|
|
|
|
Norwalk
Health Department
Board of Health Actions
|
December 12, 2006
8:00 AM
Library
Call to order at 8:10 AM
Present: Board of Health – Ken Lalime, RPH, John McNamara, MD, and Edward Tracey,
MD
Staff – Tim Callahan, Director of Health, David Reed MD, MPH
Minutes of November 14, 2006 meeting
Correction: Item: Influenza Clinics and Mass Dispensing Drill, 5th sentence
“Flu vaccine provided earlier in the season and at new outlets such as box stores
and supermarkets and by health plans as marketing tools for Medicare participation
are some of the reasons for the decline in demand for health department clinics.”
A motion to approve the minutes as corrected was made by Mr. Lalime, seconded
by Dr. Tracey and passed unanimously.
Building Improvements
Salamone Associates of Hamden was awarded a contract to replace the HVAC units
and create 2 zones on the 1st and 2nd floors.
In the FY 06-07 Capital budget funds are available for an assessment of the
Health Department building including the structure, mechanical and electrical
systems and the interior layout to meet program needs. Salamone Associates will
also perform this work.
Tall Grass & Weeds
A request to the State’ Attorney Housing Section for input has not been answered.
Mr. Callahan will follow up with the Prosecutor.
Geese
A letter from the Board to the Mayor was reviewed. Dr. McNamara volunteered
to assist the Mayor in follow up.
Appointment of Medical Director
The responsibilities of this position were reviewed with David Reed MD, MPH.
Opportunities to further develop travel and other adult immunizations and the
potential to develop health promotion programs were discussed. Dr. Reed shared
his vision and desire to share resources and work within and with surrounding
communities. A motion to appoint David Reed, MD, MPH Medical Director was made
by Mr. Lalime, seconded by Dr. Tracey and passed unanimously.
Other Business
Trans Fats
Councilman Kevin Porubin is asking the Common Council to considerate banning
the use of trans fats by food establishments operating in Norwalk. The impetus
for this proposal is the recent ban enacted in New York City. The Board discussed
this matter and reached the following conclusion. A public education campaign
will be developed by the Health Department to educate the public and food establishment
owners to the health benefits from avoiding food containing or prepared with
trans fats. As part of this effort food establishments will be encouraged to
make public their use of trans fats. Learning how to read food ingredient labels
will be a key part of this effort. The Board strongly encourages the Connecticut
Department of Public Health to participate and make this a statewide effort.
If a ban is to be implemented a statewide ban will be more effective. Connecticut
is a small state and local action may prove confusing for consumers and ineffective.
Adjourn at 9:10 Am
 |
 |