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Norwalk
Health Department
Board of Health Actions
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Board of Health
Public Hearing
Board of Health
Monthly Meeting Minutes
April 8, 2008
8:00 AM
Library
Call to order at 8:05 AM
Present: Board of Health - Ken Lalime, RPH, John McNamara, MD, Sheldon Miller,
Theresa Quell, PhD, RN, and Edward Tracey, MD
Staff - Tim Callahan, Director of Health, Tom Closter, Director of Environmental
Health
Minutes of March 11, 2008 public hearing and monthly meeting - Motion to approve by Ms. Quell, seconded by Mr. Lalime, passed unanimously
Food Inspection Program Presentation
Tom Closter presented the Lighthouse program, a system for rating the food handling,
preparation and holding. All class III and IV establishments are rated at each
inspection. The results are posted on the health department web site. In FY
2007 there were 40,000 visits to these pages. Mr. Closter reviewed the inspection
form. Mr. Closter provided a demonstration of the in-house and state health
department sponsored inspector trainings aimed at achieving consistency in evaluating
establishments. In order to maintain the integrity of the rating system, consistency
in marking violations is essential.
The Board members suggested recognizing exceptionally maintained establishments.
Food establishments maintaining 3 lighthouses in all inspections for 3 years
will be considered exceptional. Mr. Closter and Mr. Callahan will work on the
means for recognition.
Fit Kids Grant
Fit Kid Olympics is an initiative that promotes healthy lifestyles by increasing
children's physical activity levels and by exposing them to lifetime recreation
activities and physical education.
Beginning in April, youth in 3 after school programs (Roodner Court Neighborhood Center, South Norwalk Community Center, and George Washington Carver Community Center) will compete with their program to be the most active. The youth will receive physical education from Norwalk Community College exercise science students and also engage in karate, hockey and soccer. Parents will be involved through take-home materials. The program culminates with a Field Day at Ryan Park, which will be led by Norwalk High School students.
This program is the product of a partnership among members of the Norwalk Childhood Obesity Prevention Committee. The Health Department will provide general oversight and coordination. NEON, Inc. will be the primary contact with the after school program sites and will assist in implementing the physical activities. Norwalk Community College will provide physical education, and BROWN (Bears Reaching Out Within Norwalk) will plan the Field Day.
Community Health Planning Grant
The Health Department will participate with the Norwalk Community Health Center
and the School Readiness group to further the work of collecting information
that describes the health status of children. This project is an extension of
the data collection initiated by the Norwalk Healthy Families Collaborative.
The $20,000 award will be used to offset the cost of hiring a Princeton 55 Fellow
who will work on helping establish an epidemiologist function within the Health
Department.
Other Business
Nail Salons and Manicurists - Mr. Miller asked about the licensing of nail salons
and manicurists. Mr. Closter said the salons are licensed by the Norwalk Health
Department. Until last year the manicurists were licensed by the Connecticut
Department of Public Health. Manicurists are no longer licensed by the state.
The Norwalk Salon ordinance requires a licensed manicurist to be present while
the salon is open.
Tattoo Parlors - Mr. Miller asked if the operators or the establishments are licensed. Mr. Closter said as far as he knows neither is licensed. Prior to opening a tattoo establishment, a sign off is required by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Mr. Callahan will investigate and report to the Board in May.
Lyme Disease - Dr McNamara inquired about the status of public education efforts. Mr. Callahan said the Health Department provides information on landscaping techniques provide some protection from ticks. The Health Department also makes information on personal protective measures available to the public. Several months ago Governor Jodi Rell announced an educational campaign for Fairfield and Windham counties. Mr. Callahan will contact Matt Carter, MD the person coordinating this project for the state and find out the status of the program. The Board discussed this matter and suggested working with golfers and golf courses, gardeners and the Silvermine Community Association and MASH.
Norwalk Community Health Center - Mr. Callahan said he received a letter of acknowledgement from Jack Egan Operations Director Bureau of Primary Care Department of Health & Human Services. According to Mr. Egan, the Community Health Centers Inc. application to expand into Norwalk is under review.
Adjourn at 9:25 AM
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