FM #1006 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1006 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. All three board members participated; Harris & Cochrane (in person), Chair Sweet (remote). Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room.
Quick Recap:
Vice Chair Tim Cochrane opens meeting with roll call of participants all in person; motion to approve minutes of May, second, passes 3-0
Shaw’s/ AFC sushi issue addressed first; during regular inspection on Monday, it was revealed that testing of the rice was not being done, the individual couldn’t find the meter to perform the testing; operations were shut down. One Shaw’s rep, and one AFC rep participated in meeting; discussed steps taken to address issue, meter was on site apparently individual in question wasn’t aware of the location; 2 individuals to be staffed going forward, more oversight from Shaw’s to ensure AFC compliance with testing; assuming this is in place, the Board ok’s approval to re-open Thursday
Picked up on remaining tobacco sales regulations discussions with Sarah from the State on the bridge to help work through the remaining items for discussion. Summary of regulation items to be prepared, public hearings to be scheduled, discussion offline on when those meetings would be given the summer months approaching
Recap of the successful Spring Health Fair, over 680 participated at the library, visiting with 20 vendors, etc. Giveaways from Big Y and others made for lots of happy faces in the crowd. Work underway already to plan for the next one in the fall to keep this twice a year event happening
The meeting runs about 50 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting June 7, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1007-tof-board-of-health-mtg-06-07-23
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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/boh_meeting_agenda_06.07.23.pdf
Meeting packet (including individual reports) ->
My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ikpMfi58S1iZTMm7eGEuEYuJvYeNuODH/view?usp=drive_link
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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!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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| Town of Franklin - Board of Health - agenda for June 7, 2023 meeting at 5 PM |
Today (May 31, 2023) is "World No Tobacco Day"! The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing more than 8 million people a year -tobacco kills up to half of its users!
Find out tips and steps to quit smoking: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/
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| Weekly Wellness Update - World No Tobacco Day |
This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. All three board members participated in person; Harris, Cochrane, & Chair Sweet. Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room.
Quick Recap:
Chair Bridget Sweet opens meeting with roll call of participants all in person; motion to approve mins of Apr, second, passes 3-0
Old business, tobacco sales regulations discussion on cap, currently at 32, permitted at 21 (?) Reduce, or maintain. No interest in reduction at ...
This time. #boh0503 3 of the 22 are adult only, could have dual caps, i.e. one for full sales, one for adult only. Desire for more info on what the neighboring communities are doing. Qs on 3,13,16,17 for checklist. consensus on unified approach for fines
Level of discretion at Health Dept Director action, should there be more of a graduation clause? i.e. first time one set amount, second more, third more, etc... #boh0502 re: consistency of enforcement shall does better than may
Currently do not have a permit for catering, may consider for future. Discussion on food truck, trailer permit for year vs. time of event #boh0502 discussion on mobile, temporary vs catering, issue with catering going to another town, other local may not want
Discussion on protocol for notification of fee change, hearing notification cost, combine tobacco and body works for one hearing #boh0502 health fair, 5/24 3-6 PM flyers being spread, on Weds at the Library
Health inspection report, 14 inspects, 14 reinspection, Council meeting 4/12 - health nurse report, numbers better around for COVID and flu, vaccine recommendation has been updated #boh0502
Fundraiser for Gaspar family 5/10 at George's. Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0
The meeting runs about 52 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting May 3, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-988-tof-board-of-health-mtg-05-03-23
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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/events/boh_5.3.23_agenda_and_packet.pdf
My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O8wbpzBkx6blhpAw3Di2eZ_eRZ5Gg_fz/view?usp=share_link
--------------
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"
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| Board of Health discusses potential changes to tobacco regulations, Health Fair set for May 24 (audio) |
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| Franklin, MA: Board of Health - agenda for May 3, 2023 meeting at 5 PM |
FM #952 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 952 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. All three board members participated, all 3 in the 3rd floor training room along with the Health Dept staff members.
Quick Recap:
As reported in prior meeting, tobacco license holder checks mostly resulted in violations, primarily regarding paperwork and signage required. The first 40 or so minutes of this session was spent with Sarah McColgan who participated via remote to help walk through the checklist of what State regulations Franklin would change to increase (can’t go lower than the State but can go more restrictive).
The regulations will be drafted by the Health Dept based upon the discussion and brought to the Board for further review and discussion. Depending upon timing likely would need to schedule a public hearing before making the changes official.
Part of the regulations needs to make clear the role of the Police (assuming they continue to assist with enforcement) vs. the Health Dept
Inspector’s report, Nurse’s report, Epidemiologist report all touting volume and some issues but nothing major. Decline in COVID cases, clinics held at Central Park Terrace, Tri-County RVTHS, etc.
Chair Sweet took time to thank the individuals for the work they are doing, they are expanding the awareness and having a positive impact on the community
Next Health Fair is scheduled for May 24 at the Library. Given the May date, Dean students would be off campus for the session, to help with parking and space concerns, maybe see if it can be held there.
The meeting runs about 55 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Feb 1, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-952-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-03-01-23
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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/3-1-23_agenda.pdf
My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KpTDdk8OmzKvAMUdw7SoJIQkyOyapC7Y/view?usp=share_link
--------------
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"
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| Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Meeting Agenda - March 1, 2023 - 5 PM |
FM #932 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 329 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. All three board members participated, 2 in room, 1 remote (hence roll call votes). Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room.
Quick Recap:
Tobacco holder checks mostly resulted in violations mostly regarding paperwork and signage required, most have been abated by now. Possible modification of the Town regulations to bring inline with the current State level, copy under review by department, hearing to be scheduled for the next mtg
Inspector’s report, Nurse’s report, Epidemiologist report all touting volume and some issues but nothing major
Health Care resources map & info added to Health Dept page -> https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7a79d8f9979f4709ad5b7311c91c8258
The meeting runs about 23 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Feb 1, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-932-town-of-franklin-board-of-health-mtg-02-01-23
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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/agenda_2-1-23.pdf
Reflexology regulations as proposed
My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uy9M0NJkAz_AWJ6buUInl9G6P5vQHsXK/view?usp=share_link
--------------
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"
From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:
"Cigarette sales in Massachusetts were down by 24% in August, according to convenience store owners, and the state has seen a nearly $32 million drop in tobacco excise taxes in the three months since its first-in-the-nation ban on menthol cigarettes took effect.
The decline in cigarette tax stamp sales would put Massachusetts on pace to exceed the $93 million in foregone revenue projected by the Department of Revenue last year from the menthol and mint cigarette ban.
The New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association said the ban has pushed sales to neighboring states, including New Hampshire and Rhode Island where overall cigarette sales were up 65% and 17% in August, respectively. New Hampshire saw a 91% spike in menthol cigarette sales alone in August, and Rhode Island’s coffers benefited from 40% bump in menthol sales.
The ban on menthol cigarettes in Massachusetts took effect on June 1, and while public officials were willing to give up some revenue for the public health benefits of banning all types of flavored tobacco, convenience stores say residents are simply bringing the products back from other states."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201009/stores-say-mass-tax-drop-reflects-shift-in-cigarette-sales?rssfeed=true
"Restrictions on the sale of flavored tobacco products, including mint and menthol cigarettes, are set to take effect next week and Gov. Charlie Baker said he sees no reason the ongoing coronavirus pandemic should delay that.
The law restricting the sale of flavored tobacco products, including mint and menthol cigarettes, to smoking bars for on-premise consumption is set to take effect June 1, but the New England Convenience Stores & Energy Marketers Association has been pressing Baker to use his executive authority to delay the ban for one year.
“I think it should go into effect,” the governor said Tuesday when asked if the change should be delayed. “It was a public health issue at the time and it was particularly important to a number of folks in the public health community and to the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus and the leadership, and we supported it and we signed it and we want to see it go into effect.”
"The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles announced it will be implementing further extensions to the renewal timelines for expiring motor vehicle inspection stickers, passenger plate registrations, professional credentials, and driver’s licenses and learner’s permits, including Commercial Driver’s Licenses and Commercial Learner’s Permits (CDLs / CLPs).
While the RMV has previously announced extensions for most credentials, passenger plate registrations and inspection stickers expired or expiring in March, April, and May, this action will apply an additional extension to those credentials and an extension to some credentials expiring in June, July, and August.
These extensions replicate the ongoing measures the RMV has taken to reduce the need for customers to physically visit an RMV Service Center or one of its business partners’ facilities, allowing for ‘social-distancing’ by decreasing non-essential travel and customer volume. Additional, longer-term extensions will also allow the RMV to ensure ‘social-distancing’ guidelines are met as demand for in-person service and renewals resumes during the Commonwealth’s reopening phases."
This Meeting Is Being Recorded. The Listing Of Matters Are Those Reasonably Anticipated By The Chair Which May Be Discussed At The Meeting. Not All Items Listed May In Fact Be Discussed And Other Items Not Listed May Also Be Brought Up For Discussion To The Extent Permitted By Law.
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| Franklin Board Of Health: Meeting - Weds, Jan 8, 2020 - Agenda |
"Massachusetts on Wednesday became the first state in the country to prohibit retail sales of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes.
Gov. Charlie Baker also announced that the state’s temporary ban on vaping product sales will now end on Dec. 11, when public health officials are set to adopt a new set of permanent vaping regulations. The sale of flavored tobacco vaping products will still be prohibited on that date under the new law signed by Baker.
Pitched as a way to help protect children from the dangers of nicotine addiction but criticized by adult e-cigarette users, retailers and lawmakers from border communities, the legislation also imposes a 75% excise tax on vaping products.
“We are grateful for this landmark legislation and know it will go a long way forward in addressing this epidemic, specifically in aiding our response to this epidemic for our youth and young people, with the simple goal of not allowing another generation to become addicted to nicotine,” Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel said after Baker signed the bill. “As a physician and commissioner of the Department of Public Health, I will continue to recommend that people not use any vaping or e-cigarette products. These products are not safe.”
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| Governor Baler's twitter photo on the legislation signing |
"Despite Gov Charlie Baker’s announcement Wednesday that a state ban on all vape products will end on Dec. 11, as the state works on additional regulations, at least one vape shop owner says the damage has already been done.
David Bershad, co-owner of Vape Daddy’s, which has stores in Framingham and Newton, said he’s lost $500,000 since the four-month ban started on Sept. 24. Bershad said he’s waiting to see if there’s a class-action lawsuit against Baker by businesses looking to recoup their losses.
If there is, Bershad said he’ll join it.
″(Baker) hasn’t solved any problems. People are still going to die,” Bershad said, referencing the three deaths in Massachusetts that are linked to vaping. “A fourth victim is going to happen.”
