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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-04-20 Board of Health Minutes Town of Reading R E i; E i V E U X Meeting Minutes TOWN CLERK 0REAP ! ' G. MA. °••nKa. Board - Committee - Commission - Council: H21 N 0 V -9 0-3 Board of Health Date: 2020-04-20 Time: 10:00 AM Building: Location: Address: Session: Open Session Purpose: COVID-19 Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Eleanor Shonkoff, Kevin Sexton, Emmy Dove, Ann Marie Messina Members - Not Present: Others Present: lean Delios, Laura Vlasuk Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Eleanor Shonkoff Topics of Discussion: 10:04am - Meeting called to order by Dove Discussion - should we change our construction policy to just say hand sanitizer because constant requests to get waiver are numerous Shonkoff-should we stay in line with CDC guidance to wash hands and then continue with waivers? Vlasuk-there are portable handwashing stations that keep water hot Messina - are they available? Sexton -could we make this for larger sites over 10 Shonkoff- leave in line with CDC -two separate for handwashing and sanitizer if not possible Sexton -could we leave as is and see need Vlasuk- discuss enforcement; should we shut down sites until they comply? Rather than go back 24 hours later Dove - if they don't comply with governor's orders, they have to pause, come up with corrective plan, if they don't, then they're shut down until they do Sexton - if it's a small one-day, shut it down. For the larger sites, give them 24 hours Dove -can't pick and choose Sexton -agree Shonkoff-one day lost in 6 month job Vlasuk—it is imperative to enforce the rules immediately Decision -enforcement is to shut down until they are correct Shonkoff- created a document with orders/actions, monitoring, and enforcement- later can we talk about this? I'll share it Vlasuk - yes, can talk offline to make sure we're on the same page Page I i Dove- is building inspector already enforcing some health and safety regulations -Jean, could they notify Laura if they see something before she gets out there? Delios - yes - one thing we've heard is taking daily temperature -we need to be sure that's still being done Vlasuk—flagged the requirement for open windows at construction sites with closed areas Delios -will review with town counsel Delios - beyond temp, what would we want inspectors to keep an eye out for? Vlasuk—could we give them list of the 21 construction projects we have identified? Sexton - are we going to run outside the realm of what the building staffs role is? Vlasuk-thinks would be better for building inspectors to oversee compliance of the 21 construction projects identified; that would generate a written record that she could review Delios—clarified that the number of projects subject to the order was not this large as it would only apply to maybe less than a dozen projects Sexton - 2 checklists one for>=10 one for less Shonkoff-this is just something that they do before Laura gets there, right? Dove - no, both should do inspection Sexton -the more people with authority to do something, the more chances to screw up Delios -we're talking about 12 sites, 2 of which have already submitted a plan Sexton -with home inspectors, have seen them have 2 things; if it's health related it should come from us Messina- plan was for them to report back to us, not to take on more responsibility Sexton - agree Shonkoff-checklist for building inspectors; but think the decision to shut down comes from us Dove - ok Sexton - ok Delios - isn't the checklist usable for everyone? (health and building) Sexton - building reports violation to Laura Delios -we have plumbing and electrical inspectors as well - should we stick with building? Vlasuk-all inspectors can enforce COVID Dove - do all inspectors enforce OSHA? Vlasuk- more eyes Messina -would most have plumbing, and building Sexton -this is mostly for large sites =- no preference for all inspectors orjust building -Jean, could you talk to inspectors? Delios— I did talk to building commissioner; they're really busy; clerk Saunders has been dealing with permitting every day since we started: I can hand them a checklist, and focus on dozen larger, so not a big deal, and they'd be willing to help out; like Laura being final decision maker; Shonkoff- so ok to hand to any checklist, whoever gets first, and give to Laura Delios - stick with building; 3 part-time building inspectors who work for full-time building commissioner, with 2 - plumbing/electrical inspectors who work part-time Vlasuk - do we check for handwashing or just see that they have supplies Dove - no -just see that they have it Delios - plan for each of these and weekly submittal from contractors; after first pass, between plan and weekly submittal, we should be sure rules are being followed Dove -think about the mask policy, N. Reading just mandated that everyone in public wear face covering (not necessarily mask). She's received 3 communications asking about it, so public is interested Vlasuk- Salem & Middleton made mask wearing mandatory Dove - Swampscott and maybe Beverly; becoming common Sexton— Laura is aware of a PPE Supplier that has stock Dove - makes more sense for business to do cloth because they're reusable. We would provide not-reusable; still good to have those --for police officers surgical masks may be better Page 1 2 Sexton -the other orders- is this in public in general? In N. Reading, people at door of CVS checking when you walked in Dove -don't know, if similar to NYC; you have to have with you. But if on walk with no one around, doesn't have to be on, but must put on if near someone Sexton - social distancing; entering building is different from being out in open Shonkoff- in agreement for record Vlasuk- places will turn you away without masks Sexton - Jean, does that need to be agenda item? How does that proceed structurally Delios—no, we are posted for COVID-19 so anything that comes up is fine -this would be an order Would be similar to other orders - like the play fields Shonkoff- does NYC order have language we can borrow? Like having mask on your person at all times, if you enter building, must wear it, if you come within 6 feet of another person, you have to wear it Dove- new rule does not apply those to under age 2 or people who medically cannot have mask covering "When in a public place or when unable to maintain or when not marinating social distance" Shonkoff- like that language Sexton - N Reading policy applies to anyone entering essential businesses (e.g., food establishments). Notes that all masks, gloves etc. must be properly disposed of Shonkoff- simpler to have one rule, without list of anyone who needs to do it - also include disposal Vlasuk-found advice re apartment buildings Messina - next obvious situation - Brookline, anyone not wearing a face covering will face a $50 fine for each violation Vlasuk- Swampscott has a fine Delios - Peabody, has a policy (she emailed the policy to board members) Sexton - if we have template from governor, we could move forward with that Vlasuk- I think this is Boston's form Dove-we could go with this template Shonkoff-yes Sexton - did you receive this form in an email? Vlasuk- no, I believe it's from Boston Dove - are we good with this? Motion to accept language from Boston Attempts to find this online - not resulting in finding it Dove- Can choose Peabody or Middleton Sexton—We can talk about the Face Coverings policy with command (can also review article about gloves). I would like to discuss both items with command. Shonkoff-do i need to do anything for the 18th/ 17th? - Dove-we'll prioritize ones we know and go back to questions after 10:52- Jean - Command starting to call in All -fine to go with Peabody or Middleton Vlasuk- also have signs can post on doors Sexton - motion to adopt Peabody BOH emergency order regarding face coverings Messina -want to change dates Dove-give people a couple days Motion -effective as of April 22 at noon Shonkoff-2nd motion as amended to change dates Dove - and fine? Sexton - "up to $1000" Roll call - Dove—y - Sexton —y -Shonkoff-y Discussion of what meeting minutes are missing -did we meet on March 25th? Think so -we'll continue with what we have and then fill in holes 11:04 - Sexton -full command should advise them of vote we just took Page 1 3 Dove - Laura, can we send this order to essential businesses to let them know about face covering Shonkoff-SEE NOTES -went over plans to update select board Dove - Brigham is not reducing their ICU load Sexton -just say, what we're doing is following guidance keep doing what you're doing Messina- it's implied that we're following guidance from gov Dove -we can only be "more strict"than state not less Messina-good to have the "what we're looking for" in back pocket if there are questions Shonkoff- sounds good Attendees: Mark Docker, John Doherty, Greg Burns, David Clark, Gail Dowd, Bob LeLacheur 11:11 - Bums update Removed some goals and added news In touch with elder care facilities & how they've assisted with PPE Last week visited all Cedar Glen and offered masks to management for residents; they only wanted a few and felt that residents were set, so gave limited supply Frank Tanner Dr. offered masks, they took about 25; felt most residents had their own Bay State Road -they didn't want masks, most were using handmade masks, bandana, felt they were doing a good job by themselves Bear Mountain has 10 cases as of yesterday Over course of week, had seen 50 isolation gowns and 1-95 masks 2 positives in memory care unit from national guard -gave 25 gowns, N-95 masks, 10 face shields Artis- is not testing, 4 were confirmed, 2 passed, one recovering supplied gowns- got a large MEMA shipment Police dept -we have supplied several hundred masks from MEMA Will construe to monitor at minimum a couple times a week to make sure they have PPE A few goals will remain on list whole time Goal#1 determine residents need assistance Elder and human services made progress last week, with food in short notice Jean packaged and distributed by van driver Doherty- put out message to community on how to do gift card donations for food Vlasuk-who is checking donation box? Someone dropped a well application for me in that box by mistake Burns-different at each location Bob- I do-emptied this morning Dockser- one possibility is how to coordinate different efforts -food, masks, etc. is that something that could make its way onto agenda-to encourage volunteers to engage -don't know whether that's right approach; Greg has great handle on masks, are there other people who could coordinate these efforts? How do we find volunteers who might want to do this? Burns—we are looking at all avenues for that- volunteers or town staff-we're putting together command structure; one problem with volunteers is you want to make sure you're not putting vulnerable population at risk. Dockser- are there specific areas where it could be helpful -food, PPE - not necessarily delivering to vulnerable populations, but maybe in the background -do we want to coordinate so that we can keep you from doing everything by yourselves. Delios -two volunteer groups agreed to help do the shopping bags; this was to carry us over until volunteers could deliver and replenish pop up food pantry a week later; after that volunteers came though and provided a lot of food as of last Friday Dockser-would it be helpful to have a single way of communicating it?They could do this through RCN. Burns- have someone coordinate volunteer efforts? Delios—will ask Kevin Bohmiller Shonkoff-are you asking to state this on Select Board meeting to provide a single contact Delios - yes, Kevin Bohmiller will be at Select Board and can make that announcement Page 1 4 Dockser- could also do billboards Burns - message boards to have message -one is for receiving, if you want to volunteer to help (goes to Matt Kraunelis) Dockser- ok to take that info and add to billboard to share with others; LeLacheur- RCN has a slide and are running it BOH Minutes 04-20-2020 Addendum Ms. Shonkoff left the meeting at 11:27am. Minutes continued by Ms. Dove. Command Goal 1, continued: In response to Mr. Docksers question regarding volunteer coordination, Ms. Dove suggested recruiting a community representative who can be the point person for town staff and would be aware of community efforts and engagement outside of town-sponsored volunteer activities. Perhaps the Facebook Reading Coronavirus Support group moderator would be interested. Mr. LeLacheur stated there have been very few requests from residents for PPE. Mr. Sexton updated Command on the BOH earlier vote to order the public to wear face coverings in public buildings. Ms. Vlasuk reported that some businesses have been requesting PPE, in particular, the funeral parlors. Chief Burns was concerned that we do not have a large enough supply to outfit every business in town. Ms. Dove and Mr. Sexton stated that funeral parlors should be given a special status due to their work and would like them to be provided PPE, if possible. Command Goal 2—Communications: Mr. Sexton updated Command with glove use/disposal educational information. Ms. Dove and Ms. Messina stated their support for the information as drafted. Mr. LeLacheur wondered if we should submit one release containing both the face covering order and the gloves education. Mr. Sexton and Ms. Dove would prefer to stagger so the information is not diluted. Mr. LeLacheur noted that not all donations have been specific to the Reading Food Pantry. Ms. Messina expressed concern over the potential for residents to have difficulty paying for prescription copays and medical supplies and would like to make sure the community is aware of this need when purchasing gift cards. Dr. Doherty has mentioned CVS and Rite-Aid in his communication to the school community. Ms. Dove recommends specifying the reasons for including the pharmacies, as the town has not been receiving gift cards for the pharmacies. Command Goal 3— Demobilization of Town Departments: Chief Burns listed some considerations moving forward: • PPE for employees • Adjustments to disinfection program • Plexiglass at service counters Mr. Dockser asked some questions regarding proper mask use and cleaning. It was agreed that this would be a good topic for education. Ms. Dove asked whether the town is considering phasing in staff. Chief Burns said yes. Ms. Delios recommended continuing to limit in-person interaction at Town Hall, possibly by instituting a "by appointment only" policy. Mr. LeLacheur agreed. Ms. Vlasuk asked if the town is considering continuing a staggered staffing plan upon reopening. Mr. LeLacheur replied that this Page 1 5 was likely. Ms. Delios expressed concerns over the layout of the Public Services office in terms of how to maintain social distancing. It's one large room with many employees. This space may need to be reconfigured Command Goal 4—Status of Scheduled Community Events: Kevin Bohmiller is adjusting the Memorial Day event to prevent the gathering of individuals. Ms. Dove and Mr. Sexton agree that Friends and Family Day, scheduled for June, should not happen. Mr. LeLacheur will reach out to organizers. It was asked if there are other events to consider: • Mr. Doherty-graduation • Ms. Vlasuk—camps • Ms. Dowd —school rentals Command Goal 5—School Summer and Recreation Program Status: Mr. Doherty updated Command that the School Committee voted to reimburse the final payment for RISE and K. Ms. Dowd expressed concerns that it may be difficult to staff ESY. Command Goal 6—Develop Plans for Business Reopening Chief Burns would like Ms. Vlasuk to consider what would be needed for food inspections (e.g. how thorough and how much time would be required). Mr. Sexton stated that implementation of the construction safety order has pushed some food inspections back. Chief Bums offered to have his fire captain take over some of the construction inspections. He asked if this applied to all construction. Ms. Dove and Mr. Sexton stated that yes, it did, however enforcement will be focused on the larger projects with 10 or more employees in the short term. Mr. LeLacheur said the state is aware that a sudden reopening of restaurants would be a strain on health departments. He said they are considering a phased-in approach, but there are no details at this time. The decision was made to have Fire and Building conduct the safety inspections and report violations to Ms. Vlasuk for enforcement. Command Goal 7—Financial and Budgetary Issues: Ms. Dowd and Mr. Doherty are in the process of assessing issues. Command Goal 6— Public Health Response and MAVEN: Mr. LeLacheur wanted to make sure we are current. Ms. Vlasuk reported that our Health Division case numbers were very close to the state reported numbers last week, with the difference likely due to the time at which numbers were pulled. Other communities were significantly off. The town has no ability to speed up the state's data management and uploads to MAVEN (this has improved) and Ms. Vlasuk checks in with the nurses multiple times a day, updating Paul Jackson as soon as possible. The system is running smoothly at this time. Chief Burns left the meeting at 12:25pm. Command Goal 9—Centralize the Purchase and Distribution of PPE with Facilities: No discussion Other topics: Page 1 6 Ms. Dowd received contact information from Paul Jackson for someone at Boston Bean who donated food items to schools. Mr. LeLacheur asked if food spoilage has been an issue. Ms. Dowd said it has been an issue at the schools and has been addressed. Ms. Vlasuk has not heard reports from food establishments but does suspect it could be an issue, at least for closed establishments. Mr. Sexton suggested Ms. Vlasuk and Mr. Markman check on this during their inspections and mentioned another community that had allowed restaurants to use their overstock by offering curbside grocery pickup. All agreed this could be a great idea for these businesses. Mr. Dockser informed Command that there are some businesses that are interested in making large donations. Motion to adjourn by Mr. Sexton, seconded by Ms. Dove. Roll call: Mr. Sexton—yes - Ms. Dove—yes Meeting adjourned at 12:34pm. Page 1 7