Board of Health Meeting Minutes

OPENING:  The regular scheduled meeting of the Board of Health opened at 7:10 p.m.  The following members were in attendance:

Dr. Jerome Azia

Sue Brzoska

Jean Nilsson

Mr. Thomas FitzGerald, Health Director, was also in attendance.

Mrs. Nilsson made a motion to accept the minutes of 12/15/16.  Dr. Azia seconded the motion.  The vote of the Board was unanimous in favor.

Greg Fitzpatrick, Westfield Evening News

38 Lakeview Street  Mr. FitzGerald has visited the property due to the water shut-off.  The property appeared to be currently occupied.  The outside of the dwelling is in disrepair, debris is in the yard.  Mr. FitzGerald recommended that a second letter be delivered by Town Constable.  The Town Constable attempted delivery six times.  It was noted that the notice sent by Certified Mail had not been signed for.

425 North Loomis Street  Mr. FitzGerald received a complaint regarding a large amount of debris in the yard of this vacant property.  Mr. FitzGerald inspected the property.  Mr. FitzGerald stated that a Violation Notice will be sent.

16D Depot Court  Mr. FitzGerald received a complaint from the Westfield Housing Authority regarding this apartment.  Mr. FitzGerald and the Westfield Housing Authority Director inspected the property while the tenant was present.  Sanitary Code violations were found and a Notice was sent.  Mr. FitzGerald has reinspected the property noting that small improvements have been made.  Mr. FitzGerald attended Housing Court with the Westfield Housing Authority on December 19, 2016.  Tenant will receive assistance with sanitary needs.  Mr. FitzGerald will review progress at the end of January.

Mr. FitzGerald met with the Southwick School Superintendent to discuss the use of Powder Mill Middle School as an open POD (point of distribution) in the event of an emergency.  It was recommended by the Superintendent, as well as the school business manager, that the high school be considered.  An updated memorandum of understanding was given to the Superintendent.

Mr. FitzGerald previously recommended adding the permitting of solid waste haulers.  The Board agreed that there is a need to add this permit at a flat fee of $100/permit.  Mrs. Nilsson will review/draft regulations of the permitting process for further review and acceptance of the Board.

HCHC – Mr. FitzGerald attended monthly meeting on January 5^th.  Training on Emergency Dispensing and a meeting with the coordinator was discussed; logistics of EDS will be addressed.

The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Melissa Bridges, Secretary