The board’s discussion on tobacco sales regulations was extensive, with a particular focus on Chapter Five, which addresses the sale of tobacco products to minors. The regulation currently stipulates that oral nicotine pouches can only be sold in adult-only retail stores. However, with no such stores in Milton, the practicality of this regulation was questioned. As an alternative, the board considered capping the nicotine content of these pouches, with suggestions to limit it to six milligrams per pouch, aligning with measures taken by other towns. Some brands offer pouches with nicotine levels as high as 30 milligrams, raising concerns about consumer safety.

Further deliberations ensued on the timeline for implementing these regulatory changes. A public meeting is planned to gather input from residents and retail tobacco owners. The possibility of a buy-down period was highlighted, allowing retailers time to sell existing stock before the new regulations take effect. This approach aims to balance the need for stricter controls on nicotine levels with the practicalities faced by local businesses.

Parallel to this, the board reviewed Chapter Six, which focuses on smoking regulations. There was debate over the statement of purpose, with some members advocating for more detailed language regarding secondhand smoke’s dangers. The board also discussed definitions, specifically “adult-only retail tobacco stores,” contemplating whether to adopt the state definition since Milton currently lacks such stores.

The meeting also covered potential regulations for short-term rentals. Despite the absence of these rentals in Milton, there was a discussion about preemptively establishing uniform standards akin to those for hotels. The board considered delaying decisions until further clarity is gained on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and rental lengths, with a hopeful timeline pointing to the May town meeting.

Another topic was the inclusion of municipal parks, playgrounds, pools, athletic fields, and wildlands in tobacco and smoking regulations. Concerns were raised about environmental contamination from cigarette waste, with references to practices in other towns that have implemented similar regulations. However, enforceability remains a challenge, particularly in vast areas like municipal forests.

Updating attendees on public health initiatives, the health director reported on a meeting with Norwood’s Town Administrator regarding the need for a comprehensive state-level audit to assess hospital bed availability following several local hospital closures. The board expressed support for advocating for these audits.

The health director also highlighted mental health initiatives, including a recent QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training session for addressing mental health crises, despite lower than anticipated attendance. A webinar on the RAON (Regional Assessment of Needs) article received positive feedback and was made available on the health department’s website.

A community survey was initiated to determine the allocation of opioid settlement funds, with approximately 80 responses received so far. The board discussed a grant opportunity for opioid-related initiatives, providing $1,500 for proposals to address the opioid crisis locally.

The meeting also addressed community concerns, including a request to send children from families affected by opioid addiction to the Milton Park and Recreation summer camp. The board is hopeful for a grant to cover the $750 cost per child and noted contributions from local organizations to support this initiative.

Public health concerns included a report of potential avian flu affecting Canada geese in the Neons River, with state notification procedures in place. Additionally, the board revisited property concerns at 5 to N9 Atra Street, considering contacting the Neighborhood Renewal Division due to ongoing disrepair issues.