Okay. Well, welcome everybody to the February meeting of the board of health. Um, and I will call the meeting to order and let's do a roll call, please. Terry Putnham, chair. >> Trisha Biniac, committee member.
>> Uh, Erica, also committee member. >> Haley Simons, interim health director. >> Trisha Sedlo, public health nurse. >> I'm seeing that somebody is requesting to record the meeting. I just >> I would No, I would. It is recorded. It be recorded and available. >> Yep. So, this meeting will be recorded
and available on the YouTube channel for the town of South Lake. >> No, that's not how it works exactly. I'm allowed to I'm allowed to record this and I've never been turned down in South. >> So, who are we speaking with, sir? >> My name is Cliff. >> My name's Cliff Clark. I'm with the
Westfield News. >> And I I don't know. I think you reviewed the recording the last time because that's where the article came from. Is that correct? >> I watch every meeting. >> Oh, okay. Well, until we find out
otherwise, uh you you you can uh view the the recording just like you did last time. Okay. >> Well, I'll take that up when >> you know he usually reports we allow him to record our um planning board meetings. >> Okay. I just checked with Alvin who's
here from the planning board meeting and you do allow that. We do allow that. So, I apologize. You're you're with a relatively new board. >> That's absolutely okay. Thank you so much. >> If you can put the request again in,
>> I apologize. I I uh exed out of it. >> It's okay. >> There we go. >> Gotcha. Okay. >> There we go. >> Thank you. >> Did we finish going around? Why don't Why don't you guys for the recording uh introduce yourselves again, please? >> Of course. Uh, attorney Rachel Fancy with Fitzgerald Law Offices at 46 Center
Square in East Long Meadow. Um, here representing Crepes Tea House on their agenda item. Okay. >> Jim Ferrer working with Craves Tea House uh on the agenda item. >> Thank you. >> Alvin Allen, town planner for the Thomas Softwork. >> Okay. All right. I think we got to everybody. Trish, did you you
>> Yes, I did. Okay. Okay. Um well in interest of everybody's time who's outside of our regular agenda, we devote about 10 minutes to to public comment. So why don't we do that first and and and then we'll take um what I would
request Rachel is that if you have any new information from what we've been from what we heard from Mr. Svinino and and also in our conversation a couple of weeks ago, then we share that. And I think uh you you mentioned a couple of proposals. >> Yes.
>> So why why don't we why don't we turn that over to you right now? >> So just obviously I'm jumping in a little bit late. You guys have already had a couple meetings before I was here. I did have a uh meeting with several town uh administrators trying to get a lay of the land of what has been going on with crepe tea house up to date.
Obviously, there's been a few years of things that I have missed um and different issues and varieties and I've sort of been brought in to try and merge some of that, figure out what we can do from a client perspective, what I can do from an attorney perspective to meet what the town is looking for and accommodating that. Um I had some long
discussions with my client trying to facilitate that and we've sort of identified a couple of key different issues that need to be addressed. most of them are before the planning board, but obviously part of that issue is with the board of health regarding the seating issue. Um, and how and what the seating issue would be resolved by what
the board of health feels that those 93 seats um can properly be allocated towards. Um, I came up with somewhat of a proposal. I know you've talked in the past where you don't really know what you'd feel comfortable with authorizing the planning board. Um, I think what we had talked about was maybe doing some
sort of dedicated commitment towards uh certain number of seats staying in one location. Um, my client obviously would like a little bit of flexibility because losing the total amount of seats would be difficult for his business. Um, obviously because he doesn't know how many people are going to be desiring to use the gazeos until they come in to
use. Um, so one thing that I wanted to bring up was a proposal and I do have some copies. I don't know they have copies for everyone and it's >> and while you're giving that out chair of the boards >> okay
>> you're going to share another board members >> so essentially what I would propose is I think some of the topics that's been discussed how do we implement this restriction how do we make sure he's committed to it? And that's a reasonable condition that we'd request that the
planning board impose, but that reasonable condition needs, I think, the board of health to feel comfortable with it. Um, what I've just provided you is sort of what I've crafted. And obviously, I'm not saying that this is what it has to be, but just something that I think given and taking into effect what I heard previously might
work, which is defining exactly what the number is, what is committed to it, and then what are the time ranges and making that be imposed on the permit. So, if you know, for example, if it is violated, um, that's a violation on the permit. It's not, oh, this is what we
verbally said. It's on the permit. He's committed to it. Um, but that language obviously needs to be reviewed by you and something you feel comfortable with. And I don't know that me just throwing it in front of you today is something that's going to make you okay with it, but I did want to have it in writing for you to look at and and understand that
piece. I think one thing that was talked about again was the use of gazeos two and three. Um we're not presently looking for use of gazeos 2 and three. We'll be putting that forward to um the planning board as well. Uh the proposal would be to completely lock those and
have those keys only held by management as well as ownership at this time and then after some time 365 days whatever the planning board thinks it would be a reasonable time if you know good showing of good faith on our part is demonstrated then reapproaching first
the board of health and then the planning board to see if that would even be reasonable with a new proposed plan of how the seats would be divided up. Right now what we have is 10 permanent seats being allocated to gazebo 1 which would not move during a period of um
April 1 through October 31st. Um the main building itself which would be the patio or not patio the deck area in the main building would have the remaining um 83 seats total. Um, if at some point a private event is booked, then 10 seats will shift from the main building to the
gazebo one, which would be 20 seats total and the interior building would then reduce down to 73 seats. Um, during the months of November 1 through March 31st, all seats will be allocated to the main building. I think the compromise here would be that he does lose 10 seats
in total, but he does have the 10 seat swing, which is a little bit easier to count and maintain for him as well as anyone who comes to inspect, whether that be the zoning enforcement officer. And again, the whole idea behind having proposed language that I mean I I I
would say it's pretty verbose for a seating plan um language, but I think it's necessary to build trust and build an understanding with the town so that you feel like the protections are there. Obviously, again, this is not us saying this is what it has to be. It's just us putting it out there because I think
there's been a lot of discussion of what would it look like? What would the wording be? Um and I do this constantly with towns. I do this constantly with planning boards, city councils, town councils where we submit what we'd call proposed conditions that we one would ascent to. And it also makes the board's decision easier. They don't have to sit
around and say, "What are we going to draft for this applicant? What are those provisions going to look like?" It just pro offers something that makes everyone's job a little bit easier and is something they can wrap their heads around. And I tend to find find that it's easier to revise these provisions than it is to come up with them to begin
with. Um, so that is currently what we're offering right now. Um, obviously open to commentary and my client is here to provide some feedback and and if there's additional comments about concerns of like I said I just put this in front of you so I understand it might take some time to digest but I did want to present it.
>> Um, and just so I just have a couple of questions and and please that the two of you join in as well. So this would mean that any event that is scheduled for gazebo or external structure outside structure whichever terminology we're using uh would be capped at 20.
>> Yes. Okay. So, anybody who read not 21, you know, I brought my father because he came in. Um, so, so what would what would happen in those instances? They would >> tell them no. >> And >> we have to keep it strict. I mean, we don't want to have neighbors camera
looking at us. So, I'm sorry. >> Yeah. >> And there would obviously be the additional dining room space. If someone did show and they had 21 people, we would try and accom or they would try and accommodate them in the dining room. Unfortunately, we are capped here. That means, you know, person, mother, child, whatever the case is. We're capped here
at 20. And it we could even, you know, talk if this would be reasonable. I haven't run it by my client, but maybe a capacity limit of like Mac, not Mac occupancy, but like max permitted um occupancy sign on the outside so people are aware of that. >> Not coming from a street. It's all >> Yeah.
>> an advance. So if somebody even from you guys booking a party or something, >> we it's this is the first thing we have to tell next one. Even if somebody brings a child, it can be issued. So we have to know >> and it seems that there has been some
confusion from from or or as it was apparent in that in the the newspaper article that um there seems to be a miscommunication between what you at the top level understand and what sometimes people who are who are working to do the
best they can, but but they're they're in the heat of the moment. So, so how could could the planning board and the board of health be assured that everybody's on the same page? >> And I think that's that's keeping them locked at all times and ensuring that only ownership and management have keys. The management has to know what's going
on. They can't turn their head if if there's a key at the weight staff. I completely agree. How are you expecting, you know, um I I waited as a kid, so how can you expect someone who's 19, 20 years old with the pressure of someone looking at you to do something and you say, "Oh, we have gazeos. I'll just put you in the gazeos." I completely agree
and I think we talked about it having and obviously we need someone on staff and ownership is not always going to be on site every single second of the day. So we need someone >> we need someone else to have um access in a key but keeping it where it's only in the possession of the manager and only in the possession of ownership at
that time and making sure it's locked at all times um when it's not in use. >> So they're reservations only. >> Reservations only. And we can add that in that you know further commits that even when we have the 10 seats there they're only for reservation only if that's something um for proposed
language as well. >> So any questions from from the two of you? >> How do you do the reservations? What's your plan on that? >> Collins I think right now um I don't think they have the infrastructure preservation >> and they don't have like an online port one.
>> Right. Okay. because she he she handles and she serves them too. So she's kind of you know because it's includes decorations, food, uh handling heat even like if needed or whatever needed it's easy when that person handles instead of
telling through people and later information got lost you know. >> Okay. I mean, you know, we had some situations where people like had they want to have like aa meeting or something like that. So, obviously, you know, >> they want privacy.
>> Yeah. Want privacy and stuff like that. So, um and it would be communication for sure with people who organize it. I mean, >> and we're not here to tell you what what sorts of groups. That's certainly not our intent. And and and I want you to
hear it from from us. And with I'm sure you probably heard it from Alvin. >> We're interested in the we're most concerned about the stress to your system. >> Um and and then even in downstream, no pun intended, the stress should there be
a problem with that system. So that that's why that's why the 93 is is stuck in our heads. Um now, what is what is the maximum seating in in your um gazebo? I so I can touch on that and I
don't believe I don't know if Steve's on right now. Um but we had talked about this with Steve and he said it's well over 20. So they I think they could have >> 26. >> Yeah, 26. 26 was what they were originally I think talking about, but I even think he said he could do gazebo one specifically. It's the largest
gazebo can is a different number than the other ones, but they're only seeking 20 at this time. And I think the rationale is there obviously needs to be some commitment and shown of faith of moving the seats and demonstrating how this would work to the town. Um, so if we limit it, that's creates an easier putting of 10 seats that are removed
because that isn't as much seats for a business purpose to the main building, but also having that flex of the additional 10 where it's you can move it for the party. >> And so from a and and the monitoring would not only be board of health, I mean, we're talking, you know, the the
the building uh inspector as well. So for monitoring purposes, what is your proposal? If we were if whomever were to show up, would we physically see 83 seats and then 10 seats? Are we physically going to say that or or are
there some at the bar that are kind of not used but they're just sitting there? Tell tell us a little bit about about what you envision that. >> I can touch on that briefly. I think when the gazebo's in use, the bar seating would be pretty much gone. Um so
if you walked in the gazebo's in um use that or it's in that season and you see bar seating then that's you know more so the sign I would say. >> So I'm used to from a from a hospital >> inspection if somebody says they have 75
beds we actually go in and count 75 beds and there wouldn't be >> any other beds that would be a problem. >> Yes. So I guess that's the perspective that I'm going through would would because if we get into the conversation when we're there when someone's there on
site well these are here and yeah there 10 more beds but we don't we don't use those 10 beds. >> Oh so you're asking well we what would happen to the 10 extra chairs. So it wouldn't be that we have the chairs and no one's sitting in it. The chairs would be removed at that time. So and and I
the other gazeos because they're not going to be utilized for seating would just be storage at that point. So I think that's the ideal area uh where we'd probably put >> we have we always have a little extra of chairs just because of depending how people like some like older they don't
want to sit at the boobs or they want to gather around the um around the table. So we have always like two three extra chairs kids >> or chair breaks >> or chair breaks. We had situation where people came on the deck and on the deck they all all
chairs are kind of like patio chairs. Not everybody comfortable. So we have we have stack of like five six chairs where somebody if they needed like a high easier access chairs. So but it's not like they in use all the time. They just
there >> but they'd be stored away and not out on the main area. >> They like stack in a pile. Um >> but but but those are separate chairs. Those are like storage chairs. If like some so I'll give an example. Certain people cannot fit into certain chairs or it's uncomfortable for them to fit in
certain style of chairs. That's a little bit different of a circumstance art than we're talking about right now. What we're talking about right now which trying to get more to your point which is those additional 10 chairs that are going to be removed from um April 1 to October 31st. Those will be stored away. They will not be in the main building at
that time. So it'll be off and away. >> Okay. Alvin, do you have any questions from from from this discussion? And and Lis, >> um, Senator J. I'm here to support my grandfather. >> I guess my only question um, so you
stated that there would be an initial period of like let's say trial. Yes. And then after that period, you would define how many uh, seating how many seats you need. it it would be a request almost like an amendment to the special permit at this point. That's what I would probably propose is come back ask to
amend the current allowance. Um and it would be based on obviously the same metrics of any special permit amendment. The same thing you come in you're trying to add something on. You go back to the planning board you say this is what I'd like to do. they have the discretion to say yes or no based on whatever criteria they feel um well based on the standard
of law obviously but um they take in the criteria of the facts and if there's you know no one really opposing they've sort of all that's happened is maybe like nothing at that point then it might be grounds to do it but they planning board's probably going to want us to come back to here because the 93 is not going away so if we're going to try
let's say use gazebo 2 let's say a year goes by everything goes great no issues and we want to try and use gazebo 2 come back here and I did put that in the proposed language um which uh I will bring up is you know come back and try
and amend that or maybe it's in the sorry it's not in this one I have for the special permit >> that in in um section five if changes shall require approvals that that kind of >> yes and so I have also the restrictions
I'm this is obviously putting cart ahead of the or horse ahead of the cart and stuff like that um but I'll be going to the planning board obviously later tonight. One of the restrictions we're going to be proposing to them is a reasonable condition on the restrictions of gazeos 2 and three, expressly stating that they're restricted and that and any
use related to gazeos 2 and three would have to come back. Um I think rather than just stating it on the record, it should be a reasonable condition probably imposed and then you can come back from that point on if it if it would be feasible to do so. Um and like I said, board of health is going to be
in entwined with that and it's mentioned in that uh provision. Um, and then that would be my suggestion thing, but that's more of a a planning board thing, but I which I will talk about obviously when we go through >> and that's a little further down >> down the road. I'm just trying to make sure we're good for the initial, which
right now is gazebo one and gazebo two and three. The way I see it right now until we can get gazebo one off the ground. Those two are not starting points. >> And I appreciate your recognition that um part of this effort is to rebuild trust of your neighbors. You know, I I I
appreciate that. because that's what we have heard. >> Um and and I know you heard loudly and and clearly. Um >> uh so I I appreci we appreciate that. Um any any other >> questions or comments from you know the two of you? We will go into executive
session after after the meeting um uh to further discuss and and then plan to give some feedback um to the planning board. >> Okay. Um you're free to obviously keep the proposals I'd sent. Um I have uh I might have to deprive it sounds like we're probably going to wait after executive session to hear. So I probably
are going to need a continuence I'm guessing on planning until they report back. It sounds like so I will give you this. I'm just going to put draft on top of it because it has not been submitted to the planning board because I didn't know how this was going to go >> that you need these back or can I >> No, you can't. >> No, no, it's a separate one. Um
>> that uh is more so directed towards the planning board's concern. So it's preemptively you'd be getting something. Uh, Madame Chair, if I may also, um, you know, I I think that, um, one of the things that we're trying to accomplish here is obviously, uh, improve
communication, >> uh, between all parties and, and I think Art uh, realizes that, that's why he has u us here in in trying to uh, make sure that that happens. Um, you know, one of the other um um potential uh conditions
of the permit could be a review, a simple review in a one-year period. Um, and and if that, you know, that would add some protections to the town um and would, you know, we could um you know, uh talk with attorney um uh to put that
in there as well. um if there's no um you know uh viable complaints or anything um you know then um you know we we could um you know move forward but the um the fact of the matter is is that uh Creeps is uh is an establishment um
it's a very successful establishment in town people uh enjoy it people go there uh where other uh establishments may be closing Art is a very successful businessman he has a business in West Springfield. Uh no complaints, no issues
uh uh over there. Um you know, he's permitted uh for 93 seats. He's looking to just relocate uh and reallocate those seats within within his establishment. Um you know, we at the attorney had laid out uh the proposal that that we feel is
fair and equitable for for not only for for art, but also protects the town's interests. Um and you know, when we're looking to to work with the town Thank you. Thank you for clarif I'm actually going to hold on to it because I do say in it that um you guys gave us approval and I don't want to give you
something that says you guys gave us approval. It's a draft that I was hoping you would say get approval but we don't know that we got approval yet. So um >> we just need to talk. >> Of course. Of course. I I totally get that >> because my my two colleagues are just hearing from you brother. >> I I completely understand. That's why I did not submit any of this because I
wanted to obviously meet with you first and I just had it more so in case I got asked questions later tonight about what our proposals were going to be. Um, but we will wait to hear back from you all and uh we'll head off to planning. Thank you all for your time and um if any of you need my contact information, I'm
happy to pass that along. >> Thank you so much and I'll I'll talk to you soon. >> Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Senator.
>> Is there any other public comment online? >> Just a few more minutes. We're hearing none. One else logged in, right? >> No, I don't see there's no there's no
chat or anything. >> Okay. This recording is being transcribed. Okay. Okay. All right. Well, then let's move on. Wonderful. So, review of minutes. Is Cindy on or >> Yes. >> Yes. Okay. I'm here.
>> Okay. Cindy, being the the the sister of all school teachers, the young sister of of three school teachers, I got a couple more things. It's It's not substantive, but but um a couple more things that that I'll send you and I'll send Kaine.
Um a title uh Tom Barton. Tom Barton. I I I work for Tom Barton. Tom Hibbert's title and things like that. Um we we just want to get uh change for posterior. >> Okay. So, um, I would move if I can do that to
postpone the approval until or postpone the approval of the approval until next time or we can approve with the changes that we make. >> Whichever one >> does anybody second that we'll approve it based upon the change? >> Second that motion. >> Okay. You know, all in favor.
>> Okay. So, that's unanimous. All right. Trish, why don't we go on to your um health report, please? So in January um I did the two blood pressure clinics with the South Senior Center. Um unfortunately I didn't get any attendance. They do have they do
have the a month anyway so we'll give them Yeah. They can be out. Okay. >> Um the AHA American Heart Association blood pressure kiosk is set up down there so people can use it. I um talked to Lisa and one of my concerns was when
we were getting the AHA kiosk was that are people going to know how to use it? So there is a an instruction sheet, but she said she had two people come in to use it and they really didn't know what to do. So luckily she was there and she was able to guide them because it is just your standard blood pressure
machine with the cuff. It's not like the CVS machines where you know so there is a little bit of a learning curve but >> like the standard Yeah. little >> Yeah. >> It's not going to be hard to do on yourself. >> Yeah. >> So that is downfall to those machines,
but um >> they do have it at the library as well, but that's more of a rent out and and I asked and they do um get people that are renting it out. So, >> okay. >> At least it's being used. Um Kaen and I did a presentation at the U South
Regional School on the 15th which is really good. Um there's a must be science teacher that um has the students all the seventh graders read um that book uh patient zero and then they talk about it. They talk about food born
disease and etc. And they talked about chalera and um what was the other disease they talked about? >> The black plague. >> Oh yes, the plague. So, so she asked us if we were going to do the first thing for me. >> So, we did and we and they and also the
students had to come up with questions which were wonderful. So, yeah. I mean, I think we were there at least what half hour, 40 minutes. >> It was very exciting to see kids really interested in health. So, I thought it was very successful. >> So, I told her I said, you know, if you want us to do this in the future, cuz she kind of does it every year at the
same time. I'm like, yeah, keep us in the loop. So, so we are starting to do a little more with the schools, which is if I think back to 3 years ago when I started here, there's definitely movement and certain people are appreciative of what we can offer. So,
not everybody, but it's a start, right? Um, we also did a food collection um a drive in November and December. So, my total for our towns of south of Granville and Holland was 137.4 four pounds which was all delivered by me at
various times to the um community from looking good. Um I also created um my annual report statement for Kaen which goes on the annual report. It is attached to my report. Um I started a
list of presentations that I have created in 2026. I have that here which I'll talk about next. Um >> um oh can I pause? I have your reports from September and October.
>> I do not have them from January. >> I was not I did not print the nursing report. I I print my minutes and the agenda and the email that Kaen sent me earlier today. >> I recommendation. >> I have mine. So, um I can show you what
the >> I apologize. I I think I attached in the email, but that's probably it is in the email. Yeah. >> Um no, you can continue to read. So um so the list of the disease counts I separated them for Southwood, Granville
and Holland. Um and if Granville and Holland wanted to use them for their annual reports I could. Um I also the one thing I do well with the pantry and we have been doing for three years is collaboration. Um many times I've gone there to pick up things. So the pantry
was given um brand new children's jackets and toys um and I went to get them. A lot of times I'll bring them to It Takes a Village which is in Huntington. That benefits all our town. Anybody can go to It Takes a Village. You don't have to live in Huntington. But um this time we
kept some of them because the school needed them. They can use coats. So Kaen is going to be delivering those to the head nurse at the school. Um I was able to finally schedule a blood pressure clinic with Joe Dee at the meeting house which will be on March 18th from 4 to 6.
Uh he told me that they have the um oh what is it the I think it's the not the Lion's Club. Um I there's a group there that meets there and maybe people will be interested in getting their blood pressures done. So we'll see
how that goes. Um it'll be my first time doing it there. Um, I had to cover Maven for all six towns and sorry, Maven is a state database where all the infectious disease comes in through. And um, I covered that while our part-time nurses
on leave. She was on leave January 26th through the 30th. So, I covered it um, mostly was her town's getting flu. Flu is starting to crank up again as you're aware. Um, and I'm starting to see it again for that kindergarten group, the four to six year olds. So, I let the
school know. I'm sure she's seeing it. Um, as far as response to the handwashing program at the elementary school, I have not had anyone reach out to me. I talked to the nurse at the school. She thought it was a wonderful idea for prek and uh first grade. None
of the teachers have reached out to me. She gave them the message said we would want to set up something, but I have not heard from anybody. Um, and finally, we're slowly getting the fire department to um respond to us. Jess Bishop about
doing the handsonly CPR. Um, I'm going to do it at the library. I'm waiting on dates. Um, because the library did the stop the bleed for their employees and they're very interested in hands only and AED. So, I know it's going to happen there. Um, Kaen has talked to Nicole
Parker to see about doing it for the employees in Southwick and if we could do it during the day. So, we're still waiting on that. She's been out sick. ideally want all the staff to have C CPR. I think that's important. >> And also, there were some people that took CPR with Jess Bishop um two years
ago, so they're coming up the full CPR. So, she said >> we definitely want to get them the people that want to do the full. So, and again, we're waiting to talk to um Nicole. >> Um I have a question. Um, I'm a big advocate for teaching the younger
children like a lot of the stuff, especially like the handwashing, the smoking sensation, like not sensation, but don't start. >> Don't start. Yeah. >> But >> would it be like if we're not getting a response from >> some of those teachers? Yeah. Would it be possible to
>> instead of cuz I feel like we're not going to get anywhere from there. Yeah. >> Say there we were to reach out to the nurse. Okay. How many classrooms are there? Um and then what if we were to say hey uh you know say there's 10
classrooms um on this day let's combine these five classrooms and these five classrooms. So directly be like, "Hey, are you available on February 17th and instead of them being like instead of having it being open-ended for them to
like kind of twiddle their thumbs and I don't know, I don't know." But if you actually give them a date and they're like, "Actually, yeah, you know, yeah, I think we can make that work." Being more >> proactive. Yeah. >> Is that something we could do? >> I'm happy to help out.
>> I don't know. Yeah, >> I also was thinking I was brainstorming a little bit while we were just talking maybe the potential of just filming our presentation and h seeing if the teachers would just put it on their screens and show the kids at least just so that we can say a presentation has been done um and then we can have that
circulating in our in our files for teachers to show every year. That could be a possibility. I like the interactive nature of the >> being in person can be so fun. I mean there's so many things. >> Yeah, you can put like a color on their hand. have the term kid. So, cuz I did
it with some seniors and they liked. So, >> and and another idea is during the the warmer months when you got all the kids together at the ball field or together, you know, at your fa at the fair um uh
to to set up a booth. I mean there it it if it seems that the traditional ways aren't working, I think it's good to put your heads together and and think of other ways to to actually get there. You have a traveling dog and pony show or something
um uh uh that that would help. >> I agree. >> I'm also happy to volunteer my own time. >> I appreciate that. >> We're just we are always brainstorming as much as we can. So I agree. We just kind of have to think outside the box a little bit because we really I know
teachers are so busy and I respect the profession a lot. So I understand that they probably have this strict curriculum that they're trying >> they're trying to follow. So just trying to get in when we can. So I agreed maybe just talking I've emailed the superintendent and their secretary that
didn't go farther than that. So I'm always just trying different avenues and so is Trisha. So I agree, but we'll we'll keep trying cuz the school is our I agree. Starting young is the best the best opportunity we have. >> So I I I definitely see that. >> And we do a lot of programs at the
library with the young >> and I even tried to to do it there and I didn't get any signups. >> Yeah. >> So is your mission just the younger population or >> cuz those are the ones I haven't hit. >> Okay. >> I hit the So yeah. Um, so that's the
>> Do you So when you say the younger population, you mean like K through two >> or also middle school? >> One, K through PreK through one because two, if we talked about that, we kind of think they're a little older. You're talking 8-year-old. See >> for handashing?
>> For hand washing. Yeah. >> Okay. Um >> I think it's great at any age. Like you're Yeah, it really is. >> My son who my >> mine's 13 and I'm still doing it with him. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Brushing teeth. my 13-year-old would know.
>> Well, my son starts kindergarten in the fall and usually I'm like usually very involved in things, so maybe building a relationship. >> Yeah. No, I It's great. And hand washing is the first line of defense, right? Absolutely. And so I don't I don't think it matters what age you are. You're
still having to reinforce that, >> you know, especially uh teenage boys. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yes. >> I have one so I can Yeah. So you can Yes. >> But yeah, >> we can um >> we'll definitely explore more >> and even if you can't physically get in
offering uh one of those trifold poster things with, you know, colorful germs or whatever. I mean, just to get with a number to call if you have any more questions or those little tear off things she'll they they end up in the
hallway trash. But but yeah, I I I I think um and in listening your kids, what would they want to see? Yeah. >> You know, get get >> they'd want to see icky fingers, >> or have something that you could play a game while you're doing that kind of
stuff. So, you know, and and I know you're trying. Um um but but it it sounds like you're regrouping and and please come to us because we certainly can help and we I I I'm like you. I would volunteer too. I would volunteer my time to help
>> um come up with something. Yes. >> Um >> let's go back to the food pantry because I I I I know we we've talked about that and and Trish from my perspective um your the the and and it is not that I
don't value the food pantry and what you do with the food pantry. gets with the tie because I uh I I know you've expressed that that's one of the number one public health needs, but there are so many I I did some research before I
came tonight. there are so many uh in the top 10 um that that I I think by incorporating some of those other needs when you're visiting or when you're doing work with the with the food
pantry is something that that that we would look for. And I I I don't want to say simply because it's not simply it's a huge task and thank you for for collecting food and delivering food. But what are we doing with those clients
when when you're doing that? What what what is being offered not only for the group that's that's meeting at the meeting house, but when your interactions with people at the food pantry? That that's my only concern is
that we've got to tie that um to to or I and I'm not going to speak for the for the two of you, but finding some way to tie that. Yes. Help them with food. That's a mass laws need but but to to take it further and how what are we
doing because infectious disease as you know with your maven work is one of the number one mental health is is is another one um uh access to care etc etc. So being a public health nurse and and being a a board of health we're
concerned about access to care and how we can get people to to take better care of themselves. >> Absolutely. So, so please don't take away from here or or you know other discussions that that we negate what you're doing with the board of health. I
mean with the with the food pantry board we just got to balance >> balance and or enhance those those um uh collaborations you have with the food pantry. Does that make sense? >> Yes. And I have done that. So on
sometimes on Thursday nights I'll go up there and this is not all the time but I've done food safety handed them information on food safety. The magnets that we have that have proper cooking temperatures they have them now at the pantry they didn't before. They're right
on the refrigerator. Um we've given out food thermometers that I was able to get prior to the current administration when things you were able to obtain. Um but uh I've given out information on
heart disease in women. Um I've had conversations the all resource books that I've found and sometimes through my travels I'll find things anything like I found a veterans one when I went to the map conference. I gave that to the pantry
because people will go into the pantry and they'll have a need and I'm say here you go. I gave them the community health book that Noble Hospital printed out. Um, they have that. So, whatever I find that I think would benefit them that
would then benefit their clients. I mean, they had a person come in once and and either Meg or Sally called me to come in because he was he was concerned about his blood pressure. I drove up there. I checked his blood pressure. The space is not good for me to set up because there's no room. If you go into
the pantry, there's just one open area and that's where the people are going to get their groceries, right? So, there's no other area. There's no private space for me to be. And I'm not going to be out having conversations with people when there's no privacy. But people have
asked me, I was there yesterday dropping off stuff and a a a volunteer was having problems with her asthma because the cold weather and I said to her, you know, we just got an air sensor, put it on, you know, it's on the powder mill. I told her all about that and she was like, "That's wonderful. That's
wonderful." So, whenever I have an opportunity to engage, I do. And I've talked to other people, you know, they told me what their problems are, what they were dealing with. We're dealing with a food insecurity issue right now on um Congam. I've been dealing with
that for the past few months and prior to Kaine taking over I had no knowledge of that because nothing was ever acted on. So we're acting on it now and we're doing things and you know making sure that the mom is getting food for the
kids and we're on top of that. So, a lot of things seem to be coming out now, but what I've done with the pantry in the last 3 years has been amazing. And the collaboration that we do, and I'm the kind of person who if I find something
that I feel I can repurpose or rehome, I'm going to do it. Like, I don't want to see briefs go in the the, you know, landfill. If we can find a home for those, then I'm willing to drive around. I mean, two years ago, I drove all the way out to Springfield and gave him to a nursing home out there. He was
>> That's not That's not That is the issue. There's got to, as Trish said, there's got to be a balance >> because when we when we look at your report and you had blood pressure clinic, nobody came. You did this, nobody came. And then you did food,
>> it it appears from the outside it's more heavily weighted to food challenge when there's so much there's so much more, >> right? Just to add to that, it's >> you have a you have the whole town and that is one part of it >> and so you it just can't be the food
pantry >> subset. It has to be the entire town that we're addressing issues to. >> Absolutely. So I >> Go ahead. Sorry. >> Um so she was saying blood pressure clinic nobody showed up. Have we identified like potential barriers on
why that's occurring and what >> there's not many people that that use the senior center I don't know why. Okay. I know I >> well there are classes and things like that where there's quite a bit of attendance and so you wonder because there people who come to me and talk
about that you're you you wonder would that be beneficial or Jim came home with a newsletter now and said this would be wonderful to have some board of health stuff in the newsletter. So things like that that would and I don't know where that newsletter comes from. I heard about the newsletter through the
Slackboard, >> but that Yeah, those are all avenues to >> I learned about that this week. >> Put a little tidbit or >> again, you know, because we're we're not dealing with people that are savvy with the internet or savvy with websites all
the time, especially when you're talking about seniors. So, present, you know, something they can visualize bullet points for me. Um, but but I would just just it it sounds like you're already kind of refocusing and putting putting your minds together, but
again, no criticism of what you're doing, >> but that can't be, you know, 75% of what your week is. >> No. And unfortunately, I mean, we tried to do many things. So, the one of the programs that I thought would take off in Southwick was the maternal home visit
for the newborns that I I looked it up. Yeah. um you voted to accept that on December 5th of 2024. There's not been one person that took advantage of that. Not one. >> And it's funny because I've never heard of it. >> So every newborn that came in
>> No, I know. But if I don't hear about it. >> Yeah. So every newborn that came in, >> we were sending out these. We had created postcards that >> to their home to their home. Mothers were getting it was directed at them. And >> we had it on our district website. I'm
not sure if Tom Hibbert had it posted on the South website, but again coming in now, I need to just be I'm looking at all different avenues of where things were missing. So, I'm working to >> I sent it to the only pediatric practice in Southwick. Um, ask them, post it,
post the flyer, please give the information out >> and now we're seeing an updated for sure. So, I actually recently just emailed both the nurses and said we can consult out through the grant to get doulas to come in. And I'm proposing
that we do maybe some free birth birthing classes on the weekends, try to get accessibility to the towns um for new parents um who are interested in that. I don't know if it will get attendance, but that's our worry. If we pay a consultant and we don't get anybody to come, we still have to pay
her and then we lose those grant funds. So, it's always a, you know, we can do a signup sheet, but we've had times where we've done a signup sheet and gotten people and nobody comes. >> So, >> I had a presentation at the library. Seven people, seven people signed up, one person showed up. When I did the
presentation for one person, I'm like, "Hey, you're here. I'm here. Let's do it." So, it's >> No, I get it. I get it. We're always We get it. It's just It's interesting. So trying to navigate and just more >> one thing that Kayleen and I were very
>> upset about is the Narcan distribution boxes, the pooling of the opioid funds. We put so much work into that and our board would not agree to do that. They would not pull the funds. Even powers that be in Southwick don't want Narcan
distribution boxes. Yeah. It's it it's very frustrating for us. You know, these are all public health um objectives and we get stonewalled. It should be at the on the bike trail. There should be narcan. There should be narcan of the
>> establish having a >> we do see a decent there's a decent amount of overdose. Um not so much death by by use but definitely some overdoses. um speaking with EMS, the fire department, and when I proposed the
Narcan boxes, um you get this a lot in public health is will it promote the use of drugs if there's support for Narcan to be, you know, present at the town hall or at the bike paths or um I propose near the lake. >> Um
>> and tapestry monitor they are studies provide that show that it does not >> definitely it's harm reduction. So I definitely can print that out. There's there's many many studies on and there's only so much you can do with the >> we also haven't had deaths in in the for the use they're thinking it's possible
our EMT or you know medics feel that they have a handle of it. Mhm. >> So, >> well, and there's a website and in 2024 there were two deaths due to opio. It's on South Yes. There's no stats for 2025. That's the >> but 2024 is the most recent stats. If
you go to it, it says two opioid related deaths in South Lake. >> Okay. >> So, I guess that would be you look up the recommendations. What's the rate of deaths? >> You know what I mean? I I I'm not an expert in that, but >> yeah, >> like she said, having studies that
>> support our children's not the first to ask that. >> Of course. Of course. >> Yeah. I don't think any drug user thinks I'm not going to shoot up because I'm going to overdose, but oh, I can shoot up. I never can. Yeah. >> Yeah. No, >> I mean I don't know. Maybe we'll do. But
>> yes, >> I I think it does more benefit than harm. And that may have something to do in the future where you bring tapestry in here and offer that presentation and let them speak to the people that are >> they're the experts questioning
>> who's giving the push back. >> A lot. Yeah. >> Yeah. It's not one specific group. It was it was >> probably three or four. >> And they're getting more money from the opioid. >> Yeah. >> So there and the it can only be used for certain reasons. And the one thing that
I've always been a proponent for is we need more sharps dispensers and we do not have one in town hall and the grant would pay for that. Like the you could use it for um that and and I actually we actually had a gentleman come into the
um office and he is a resident of South. He went to fire department to drop off the sharps and they wouldn't take them because they had medication in them. He went to the police department. They wouldn't take them because they're sharps. So here's this, you know, so he
came here and I Karen called me and I said, "Take them. I'll get rid of them for him." I come in, it's Lovenox, >> boxes of Lovenox. I'm like, what would he have done with, you know, he probably had a situation trying to do the right thing and dispose it correctly? >> And he was upset that no one's wrong.
>> He went three places. He's one out of how many, you know, so we're doing a disservice to the people that are trying to do it right. And how many injectables are there today? Think of all the weight loss meds. So many. >> Okay. >> So, yeah. So, we got to do better. You
know, it's like it's frustrating for me. >> So, any other questions of truth? Was she have any other questions of us cuz woman's own? >> The only other thing I wanted to say is I looked at the um presentations that I offered in 2024, which were 19, and then
in 2025 there was 34. So, that's an increase of 79%. of presentations and then I already have whatever this is. >> We just got to figure out a way to get people to to attend. >> Yes. >> Okay. We have free pens we can give.
>> Yes. Yeah. >> Got to we got to do some handouts. People love the handouts. >> Goodies they can buy. >> Okay. Um so do you have any general updates that weren't covered in your welcome? Thank you. Thank you.
>> So for the Western Hampton County Public Health Yeah. Is was this the one for her? The >> health fair. Yes. Oh, yeah. We're working on that together. Yeah. >> Okay. So, I um because I'm like a neat break. >> Okay. >> I kind of revamped. >> Oh, I like it.
>> And then I did like a bullet point just so it's easier and more aesthetic to the eye. Yes. >> They were just sitting on the couch. Is that okay? And then the pantry I just kind of >> Yeah. >> If you're okay with that, I just want to make sure that is not mine. Yes. And then I will >> get that out.
>> Okay. interrupting that. Thank you. >> Um, for the Western Hampton County Public Health District, we have a meeting next Wednesday at 5:30. I sent the agenda to everybody, so I'm hoping that we get either the primary or secondary for all six towns. Um, general
updates for the district. We're continuing to spend down the funds as much as we can. Um, it's been a struggle to get things approved for spending. Um I proposed doing sunscreen dispensers at the parks, at the town halls or at um the bike paths and it was rejected
unfortunately um due to it was a pass out item um which I thought it was a great opportunity to promote some safety, skin safety um so we run into those blockades a lot. Um so just any ideas you all have um we're always
looking for suggestions for programs to run. Um, that's why I thought maybe that free birthing class would be a great opportunity for new parents. Um, so always thinking of new ways to spend down the funds, but they're happy with how much we've spent. I think so far to date we've spent 126,000 of the $300,000
grant. So we're doing pretty good for half year. >> Well, just cuz I'm It's been a long time. >> Uh, is it something they're required to do? >> No. >> Would be voluntary to do it. So they're not Cuz I'm trying to remember back in the day. >> I didn't have to do it. >> I didn't have to. Right. Okay. It's just
a suggestion. It's not a requirement. >> Nope. So, it's just for like new parents who don't know anything about it or are nervous about it. They could come talk to a doula or midwife even. I'm not sure who we'd be able to get to come in, but if they had questions, could be an opportunity. >> They actually know what a doula is. That
may be, you know, because I started a service way back when >> and and people until they figured out this a helper around the house. Is this, you know, you can have a postpartum doula? you can have a link for doula. >> Um, >> so in the flyer I would definitely probably put what a doula is just for
accessibility and for understanding. Um, or if it was a midwife explain what a midwife is. Um, so I reached out to Bay State to see if they have any consultants that come out. Um, I know they have private doula >> doulas who aren't associated with the hospital. I think ideally we'd want
somebody associated with a hospital just so that we could put that on the the newsletter so people know it's associated with a hospital or associated with wherever they're choosing to give birth perhaps. >> Who did you reach out to? >> I can find her contact. Was it somebody
like within um like b.org. >> Okay. union. >> One thing you could do is reach out directly to somebody um in western women's >> as opposed to just based.org. >> Okay,
that is good advice. I will definitely try somebody else. >> Okay, so then um any questions on that on the district? Okay, so we already kind of talked a little bit about crates tea house. I know we're going to do a little bit more discussion later. >> Private well regulations. I'm just now
the last couple two weeks I've been really getting into the nittygritty of the um proposed wellregs, the ones that we could adopt. Um I don't know how much you guys had talked prior with Tom Hbert when he kind of put this out. Um the
proposed well regulations I did have a discussion with Tom H um sorry Tom Fitzgerald. He said it's going to be quite difficult to adopt the regulations the proposed regulations. So, it would be yearly requirements to test your well as well as point of sale to test your
well. And that's a lot to ask of people as well as we barely get people to submit their title five reports or their pumping records. So, I think adding another item that they would have to submit to the board of health yearly is going to be a struggle. Um, so I just
think we before I kind of there's a few contacts to reach out to for the well regulations that can come and kind of help us and talk to us about what we think would work best for Southwick. Um, so just something to keep in mind and I'll also email you guys the proposed regulations that we could do with the
different elements. But just kind of seeing what you guys thought um would be a good first start for me. Like do you think it's possible in Southwick? I don't to be very honest. I think we'd have a hard time policing that, making sure that people do submit their well
reports to us. Um, but I do think it's important at least to maybe we can set an amount of time. So maybe not yearly, but every 5 years or every 10, depending on what you all think would work because some some houses when I open up files,
we don't have a well report from the point of sale in 1993, if we even have it. So then you ask them, "When was the last time you had your well tested?" Oh, I don't do that. >> I think it's a good step to show us the regs again. I remember when we talked
about it and it is ownorous. Yes. >> For for land owners. Um and in my personal opinion is we have we have overdue inspections and we food inspections and and still some eye
permitting. I I would say we get those things ironed out before we take if this is not a requirement at this point, but that's I'm >> No, I agree. >> No, I agree. >> But I just wanted to make sure you all know that I'm looking at it and and exploring it because definitely we need
to adopt that that's coming soon. Um they're very old and and more towns are much more advanced than us. Um so making sure that we kind of get up to par a little bit would be good. Um and I do talk about it a little bit in my report. um a situation with a well that I think
if we had better well regulations, we wouldn't be in the situation we're kind of in. Um but I could talk about that a little later. >> I do agree, but I also think water is such a huge source of health. >> Yep. >> Right. So not a priority at this moment,
but I think it should become a priority. Yes. Maybe within the next year or so. >> I definitely think it should be a 2026 priority. Like maybe end of the year. Yeah. I I definitely think it's our year priority. Um and then with the perk expirations, again, I think that I haven't explored due to my knowledge in
title five. I know Tom Fitzgerald is going to try to get to one of our board of health meetings soon, hopefully next month, and he would definitely know more about it than I do. Um with the sand quality and the soil quality in Southwick, we probably could extend our perk expiration dates. Um but he could give more advice um in the next couple
of months on the regulations for that if you guys are okay with that. And up until now, we've that I think you've been you've been attending even before you were on the board, Erica, but but we've been taking it uh one case at
at a time and it would be a little less ownorous if we uh had had some regulation on that. So, that' be good if Tom can come. >> Yep. So, for now, it's a case by case basis. We don't get a ton of of perks that are expired. Um, so far I know it's
only been a couple of months, so not going to move, we don't get a ton, but um, for now it can be the case to basis until we can adopt an amendment to the regulations. >> Well, it sounds like the science supports it that you know, >> our soils really don't change unless we're in there's a few specific areas
according to Tom where they would kind of change, but the sandy areas they're remain they're remaining sandy for now. >> Okay, >> perfect. Any questions on the old business? >> No. >> Perfect. So, health director's report. Um, from January 1st until January 29th,
we took in 29 total applications. About $4,345 was collected in fees. Um, and inspections. I was able to do the reinspection of New Main Moon. So, they're off. They're doing really well. I'm going to go for another reinspection probably sometime in the next couple of
weeks just to make sure we're go going good. >> Dollar with the new Mayoon. You said that they had had 11 violations >> of it. 21. >> 21 violations. Okay. And did they correct all 21? >> They probably corrected, I would say,
18. So, I felt good about reopening them. And I had gone with the state representative who is our my public health trainer who's um was with me at the first inspection. And she was really happy with the progress they had made. So, we both felt comfortable to let them reopen. And I did tell them I'm going to
be coming for reinspections more often due to the egregious violations that I had seen. Um, and they were totally okay with that. They agreed with it. And making sure that their hood, I had also the fire inspector out with me. Their hood was six months out of date. And Chinese food regulation or Chinese food
establishments with a lot of grease should be getting their hoods cleaned every 3 months, maybe even more frequently. Yeah. >> Um, so working with the fire department really closely to make sure that we're looking at these hoods because I'm seeing a lot of establishments when I go to food and food establishments that
have out of hoods, which is a really scary fire risk. Um, but that's less me more the fire department. So, we're working together quite a bit. >> Well, a lot of the fire hydrants are buried. They've been taking them out. >> They're working hard. They're working hard. Um, so yeah. So, they're doing pretty good, but I'm going to go back
make sure we're on the, you know, going in the right direction. Um, Dollar General, that is the new Dollar General that opened on College Highway. They asked me to come out for their tobacco inspection um on the 1st of January. They were not ready for my tobacco inspection whatsoever. They didn't have
the proper signage. They didn't have what items they were going to be selling. >> They didn't know if they were going to be selling cigars, which you need a license for. So, they are not allowed to operate to their tobacco permit until they figure that out. And I have not had a message for a reinspection. So, they
are currently not selling tobacco. Um, so we'll see about that one. I did an inspection at the launch, Blackboard, Congam, D&J's Hash House, Walgreens, which is just a retail inspection. That was very easy. Um, and then kettleb bread. All of them. I'm seeing the same
kind of violations that I've been seeing. So, date marking, really not knowing when foods were made. They're in the freezer and refrigerator with no date of when it was made, when it needs to be thrown out. Um, really promoting
handashing, wearing gloves. Um, we've been talking with both the public health nurses. I'm really stressing that we need to create presentations and really promote our food establishments to come in and talk about date marking, what the process should look like, um, and and
make sure that we're following the food safety protocols as much as possible. Um what was the copy place that closed down uh near Kongman? Was it Drift? >> Yes, Drift Cafe and um Lakeside Tavern. They that owner uh is going to the
select board to try to get his liquor license back. He is looking to find somebody new to come in. Um a new restaurant to come in. So Drift and Lakeside are not coming back. >> Okay. And remind me again why Drift closed. >> Quite a few things. More on the fire
side. They had a lot of fire uh code issues and then for me there was rodents in the basement. The ice machine that they were serving people was very um they had some violation. They had quite a laundry list of
violations, but they chose to close and not reopen. So, um next D&J's Hash House was doing a really great job. The launch was fantastic. They're a really clean establishment doing good work. And Kettlebred as well.
Um permit renewals. I'm still waiting on some components of permit renewals for the following establishments. Um Kettlebred, I am waiting on an updated safe serve safe manager and their awareness certificate. So they have not been issued their permit. And I
did when I went to his inspection on the 22nd, I let him know of that. He told me he would come in and he still has not. Um, White Sand Sunspa facility. I'm still waiting on the payment for their permit. Um, the pools and food trucks,
uh, I'm waiting for the season to inspect those and then I will issue their permits, but they're all doing pretty good. And then I had two convenience stores. So, Saunders Package Store and Sunny's Convenience. I have been waiting since the beginning of October for them to send me their Massachusetts cigarette licenses. So, I
took it upon myself and went and took photos of them myself um so that I could issue their permits because I did not want them to go past February 1st without permits. Um especially selling tobacco that you know is something that's very dangerous. So, I wanted to
make sure we did that. Um so, I did that last week. So, they're they have their permits now. Um then Avalon Life Celebration Center and Cremation Services, they don't have a permit. They haven't gone for one. I've left messages. I'm both the town clerk and the select board
knows that they operate their facility in Westfield. They're thinking that they closed their establishment in Southwick. So, there hasn't been anybody there. I I don't think they have anybody there. So, I think that's all set. I think they're just closing. But, I am going to keep following up with them just to make sure that they're not operating without a
funeral director's license. But, that's the update on that one. Um, so I am just asking I looked back at some of our previous minutes and we had voted um back on the 31st of January 2025 um to
send cease and desist letters for February 1st for businesses that have not given us all components of their establishments. Um so that would be sending cease and desist letters to Kettlebred Whit Sand Sunspa and that's it. Um, so just making sure I get your
guys' approval before I do that. >> Did we look at that letter? Have we had a chance to look at that letter? So I think >> the season assist. Yeah. >> Yeah. Seasoned assist. I have not said that would be good for let us look at that. >> So I will send that to you all and then once you do the edits and whatnot, I
will I will send that out to those two businesses. Um, it should be easy. I mean, I'm just waiting on $125 payment from the tanning facility and and two documents that their employees already have for kettleb bread. So, it's just a quick email. I just couldn't take photos of them when I was at the inspection
because they didn't have them printed. So, it's nothing, you know, not major. Yeah, >> nothing major. They just shouldn't have shouldn't be operating without their permit. >> Correct. >> Um housing cases. 403 College Highway was the residents that had the refues
located outside their facility or house, sorry. Um but due to snow piling up and it difficult for them to get out the refues and the um unregistered vehicles, I have seen some good faith effort. They were able to remove the two mattresses in the front yard. Um I contacted the
owner. They're still working. I'm giving them until early spring when the snow is gone. I'm weary of that. We want to make sure that there's that good faith ever of removing that refuge. Um and then the building department deals with the um unregistered vehicles. So he sent them a second violation as well. 16 Congaban
Road. That is that housing authority property. I had insp scheduled reinspections for January 28th and then I had she had to reschedule to January 29th which she canceled as well. I have it rescheduled for tomorrow. Um if there
is another cancellation, I will be sending a notice of inspection with a mandated day to be sent because she does have six children. I want to ensure that the heat is going on. The housing authority did alert me that they were able to catch four to five rodents and the children have alerted the school
that they are not seeing any more rodents. So, I'm hoping >> they are off to a good start. The housing authority was able to clean up. They had two small holes in the basement. So, I said I um in my inspection wanted to make sure that they closed those cuz rodents can get can get
in and they were able to do that. So, I think um I'm hoping the 16 Congaban is on the up and up and like Trisha had stated um the owner or sorry, the occupant of 16 Congaban is facing some food insecurities and some difficult
times. So, we put her in connection with the food pantry and she is getting food for her and her children as well as I was able to talk with the school nurse and the guidance counselor and just make sure that the kids are okay cuz obviously that's my main concern is that all the people in the house are feeling
safe and have heat and running water which they said they do but it does get cold in the house and that they do wear winter jackets to bed. So, again, really trying to get in the house by tomorrow. Um, it's scheduled for 10:00 a.m. So, I hope I have a good understanding of what's happening in that house. And the
housing authority is wonderful. She'll fill the oil tank if there's no heat. She's she wants to make sure that they're they're safe and have heat, especially in these colder months. >> Now, do we know um do they have like sufficient blankets that could maybe help keep them warm? >> So, I in my meeting with the school, the
police department and the guidance counselors have given them numerous clothes, >> blankets. They gave them a space heater, which to our housing code, we don't we don't approve of space heaters. I think it's not allowed in the um lease
agreement that they have with the housing authority, but due to the cold weather and the fact that they're going through tough times, they are allowing the um space heaters for now. I'm okay with it just because there's so many kids and they have a DCF agent involved. So, I'm just trying to make sure the
kids are safe. >> No, I get it. But then it's a safety. >> It is. So, I've talked with the fire inspector. Um, and he's aware of it as well. So, he's going to hopefully be able to come with me tomorrow to the inspection. And if the heat's still kind of teetering on the lower end, I'm going
to alert Karen Casey and have her fill the oil tank if she is able to so that we don't have them running that space heater. >> Yeah. No, it just you have to think of worst case >> Yeah. worst case scenario. We don't want to think that worst case scenario with them running. >> Yeah. And at first, the first inspection
I was there, I did, you know, really alert her we shouldn't be running this at night. We should really be >> weary of when we're running it. They they only have one and it's in the living room because a few of the kids sleep in the living room together. So >> hopefully we're we're in the right
direction with that. I think we are. >> Um 10 Laurel Ridge Lane. The owner called to inform the health department that a resident of the home was diagnosed with the same type of cancer that the previous owner had passed away from. Um, the owner wanted the health department to look into the well
reports, which the we only had one from 2012, which was the time of sale. Um, I encouraged the owner to get a wellwater tested, but I I obviously couldn't mandate that. But I said if they believed their levels could be high, I always encourage you to test your well.
Um, but I also alerted that we can't confirm any sort of link between the cancer and wellwater. there could be a lot, you know, a numerous amount of things leading to cancer. Um, but obviously wanted him to feel supported by the health department in any way. So, wanted him to make sure that he sent us
that well report. >> So, hopefully he's getting that done. So, that I thought that was an interesting little weird that it's the same exact type of cancer. So, wanted to be treading lightly on that one. Um, and then 283 College Highway and they only called the health department regarding
health concerns of the property that they bought back in 2022. Um, she said the septic system was repaired prior to being bought. Um, she had questions of uncertain activities happening in the house before she bought it. Um, I stated that failure of a septic system can
happen for a wide variety of reasons, but then she expressed that both her and her animals both now have respiratory problems. So, I offered a comprehensive inspection to check for mold or moisture in the property. Um the owner said she was setting up a mold specialist to come to the property though and then would
follow up with me. So just offering my services if I can. Um and we'll see if we get you know anyone we'll see what update we get. >> Um there I just thought it was interesting both the animals and her now have asthma. So definitely
>> leads me to think there's something in the house maybe mold or mildew or there's a lot of things. So hopefully that remediation specialist can kind of give them more answers or I can go for the inspection. Um Tom Fitzgerald's been pretty busy with Title 5. He has done a few plan reviews for 11 Silvergrass, 772
College Highway, 59 Vining Hill, Five Partridge Lane. Then he did two final inspections at two John Mason and four Pearlbrook. He also did per tests at five P uh Partridge Lane. And then I went out with D is rebuilding the system
at the south of Villages. So that's obviously a large scale system. So I went out on 116. They're in the process. They were doing some perk test there and they will be starting that project very soon. That's a large project. So the EP is going to be out there for quite some time. >> Be very interested. Yes. It's um so one
plan review that Tom Hibbert wanted me to talk with you all about is the 772 College Highway. He had approved that plan. So that allowed that building to start being built. It's going to be that dentist office with the spa and the four one-bedroom apartments. Uh but Tom wants
us to write an addendum letter because in title 5 one-bedroom apartments, if the system is built for onebedroom, it according to title 5 needs to be housing for the elderly, so 55 or older. So I did alert the planning board um that that letter will be coming. I'm not sure
how the planning board goes about regulating that and policing that, but it's strongly encouraged through title five for that for that to be for 55 or older. Um, so just ensuring that those go. >> So it it's a building. It's not like I'm I'm going to the dentist and I can spend
the night. >> The planning board mandated that there be housing in the dentist office and there's going to be I believe it's two stories. So, there's going to be a spa on top or a hair salon and then on the sides are going to be
one-bedroom apartments, four of them. Um, and due to that one bedroom and the water amount that needs to be the daily gallons per day, um, it needs to be for elderly people according to title 5. So, Tom wants I will be writing that letter. >> Okay.
>> Um, very interesting. I don't know how we're going to police that either because unless I get an occupant complaint and I walk in and somebody's under the age of 55, but that feels age discriminatory. So, I'm not sure if I can say that you don't look under 55. >> Okay.
>> Well, it feels like too that the building inspector should be open some of that. >> So, I did I did tell Joe the building inspector about that as well or Tom Fitzgerald did, I should say. Um, so he's aware of that as well and the planning department's aware of it. So hopefully we can it's a very interesting
title five >> um issue. And then last one for septic was to hmel lame. A building a builder is looking to use an old well and septic system that was issued a COC back in 1993. He was requesting to do uh nothing and
get approval from the board of health to start building immediately. I spoke with Tom Fitzgerald and that is not allowed. he needs to get a title five done and a well report done to make sure that both the septic system and the well are working properly. Um I did say if you would like to come to the board for a
hearing um he's more than welcome to. I did not receive u a notice for requesting a hearing though. >> Okay. >> Um for the I already talked about the western Hammond County. We had a Hammond County Health Coalition meeting back on the 8th. Um the coalition is discussing upcoming coalition crisis and emergency
risk communication projects along with chemical biological re radiological nuclear trainings. >> But no black death >> no black death. So they did also talk about the nepa virus um happening in India. So I'm hoping that does not come
and jump over the pond. >> I'm really hoping that we do not see anything more about that. Um, so that's that's a monthly training just emergency preparedness. And then lastly, the air sensor grant. They were able to get that up at Powdermill. Um, our Steve, our
maintenance guy, is working to get that up by the 17th at the town hall in the DPW. And I can send you guys >> actually very interesting to see the link is there. I just can't get on because I don't have the Wi-Fi. Okay. >> Is there a way to get on that? Are you able to? >> It's cell phone. It's that one. And then
I believe it is 45. just just put >> I don't know if it's public. It might be >> I don't know either. >> But it's interesting. I I hope that worked. >> Um but it's interesting. It's we are seeing a wide range of data coming from it. So really good quality in the
afternoon and then not so great in the morning. But >> see if I can pull it up. >> Apparently that's normal. So >> um annual town report is due on February 20th. Oh darn it's not working. Um, I did send that rough draft I had. Um, if anyone has any edits, I can always make
those before the 20th due date. The only question I had, Massachusetts general law, usually Trisha had done the Southwork 2025 infectious disease case counts. The recommendation, of course, according to Massachusetts general law that I can read is that anything under
five should just be a less than five. um not a specific case count, but it's up to you all if you'd like to keep it. I don't love to say certain diseases we've only had one. Um I would rather it say less than five, but totally up to you
guys. Um Trisha thought Trisha thought you could leave it as the the number, but last year we did the less than five. Um and Tom said that that was due to Massachusetts general law. So I want to make sure that we follow >> I personally would prefer that. >> Okay. >> Yeah, >> that's what I thought. if it's according
to law we need to do. >> Yes. Right. That's what I thought number. Right. >> Yep. So I'll I'll find the the law and put it underneath. So that's the only change I'll probably make is that most of these will be less than five except for our large ones. Co >> norovirus fl those are our big ones.
>> Okay. >> So I might have and and I wanted to review that again. I just I just uh skimmed over it. Yep. >> I I think that we we just might want to craft the last
line a little bit based upon our our um pantry discussion. >> Absolutely. >> Accept cookies maybe. >> I don't know why it's not working. >> Real time map. >> I don't know either. >> I'll try rescending it. >> I'm getting this website. I don't know
if this means >> and I'm accepting. All right. >> Interesting. I'll try to resend that. Um, >> anything other on your >> Nope. I sent the budget to accounting back on the 9th. Um, I haven't heard any discussion if we need to do those Saturday meetings yet. I think the
select board is still reviewing if we'll need to do that. Um, the only thing that I did not add to the budget that I'm now thinking for FY28 will really need to consider is funding for our public health nurse. Unfortunately, what I'm hearing through the grapevine is we're
going to be losing federal funding for our public health excellence grant unfortunately that does fund our nurses um as well as the um the whole public health grant and the shared service grant. So, um we'll have to be brainstorming the need for a public
health nurse if we could do part-time or will we want full-time. Um but that's kind of coming down the line. We still have >> twin. >> Yep. We still have funding until July 1st of 2027. So, we get one more year um with the nurses. >> Can we reattempt?
>> Yeah. So, the they're losing the federal funding because it's like emergency preparedness funding that the administration has canled. So, Massachusetts is proposing $15 million to be allocated to the budget from Governor Moraley. It needs to get passed though. So, if it doesn't get passed,
then we don't have the funding. Um, so hopefully legislators pass that through and we can continue this grant because I >> we'll see. >> Hopefully the state will come correct. >> Yes. >> All right. >> That was my >> my director's report and the 2025 annual
report draft. Um, so then >> I think that was it. >> No executives. >> Anything else from um for our general meeting before we go into executive session? I had just um I didn't hear what you guys had said about the minutes
and I apologize, but could you repeat why you voted to not approve them? >> We will approve them, Cindy, but um with the changes that I that I'll send you and Kaine, >> just the only part I didn't hear. That's
all I heard it. Sorry. >> And again, it's because I'm OCD. >> That's fine. >> Perfect. Thank you, Sund. All right. So, no questions and we'll go into >> All right, then. Do I hear a motion to adjourn and go into executive session?
>> Sure. Motion to adjurnn and go into executive session. >> Do I hear a second? >> I second. >> Okay. And and all in favor? >> Um, so we are unanimously terminating the ending the meeting and going into executive session. >> So, according to Massachusetts General
Law, Chapter 3A, section 21, number two. All righty.