Recap: Board of Health conducts regular business, listens to resident comments on masking

Quick recap:

• Board of Health conducted their normal business approving minutes of prior meeting, hearing updates from nurse, epidemiologist and inspector. 
• Winter St demolition approvals in process, other abandoned housing being addressed in coordinated manner with attorney general
• problem with ordering at home test kits, not as easy as it was lead to be, no date yet for availability
• multiple residents commented against a mask policy in light of the request at the prior meeting for the Board to consider one.

Agenda for this meeting ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_02022022_1.pdf

Board of Health meetings are generally scheduled for the first Wednesday of the month at 5 PM

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting

• Real time reporting for the Board of Health meeting underway, #boh0202  Winter St update provided, prior meeting minutes approved (twice, once 2-0; then 3-0; 3rd member arrived)
• Some audio items on the Zoom bridge worked through to be able to hear folks in the room clearly #boh0202
• Update from inspections, update from nurse, clinics being worked, COVID is still prevalent #boh0202
• Epidemiologist provides updates, working on reporting and tracking, new webpage/dashboard being put together, #boh0202
• At home rest kits ordered from lowest priced vendor, couldn't get ship dates; order cancelled, new being set, no date yet for availability, #boh0202 not as easy as it sounded.
• Property on Union St being worked collaboratively, police, fire, health, building, Attny General office coordinated - working on abandoned housing initiatives and making progress #boh0202
• Open to citizen comment, M Benson speaking to mask mandate discussion from last time to raise several issues, #boh0202 mask mandate would instill a sense of fear, not necessary
• Another citizen, (didn't catch name) anti mask comments, #boh0202 "respect the choice people have" define an exit strategy. D Videra, backing up M and Kevin, also anti mask, tremendous mental health issues, start tracking those in addition toCOVID-19
• Another citizen, (name missed) complaining that the school committee which is also supposed to be apolitical has members that just endorsed Senator Rausch so that doesn't work and is contradictory with other statements being made #boh0202
• No hands raised for other remote comments, #boh0202 Board comments, thanks for the citizen comments, good engagement, good commitment, folks need to stay safe and healthy motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0 via roll call

 

Audio recording to be available in a couple  of days

Board of Health conducts regular business, listens to resident comments on masking

Health Director Cathleen Liberty talks about COVID and other important Health Dept. work - 01/25/22 (audio)

FM #714 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 714 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Health Director Cathleen Liberty  January 25, 2022. We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about 

New year, some things remain the same, some things are new

• Where are we at, 2 years in

• COVID-19, vaccine clinics

• Kids survey open now

• At home kits, reporting skew

Metacomet Regional

• Nurse, epidemiologist now in temporary office at the Senior Center

• Inspector

The recording runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cathleen. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-714-franklin-ma-health-director-cathleen-liberty-01-25-22

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Health Dept page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

Board of Health page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

Link to survey -> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1p4-syf7lDV6JcvpeY518Fli57fWurGIDg6G7oN8F6X-PLw/viewform 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Health Director Cathleen Liberty

Recap: Board of Health hears multiple updates; congratulates staff on vaccine clinic success (audio)

Quick Recap:

• Status update on 27 Winter St heard, keeping eye on progress, owner may need to appear for Feb 2022 meeting if no action taken for demolition of building
• Nurse picked up contact tracing as collaborative ended in November; starting health check for Central Park Terrace residents
• Both COVID-19 vaccine clinics for the youth went well with over 280 does delivered each time. Kudos to the team for great execution, thanks is not enough!

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting via the Zoom conf bridge. 

 

The Twitter hashtag #BoH1208 can be found online The thread begins with  

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1468704858089873419

Board of Health agenda doc ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/12-8-21.pdf 

• Real time reporting for the Board of Health meeting underway, #BoH1208, approved minutes by 3-0 vote via roll call, status of 27 Winter St some evidence of work around building/property, should have an update for Jan 2022 from owner …
  
• Per carryover from prior meeting, if no progress owner due at Feb meeting. Update from nurse, COVID clinic success, some doses left over; also visiting Central Park Terrace to do health checks and address items as they arise. #BoH1208
  
• Contact tracing collaborative ended in Nov, nurse Alisha now picking up that contact tracing as needed. #BoH1208 discussion on monthly meeting dates, possible adjustments to Jun/Jul dates sliding one week; discussion non text around Title V change in language to clarify … 
  
• To be brought to a future agenda for a formal hearing, reading of potential change to alleviate duplication of effort. #BoH1208 worth noting that clinic performance was well done, staff, volunteers, etc.  very well done and received, thank you is hollow!
  
• Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0 via roll call #BoH1208

 Meeting audio -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0dae85a8-d883-4934-95af-cb93dcf9bdb4

Recap: Board of Health hears multiple updates

Board of Health Meeting - 11/03/21 (audio)

FM #652 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 652 in the series.

This session shares the Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, Nov 3, 2021. The meeting was conducted in person at the Municipal Building.

Chair Bridget Sweet opened the meeting and jumped into approval of the minutes to get to the 27 Winter issue with the property owner present.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda, the Board of Health page, and my notes from the meeting. 

During the citizens comment, I advocate for adding a virtual option to their meeting. They agreed to do so.

The meeting runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting.

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b9f610ff-ffb2-4d0f-8a13-bb4867b49eef

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Meeting agenda

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_11032021.pdf 

My meeting notes

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/recap-board-of-health-hears-of-vaccine.html

Board of Health page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Board of Health Meeting - 11/03/21 (audio)

Recap - Board of Health hears of vaccine clinic for 5-11 youth scheduled among other business items

Quick Recap:

• Board reorganizes with Chair remaining as Bridget Sweet and Jeff Harris approved as Vice-Chair both by 3-0 votes
• Multiple items of business covered with reports from inspector and nurse providing 'on the street' insights; intern work on food recovery program about to be piloted at Parmenter
• Vaccine clinic for the 5-11 youth group planned for Nov 10 and Dec 1, details being finalized on registration, flyer and media awareness about to begin
• Discussion on restoring virtual option for public participation, accepted for next meeting

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting live from the 3rd Floor Training Room

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #boh1103

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23boh1103&src=typeahead_click 

 

Agenda document -  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_11032021.pdf 

 

• Ready for #boh1103 meeting, located in 3rd floor training room, no remote option for this session.
• Motion to accept meeting mins passes 3-0;
• 27 Winter St - discussion underway for possible demo including appropriate permits, etc. #boh1103 best est 60-90 days for work estimate, permits, etc. Include assessment of possible rodent issue as part of the assessment
• Motion to accept plan as outlined and follow up scheduled for Feb 2022, in case other progress/steps are delayed; passes 3-0  #boh1103
• Restructuring due to election, new board member (re-elected) - Nominate B Sweet to be chair, second; passes 3-0; J Harris motion to be vice chair, seconded, passes 3-0 #boh1103
• Update from inspector on recent actions, nursing update - flu clinic last week, home visits for those who missed due to the weather; 177 confirmed for Oct vs. 172 prior month #boh1103 contract tracking collaborative closing done after 11/29/21
• One active TB case here, person doing well. COVID clinic scheduled for next Weds (11/10) 2-6 PM 300 doses available #boh1103 Target for 5-11 year olds only. Heart safe research underway for machine checks
• Dean College has had only a few COVID cases and are dealing with them well. #boh1103 state pushing regionalization of health approach 
• Foundation training, 2 of 27 sets of training in progress; looking to become instructor for CPR
• 850 Summer st local upgrade of septic system which failed; motion to approve request based upon engineer req, second, passes 3-0
• PFAS  what is our strategy? Communication, education, mitigation... Info for residents proactively #boh1103
• Proposal for doc/info on PFAS to be prepared for next meeting for their review. Coordination of communication tools for incidents
• #boh1103 intern progress on food recovery diversion, piloting at Parmenter with staff first then students, before expanding further
• Granting funding for contact tracing, provided a work plan, etc. Still details to work out on implementation #boh1103 funding for 2 years - in citizen comment raised the accessibility issue and they will go hybrid for future
• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0
• And by the way, that is all for tonight. The Town Council meeting was rescheduled to 11/10/21 and new agenda with updated remote link to be shared before Monday. #boh1103  catch you all next time!

Dfood ownload a copy of the flyer  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/youth_covid_vaccine_flyer.pdf

Recap - Board of Health

FM #600 - Franklin's Health Director Cathleen Liberty - 08/31/21 (audio)

FM #600 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 600 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Health Director Cathleen Liberty on August 31, 2021. We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about the major topics of 

• Protocol set for COVID-19 exposure

• Public health nurse update

• Metacomet Shared Service grant update

• Tune it out program update

• New podcast coming - “The Topic”

The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cathleen

Audio file ->  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f09f57cc-916a-403b-9ba7-a04a3420c2bd

--------------

Health Dept. page https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

Board of Health page https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit   Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Town of Franklin Health Director Cathleen Liberty

FM #596 - Franklin, MA: Board of Health Mtg - 09/01/21 (audio)

FM #596 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 596 in the series.

This session shares the Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, Sep 1, 2021. The meeting was conducted in hybrid mode, most of the Board and Health Dept members in person at the Municipal Bldg and others via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Bridget Sweet opened the meeting and reviewed the usual protocol for conduct of such remote meetings during this pandemic

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda, the Board of Health page, and my notes from the meeting. 

The meeting runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting.

Audio file =  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/30e18466-f7c9-40c4-a573-16c51b73946e

--------------

Meeting agenda

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_09012021.pdf 

Board of Health page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department 

My meeting notes

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/recap-franklin-ma-board-of-health.html 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Tune it out program at a meeting in July

Recap: Franklin (MA) Board of Health Meeting - 09/01/21

Quick Recap:

• Minutes for Aug meeting accepted by 3-0 vote 
•  Update on Tune it Out program, open to all veterans who want to learn to play guitar
• Update on shared services grant and new inspector to work part-time (funded by grant)
• Update on new public health nurse to start in September (full time, funded by approved budget) 
• Update via Chair Sweet on interaction with School District and their meetings preparing for the policy for masks for personnel in schools as they planned to open this week (superseded by DESE decision for now)
• Intern to work on food rescue program 
• Intro by Roger Trahan (Chair of Agriculture Committee) and desire to work together with Board of Health/Health Dept 

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting although this time, reporting live from the 3rd floor training room.

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #boh0901 

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23boh0901&src=typed_query 

 

Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/agenda/boh-agenda-56 

 

• Live reporting of Board of Health meeting underway. Minutes for Aug meeting accepted by 3-0 vote #boh0901
• Update on Tune it Out program, veteran training with guitars. #boh0901 all veterans all eligible, mirrored program that started in 2007 for vets with PTSD, this differs in that all vets are welcome
• Donations welcome via Veterans Services at the Senior Center #boh0901
• Motion to accept local upgrade request for 14 Hunters Road. #boh0901 motion second and passes 3-0
• Metacomet shared services grant allows for part time inspector, shared with Wrentham/Norfolk. Good step to regionalization of this service #boh0901
• Hired full time public health nurse to start in Sept, #boh0901 heart safe community opportunity, research required, would the Board consider? Update provided by Chair Sweet. Board consensus is for this, no action/vote for board at this time.
• Update via Chair Sweet on interaction with School District and their meetings preparing for masks for personnel in schools as it opened. #boh0901
• #boh0901 new platform for COVID vaccines request and registrations. ToF ready for delivery of booster shot delivery. CDC updating guidelines about availability for all who have had 1 or 2, want to get others their first. Breakthrough cases are a small %
• Intern to work on food rescue program to be developed for ToF. Food donations and food waste, misconception abounds, so gathering info and then the local area for opportunity #boh0901 EPA program '2 good to waste' and find ways to leverage for us, a la Elisha Project https://elishaproject.org/
• Roger Trajan, from Agriculture Commission provides his intro Meeting adjourns #boh0901

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/franklintv-time-for-ice-cream-3.html