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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-09-03 Board of Health Minutes r4m�A Town of Reading K E-C E1 VE D Meeting Minutes ' OVIN CLERK 3.4. 1iriOCi 22 4M 8:42 Board - Committee - commission - council: Board of Health Date: 2020-09-03 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Location: Address: Session: Open Session Purpose: Public Meeting Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Kerry Dunnell, Paula Curren; Associate Members: Richard Lopez, Kevin Sexton Members - Not Present: Others Present: Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Health Agent Laura Vlasuk, John Fevir Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde Topics of Discussion: This meeting was held remotely via Zoom. Acting Chair Kerry Dunnell called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Public Comment: None Health Anent Monthly Report: Health Agent Laura Vlasuk reviewed her monthly report for August[see addendum]. There was a slight increase in COVID cases. The sources of infection were unknown, but a majority of the new cases were isolated to three families. COVID-19 Updates: Command 813112020 Ms. Dunnell shared information from the most recent Command meeting. The Incident Command team agreed to hold their meetings on the first and third Mondays of the month, which will precede the Board of Health meetings now scheduled for the first and third Thursdays of the month. In order to avoid having to post a meeting in conjunction with Open Meeting Law, all agreed to have only one BOH member as liaison at the Command meetings. Ms. Dunnell stated that she is happy to continue to represent the BOH. Ms. Curren stated that she will be the backup representative. Schools are beginning to open back up. Staff has returned, and Pre-K, Kindergarten, and some Special Education students are scheduled to return the week of September 15`^. Other students are scheduled to return on-site with alternating weeks in November. Flu vaccines are now required for students to return to school. Page 1 1 rP� Town of Reading Meeting Minutes There is a request for a drive through clinic for COVID testing, and possibly a flu clinic. Command and BOH will work together to find out what the needs would be to conduct the clinics. The next Command meetings are scheduled for September W and September 28' . Mask/Face Covering Order The question was raised whether the face covering order issued by the Reading Board of Health needed to be rescinded because the Governor issued a similar order that went into effect on May 6". The Board discussed and agreed that it would be cleaner to only have to refer to one order instead of two if there is a complaint or issue. On a motion by Ms. Curren, and seconded by Ms. Dunnell, the Board of Health voted 2-0-0 to rescind the Reading Board of Health mask wearing mandate dated April 2r, 2020 and adopt the state's policy as its own. Roll call vote Ms. Dunnell-Yes, Ms. Curren-Yes. Civic Function and Recreation Permit Requests The Chair has been reviewing Civic Function Permit applications and Recreation Permit applications along with the Health Agent. This was a complicated review process because applicants were not entirely familiar with the protocols, and applications were being submitted in many different formats. The state does not require communities to review permits. Rather, the state only requires a response if there is a complaint or violation. The Board expressed concern, as there has been instances of non-compliance, and challenges in understanding the guidelines. They agreed to continue with reviewing Civic Function and Recreation applications in the interest of public health and safety. The Board agreed that the process will entail permit applications being sent to Ms. Vlasuk, who will complete the form, clarify any concerns with the applicant, then present the application with the form and any outstanding concerns to the Chair for any additional comments and final review. Ms. Curren volunteered to help with reviews as well. Drive-Thru Clinics The discussion came up at the Command meeting for drive-thru clinics for COVID testing. Two possible sites were proposed: one on Walkers Brook Drive and one on Haven Street. It would be coordinated by a health organization and planning is still in the works. Mr. LeLacheur stated that he would follow up with the Fire Chief for any new information. Remote Learning Enrichment Programs The state has expedited approval for remote learning enrichment programs. There is an organization proposing to use the former Gold's Gym complex, which will go before the CPDC next week because of a zoning issue. It cannot be denied, but they can put conditions on it. The Health department will need to review the permit and inspect if it applies as a Camp, or if it will be serving food, though the applicant is not expected to apply as a camp, or serve food. There may be other businesses in Town that will offer remote learning programs. Page 1 2 i Town of Reading 1 Meeting Minutes � Vaccine Clinics The Board discussed preparing for COVID vaccine clinics. Though there is a not a vaccine yet, the Town has been asked to prepare to receive it. The strategy for dispensing will likely follow an existing protocol of a tiered system, that dispenses vaccine to people of specific disciplines first. Ms. Vlasuk stated that she has discussed setting up a Flu clinic with the regional emergency preparedness group, and could discuss a regional approach for a COVID vaccine clinic as well. Board of Health Vacancy—Select Board Appointment Process/Schedule: Ms. Dunnell stated that she attended a Select Board meeting last Tuesday and reviewed the Select Board plan to fill the vacant seat on the Board of Health. The Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee (VASC) will interview applicants who expressed interest in joining the BOH. The opening will be posted and the Select Board will take the matter up at their September 22de meeting. A new member should be appointed and sworn in before the next BOH Meeting on October 1". Public Health Needs Assessment: At the last meeting, the Board discussed getting a Public Health Needs Assessment. The Board members agreed that both a needs assessment of the Health Department, and an assessment of the public health needs of the community are needed, but conducting the needs of the Department is a priority given the recent work load. Ms. Vlasuk stated that she reached out to many organizations for their scope and cost, but had only heard back from one. Ms. Dunnell and Ms. Vlasuk will follow up with other organizations for more information. Mr. LeLacheur noted that Town Meeting asked for the Board of Health to be expanded to five voting members and asked if current members agreed with that. All members agreed that five members are preferable. Mr. LeLacheur explained that the change would either have to be made via a Charter change or voted on at Town Meeting. If it is a Town Meeting matter, the change could be made as soon as next April Town Meeting. If it is a Charter change, it may have to go to the voters at the next election. He will follow up with the Bylaw Committee to find out for sure. Minutes: Ms. Dunnell asked members to review minutes and return comments to Ms. Vlasuk so she can provide a list of meeting minutes to approve at the next meeting. On a motion by Ms. Curren, and seconded by Ms. Dunnell,the Board of Health voted 2-0- 0 to adjourn at 8:56 pm. Roll call vote Ms. Dunnell-Yes, Ms. Curren-Yes. Page 1 3 1 Town of Reading Meeting Minutes 7 ADDENDUM: August month/v report Attended BOH meeting, meeting with Chair and a meet with new member Reported weekly COVID cases total to Incident Command and BOH every Wednesday. Reported daily COVID case totals to BOH Chair for tracking purposes Reported daily addresses to first responders to insure safety Attended DPH calls 2 times per week Attended a weekly emergency preparedness call Reviewed Recreation department permit Met with my inspectors and nurses as needed Entered payroll Maintained vacation and sick time and insuring coverage Reviewed guidelines that were released by DPH Sent new guidelines/checklistlinspection reports to the BOH for review Attended weekly EAT meeting met with and distributed information for Mosquito Spray Notice (posted on town page and via and reverse 911 by Jane Wellman) Conducted, address, reviewed or assisted on 28 complaints approved millage reimbursement request ran 2 complete maven audits with the nurses Reviewed civic function permit applications Responded to HANN alerts Received flu shots and began setting up flu clinics Fire station September 24 and September 28 Police station September 15, 22, 24 Distributed information to the BOH Updated and formatted minutes Maintained data base that tracked BOH minutes 33 food inspections, 3 re-inspection Nurse had no additional disease outbreak except COVID Disease Current MonthPrevious MonthYear to datel-ast yearl-ast year to date Ainebiasis 0 0 0 0 0 Andwax 0 0 0 0 0 Avianinflumm 0 0 0 0 0 Babeslosis 0 0 0 1 1 Boneft mlyamotol 0 0 0 0 0 infection Botulism 0 0 0 0 0 Brucellosis 0 0 0 0 0 Calicivirus/fiorovirus 0 0 0 3 2 Gampyiobaeteriosis 0 3 3 6 5 C110114"urn 0 0 0 0 0 Cryptosporidlosis 0 0 0 1 1 CyallospoNab 0 0 0 0 0 Page 1 4 rP� Town of Reading 4 Meeting Minutes Dengue Fever 0 0 0 0 0 Diphtheria 0 0 0 0 0 Eastern equine 0 0 0 0 0 infection Ehrllchioeis 0 0 0 0 0 Encephalitis 0 0 0 0 0 Entsrovinu 0 0 0 0 0 GWdlasls 0 0 0 1 1 Group A 0 0 0 1 0 streptococcus Group B 0 0 0 0 0 streptococcus Hasmophihu 0 0 0 0 0 Influent" Hanson'sDisease 0 0 0 0 0 (Leprosy) HaMavlrus IMectlon 0 0 0 0 0 HomatyMC Uremic 0 0 0 0 0 Syndrome HoWJU A 0 0 0 0 0 Hepatitis 0 0 0 0 0 Hepatitis C 0 0 3 3 3 Hepatitis D 0 0 0 0 0 Hapatift E 0 0 0 0 0 Human Granulocytic 0 0 0 0 0 Anaplasmosis Influenza 0 0 103 81 75 Leglonellosis 0 0 0 1 1 Listeriosis 0 0 0 0 0 Lyme Disease 0 0 0 0 0 Lymphocytic 0 0 0 0 0 ciudcmenhrgids Malaria 0 0 0 0 0 maedes 0 0 0 0 0 Mefloldosis 0 0 0 0 0 Meningitis_ 0 0 0 0 0 Unknown Type Meningococcal 0 0 0 0 0 Disease Monkeypox 0 0 0 0 0 Mumps 0 0 0 0 0 Hovel Coronavirus 15 8 323 0 0 (SARS, HERS,oto) Farluesis land other 0 0 0 0 0 Bordetella Species) Page 15 rv' A, Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Plague 0 0 0 0 0 Pogo 0 0 0 0 0 Powassan virus 0 0 0 0 0 Q!aver 0 0 0 0 0 Rabies-human 0 0 0 0 0 RaahUnder 0 0 0 0 0 Investigation RIcksift al Pox 0 0 0 0 0 Rocky.Mountain 0 0 0 0 0 Spotted Fever Rugeila 0 0 0 0 0 siMk nouosw 0 0 0 11 6 Ship toxin 0 0 0 1 0 producing organism ShigMbab 0 0 0 0 0 SlophybEoccal 0 0 0 0 0 Enterstwcin Streptococcus 0 0 1 0 0 pneumonia Tateeua 0 0 0 0 0 Trial"lls spiralls 0 0 0 0 0 Tularemia 0 0 0 0 0 Typhea Fever 0 0 0 0 0 vaticalia 0 0 0 1 1 Veneaeshm equine 0 0 0 0 0 hrfacllon Vitelosp. 0 0 0 1 1 ViralHemorrhagic 0 0 0 0 0 Fevers Viral Meningitis, 0 0 0 0 0 (aseptic) wpt Wile infs¢tion 0 0 0 0 0 Yeliow.Fever 0 0 0 0 0 Yerembsls 0 0 0 2 1 Ziksvirus infection 0 0 0 0 0 Page 6