Board of Health Meets New Regional Inspector

Above, John Robertson reports to the BOH.

The Board of Health met in hybrid format via Google Meet and at the Municipal Building on Wednesday afternoon at 5pm. After reviewing and approving minutes, the Board turned to Health Director Kathleen Liberty, who in turn introduced, John Robertson, the town’s regional health inspector as of May.

Robertson summarized his work in August. “I had three housing code inspections, one nuisance complaint inspection, two biannual inspections for food establishments, or food establishment re inspections, one food establishment complete reinspection. Robertson also reported on conducting one foodborne illness inspection and two food establishment closures.

Under the category of “special inspections,” Robertson said he performed one housing voucher inspection and two that weren't full inspections, but “check-ins on the Housing Task Force." And, he also worked on local public health institute trainings.

Liberty explained that Robertson had been crucial in helping the department catch up from a large backlog of work that developed during the pandemic. 

Regarding public health statistics, seasonal diseases like EEE and West Nile have not appeared in the area. Covid has been holding steady recently from month to month and is below the levels of the start of the year. The department is continuing to provide a range of public services, particularly at Central Park Terrace.

A wide range of other topics were touched upon in the remaining 20 minutes of the meeting including:

• Health programs being conducted in concert with the library
• A possible local healthy food show on Franklin TV (as well as interview with staff)
• State DPH efforts to gauge local public health capabilities – and assessment that will require some staff time to complete

In addition, the FDA wants health departments to be in compliance with nine federal FDA standards.