New Connecticut River Health Director Studies District

CHESTER - The Connecticut River Area Health District might be getting larger if a new part-time health director in Chester recommends the measure.

First Selectman Tom Marsh said departing Dr. Russell Munson "did everything the town asked of him" and served the town ten years.

The new part-time health director, Dr. Konrad Kotrady, formerly served as the town's assistant health director, Marsh said, adding he is still serving in the capacity as health liaison for the fire department to provide them with such services as flu shots.

"He has a keen interest in public health and is excited about the opportunity," Marsh said.

Marsh said Kotrady will look at specific health services Chester residents need such as better information to the public, blood pressure clinics, and possible assistance for new parents and newborns.

"If there are services that Chester requires and if the district meets those needs we may go with that but we may decide on a full-time health director instead," Marsh said.

Admitting Munson believes in a more rigorous approach to meeting the needs of town residents, Marsh said the role of municipal health departments has changed greatly since the state and federal government increased requirements after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Joining the health district, Marsh said "would double the budget for the department" and admitted the town does not have the needs like larger towns such as Old Saybrook and Clinton, which were the first two towns to join the health district.

Specifically, Marsh said, larger towns may need assistance in doing health inspections of nail salons and restaurants.

Larger towns will save money in joining the district while small towns stand to have to spend more.

The Town of Chester approved $31,500 for the health services department and $16,899 for the sanitation department in the 2005-2006 budget.

Marsh said the town of Essex is planning to have a public hearing as they consider joining the district.