The most discussion centered on the intermunicipal agreement aimed at securing continued funding from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. This agreement is important for the Mid-Essex Public Health Collaborative, which includes Reading and other communities such as North Andover, Andover, and Linfield. Annette Garcia, representing the collaborative, provided an overview of the IMA’s purpose and implications. The agreement will ensure the shared services between municipalities, including the recruitment of a part-time public health nurse and a full-time regional health inspector. These roles are essential for addressing public health concerns and facilitating community programs like blood pressure clinics.

The IMA, based on a template from the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards, underwent minor edits to address liability language and clarify participation responsibilities. A notable addition to the agreement was a clause ensuring active engagement from all participating communities by stipulating that communities that miss meetings for a quarter would lose their voting privileges until they re-engage. This change aims to maintain quorum and active participation.

Funding for the collaborative is secured through a three-year contract amounting to $532,500 annually. This funding will remain stable for the contract’s duration, with plans to explore additional sources to ensure sustainability. North Reading, which had previously hesitated on a specific project, confirmed its continued participation. The shorter three-year term, prompted by North Andover’s Town Council, allows for flexibility and reassessment of the agreement based on the collaborative’s performance.

A vote on the IMA was held, and the board unanimously approved the agreement, recognizing its importance for sustaining and enhancing public health services across member communities.

The board also tackled the ongoing issue of a property on Hill and Reading damaged by fire. The owner, Doug Mallister, requested an extension on compliance deadlines due to the extensive rebuilding required. Mallister provided updates on the progress, including compliance with new building codes and remediation of mold issues. He expressed optimism about completing the necessary work by mid-December and obtaining an occupancy permit. The board discussed the need for an extension past the December 31st deadline, with Mallister agreeing to return to the board if the permit was not obtained by January 1st.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), which resulted from an 18-month evaluation of the community’s health needs. The plan outlines several priorities and proposed strategies for the next five years. However, the implementation faces challenges due to current staffing limitations. The board emphasized the need for additional resources, including the potential hiring of a part-time project manager to drive the CHIP initiatives forward. The establishment of a steering committee, involving diverse town and community entities, was proposed to ensure effective coordination and execution of the plan.

The board also addressed procedural matters, including the election of a new chair and vice chair, both of which were conducted through a roll call vote. Additionally, a report from the health director highlighted ongoing staffing challenges, noting that the department was operating at 30-40% capacity due to vacancies in key positions. Despite these issues, there was optimism about filling these roles, with interviews scheduled for promising candidates.

Further discussions included updates on community health trends, such as COVID-19 and influenza cases, and preparations for the fall season, including ordering free test kits from the state. The board also addressed concerns about rodent control, emphasizing the need for a plan and stricter enforcement of dumpster security regulations.