Board of Health

Office of the Board of Health City Hall 166 Boulder Drive – Suite 108 Fitchburg, Massachusetts 01420 978-829-1870 An organizational meeting was held on June 6, 2019 at 5:00 pm. Present: Stephen Curry, Director; Sandra Knipe, R.N.B.S.N.; John Bogdasarian, M.D., Chairman; Ian Murray, Board Member; Stephanie Holinko, Food & Milk Inspector; John Deline, Deputy Commissioner of Water Supply; William Marks, Williams Southern Soul. Approve Meeting Minutes: Sandra Knipe made a motion to approve the May 7, 2019 meeting minutes. Motion was 2nd by Ian Murray. All were in favor. Motion carries. Fluoride in the Fitchburg Public Water Discussion – John Deline, Deputy Commissioner of Water Supply: Mr. Deline stated in the past, the City of Leominster was interested in purchasing water from Fitchburg because of their limited sources of water supply however they can’t purchase the water from Fitchburg because of the fluoride in the water. Fluoride is added in minimal concentrations to aid in dental health and hygiene. Mr. Deline stated he is looking at this from a financial standpoint, the ability to sell water someplace else would give his department more money to replace water mains. Several water mains are in need of replacing because of corrosion, iron etc even though the water is filtered. Mr. Deline stated Fitchburg has a large water system with a lot of infrastructure for the population and commercial sector that we serve but is on the fence about fluoridation. Ms. Knipe suggested gathering information from the Department of Public Health. She also suggested holding a public hearing. After lengthy discussion the Board will revisit this in September. Williams Southern Soul – 135 Lunenburg St, William Marks, Owner: Mr. Marks stated he is here to address concerns he has to the Board. Mr. Marks asked if taking a screen door off his back door had anything to do with the health department. Mr. Curry stated if it opens directly to the restaurant then yes it does. Mr. Marks said he was told by Ms. Holinko to remove the screen door because it wasn’t weathertight. Ms. Holinko stated in her August, 2018 report it was cited that Mr. Marks had to replace, repair or remove the door. Mr. Marks will put the screen door on and repair it so it’s weathertight. Mr. Curry stated that Mr. Mark’s is currently operating with a food permit that expired on April 30, 2019. He is also tax delinquent and will have to work something out with the Treasurer’s office. Mr. Marks stated he will have the application and required paperwork by June 13, 2019 Staff Reports: Mr. Curry presented the Substance Abuse Coordinator, Public Health Nurse, Sanitary Inspectors, & Food & Milk Inspectors reports. Ms. Knipe made a motion to accept the Substance Abuse Coordinator report for May, 2019. Motion was 2nd by Mr. Murray. All were in favor. Motion carries. Ms. Knipe made a motion to accept the Public Health Nurse report for May, 2019. Motion was 2nd by Mr. Murray. All were in favor. Motion carries. Mr. Murray made a motion to accept the Food & Milk Inspectors report for May, 2019. Motion was 2nd by Ms. Knipe. All were in favor. Motion carries. Ms. Knipe made a motion to accept the Sanitary Inspectors reports thru May, 2019. Motion was 2nd by Mr. Murray. All were in favor. Motion carries. Next meeting scheduled for August, 2019. Sandra Knipe made a motion to adjourn. Motion was 2nd by Dr. Bogdasarian. All were in favor, meeting adjourned at 6:45 PM.