Uh yeah, looks like you just did. Uh >> um okay, thank you. Yeah, I won't be able I'm not sure what's up. Um okay, you left a couple opinions.
We'll deal with that. Okay. Okay. So, I call to order the March 2nd, 2026 meeting of the Yarmouth Board of Health. And number two is attendance time. Uh, a couple important things. Uh, Charlie
Hallway has finished his last term and, uh, we have a new person on board and that's Scott Brewer. Scott's a licensed nursing home administrator. Is that correct? Yes.
>> And we're really pleased to have you on board with some expertise especially that none of us have. Um you say hello. >> Well, hello everybody. I'm definitely pleased to be here. Um I'm a licensed nursing home administrator. Um I've been
on the Cape for about four and a half years now. Um in that capacity, originally from Western Massachusetts, moved here to be the administrator at Windsor Skilled Nursing. and I'm currently at Mayflower Place in West Yarmouth. Um so just pleased to be here and um excited to to be a part of the
group. So thank you for the opportunity. >> Appreciate being here. >> That's great. >> So Scott, you're taking attendance. Are you still here? >> I'm here. >> Okay. I am. I'm Hillard Mary >> here. >> Eric here. >> Okay. There's your quorum. Uh public
comment as as usual. So uh those who are in the room or who are listening telephone or zooming in. Uh just so you know, this is a time for someone to come forward if they have some comments they would like to make. They need to be a
resident or work in town here. Uh if people do have comments or questions about the hearing tonight for the cratom, I would wait until we reach that point in our agenda.
So otherwise, do we have anyone who's in the audience here would like to speak? Not yet. I see. And we any hands up there? >> I do not see any hands up. >> Okay, that would bring us to number
four. By the way, uh Scott, any questions? Obviously, you're new at it. Um ask any of us. There's a chance one of us may know what the answer is to your question, but we'll figure it out if we don't. Anything?
>> Nothing as of yet. >> Okay. >> I'm sure I'll have plenty and I'll I'll direct them your way. >> We're only up to number four. So, >> so far so good. >> Okay. So, this is a public hearing. Okay. In your first meeting. Um, and let's
Okay. So, um, the hearing is about essentially, well, here's the regulations. is the town of Yarmouth Board of Health regulation prohibiting the manufacturing, sale and distribution of synthetic and natural derived credum
unregulated novel intoxicating products. It's a long title for it. Um so there um the regulation it's written um and that's because the board of health wants to move forward with it and to put
together formal regulations. So um this is the opportunity for people to give opinions to the board questions for sure. >> I don't see Hands raised on the Zoom. >> This is going to be a brief public hearing
so far. >> Yeah, that's why I'm trying to see if anyone's I mean, I don't want to cut people off as someone who's trying to figure out Zoom here or if not, we would go to a vote. >> We did we did get a lot of emails um and
those were uploaded to >> Yes. >> because many of them from out of town. >> Okay. I've gotten certainly a lot of positive and negatives. I can tell you one the people in favor of the ban gave
some very personal scenarios about their experience and their families and had some devastating outcomes. These were usually offspring who were using the product using great
and the people who were certainly against it felt that they're using the product and it's helpful for them that um most commonly letters I received
emails I guess mainly were saying that it was product was helpful for them who are dealing with certain substance abuse mainly opiates. This product
um does interact with the what are called receptors or the same things in our body that respond to the opiates. And that may have been helping people uh with the substance abuse it uh
tradem or so as an addiction to the product. Personally, I felt one big issue was I could not find anywhere where generally physicians are treating people with it.
contacted several physicians and their specialty is is pain relief. No one's using it. And it's at a time when I think clinicians are looking for alternatives to opiates for their patients who are suffering from pain. So
they really would want to and people shared with me the clinicians that they didn't feel comfortable because there wasn't a regulated product. And that was one of the big issues. Anyone else? Just for the audience who's
not speaking up, would >> I'm just wondering were there any respondents from Yarmas that were against it? There was one at the WSAC meeting who works at Duffy. Yes.
She did provide um personal story. Um she did provide a story with someone but other than that everything's been people want to proceed. I'm going to make a motion here to decide whether or not um
to put the regulations into it. But obviously I think one hearing is plenty since what happened here tonight. >> Just so you're aware um this I did make. The only change I made on the copies that you gave is I took um Mr. Brewer's name off since he hasn't been part of
it. So it will just be the signatures of this bill. >> I move that we approve um the Tonic Yamath Board of Health regulation prohibiting the manufacturing, sale and distribution of synthetic and naturally
derived unregulated novel intoxicating products and that it be effective. >> Yeah. That would give some time for certainly store owners. Yeah. >> April 1st, 2026.
>> Second. Okay. So, any further discussion? Anyone? Okay. Let's let's vote. All in favor raise your hand, say I. I. I. So, >> that passes um unanimously.
Okay. Uh, >> that's more work for Phil. >> Yeah, it is. You know, >> it got it. This will be an easy one. >> Okay, good. >> The last one we passed.
>> Okay. >> You know, just I mean, people are self treating themselves. That always concerns me. It's very tempting certainly even clinicians to It's just not the way to go about >> especially when it's not regulated. So
even if you recommended it for your patient >> where they're going to get it and what >> you comment on >> well it's voted in so I think we're that's it. Um and the problem is even if
it's there companies who are bringing on someone to evaluate their processing there's conflict of interest if it's regulated by someone the company's you know is hiring. So okay let's let's move on then.
Okay, number five there, um, is April then. Um, okay. So, would you introduce yourself? >> Yes. My name is Shelby Ray. I'm one of the victim advocates over at Yarmouth Police Department. Um, I work alongside
another advocate named Annie Catalano, who was supposed to be here tonight, but unfortunately she was unable to last minute. So, I apologize about that. Go ahead. >> Um, so I'm here, um, thanks to Connecting with Sarah and thank you all
for having me, um, to talk about something that we do for the month of April. Uh, we run a campaign in honor of sexual assault awareness month at the Yarmouth Police Department. We've done it for the past couple years now. Um, it's a public awareness campaign that
was first started in 2011 by an organization called Avowi or End Violence Against Women International. And we've been lucky enough at YPD, US victim advocates have had some prior grant funds that have been able to be
utilized to really make this campaign our own and to have our own campaign the past couple years through the a valley start by believing campaign. So, as the years have gone on, it's kind of just gotten bigger and bigger, and we've tried to be more inclusive of all
the town departments and agencies and organizations throughout the town um to really just get the message out wherever we can, whether that's at the schools, at events that take place in the community, in roles that Annie and I have every day. Um, so this year we
wanted to include the health department as much as possible, uh, just to continue to spread the Um, I should start by saying the the main goal of the start by believing campaign is that it's a >> recording in progress >> public awareness campaign that really just aims to continue to end the cycle
of silence when it comes to sexual assault and just work to continue to have the society respond to supporting survivors. So that can be community members, it can be friends and family, it can be law enforcement, it can be in your professional roles, whatever that
might be. This is the messaging behind it and the campaign can be tailored to anywhere. Um, so just a little real spark notes version of the overview of the campaign and I have some printed materials as
well if you're interested in seeing them. Um, I'd be happy to pass them out or I could provide them to you after. Um, and there will of course be more coming in April. Would you like me to hand out a couple while I have it here? Also the white ribbon
>> ribbon is actually that's still something we partake in and is very involved in that as last year. >> Are these available on the PD website or do you mind if we put these up on our website? >> Oh, yeah, absolutely.
If you can uh get us electronic version sent to myself and Sarah, we can get them put up on the >> Again, this is kind of just an overly question, but when it comes down to it, it's pretty pretty straightforward. Their website and the online is also super
accessible and easy to to digest. So, I would suggest looking at that, too. Um, at some point, um, one of the things that we're going to be doing as our partnership with the health the health department is we're hoping to have a couple videos, slideshows. They're both
very brief, about five minutes each, uh, played throughout the month on a specific day as well. And that also is a really good way to get a better why this all came about and how it's affected communities across the country. It is actually now an international campaign,
too. Um, which is pretty cool to see via those two videos. I did not put those videos within my PowerPoint because I just figured you folks would be able to watch them on your own time, your own accord. Um, and I'll make sure that those get sent out to you as well.
>> We get the link and people watch them on their own through our website. >> Yeah. idea. This just had to be in there for some of the just to get a feel for like what it kind of looks like graphic wise. Um,
so we specifically as part of our campaign, we also designed a special police cruiser that maybe you folks have seen the past couple years. Throughout the month of April, we've done three cruisers. Now, we partner with Simple Signs right out of Hyannis. Um, they're
fantastic to work with. And we designed an SUV cruiser for the month of April that has the messaging and the colors of it's still TBD what this year is going to look like. I'm getting my final prototypes done tomorrow with Simple
Science. But again, it's just maybe like a it's like a moving billboard that we place in locations all around town. right out front. It's usually the kickoff that we do because it's a huge point of attraction and gets people talking. And then we also make a point to have the cruiser
responding to emergency calls on the road with officers as well. Uh we also take it to all sorts of specific events throughout the month of April. So that's a really good way to continue to catch the eye of the public and the the community members that we work with and
just continue to spread the the mission of the STAR I believe >> high school. >> Yep. We have gone to the high school the past couple years as well. Yep. And the SRO's are super helpful with helping us coordinate that and they've been very receptive to it. And um last year we
were able to go in and speak to them a little bit further and make sure that they have all the printed materials as well. just resources that folks even at the school or in the community might not be aware of that that exist that Annie and I are able to help people with. It's
just senior center. >> Yes. >> Yep. Um worked with the senior center the past couple years as well. So the first Wednesday of April um which falls on April 1. Yeah, April 1 this year falls on a
Wednesday. that will be our campaign launch kickoff day. It also happens to be the vowisi the creators of the campaign start by believing day. So that just marks you know kind of the kickoff of everything. A couple other key dates that we've coordinated specifically for
Yarmouth. Um the day of action is important for the month itself. that's a nationwide cause that is um that is honored and usually it just kind of looks like if your agency is is willing to or wanting to participate you can
kind of make it whatever whatever you want. We had a lot of fantastic participation across town last year and a lot of departments sent in their pictures to us um of supporting by wearing teal ribbon or putting information on social media. Um again
whatever whatever you feels appropriate for your department. Um, and then I just highlighted that we will plan to have the cruiser and the setup display with the cruiser because we also have um a banner and a message that goes along with it that I think
we're going to be planning to have again this year. So, we'll have that for probably about the very first week. So, it'll be here for, you know, more than a day or so that we can make sure everyone really has a chance to see it and take pictures and do whatever is needed. Um,
And then the 13th as well, Sarah has helped coordinate this fantastic idea of having those two slideshow videos referenced play. Um, my understanding is kind of just be playing on a loop right in here throughout that day. Um, I will
plan to be here as well. We have I will have all sorts of the printed materials. The the big big piece is the pledge, which is exactly what it sounds like. It's just You pledge your name and you sign it. And if you're will if you're
comfortable with it, you can take a picture. Um, if you're comfortable with signing it and turning this in, we will be collecting them just because our campaign is recognized by the Eval organization. So, when everything's all said and done, I do have to do a report
and an update to them. Um, so the pledges will be available. Again, I'll make sure that you have these for your website, for your offices, for wherever you like them. I also have some posters. Really, anything you could want or need,
you can feel free to request because I have this all made through Staples and I'll be just doing constant orders prior to April and throughout the month of April. So, if there's anything that you need or that you see that you want changed a little bit, it's completely
possible to do that. And these are just a couple fun photos of the past couple years giving a brief overview. Um the prior one, the first one is my lieutenant, Lieutenant Cal Bogden. This was the first year we did
it a couple years ago and Avowi actually did this whole spotlight on us right after they saw it, which was pretty cool just to be recognized um for the campaign. And as you see in the description, we had, you know, made a point to show that this was something
that was done through all all throughout town, you know, being at the schools, the courts in Barible, um the chamber of commerce, the town hall. Uh we work really closely with the folks and the advocates over at court with the case
load that we have for the sexual assault cases ongoing. So, we made a point to coordinate with those folks at the district attorney's office. Um, also Independence House, the nonprofit in Hyannis. I'm not sure how familiar you all are. Also, Children's Children's
Gold as well. So, these are just some pictures to give you a little snapshot of visuals from what we've done the past couple years. This was last year right out front. This was one of the awesome pictures that I've sent in on the Wear Teal Day.
This was when we went over to the children's school of advocacy center and their staff was super supportive. Chamber of Commerce the admin staff signing the pledge. We make a point to have everyone over at the police department do the pledge
throughout the the month. We usually do uh presentation and um updates for any anything important to know in regards to these these cases all throughout the month of April at roll call trainings with the officers. Um so Annie and
myself do that. Um just a couple suggestions um or things that you could do to follow along for the April campaign. Um, obviously the YPD social media, we make a point to really have a
lot going on there for updates. Um, I will soon have completed a whole calendar that I do in advance for where exactly the cruiser will be for every day of the month. So, if that's something anyone wanted access to, I'd be happy to share it. I have given it to
some other folks in other departments um, in towns in years past just because they've wanted to know what's going on and when type of thing. Um, and like I mentioned before, any materials you could need or any questions or certainly anyone that you know that could need
anything in regards to needing a victim advocate, Annie and I are available anytime. This is just um also the A Valley organization has their own social media and it's just a really good way to get a glimpse of what they have going on
nationwide um for the campaign. It's really really cool to see what other parts of the country are doing and how they're adapting their own start by Believing campaigns because it really is something that can be tweaked for anything. I've seen all sorts of
different agencies whether it's campus staff or nursing programs or um just any any type of organization you can imagine. It can really be a mission that is that is tweaked and spread to
help the community. So, I know that was kind of a real 101, but I really really appreciate you hearing from me and being willing to join in on on the April awareness. And anyone has any questions or needs
anything at all in regards to this, there will be more coming. I'm still working on a lot of final stages of what this April is going to look like. So certainly any suggestions about how to be more even more inclusive with the town. Um, you know, it's been a learning
curve for me, not really knowing all the ins and outs being that I'm so based at the police department. So I truly am willing to hear any ideas or suggestions you might have. Um, and yeah, I really appreciate you guys letting us join in.
>> Give us a sense of the sexual assault problem. or the cake or so when it comes down to for a problem I would say as crazy as it kind of sounds to say when it comes to
just sexual assaults generally speaking you know it might sound obvious well why wouldn't we start by believing a victim if they come forward or why wouldn't we start by believing a survivor but unfortunately the reality is that's not really what always happens whether it's
by professionals or family members of someone that's been victimized. And unfortunately, it's really, really important to just through an evidence-based investigation or prosecution realize that you need to
start no matter what by believing the person and supporting them with whatever they need. I wouldn't say there's a specific problem, so to speak, let alone >> I guess I difficult the process is. >> How much of a problem is it? much of a problem. How frequent is it?
>> How frequent? That was a better word. >> Very, very frequent, I would say. Um, I mean, I handle sexual assault cases and domestic violence cases alongside Annie and alongside a specific detective, a high-risisk detective.
And unfortunately, it's never ending reports. And they're very, very, very, very frequent complicated matters that we have with I mean, I could definitely get you more specific information because that's something we talk about
in other platforms for sure in terms of statistics or the frequency of what we're seeing. But it's definitely very very very frequent. And the process itself is set up to not benefit survivors and not benefit victims.
Unfortunately, regardless of what it looks like with a potential case, whether it's something that goes through the criminal justice system or not, it's it's a very overwhelming negative process. So, this campaign is just
something that kind of makes it less of a okay, one, we can talk about this, and two, we can kind of adapt how we handle it. It's not so much focusing on necessarily the outcome for these cases or what exactly that person might end up
facing for a case if they report, but it's more so just we need to start with this type of mindset and go from there. >> Well, you certainly can leverage what's going on nationally, >> issues that are out there. >> Yes.
And that's all that's all we're continuing to do is really make sure that the community members and that the folks we work with even are aware that there are resources available, you know, and that's exactly what Annie and I are here to do. Um provide an extra layer of
support and services to to whatever a person needs. It looks different for every single person as you can imagine um because we're just essentially liaison between the police officers and the detectives and then the victims and the survivors that that come and make
reports to us. So, and every situation is so different. So, we just kind of really adapt to what the person might need. I used to see in public bathrooms little notices for organizations that were helping people were victims of domestic abuse. I seen anything about
sexual assault? I mean, is that still done? Can that still be done for like the bathroom campaign? I I've seen that for um concerns of human trafficking. I've seen that uh more recently. I certainly haven't seen it really for
domestic violence or sexual assault. But even just here on the Cape, we're very very lucky with the amount of resources that we have through Children's Cove, the advocacy center, which is specifically for children, but also uh Independence House. So, we work
extremely closely with them. Um, and are you all aware of Independence House? Okay. >> Um, so we really do all just continuously work together to to help the folks with whatever they need. I personally was in the court system for a very long time as
a victim advocate handling these matters um for the district attorney's office. So I was more court-based and helping victims through the court process. Um, so you know, now being over at the police department, it's just very, very
helpful to have that past experience as well to be able to more so right off the bat from the first interaction with the person before an investigation even really starts. I'm able to jump in and help that that victim with whatever they need and kind of give them a road map as
to this is what it's going to look like for for your next steps. Um, so it really just kind of all depends. I don't give a vague answer, but yeah, we're just we're able to help anyone. And a lot of the times Annie and I find oursel being connected with
people that sometimes might not even necessarily be directly in Yarmouth or maybe their assaults happened in Yarmouth and they need services elsewhere now or whatever it is, we're able to to navigate. >> But we definitely have a lot going on in
Yarmouth, unfortunately. What options are there for the um for the victim who really has no financial means, really can't afford to get continued therapy or whatever their needs may be? What what are the options there? >> Yeah, the financial concerns are
definitely huge, especially now more than ever for victims. Um but you know, even just again to mention Independence House, their services are free, free and confidential. So, it's the biggest selling point, the first thing I tell people. um you know free and
confidential services Annie and I are not bound to confidential confidentiality the same way as you can imagine being that we work at the police department but you know if we're working with a domestic violence or a sexual assault or a child or the family members of a child assault victim you know we
can refer them directly to the folks that we work really closely with over at Independence House for example and they can do an intake and get signed up for counseling with a a private free counselor and they also have um support services and all sorts of other other
services as well. And similar to that, there's there's other options. I mean, if someone were starting the legal process of making a report about an assault or something they experienced, um you know, we do whatever we can to help them with whatever resource they
need, if it's financially, if it's, you know, anything it could be. So that's a lot of what Annie and I spend time doing, trying to find resources for people. >> What happens to the victim who brought it into the ER 2 in the morning? What
happens to that victim? >> Um like if there's a sexual assault at 2 in the morning. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, um, there are something called medical accompanyment advocates that exist here on the Cape and they are
always contacted by the emergency room. No matter what time of day it is, they're on call all the time. So, they're not just being met with law enforcement or just being met with hospital staff. It's really important that they also have a level of advocacy as well. Um, so those folks that respond
to like for example Cape Cod Hospital at 2 am if there's a sexual assault reported, they actually work through Independence House as well. Um, law enforcement is typically going to be getting involved if they're the ones that are called first. Sometimes they're giving the hospital a heads up, but if
not, the hospital could be the ones reaching out and saying, you know, we need a Barnable officer or Barnes detective or Yarmath, whatever it might be, and this is something that very very frequently and from there um whatever law enforcement agency it is
they do respond and take it from there. Um Annie and I aren't on call, but we would find out about it, you know, as soon as we get the text or the email or the phone call from that officer that responded and then we we follow up as soon as possible and make that point of
contact with that victim and just go from there with safety planning and getting them exactly what they need. >> It's a very delicate issue. Uh the victim needs to have a physical exam in the ear to have someone someone from outside is
great coming in to be with the person. >> Yeah. Just to provide that extra support whether it's because that's a very very long process, the ER process as you probably are aware. So, >> is it ever too late for a victim to come forward?
>> That is a good question. Um, no, it's not. It's truly not. I mean, we handle so many cases where it's we call it a delayed disclosure for a whole number of different reasons. As you can probably imagine, it could be it could be any any
amount of reasons. Um, and it's it's not could the certain time frame maybe have an effect legally with what the options are? Yes. But that's not something we really run into at all. So, I mean, there are statute of limitations on specific charges and
that's what the officers have to figure out timeline wise. But um the answer overall though is no. A victim's always able to to report to talk to someone to do whatever they need to do for themsel or and we're there to help them. >> Just I guess I'm just thinking about
people that may be discouraged if a certain amount of time or a substantial amount of time had passed following an incident where they may be thinking, well, there's nothing that could be done at this point, you know. Yeah, it's certainly something that I think goes through a survivor's mind for sure. Um,
just like so many other factors. So, yeah. >> What What are some of the scenarios with seniors? It's often people don't think of it, victims being older people, uh, especially in this community.
How does that happen? >> How does that >> What circumstances have you found? >> Trying to think. I mean, we certainly have had we certainly have had seniors victimized, unfortunately. Um,
you know, I think a couple examples that come to mind, I'm obviously not going to give any details, but maybe some that are in a domestic type partnership of some sort and one of the partners sexually assaults the other or we've had some situations that have
started as like a living situation, a roommate type situation, but then unfortunately it's turned into a sexual assault has occurred upon a senior unfortunately. Um I'm trying to think of any other like factors that have
>> these people often will have >> I mean no one is exempt. No one is exempt. We we have victims on these cases of of literally all ages. So it's it's truly something that anyone can unfortunately
probably relate to in that regard or Maybe in your life you've known someone that has experienced it. So >> people get services at home that so someone from the outside >> I don't know if that's the source of
>> or people are in institutions right >> say it has yeah absolutely happens where in skilled settings assisted livingings have been cases where you know residents patients have been assaulted by staff members but other residents members
coming in to visit. Um I mean I know for us we we do trauma history um with our social workers that meet with patients and residents for for trauma informed care. Um and you know we know we have some folks in our community who years and years and years have gone by but
they've gone through some very uh unfortunate and very sad situations. And I think you know during those that time frame it was really not talked about was very taboo. Um and I think that that's kind of the mindset a lot of times with you know especially with the senior
population is yeah absolutely it's a barrier for sure and you know these are the types of crimes that don't happen in public for a reason. They happen behind closed doors. So that's you know a major element that
goes into a victim reporting as well. And when it comes to like you just said, you know, the mindset behind it, it's definitely huge. >> I got a question kind of to follow up on Mary's point. I see you have QR codes in
your pamphlet. >> Yeah, that's >> um Have you ever thought about like doing like stickers put on like establishments like inside of restroom doors like where it's >> I love that >> privacy? I you sit down and
it's right there and I that's kind of a captured audience and >> that's a great idea. >> I I didn't even think about it till Mary said something. I was hanging out a QR code and I saw that so I just scanned it and it >> I didn't know I could pass out to like
we don't have a lot of bars and nightclubs anymore but any >> any establishment I it might be helpful might be a good tool. So >> yeah. No, that's a fantastic idea. Thank you so much. >> Do gyms as well, locker rooms, any place
where it's private and separate. >> I know last year at one point there was a community member that even suggested um >> putting something at the rest stops. >> I thought that was a fantastic idea. So that's on my to-do list for this year as well. So yeah, all of these ideas
stickers just on the inside. You wouldn't even notice it until you there. >> Absolutely. Yeah. Anybody else any questions, thoughts? This is really informative. >> I really really appreciate you hearing
from me and being willing to to join in on the April campaign. And again, I know this is kind of just a a general overview, but honestly, if anyone has any questions or resource need or anything at all, just you can reach out anytime. I'm going to make sure that you
all have my information as as well. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. Sarah, >> we'll be in touch. >> Sounds good. >> I just wanted to let you know that I
made a mistake. First 15 minutes of the meeting were not audio. >> Do it again real quick. >> I heard her come on and I was wondering if she's late. It's working now. It's been recorded.
>> Okay. Not good. redo it. I think we should ask I think we should acknowledge that >> these people are anyone who's zoomed in now if there are people
>> who want to address the board about this create regulation >> local >> yeah if you're a resident or you work here in town uh you zoomed in apparently you would not have heard or been able to
watch the hearing. >> We do have one hand raised on there now. So, >> okay, let's go ahead then. >> Nick, his hands raised if you want to let him in. >> Yes. Audio check, Mr. Chairman.
>> Yes. >> Okay, you're good. Very good. Thank you very much. Uh, yeah, technical difficulties does happen, but you know, when the technology works, it works great. So, um besides that, uh I see you have a um a new member. Well, welcome
aboard. Uh he's already participated greatly this evening and uh we welcome that. And to the rest of the board members, thank you very much for all your hard work and I'm glad we've made it through the very uh wonderful Hernando healthy storm that we all had
just a week ago. So, it's all nice to see you. Now, I was just curious about the um the hearing tonight on onratom and the uh public outreach that we did. I know uh there was a couple of meetings
then the hearing. I didn't see anything um on the website about the education of what it does and what it does not do. And I didn't see anything on the social media or the communications department
reaching out to the public considering it's only limited within our borders. We're we're taking questions. So I I was wondering if if I missed all that, Mr. Chairman, or did we actually have something on the website? Did we put something on social media to educate our
our community? You know, we want to educate, not regulate. So I don't know if that happened. Could you answer those questions? We certainly was a lot of discussion the board at our meetings, our recent meetings about the issue and
the possibility of having a regulation. Um, so the board was educating themselves as well as the public. We were pretty diligent about that. >> Right. I I excuse me. Yeah. Yeah. Um I
did happen to watch those meetings and that's the all the only education that I got and here we are within a couple of months making a regulation. So I don't know what's the process. How far do we educate the community before we make a
regulation? I mean it it took years to educate the public for not smoking cigarettes and I think we've done a great job. It took years for us to educate the people about eating right and staying healthy. And I think we've done a good job. So I think every type
of regulation should have the same uh attention and deserves the same education. And I was wondering how the board felt on that. I think we could certainly put something on the website about crayon and announce that the policy has been made, the
regulation has been made and this is why I'm going to make it very brief but um direct them to other resources, credible resources. >> We got a lot of uh emails that we've put together and a file. We can get those out to you if you want us to get those
out to you. Um anybody that wants any information can reach out to the health department. We're more than happy to help them out. We can certainly provide links for full articles um if people want to take the time to to read about it. It's not going to change anything the board has done at
this point. Well, Mr. Chair, if I can interrupt you and I would totally appreciate any type of education. I mean, I believe the board of health at one time had a antismoking campaign going on. Uh I think we have people in the high school
from the board of health educating people. Uh we have a great board of health and the border of health number one thing is to educate people. We need to have healthy educated people to make healthy educated decisions and you know
there's nothing wrong with regulation and I appreciate all the regulation the green burial regulation I was in every meeting watching it. It's very important to me what my community does. And so I was just just wondering if we could
educate a little bit more. And you know, you already made the regulation. That's fine. But when the next one comes up, let's do our due diligence and spend some more time educating because we all don't know and we all can't get the information within six months of a
topic. And it's taken years, like I said, to to curve society, to make them make the right decisions by educating. So with that, I'll leave you back to your meeting. And thank you very much. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Thank you. I think it's a
point well taken that we do a little bit more education about a topic that we're going to discuss seriously in terms of a regulation because I think we kind of assume people out there know about it or and yet we
all knew or I think most of us hadn't even heard about it until we started seeing what other towns were doing and brought the news to us. >> That's uh I don't have I see no other hands, Mr. Chairman.
>> That's certainly what we've been doing with the contain free generation. We've been talking about it a long time for that purpose also, but I suppose, you know, post things online. >> Let's put those FAQs online and
>> but people need to do their own homework a little bit and put the effort in and that's all we can provide is some easy information. I mean, to make it easy, friendly. So if you know the public wants to take the time that'll be great
>> always welcome that >> and they can certainly reach out to the health department anyway >> anytime seeing that there is a lack of some information that they would like to have about what we are doing what we're proposing >> we're very transparent in all of our
stuff so we have no issues giving out any information that we have so we'll be more than happy to help out >> we can I be more proactive. >> Okay. Um, number six, here's the Weissac uh, February 11th meeting. I didn't have a copy of the minutes. I don't think you
did either. >> They're not available. >> Not available. Yeah. And I don't remember everyone's name exactly who came that night. We I don't know if you do or not. So, I'm not in a great position to start running down the meeting and giving, you know, all what
took place. We certainly bring it up at the next meeting. I'm happy to do that. >> Yeah, I think if we I think um Annie has um obviously she's not feeling well, so she's happy to come at the next meeting and provide an update. Um and um
>> she can or just have a little summary what took place so you know one of us gets it right. Um that's all. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I think it would be more productive because you you know we had a guest speaker. She was great and there's
a lot of information about it but off the top of my head I really can't provide that. That's all. So that'd be great. You don't have to feel obligated to stay for a whole meeting. I I feel obligated to tell people that >> you can stay if you'd like.
>> Yeah. The food here is great. So, we're gonna uh just put you put your order in now for anything you want to eat. Okay. >> You have a good seat, right? There's no one sitting in your way.
>> Okay. Okay. Um moving along here. Seventh item is the nicotine free generation. It's a discussion tonight. >> Do we want to update Scott on the nicotine free generation as we're updating him and the public can get it
updated also? >> So, I went to uh the MHA, Massachusetts Health Officer Association uh annual convention in Springfield back in early October, late September. And one of the
seminars was on NFG, tobacco use and regulation. I didn't know what it was. And NFG stands for nicotine free generation. Um, it's a movement been started in Brook Brooklyn. Um, where
it doesn't affect anybody smoking now, anybody over 21. They started with an age. Anybody born after X date once they turn 21, they're not able to purchase tobacco products. nicotine products, whether it's chew, zing,
cigars, anything like that. So, >> and and they can't purchase any up until then either. >> Yeah. Well, they can't purchase anything up until then either. So, it's not that's So, what it doesn't affect the retailers immediately. So, each year
it's a gradual increase. So, say if we did it now for the kids that were born in 2010, they're 15 years old. So, it'll be six years from now before this actually starts to kick in. And that what we're
trying to do is just make a healthier town community. When I first heard about this, there were 18 towns. The day after I heard about it, Dover passed theirs, there were 19. And as of now, I think there's 20
plus um towns that are going to nicotine free generations. Um it's We've had both sides weigh in on it. It's like the a lot of the retailers
have been in here saying it's going to affect their businesses and stuff like that. Um, totally understand that. It's but it's like I said, it's each year. It's not a one big stop. And if people
that are able to smoke now continue to smoke once they're 21, they can continue to smoke. they can go to another town to get it. Just in Yarmouth, Yarmouth is when it comes to nicotine and cigarette regulations, Yarmouth in the state has been one of the first foregoowers of the
health end of it. Is that am I saying that right? Yeah. And I've only been here two and a half years. So, these guys the board has been here a lot longer and they're they're great. Um the flavored tobacco, the the vapes and stuff like that. We were one of the
first towns to u put those bans and regulations in effect which now the whole state has gone to it. Soon enough the whole town the whole state's going to go to the cratom that's already on the thing on the at the state house. Nicotine free generation is
another one that's starting to go out. So we've been having probably well since October we've been having discussions once twice a month on this um and we're getting close to making a decision if we want to continue
or if we want to just put it aside. So that's kind of >> and it it is something that um was tested in court where Klein was brought to court and um and the judge said that they had had the right to do this in the
interest of public health of the community. So that had been one of the um questions about whether or not it could you know stand that the, you know, let's let's say a regulation was 2005.
Um, people born after that. Um, you know, if people if everyone who's 21 or half keeps smoking for their life, um, I'm just trying to do the math in my head. If people live to 80 years old, I
mean, it's going to take 60 years for a found to be really nicotine free. It take six decades for that to fully take place with your clientele. They're a little bit older where Eric's clientele are the
youth that we're trying to target. It's two different we which is great. We have two different eyes on this right now. So >> Eric teaches also >> his students. His students Yes. I mean, I think it's it's it's a worthwhile
venture. I mean, from someone who works kind of on the opposite end, um, I mean, we have plenty of people that are coming in with uh, you know, chronic conditions related to smoking. We have people with lung cancer, COPD, shortness of breath,
exacerbation. I mean, it's it's it has obviously a very negative impact on our our overall well-being. Um, you know, as a parent, I have two daughters. I have a 15-month-old and and an eight-year-old. Um, you know, and I I recognize the impact that it has on on people my age,
people a little bit younger. Um, you know, obviously people have uh veered away a bit from cigarettes, but vapes, I mean, vaping is is just as bad, if not worse, in some cases. So, I think, you know, the the goal of of any any organization such as this is how do you make your community a safer place and a
healthier place? How do you have a generation um a younger generation have a life that's that's better than the one we currently have? And I think it really starts with putting some regulations in place as far as um wellness. Maybe not favorable from from the view of some,
but in the long run, our goal is how do we extend life? How do we improve the quality of life that we're able to provide? >> How do you um manage smokers who come into your facility? >> Uh so I've I have two different answers. Um so I I've been in two separate
buildings um here on the Cape. Um in one we allowed smoking. Um staff an area to smoke on the property. Patients and residents had an area to smoke. Um it was designated there were four separate smoking times throughout the day. They would go out, each resident was given two cigarettes four times. So they had
eight cigarettes throughout the day. Um where I'm at now, it's a smokefree uh campus. Um so staff are not allowed to smoke. We do not take any patients and residents that smoke. Um or if they do, they're not allowed to do so. um while in the community um they're more than
welcome to have a family member come stop by and go for a joy ride and and have a smoke, but our our campus is is smoke free. >> Interesting. >> You know, one of the conflicts is that we talked about local businesses
uh versus the health of I guess customers a little bit. So that's addressed that a little bit, but that that's certainly on my mind. >> I think I think what happens a lot in a lot of cases is you're going to have customers for a longer period of time.
>> Yes. >> Because they're going to be healthier. So, >> but the the the retail the store owners are going to say that the sale of tobacco products is a big part of their income. So,
That's that's that's mainly their objection. >> This is their business. But back when we set 21, because we set 21 as the age limit too some years ago and we had the hearing and Hill said to them, you need
to be looking at your business plans because this kind of thing is going to continue to happen. Um it's but it it we have how many establishments that sell 20 >> 27
>> 27 and we have a um a policy in place that if someone goes out of business the their liquor license goes away >> tobacco license I'm sorry tobacco we don't do deal with the liquor thank god
the tobacco license goes away unless they can sell it to another person that's going to, you know, operate a a tobacco retail establishment. But there there be there's no new tobacco licenses that are issued in town,
but that's taking a long time to go down. >> Yeah, I think two businesses perhaps. Uh but the goal in mine of course was not was not to have a store where you could buy tobacco, but that maybe you know would have been 160 years. Um the other
argument that I I want to bring up is to what the retail store owners are saying is that people will go to the other towns. The Cape is a fairly small isolated place and and that's true. There people can go to the Dennis, they
can go to Hyannis, they can go to Barnstable, they can, you know, quickly just as easily go someplace else for their cigarettes or anything else that they might buy. um which is true >> if we can discourage one kid,
>> right? I think, you know, the right thing more often than not isn't the easy thing just just because those around us are are are making a choice and and putting the value in in in a dollar over um safety and wellness, you know, that's that's their obligation. But I think as
a board of health um for the town of Yarmouth, our obligation is is health wellness. And if that means we do something contrary to, you know, local towns or local opinion, that's so be it. Yeah, I mean it's um
you know Larry had brought up the issue of the cost of it to society and that I can tell you if you work just walk into an emergency department for nothing for a splinter it's a thousand bucks you know in this
state and that's for a nothing visit it's where it probably didn't need to be in the ER um you know the patients in the ICU with limited intervention I don't know you're talking
$3,000 a day and that's not for someone who's on a breathing machine it's um so there's a major expense to society disease yeah >> not even emergency needs but cancer that
is killing people need long-term care u because of severe COPD >> which is also expensive. >> Yes, it is. >> Is not cheap. >> Yeah, just being on oxygen it's expensive. Um,
so that's Eric thoughts on I mean some point I think tonight we need to make a decision whether to move forward or or not with this and moving forward would mean having a regulation to discuss having a
a draft or something for the board um to continue the discussion needs something by night. Um, so I I think I'd like to have that decision made whether it was table the whole discussion and we're done or to go the next step of
having something to review in detail. >> I would just say that I it's I have a difficult time sitting here making decisions that impact other folks livelihood, their businesses, and I I don't think anybody on the board takes
that lightly. Um, but to Scott's point, it's I think we have a responsibility as the board of health to pursue something that seems to be a viable option towards towards meeting our our
goals here. >> We have some templates right from other. >> Yeah. Yeah, we have. >> Tell us more about Barnstable. You said they they changed their minds. They are tableabling it for right now. Um I'm not for sure why. I It was I just had a
brief discussion with Tom over over there. He was all for it. He wanted Tom and I wanted to go into this together. Both towns their um their board they wanted to address I think they want
to address the the marijuana more at first right now than the nicotine. So I'm not for why they're not want move wanting to move forward. So >> what is coming to them by way of marijuana?
>> I don't know. I did not pursue that. So >> I I certainly it would have been easier for me if they were going along with it. But >> no other town on the Cape that's >> not yet.
>> No other towns for 21 either. No, I know that. So, did you um was there any discussion after the speaker by other people on the Cape? Other directors on the Cape? >> They're waiting to see what we do. Honestly, I've talked to a few other
directors and assistant directors that are waiting to kind of see what we do and then they'll try to >> We're in the hot seat. >> Somebody's got to be first, >> right? Well, I think that's a that brings up a
good point, too, is that a lot of the business owners are concerned about us being the first town and they'd like to see it passed on a state level, but >> you know, often these initiatives start local level and then progress.
>> And that's what Cheryl has said, the attorney that works with the boards that >> it in Massachusetts, it takes a number of local to do something before the state is going to also join in.
>> And I know Bob Klet reached out to me and he's also is talking to all the other towns on the Cape also about this. So it's there's no secret that we're doing this. They're he's letting other towns and communities know that we're we're moving forward with this possibly.
>> But but you said he's also been has he been doing that presentation that he gave to us? Maybe not on the I don't know if he's done it on the Cape, but I think he's worked with the other >> Well, ask him to come to the Cape and do it. >> Really? I'd like to see him do it with
the other towns on the Cape at least at least so that they're fully informed about it. >> You know, you brought up the issue of the business model. I don't know if these stores have had to do that.
>> Probably not. Um, you know, you go into stores like a lot of the uh coffee shops now and they they continue to have new products, something new, something, you know, they're packaging their own tomato sauce there or or whatever to be selling that way, you know. Um,
you're probably not old enough. There was a a place called Blockbuster. Um, >> okay. Well, they didn't look at their model, right? They didn't change what they were selling. um they didn't survive.
So, you know, stores need to be creative to keep people coming back. Um if a product is outdated, >> well, we've taken away and that was something new. >> It's true.
Um, you know, uh, they're brilliant people at the tobacco companies coming up with all kinds of new methods of using their product. Really creative people, great advertisers.
Um, their goal is obviously to make money. It's understandable. That's how our society here works. Um I just think of your line of work. You see the end of it. Um you know in the
hospital you used to see sometimes with a code and that was it. They wouldn't make it to your business you know but it ends up with you very often these chronic illnesses. >> Yeah. Discomfort. I mean that's that's if I could sum it up in one word watching individuals go through that
process and having difficulty with breathing. It's it's it's challenging. It's sad. um you know personal level I've had folks in my family who have been lifelong smokers and you know watching them go through the end of life process which is challenging enough um you know but when you're not able to
breathe you know that just exacerbates it makes it more difficult and it's it's so I mean I I I recognize from a financial standpoint I I I operate a business you know well it's a healthcare business it still is a business I have a
bottom line to meet still have to generate revenue Um, you know, but again, it's it's how do we look out for the wellness of of those around us? And, you know, if if the dollar is more valuable than than wellness, then I think we're heading in the wrong direction. And um,
why I mean, personally, I'm I'm for it. I would be in support of of moving the conversation forward, recognizing it's, you know, for those in the community that a position that I'm not personally in. Um, it's a lot all at once to to kind of move forward with this
conversation as well, but I think it is a necessary one. And I don't I don't necessarily think there's a good time. There's never a good time to have the conversation. It's a challenging conversation. And those of us that, you know, have kids or run businesses, there's no good time for a bad
conversation. Um, you just got to pull off the band-aid. any timing for me as someone I know a long time just finished her surgery for some innovative tubes to put into her
airways. Longtime smoker. Um we don't know whether it's going to work or not but obviously she's living with oxygen and still smoking um and had these little stances in the airways. I don't know what happened. She doesn't either. and that's just happened
in my immediate circle. But um yeah, I agree with you. I would move forward um for next meeting and someone wants to put together or I'll do it uh some kind of draft. I don't think that's that difficult because enough
towns now have already done that. Um, Mary, >> I'm willing to have it go forward and discuss an actual policy. >> Yeah, it doesn't mean voted in or anything. It's just moving forward and I
think um so uh as for educating the public, okay, that was brought forward. So the FAQs forg need to be on the website >> with the statement that um we're continuing our discussion of the
nicotine generation movement. >> Could we if we if we put that on the website could we include along with that the link to the meeting where Bob Colette introduced it here? I know it's out
there already, but just to make it like >> very easily accessible with the NFG material. Is that possible? >> We can do that. Yeah, the link. >> I think that um Barry should work with our
communications team and come up with >> They've gotten pretty good, haven't they? Yeah, it's big difference here in town. It's been great, actually. >> That's going to be very important to do. similar to what we did with the plastics, I think. >> Yep, I can do that. >> Because we had a lot of trouble with
that with CO. It was just >> mess. It wasn't coordinated, wasn't up to date. It was >> right. >> I can put stuff on the website all day, but I think I think at this level it probably >> warrants higher little bit of
communication, >> right? >> Good size font to it so people can see it. >> Well, and I think that this will gender more of a public hearing audience than >> Yes. I mean, the Pats aren't playing.
Celtics. Why? Where is everyone tonight? >> I think Celtics do play tonight. >> They are. Who are they playing? >> Why are they playing? >> I don't know. Jaylen, Jaylen Brown and Nemiac Kada are out, so less less exciting. >> Well, usually don't do this anyway. My
son saw the Neds. They got blown away by 30 points against the Celtics the other night. Someone gave him a ticket, so he drove up for it. But all right, let's get off of sports. Um, so it's time to review and approve minutes. Hopefully everyone had a chance to take a look.
Are there any corrections to the minutes? Great to the point where you wouldn't comment because you weren't here. >> How's that? >> Good. Correct. I was not here. They look good to me. But
>> okay. Well, there no corrections. Uh, let's assume the minutes are approved. Okay. >> I move we approve the >> We don't even have to anymore, >> right? You educated me this about a little bit. >> No, you don't. >> No. >> Why is it on here?
>> Approve it. Just to discuss if there's any changes or anything, >> right? >> Ultimately, you don't have to vote on it. You can the can make the decision to >> it's language >> giving you a lot of power. >> You're welcome to continue to vote on it if you
>> are you making a motion excited. You >> really stole my thunder. >> I told you we run a really tight meeting. >> Absolutely. I like it. >> Good. >> Okay. >> Well, moving on. >> Yeah. Stay with us, Mary. Okay. Now
number nine is regulation prohibiting the sale of synthetic psychoactive substances. So where are we with that >> Barry? So that was got red. So what had happened a few years ago the whole process didn't go through. We went through the proper steps up and had you
guys sign it but went upstairs and it's all ready to go. Correct Sarah? >> It's stamped in. It's we just wanted to make let you know it's officially in now. >> Okay. And and I have a a comment about it too because you know this references that the police department is going to
be helping to um this is the wrong thing. Helping to um enforce it, right? And so they know about this now. >> Correct. >> I'll let Chief know. Yeah. >> Okay. um that they're mentioned in the policy
and >> u they're not aware by welcome they're welcome to come in just put that on the agenda if indeed you hear from them okay >> enforcement of this regulation shall be by the harm
health department or its design including the yarm police department so we are you all are enforcing it but you also police department. So, they should know that they're mentioned in here.
>> Under what circumstances you might want to call them designate >> 2 a.m. call. >> Yeah. Right. >> Okay. Anything else has to be done on that, Barry? I don't think so. Good. Okay.
Human services grant application. So, it's something we do each year. want you. >> So, those are coming up. Um, we're getting ready to get those out. I have my paper. >> What are those do, sir? I apologize. >> Well, we usually put it out on the
website end of March, early April, and then they come to the board in May usually for review and approval. >> Due back April 15th, >> but you gave us last meeting um the application. So, did those were those
sent out to the people we have funded previously or this is just for you all to review to ensure you're uncom you're comfortable with the letter and the application that we're going to be submitting and posting online. >> Okay. >> And do we know how much the board is
giving us to >> the same $60,000? So, Scott, just to let you know, the uh board of health is granted $60,000 for the human human service grants. Um, if you're a nonprofit and you are looking
for funds, there's an application process. You come in, we're very transparent. um they'll come and tell us their story, why they need it, why and who they're servicing, and the board decides if they can give
all $60,000 to one organization or they can give $1 to 60,000 organizations. It all it's all up to the board. So, >> we've never done either of those. >> No, but that that there's there's option in the middle there,
>> right? So, we usually give them five minutes or so um to just present who they are. We know a lot of it, but it would be great, you know, you're just coming on and they'll talk about what kind of funding they do or don't have. Volunteers, do they really have employees? They don't, their mission.
Um, and it helps us make some decisions that way. I'm usually the one who's getting feedback from everyone of which organizations you want to support, how much, and I create some kind of algorithm to figure out what we're going to do. That's sort of the the guts of
it. Um >> have an example of like a recent recently provided funds. >> Uh the food collaborative um we give them money. The VNA gets money. >> Independence House gets money. Duffy's
>> gave them some money. >> There was uh the hearing impaired hearing and sight impaired last year. We gave them some money and there was probably 10 >> yeah 10 or 12 >> 10 or 12 establishments last year that >> and they asked for I mean anywhere they can ask for however much they think
their operating budget needs. So some of them are big >> some of them are big organizations that >> have a good size budget already >> health centers >> and then there's a couple there's a couple that were smaller that were just starting out that had no funding. So >> with two volunteers or whatever with
with their own mission. Yeah. So it's interesting. See what difference we can make for for some of these people. >> It's it's not a lot of money when you see the need that's out there, but it's something and makes you feel good that you can help.
>> So be helpful for us perhaps to get last year's uh >> right, >> you know, which who got and how much. That would be really helpful if you look back and provide that in the next packet for us. >> Would it be unreasonable to look back
two years on that? >> Yeah. >> Can we Can we do that? >> Yes. >> I don't know. I think it might be helpful because I know there were some that maybe we awarded two years ago and didn't last year. >> Right. >> Okay.
Do you need anything else from the board on this? So, if you're okay with us um moving forward, I'll get this posted on the website. Application deadline date will be May 1st. >> Okay. >> To the board in June so that we can get
the funds contract signed fiscal year July. >> This is for the bud there two7 budgets for these >> but we need to have it by end of the fiscal year. So, >> okay. So, new and old business. First
thing I had in mind was about the blizzard of 2026. >> I got all sorts of stuff for you tonight. >> Yeah. Things that went well, things did not, things that the board has to address. So, this would be really helpful. This was a major event here. >> Major event here in Yarmouth or in the
on the Cape everywhere. Um, we did open our warming center um that Monday night at 8 o'clock at the DY High School. Uh, they had uh Red Cross had already dropped and
Americanore had already dropped their containers with um CS and blankets and everything. Uh the school is ready and prepared even though they were closed the week before with due to school vacation. They had enough food and resources. They
were prepared. Um they at I was there every day. Um at the highest point we had 220 plus people at the at the center. Um definitely an older population. A lot of people were
having issues getting to and from just I had troubles getting in and out of my house. um fire, ambulance, police were helping transport. Once the major roads got cleared off, RTA, we had designated
buses for the RTA to come uh pick up and transport people. Uh it was the first night around midnight, Nasid Swarming Center went down and lost their heating and their generator. So, they
had 50 residents there. So, we had to get transportation to them and brought them to Yarmouth. Luckily, we had enough room. We had enough supplies. Um, it was there every day. I I think overall there's probably 60 plus volunteers
there. um between Americanore, America Red Cross, uh Boston Public Health, there's nurses, doctors, fire, um detail there, there EMS, it was a well organized
>> response the um one person didn't do it all and there was a few key comp players uh but I I was just going just seeing what they helping out, just talking to people. Um, my concern was
with the food, just making sure they got they they had hot meals, three hot meals every single day. The first night they had uh spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, salad. All day long they had s like four or five different varieties of
sandwiches, two two soups, um hamburgers or cheeseburgers and hot dogs for lunch. The next night they had homemade meatloaf. They had chicken the next night. So, they were getting some good meal. The the I want to give a good
shout out to the uh the DY uh food staff. They did a great job. The one thing that they were uh they they ran out of, but you didn't they were prepared for it was uh coffee cups. 8 o coffee cups. Um, I don't want to toot my
own horn, but I resorted back to my old life and I made a few phone calls and I got a I commandeered a case of a thousand coffee cups from a from a friend. So, I big shout out to that person. They know who they are. Um, but
you're not home. You're in a gymnasium on a cot. I know my wife didn't have coffee for a day. I was very eager to go find some some coffee cups for them. U but besides that, that was they they did a great
job. They ended up on Wednesday closing at one o'clock. Um I went Tuesday day and a lot of people were coming and going uh because they wanted to get back to their houses to see if their power
was still on. But then they had transportation. They had uh four buses dedicated to the DY high school from RTA, two just for the town of Yarmouth, one for the outer cape because we were bringing people in from Ptown and
everything and then one for a float. So, um, very well organized, very well, it was it went off without a hitch. So, was very happy with that. kind of back to I don't want to say the the human service
grants, but I want to give a big shout out to uh the family table. Last I heard they did 17,000 plus meals for the community. I there were people
couldn't cook or have power and they somehow were able to put out 17,000 meals. That's and I don't know if you're listening Jenny or not, but that if anybody does know her, that that was huge and that's for that's just Cape Cod coming together. Um, I can't give enough
of a big shout out to them. So, that was a great offer. They did that. >> I want to shout out to World Central Kitchen also >> came and and helped with some of the supply issues. >> Yep. And this everybody that helped out I want to give a big
shout out to was it was more than more than any of us expected. I have seen and it was just and clean up is still going to take months. I now that the snow is getting a little lighter I'm I'm like well where did all these limbs come from? I mean they were
buried in the snow but I have to hire Eric's team Eric's class to come clean my yard. So >> some folks that want to make some money. got some young kids. >> Time to go pass out some flyers in my neighborhood. They'll get everybody. >> Not the bathrooms.
>> Um, so yeah. Uh, I as of Wednesday evening, 99.9% of the power was back on. If for some reason you've been out of town and you get back home and your power is not on, what they do, they go by grids. So they
need you need to reach out to NSTAR to >> Eversource >> Eversource. I apologize. Eversource. Um and they'll get your power back on. >> So you can follow up with that. One thing the county sent us that we sent out to everybody was a posttorm food
safety retail establishment checklist. Um we sent out to everybody. Phil's already been in touch with all of them to make sure and once we got everybody safe and home. My one of my concerns was I don't want these restaurants serving people food
that went bad. So, we gave them this checklist. Um we have it up on our website. Also, we also have one for home. If you're going back home now and any doubt for the people living in the listening in the audience, any doubt for
how long your power is out, just just toss it out. It's it's good to purge your refrigerator every once in a while. Um and if in doubt, throw it out. It's it's just food. Your health isn't worth risking milk or cottage cheese or if you
actually clean out your refrigerator, you'll find some stuff that was bad way before the storm. So, um I know I did. Uh so, we passed out that. So, that's on we a checklist that we make sure everybody got for that. Um
what else I have? So that's so from the board stand for the warming center and stuff like that. I think we we work with the county great already. Um we weren't surprised. I wasn't
overtaken. Um it really was out of my hands. They they took over already. So from our I think we were good on our end for that. Well, thank you for being there, too. >> Yeah, it's >> good. >> Least I could do. The governor showed up
at uh there. She took some pictures of her tucking some people in and giving out some waters and stuff. So, but I it it was a big enough deal that she came down to see how the operation was working. It was kind of nice. So,
that's on the storm. Um, one of the scariest things, several homes or people I know, they had no power and their phone service wasn't working. The Wi-Fi was out. So, there's no communication.
>> Mine still is. >> Uh, what's still down for you? >> The internet, the Wi-Fi, and our landline because the cable was cut when the plowing went through. March 10th is the first repair appointment I could get. So, yeah. still have just have
landlines upon but um Xfinity Comcast have been through and repairing and so um I think that but but what you were going to say is if they're still out then that's a problem
>> certain during the storm where you can't even walk out of your house um and if you've got chest pain I mean what do you do >> and and your roads aren't plowed how are they even get into. >> Yeah, I was mentioning before I there
was elderly person we know was you know like four blocks away and we had tr was by herself problem communicating. She was able someone in her family from Connecticut
called the police department. The police picked her up and brought her our direction but our street wasn't plowed. Uh, and so went out and got her. I mean, it was just Yeah. So, you just think of really
just with the elderly people not being able to do very much. >> If you want to get on the list for the code red for the town of Yarmouth, it's on the PD website. Um, you just put in your your phone number and your address and you automatically get updates and stuff like that if you have seller
service. And >> right >> now, how I know how are what and I'm sure you had a plan. >> Can you tell us about that if you don't mind? >> Yeah, absolutely. I mean, just to to backtrack um to the to the DY setup, we
actually had a few uh resident family members who ended up going to the warming center at DY and were just incredibly complimentary of of how well it was run and organized and um you know, made got them got them through a pretty a challenging storm. Um us, you
know, was very similar. Fortunately, we were on generator power for about two hours and then we jumped right back on to um street power. Um but we had plans in place, you know, about a week ahead of time, ordered extra food, um had it stored on site. We went out and got
non-p perishable food. Um kind of prepped for staff having to stay in the community. Um fortunately for us, so one piece is the skilled nursing, so the short-term rehab and the long-term care. And then we also have the assisted living um which is attached which has
apartments. Um so we were fortunate that a handful of those apartments were vacant at the time. Um we had some lease signings that were um extended out about a few weeks. Um so we had staff staying in the apartments. Um you know very similar kitchen staff were there around
the clock for about three straight days. Um providing breakfast, lunch, dinner. um myself and our director of nursing um were out and about in the community picking up staff members um making sure that we were you know as well staffed as we possibly could be um for that for that time frame and uh we actually had a
few folks from the community reach out um power was out was getting cold um so we had a a couple available beds so had them come in contacted the the family and then had EMS go grab them and bring them to us um they ended up only being
with us for about a day and a half before the power went back on. So >> impressive. Nice. >> Anything else on the storm? >> Hope it's the last for this winter. >> Um some more stuff. We are starting to
get waivers coming in for the plastic production. Um, one of the bigger push back ones was Duncan, but they just sent a nice email. They might have found a suitable replacement, so that'll be
coming in. We I did deny a few waiverss and uh variances um before the storm hit. So, those will probably be coming to us within a month uh in front of the board. um more of the
bigger corporate ones that have they can only order off a certain order guide that they can't get certain products. So I told them I was like, "Well, I know these are available. They're going to bring in their um sustainable managers
to let us know what they're doing and how they're doing um with their ordering. I had a very good uh meeting with uh the 99 this morning. I went out there, looked at all their products, talked to them. They were one of their to- go products she was very concerned
about, and it's not a single serve. It's a reusable, washable to-go container. I was like, "There you go." And then she had these nice big plastic bags like for their to-go stuff. I once I looked through it and read it, um multiple use
um usable bags. So they they were already you doing stuff without even knowing they were >> right >> doing stuff good. So um they're ordering all their their straws and all that stuff. And that corporation they can move stuff in and then just move their
other stuff to another >> another store >> where a lot of the smaller mom and pops >> right >> don't have another store to >> right >> unload it on. So that's what we're working on there. Um everybody's being very understanding, reasonable um about
it. So haven't had hardly any push back on that. So uh we will be seeing some people some establishments in front of the board for and we'll we can go over that. It's going to be very nice. >> And what's the delay based upon? You said a month that before people would
come in front of the board. >> I'm I gave on the on the denial they have 30 days. >> Okay. Right. So >> to appeal >> to appeal, >> but they haven't been turned down yet, right? I mean, in other words, >> you turn them down. You turn them down. >> You turn them down with like
>> they're not coming to the board. >> Well, I turned down the >> They have to come to the board just to set this up. And initially, you and I kind of set that up with Mark. So it comes till we get underway with all this. All of them would come to us
>> request the varian just for the first couple to see how this is going to work. Be careful. That was all. And then the majority of them in the future, they're all going to be handled in the health department for sure. So if you've actually denied them, that doesn't mean
>> I just denied them. That doesn't mean they're >> right being. So the decision would have to be made on these early ones by us. >> Basically moving them for further discussion down the road. >> I was just thinking moving it up best interests the town as well as the store
owner for them to come in earlier. So people can come in in two weeks. I mean >> come in whenever they but I on the on the official form it says they have 30 days >> but they haven't been turned down yet. >> No. >> Right. So based upon that,
you know, they're still using a product they shouldn't be using, but it would be in their best interest in ours for them to come in and maybe the next meeting and come in um let's make sure they're educated and have all the information and other options which you know you've
really addressed quite well. >> We've gotten the from a local company, Cape Cod Paper, we have eight or nine samples of the main issue things that are
samples that you can use these. We also have a one sample that black plastic to go one. We just broke no on it and a big sticky note that's sticking up there so can't use that. Um one of the bigger uh purveyors dropped off uh flyer. They're
going to drop off more flyers for us that have their sustainable products on it. So products are out there. people just they're being resilient, not on purpose, but there's change. >> Yeah. No, it's a big change. So, >> for sure.
>> But there are options out there. So, and I was very happy when Duncan the Station Avenue sent me this sent actually sent to Phil this morning. He for it to me that they're finding a a substitute for theirs. So, that was a big one. That's
>> 8,000 >> a week or something like that. So, Curious if that product can be used by other stores if they need it. Buying the same product. They may not get the same. >> Well, that has their the Duncan. >> Yeah, I'm sure I have that. I'll have to
look. >> I put it in front of you. >> It's in here. Okay. >> You can take my >> um I put one in front of everybody. Um but yeah, they're they like I said, we have samples of the cups of all different sizes and everything. So, the
lids are the harder ones to find. come across that the the the lids are the are people have the cups but the lids are way I look at it you're 98% there >> I'm kind of happy right now so
>> right >> so we'll be getting some of those um the you asked about hoarding I did some of my homes that I knew were that had people
in them uh over the storm I did drive by. Um I know two of them been sold and those people have moved on. They opted to sell their homes which is good. Another another one is they were um were at the
shelter. I saw um they were there and then the the third one I haven't heard or one of them I haven't heard and I from them at all recently. Their yard's been cleaned up. Um so there's no more
debris there. So it's but I reached out to Justine at the the clinician from the PD and they she hasn't heard from one of the major orders in a while. So we think they they've moved on too. So we're working
on it and it's I mean with outer Cape Healthcare between them the VNA we're we're helping people. So still one of the biggest obstacles is
people don't have money to clean their stuff out to get it or once they do get it I is getting like a dumpster there to pay for it and stuff like that. So >> well I mean biggest issue is people may
not want to get rid of their stuff but that's their home their things and you know often it's >> um there's illness there mental illness there resulting in dangerous situations. Police can't get in. The fire department
can't get in. So we've been dealing with that is more prevalent than most of us knew before we started on the board. One other thing I have, um, you might want to, I'm sure you've heard about this. So, Massachusetts just had its
first two cases of measles. Um, they were both came from traveling. Um, I don't know if they were vaccinated or not, but it's it's it's on a it's it's here now. It's in Massachusetts. Can you a medical
point? Can you >> well people probably hear from me every two weeks in these meetings is that it's important to speak with your health provider. These are important decisions. They're >> complicated um and have become a lot
more complicated of what to be doing about vaccines. Measles it's probably the most contagious virus out there. Um and it can result in brain injury um you know pneumonia
death literally. Um there there's it's infrequent that people have trouble with their immune system where in fact your defense systems lose their memory.
So when they're exposed to another infection, their body doesn't know that it's already seen it. So you're really at risk for getting an infection after infection of, you know, other types, not just the measles for sure. Uh
so certainly anyone who's got a child at home or is expecting one, uh speak with the health provider and so you can make a a good decision. >> Thank you. I' I'd like to comment on that. Um I just read this past week in
the paper that the Cape in Massachusetts is one of the lower vaccination areas and we typically have had a head school nurse come in and give us a report on vaccinations. We didn't do that last
year which is okay. Last year you know there didn't seem to be any issues out there but >> they look pretty good. >> I think there there is now. So, I'd like to have him or her come in again and particularly um you know the give us a
report on the vaccination rates. >> I will reach out to the I was actually with them this week. They were so kind of on a firstname basis with them now. So, >> good. >> Great. Um on that subject, uh the Avon
flu, the bird flu, u another case was found on the vineyard again. So they hadn't had any since there's a while last spring there was a flock of chickens that had it. Um hadn't had any, but they just had their first case of
aven flu recently. So, if you see any dead birds, um, call the animal control, call natural resources. Um, don't touch it. We'll let them handle it. They can guide you through how to properly move
it, stuff like that. So, >> we've been through that before. >> Yep. And then one last thing I have for the board. Um, Scott, welcome. Your predecessor was the secretary.
>> You need to uh >> vote on a new secretary. >> Is it a clerk or a secretary? >> It's a clerk. >> Clerk. I apologize. >> Yeah. No, this is important because Eric, I want you to share this with your family. Um, this is big because you're taking on that position of being the
clerk. >> Um, is it 41 or 42 page? The manual. >> What's What's this? >> I forget. >> What's the stipen? Well, no. What it It's not much, but when you drive up, you can take any parking spot that you want that's open
that's open. >> Um, >> the handicap. >> There's a there's a two to one match for the retirement uh >> plan. Um, put on your resume. >> There's no written exam, but there is an oral one. >> Okay.
>> It's gonna be right here. So, essentially, is there I know you have to you have to your name? >> Yeah, I think I can. >> You can handle it. What else will Eric have to do? >> I will follow up if there's anything additional that the clerk's office needs, but I
>> Okay, you're already sworn in. I think you're good till next year, I believe, 2027. >> I will you a year to try it out. >> Yeah. Yeah. Um there's no special attire. Put your hands out to make sure you're not shaking. That's all.
>> Room for advancement, right? It's vertical, baby. >> We appreciate you volunteering for that, by the way. >> Yes, it's my pleasure. >> I think I can. >> I think so, too. We're up to number 12.
Okay. This is something everyone looks forward to each meeting. Okay. How does that work, Eric? >> Could we hear a little bit more about uh National Public Health Week? >> Yeah, we got a couple more things. I'm sorry. Sarah has
>> what's up? >> Um, so just wanted to give you update on the permits. >> Oh yeah. Um, >> which permit what do we have? >> Statistics. >> All of them. >> All of them. >> Okay. >> So we gave you I can read them down. We I gave you the list. Uh, and rentals
were at 67 complete. Tanning 100%. Poultry stable, goats, sheeps 100%. Uh, food establishment 64%. Motel, uh, 90% swimming pools to be determined. Those always come in later because they're not open yet right now. Uh,
hazardous materials is in front of you when we sat down. Um, okay. >> Hazardous materials 92% complete. Disposable license we have 46 issued. Septic collars 39 issued. Refuge 11 issued. Um,
permit submitted fiscal year 721. Title five reports 286 perk test I've done 89 uh disposable construction permits 134 and then we'll follow up on the body art the funeral director recreational camps
and we have one green burial that haven't used yet. So >> you have what? >> We have one green burial permit we haven't issued yet. So that's good. >> That's great. Excellent. Good job.
>> What's What's the disposal installer? >> Disposal installer license. >> Anybody who is going to install a septic system. >> Oh, okay. Thank you. >> I was thinking of as a garbage
that >> then the septic caller is the when you get it pumped and then the refuge is the trash collectors and stuff like that. >> Right. >> Next meeting is the 16th March. >> That's just the March awareness month.
doing in collaboration with Bible County. We're doing cholesterol testing on March 18th here at town hall. Just asking you to register for that. >> What's the best way to do that? >> There's a link on our website or you can do the QR code or just call me and I
will register. >> And so the health awareness that she was doing in April um in addition to that um we will also be doing um National Public Health Week. So that's national um and
just an opportunity to recognize public health workers. Um and I think I sent each of you to write a little blurb if you're interested. If not, it's no big deal. But again, it's just an opportunity for us to use our bulletin board when people come in and um to get
to know who the board of health is. In addition to the information that Shelby will provide to me will be up there and just think it's nice to have people have a face just who they are. So watch TV
just to recognize all the work that were already well known publicly >> and I'm finding out more and more people watch our meetings. >> I know I a lot of people watching. Thank you for watching them. I appreciate. Hi everybody. Thank you. >> I apologize for not getting back to you
on that. That's >> okay. We have time. I'm We're just in March. I I'm planning, you know, I like to plan two months ahead. So May, I'm I'm also working um on that. And um and also the woman that came to the
Weissac meeting for the sharing kindness, I think we may do work with her maybe in September. >> Be great. >> Um so yeah, so these are you know also you have any of any awareness things that you know you did the fall risk you brought to my attention. So if any of
you have any other ideas of awareness um just so you know what we do is um each month the health department has been doing an awareness month so we kind of focus on something we try to do it you know that's nationally also being done um so we diabetes obviously October is a
big breast cancer awareness so we try to do it with so that we can kind of work collaboratively with um other departments or county has public nurses that We try to use DNA and such too. So
>> that's all. >> Yeah, you you've been doing a great job with it. Really? Thank you very much. >> It's been mostly Sarah's work. >> And yes, I got Yeah, she's the idea lady. She brings all the ideas, asked me to put them in. But no, this is
great. Um, so March is if you are interested, there'll be a presentation right at 1:30 and then they'll do the testing after that. Scott, feel free to send any of your residents down. >> Absolutely. Well, yeah, we'll send it out to the community. >> Yeah, we'll get you a flyer to put up
down there. So, >> we can send that to families and um we have again the assisted living right next door. They all have vehicles, so we can get that message sent out there, too. >> Yeah, we've been putting these in the COA fly, which actually has been really
helpful, too. So, we've been getting a lot of people from that. We're just trying to into working with other departments in the town, you know, like the YD because you forget we're all one big, you know, so you try to work together.
>> Thanks. >> Yeah, there's there move we adjourn. We don't have to do that anymore. We don't have to do that one anymore. Come on. >> Leave it out of the minutes. Okay. So, we need a second a motion.
>> Second. >> And any discussion? Never is. Good. >> So, all in favor of leaving? Everyone's leaving. The meeting is >> done. >> Thank you very much. Thank you everyone.