Board of Health

CITY OF GARDNER OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH ROOM 29, CITY HALL GARDNER, MASSACHUSETTS 01440 (978) 630-4013 FAX (978) 632-4682 To: Bernard Sullivan, R.S., C.H.O. - Health Director Dr. Donald Miller, Chairman Attorney Geoffrey Tobia, Member Susan Avallone, Member CC: Public Safety Committee: Councilors Atty. Scott Graves, James D. Johnson, Matthew C. J. Vance RE: Minutes for the Board of Health meeting held on Monday, July 14, 2014 __________________________________________________________________________________ 5:00 Meeting called to order 5:05 Dr. Jackman spoke about the Gardner Community Health Project relating to the childhood obesity problem. He explained the programs that are available through the Gardner Public Schools. The 1st and 2nd grades have the Off Our Rockers after school program. The Elementary School has an intramural program for after school sports. The Middle School has an agreement with MWCC to use their facilities after school for $1.00. The High School does not have any after school programs. He discussed a few of his recommendations which included: A Healthy Kids Gardner Program for Grades 8-12, using natural resources such as family walks, boating, kayaking, etc., finding someone who has time to devote to helping with parent education and finding the support resources available. 5:35 Meeting minutes dated June 2, 2014 approved and signed. 5:45 Old business: Sludge landfill issues will be discussed at the next meeting per Bernie. Susan asked about the Yen Yen Restaurant. Bernie stated that there have not been any complaints and that Jennifer continues to monitor the restaurant. No new business. 6:00 Public meeting to discuss proposed amendments to the tobacco regulations. Donald J. Wilson, Director of Massachusetts Municipal Association started the meeting by discussing the Municipal Tobacco Control Technical Assistance Program. He showed the municipalities with minimum pricing for cigars with the explanation of policies and definitions. He also showed the municipalities that ban the sale of blunt wraps with the explanation of the definitions. Tina Grosowsky, Project Coordinator for the Central MA Tobacco Free Community Partnership and Lauren Saunders, Coordinator of the Gardner Committee Action Team both spoke in favor of adopting the proposed tobacco amendments. Bernie noted that not many people showed up to the meeting. We sent letters to all tobacco license holders in the City and only received letters from three trade associations for convenience stores. After discussion, the Board requested more information and clarification of the proposed regulation in the area of pricing and verbiage. Atty. Tobia requested the City Solicitor review the proposed regulation and advise the Board regarding the current legal status of the proposed regulation. 6:40 Bernie gave a brief overview of the sludge landfill issues to be discussed at the next meeting. 6:50 Set next meeting, adjourn Recording proceedings were preserved and are available upon request. The next meeting was set for Monday, August 18, 2014. ________________________ _______________________ _________________________ Dr. Donald Miller, Chairman Atty. Geoffrey Tobia, Member Susan Avallone, Member All conversations are documented on recording identified as B.O.H July 14, 2014