Excerpts from the article on the Oneida Common Council meeting on Tuesday:

Council also filed a recommendation from the city Water Board, a letter from the Madison County Board of Health and an informational packet regarding a request from local dentists and physicians asking that fluoride be added to city water.

Fluoridating the city’s water supply has been brought up a few times at Oneida Common Council meetings over the years.

In the past, opponents of adding fluoride to Oneida’s water supply have said that fluoridated water can cause health risks such as arthritis, with proponents saying that fluoride prevents dental decay.

Smith invited public comment on the issue, but none spoke except Oneida dentist Dr. Samuel Barr, who said he was in favor of fluoridating the city water supply.

“It’s not medicating the water,” Barr said, and added that across New York state, nearly 70 percent of municipal water supplies are fluoridated.

No further action was taken on fluoridation Tuesday night, but Smith said if the council moves ahead regarding water fluoridation, there will be a public hearing on the matter.

Common Council also re-scheduled the first council meeting in November for Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 6:30 p.m., due to the General Election being held on Tuesday, Nov. 4…

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