they're waiting on a septic system, but we have no plans for it. Um so he is coming into the office tomorrow, the owner of the property to talk with building and myself um because
we don't have any plans. So I haven't seen anything. There's no permit to even issue yet. Um, so that is that situation. Um, and then the last one, kind of a big one. We went to an inspection on
November 21st at 141 Kongaman, which is Drift Cafe in Lakeside Tavern. Um, I was asked to go with the fire chief. Um, they actually had a hood ventilation system that was completely out ofd. their uh entire kitchen was you could
see the smoke on the wall. Um you could see the grease, the major violations, major issues. Um so they voluntarily closed um upon our inspection. There was also some minor minor in the term in the sense of how
large the fire hazard was. Um other health issues as well. There was rodents um quite a few dead rodents in the basement. The Lakeside Tavern side had been closed. They were closing for the whole winter apparently, even though they hold a liquor license. So, I think
that was going to be an issue with the select board anyways. Um but they were trying to keep the coffee shop, the Drift Cafe, open. Um but they decided to voluntarily close and the owner of the property came into the office and said they're not even going to try to reopen the establishment. So,
>> and that's the old fusion, right? >> Yes. >> Yep. So, they're not going to open Drift Cafe or Lakeside Tavern again. Ken said he's going to try to have a new tenant come in. I really I didn't press him. I don't want to use that word. I really suggested to him to work with the health
department on his new tenants. He's had a couple since I've been here. He's had a couple restaurant owners come in and have these kind of similar issues. And I told him, you know, the health department's here as a resource. we can help you, you know, learn about the food
code. Let's let's get to the same page on, you know, there was one violation I noticed was there was no date marking. Everything in the fridge was just kind of sealed and there was no no clue when any of it was made. No idea
um no no idea what was in that fridge to be honest. And I told him, you know, that's major. You got to know what's going into your fridge, what's coming out, these these major health concerns. Um, so he was he he thought that was a great idea. I told him the nurses and I would be happy to talk about food safety, food practices, um, and get them
all on the same page as well as that hood ventilation system. I know the fire department wanted to talk to them about that in a total separate realm. Um, but that's in the food code. That's a major hazard for us as well. Um, so they voluntarily closed. Um, and
that is that situation. I'm not sure if you have any other questions for me. I talked about the air quality, the sensor grant, um everything with the Western Hampton County District. I know I'm still doing the shared service coordinator role, so everything's up to date there. Um we had our term two,
sorry, excuse me, term one reporting. Um that went off smoothly. We're spending down our budget. Um everything's good there. Um so I'm happy about that. And I know Kaen, if you can refresh my memory, I know that they are okay with the way
you're being paid right now. Correct. >> Yes. So, I I wanted to talk about that. So, I did get a message from I believe she's the assistant director of the shared service organization. They aren't necessarily looking for proof. Um, but they want all of the work that I'm doing
as director paid separately. Um, and they said if it was going to be long-term interim role, um, they would ask for a contract between the shared service agreement and the town of Southwick for me to serve as the interim health director as well as the shared service coordinator. I know in our your
email you said you're going to post until January 31st. So, I'm hoping that I can email them and say, "Do we really want to go through the legality of the contract if it's just going to be one more month?" I don't know what they'll say when I try to do that. Um, but I do think they're going to look for
Southwick showing that they aren't supplanting. That's their major concern. Um, >> so I don't know what we want to do there. If it's just proof of like a one-time stipen for the month of November, just so they don't think we're using shared, you know, it's not being
paid separately, I think, is their concern. >> Um, okay. >> So, I I know we want to go into executive sessions, so if that's something you want to discuss then. Yeah, I think we'll we'll say that to fill Erica in because Erica, Trish, and
I um voted since we had the quorum to extend to to offer the interim position to um Kaen and ex we'll we'll talk about an executive session. Uh some advice
that I had gotten from Naen um the HR uh her official title is assistant uh what's her official title? Kaine >> assistant administrator I believe I >> I think you're correct in that >> a step below Nicole but still >> yeah yeah and Naen's been who we've been
working with um and we had talked about posting I I think I heard from from both of you and and Trish obviously was there at the meeting we talked about posting it externally to see if if there is anyone and and Caen agreed if there is
anyone who is experienced um who might be interested in um the position in Southwick, but rather than drag that out, we're we're posting it uh I I had communicated with Naen to post it until
the end of January. Um uh to see if if if we have any bites. Um so Trish, >> I think that's the only fair thing to do, I guess. >> Yeah. >> Well, say we have a new board member there. >> Say hi.
>> Hi. Hello. >> Um but and Trish, did I represent that um uh appropriately our conversation last last month? >> Perfectly. >> Okay. So, um, anything else, Kaen,
before we adjourn and go into executive session? And thank you for the for the updates to the agenda that include executive session so that we always have have the the public notifi, you know, that we give that public notification
that we may at times do that. >> Yes. So, as long as we say the reason for um going into executive session, I put that on the agenda. It's for the second reason. >> Um, >> we are going into executive session to
discuss your interim salary and your interim role. >> Yep. And does anyone have any questions on on um the direct interim director report? Is that what it's called? I guess health director report. I and and
this may I know we we um summarized it a little bit because and and didn't include everything based upon Tom's feedback. It's helpful to me and maybe I don't have the right um the and and and it when you when you summarize in your
report or either it's very helpful to me when we're going back and forth from Aaron's circle to to uh uh to wherever else we went congam if we were to list out Yeah. that just that that helps me.
Trish and Erica, am I being too too OCD? >> That makes total sense. >> Yeah, that's how Tom actually would do it. he would itemize it in a sense and then you we can kind of follow each. >> Yeah, >> that makes total sense. I apologize too if I'm if I going into too much detail
too during the meetings. I I don't want to reiterate everything you guys read. I don't really know how much Tom would say in these readings. >> No, no, you're do you're doing fine. No, you're doing fine. We'll speed you up if the three of us we aren't we aren't shy. We will speed up if we need you to speed
up a little bit or slow you down with questions, too. But no, that's just helpful because next month if we haven't if because that's why I asked you to put Crepes Tea House there so we would remember to go back to that. >> Um but no, >> that's that's great. Thank you. Um
>> do I hear so any more old business or anything uh Trish or Erica that that you'd like to discuss that we need to have in public forum um before we adjourn and go into executive session? >> Nope.
So we are not going to reconvene after the executive session. So the recording will stop once you adjourn the meeting. Just for record. >> Do I hear a motion to adjourn at 6:55 p.m.?
>> Yes. A motion to adjurnn at 6:55 p.m. >> And do I hear a second? I >> Erica second. >> Okay. And Terry Putnham is in favor. >> Trish is in favor. And since Eric Erica, are you in favor
since you seconded the motion? >> Sure am. >> Okay, I will stop. >> We will adjourn. Thank you. and just let us know when