Board of Health Meeting
Board discussed using PHE grant funds to explore hiring a full‑time municipal mental‑health clinician and asked staff to work with HR and the Mayor to present options at a future meeting.
The Board of Health met virtually on October 10, 2024. Members present were Ann McKay (Chair), Robin Beeley, and Dan McQueen; staff present included Vincenzo Tirone, Director of Inspectional Services. The Board approved the prior meeting minutes and then addressed two substantive items: a PHE grant expense submitted by the Fire Department and broader PHE‑funded service opportunities.
Regarding the Fire Department invoice (Invoice #21539, ship date 9/13/24) the Board discussed questions about the City’s AED inventory and maintenance needs before finalizing payment. Board members requested written answers to a set of specific questions about AEDs: (1) number and locations of AEDs, (2) who historically paid for similar invoices and from which line item, (3) why the Board is being asked to pay this invoice now, (4) manufacturers, years of purchase and serial numbers, and (5) which units are at end‑of‑life. The Board discussed typical replacement/consumable costs (battery and pad lifespans and costs) and interoperability concerns between manufacturers (noting differences between Zoll and Philips). The Board voted to approve and pay the invoice conditioned on receiving the requested written information.
The Board also held extended discussion about potential uses of remaining PHE grant funds to support staffing, specifically exploring hiring a full‑time municipal mental‑health clinician to oversee clinical/mental‑health services. The Board asked Director Tirone to return with additional information at a future meeting and to coordinate with the city’s HR Department and the Mayor in gathering details. No public comments are recorded in the official minutes.