Board of Health

Meetings

The Board generally meets twice a month. Upcoming meeting dates and times are posted on the Board of Health and Town calendar.  Appointments are scheduled every 15 minutes. Please contact the office for more information:781-826-5000, ext. 1077.

History and Mission

The Board of Health was established by State statute before the turn of the twentieth century. The Board is made up of three (3) elected members who volunteer their time to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. These regulations maintain the safety of public health and the environment through fieldwork, inspections, approval and permitting of regulated activities, public education, and policy setting.  Board members are elected to three (3) year terms with no limit to the number of terms that they may serve.  The Board and its staff administer the rules and regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Federal Government as set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in the areas of wastewater disposal, septic/Title 5, solid waste, noise, odor, and hazardous waste regulations; the Department of Public Health (DPH) / Community Sanitation program in the areas of residential camps for children, housing, infectious waste, tanning, and communicable and reportable diseases; and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through the Food Protection Program of food protection. Through public meetings, a Board of Health can enact reasonable health regulations (pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 111) and the office has local regulations concerning wells, body art, catering, barns, and stables, keeping of domestic animals, piggeries, local septic regulations, and infectious and hazardous waste. The Board sets fees and enacts policies and practices to protect and maintain public health.

Board Responsibilities

Plans for new construction of septic systems, building additions, restaurants and pools, housing, and building additions are submitted to the Health Office and approved by the Board of Health. Any variances from the codes and regulations require approval by the Board. Time frames for approvals may be designated by regulations but generally range from 30 to 45 days.

The Board is also responsible for investigative follow-up and control of reportable and communicable diseases in humans and animals.

Staff Contacts

Name Title Phone
Kim Dixon Director of Public Health / Health Agent 781-826-5000 ext 1024
Will Barrett Assistant Health Agent 781-826-5000 ext 1045
Nancy Funder Public Health Nurse, RN / Food Inspector 781-826-5000 ext 1027
Kathleen Mahoney Tobacco Program Coordinator 781-826-5000 ext 1038
Derek Vozzella Executive Administrative Assistant 781-826-5000 ext. 1058

Board Members

NameTitle
Diane Sawin

Chair

John Dougherty

Member

Kate Dauphinais

Member