The Board of Health at its meeting Monday learned about what now former Town Manager Norman Khumalo referred to as “health services budget variances” that led to the department experiencing a recent shortfall and how the situation was resolved.

Health Department Director Shaun McAuliffe said he received a letter from Khumalo after he, Khumalo and Board of Health chair Richard Jacobs met to discuss a “five-figure deficit” brought up at the board’s March meeting. Because of this deficit, two per diem nurses were placed on furloughs. This action caused public concern about services potentially being scaled back.

Said McAuliffe: “We have an agreement, and we’ve got those expenses addressed.”

Another concern was that money that was supposed to have been set aside by the previous town accountant for the Health Department’s strategic plan contract had not been encumbered as McAuliffe had requested. The amount was $33,000 in unspent funds from the fiscal year 2023 budget.

“The important thing is that [Khumalo] signed the contract,” McAuliffe stressed. “He had the town accountant verify that town funds would be available.”

He added that copies of these documents were included in the meeting packet.

McAuliffe said he is trying to learn MUNIS, the government accounting system, on his own. He noted previously that he did not have full access to the program as a senior town leader. Thus he did not see when his funding requests were not entered into the right account.

Because of interest from other town department heads, he hoped that a MUNIS consultant would be brought in to train staff.

He also noted that the state’s Department of Public Health requested that the Health Department focus on “functional medicine,” which necessitated department staff taking courses. Future Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements should more than cover the costs.

McAuliffe said he recently met with acting Town Manager Elaine Lazarus, “and she agreed that we are in good standing.”

“We’re in a good place,” he added. “This is really something of the past.”

Pesticide use a concern among residents, board

McAuliffe told several residents who spoke about their views against pesticide use that he was frustrated by the state’s monolithic pace in providing information about them. When he requested a list of who was applying pesticides in town, confirmation of their certification, and what substances they were applying, he was told that the data would be available “two to three years down the road for 2023.”

“How can I educate residents in the town about what people are using?” he asked. “Something’s got to be done.”

He suggested that a “series of checks and balances” be created that would keep track of the pesticides used in town, as well as by whom, where and how they are applied.

At the same time, he is encouraging people to apply for “no-spray zones” if they intend to create apiaries for bees.

Health Department recognized for COVID-19 response

McAuliffe said that George Washington University representatives recently interviewed him regarding Hopkinton’s successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic that made it a state and national model.

Said Jacobs: “I salute all of you for the effort you made.”

Allergen public awareness flyer modeled after Hopkinton student’s efforts

The American Public Health Corps created an allergen playground awareness flyer as part of a presentation to the state after learning about the efforts of Reese Robledo. The Hopkinton student started an allergen awareness project more than five years ago as a fourth-grade school project while at the Hopkins School.

For Robledo, exposure to even the smallest particles of food that she is allergic to can lead to hives or — in a worst-case scenario — anaphylaxis, which could be fatal. Some of her many allergies include peanuts, eggs, wheat and chicken. The particles can be airborne or spread by surface contact. She partnered with McAuliffe to start an awareness campaign in school playgrounds, which the state now is mirroring.

He added that other communities are calling him asking for the signage and additional information.

“The fact that this is going statewide is a great example for other students in Hopkinton that you can make a difference,” said McAuliffe. “I made Reese a promise that I would see this through before she graduates.”

Health Department intern selected

McAuliffe announced that Georgia Quesnelle, a graduate student at Boston University’s School of Public Health, will be working with him beginning this summer. Her interests include pesticides and the residual effects of their application as well as communicable diseases. As part of her duties, Quesnelle will perform sample collection at Sandy Beach and other community-based projects.

Added McAuliffe: “She’s amazing.”

Miloslavsky thanked for service on board

Jacobs announced the departure of member Regina Miloslavsky from the three-member board and thanked her for her dedication over the past year. She is not seeking reelection.