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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-07-20 Board of Health Minutes r Town of Reading RECEIVED g Meeting Minutes T0W',1 CLERK 0FEAi!NIIG. MA. 'JJ�IfICO! ioerd - committee - commission - council: RN NU 16 AM It: 07 Board of Health Date: 2020-07-20 Time: 10:00 AM Building: Location: Address: Session: Open Session Purpose: COVID-19 Discussion Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Chair Eleanor Shonkoff, Kerry Dunnell, Paula Curren Associate Member Kevin Sexton Members - Not Present: Others Present: Assistant Town Manager Jean Delios, Health Agent Laura Vlasuk, Health Inspector Dan Markman, Town Manager Robert LeLacheur Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders Topics of Discussion: This meeting was held remotely via Zoom. The Chair Eleanor Shonkoff called the meeting to order at 10:02 am. Ms. Shonkoff opened the meeting to public comment and closed with none. Minutes The Board tabled to approve the June 16, 2020 minutes until the video is reviewed for an outstanding question. Ms.Shonkoff asked the Health Agent Laura V lasuk to put the remainder of the minutes on the next agenda. Body Art Inspection Forms Ms. Shonkoff said the Board is ready to approve the Body Art Inspection Forms created by the Health Inspector Dan Markman. On a motion by Ms. Curren and seconded by Ms. Dunnell,the Board of Health voted to approve the Body Art Inspection Forms by a vote of 3-0-0. Roll call vote:Eleanor Shonkoff-Yes,Kerry Dunnell-Yes,Paula Curren-Yes Election Safety Meeting Follow Page 1 1 Town of Reading YMeeting Minutes Ms.Shonkoff said Town Clerk Laura Gemme has scheduled an election safety meeting this Thursday from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and at 3:00 PM the Board is invited to attend to see the area and weigh in on any concerns. She said the site visit will need to be posted if more than one member wants to attend. Ms. Curren said she will be able to attend. Plastic Bag Reinforcement Ms. Shonkoff said the State suspended the ban on plastic bags.She received an email from Mark Dockser the Select Board Chair, asked when is the date to re-enforce that grocery stores cannot use plastic bag? She asked Ms.Vlasuk if she received any phone calls regarding plastic bag use? Ms. Curren asked if this re-enforcement will include personal reusable bags? Ms.Shonkoff responded it would. Mr.Sexton said a member would need to make a motion. Ms. Shonkoff said Mr. Dockser asked how the enforcement will be communicated? Ms.Donnell said the Governor rescinded the plastic bag ban. Ms.Vlasuk asked for clarification on why the BOH would need to vote since the ban didn't originate from them? Ms.Delius said the plastic ban was voted on at Town Meeting and came from the Climate Advisory Committee. After a discussion,the Board agreed that the message about the plastic bag ban should come from the Select Board. Ms. Shonkoff will respond to Mr.Dockser. Other Ms.Shonkoff said she received a message from Recreation Administrator Jenna Fiorente that there was an event, that was not permitted,with a large group of people that did not practice social distancing. She said she would like to continue the discussion on enforcement on Thursday. Ms. Curren discussed her recent experience at a tent sale. She said it would have helped if the Board reviewed the flow of traffic plan.Ms.Shonkoff asked the Board for their opinion if an event cannot happen until the State approves, should the Board review the application in advance. Mr.Sexton opined the Board has too much going on and an application should not be brought to the Board until the event is allowed by the State. Ms. Shonkoff said the Health Department received two applications for a future event. She asked Ms.Vlasuk to contact them to let them know the activity isn't allowed until Phase IV and the Board cannot weigh in until the State allows the event; and this will apply for any applications received for future events. Ms. Donnell said the message should be there is no Phase IV until there is a vaccine. Ms.Shonkoff asked Ms.Vlasuk to inform the applicants.Ms.Vlasuk asked if bake sales were allowed? Ms. Shonkoff replied the two applications are under street festival and added the bake sale is similar to the tent sale. Ms.Vlasuk commented how the Health Agent Report has changed over the years. The Board discussed the Health Agent report and it was noted none was received. Ms. Shonkoff requested the Health Agent Report be forwarded to the BOH monthly along with the food inspections. Civic Function Permit Attachment Paye 1 2 Town of Reading 0Meeting Minutes JJIv 11(Mr� Ms. Shonkoff shard on screen"Civic Function Permit—Covid Addendum" and said this will be attached to the Civic Function Permit. The Board discussed adding the State link to the document. Ms. Donnell asked what makes up a civic function? Ms.Delios explained any time there is use of a public property a civic function permit is necessary. Ms. Donnell said she will attend the Select Board meeting to give an update.The Board discussed items that can be talked about. Ms. Shonkoff said agenda items 7 and S will be moved to Thursday night. Ms.Delios asked if the Board would consider having a discussion on reopening after the Command meeting?The Board agreed to rejoin the meeting. Command Meeting The Board of Health joined the Command Meeting at 11:00 AM. Incident Command: Ms. Shonkoff turned the meeting over to Incident Command at 11:04 am. [See Addendum for Incident Command meeting notes.] The Command Meeting ended and the BOH rejoined at 12:43 PM. Opening Protocols The Board discussed what is required to open the offices and who should be responsible to make sure the documents and checklists are received.Ms. Donnell said each department can make changes to the checklists and the Board will review and approve. Ms. Shonkoff suggested Ms. Vlasuk send out the email to the supervisors. Ms.Vlasuk suggested any complaints about Town Hall go directly to the Town Manager to help prevent conflict. The Town Manager Robert LeLacheur joined the discussion.The Town Manager said complaints about the building should be forwarded to the Facilities Department and perhaps Human Resources. Ms. Shonkoff said some complaints that go to the Health staff are health related and some will need to be redirected to the correct department She said it has been suggested the employee first go directly to their supervisor. Mr. Markman asked for direction on how to handle complaints received about the Town Hall. Mr.LeLacheur responded staff should go to Human Resources. Mr.Markman clarified the scenario he presented is hypothetical and wanted to know in advance what to do when the Town Hall opens. Ms. Vlasuk said going forward she will forward complaints to the appropriate department. Ms.Shonkoff stated problems cannot be solved unless people are aware, and she appreciates everyone trying to be clear and thinking ahead about issues during this time. Mr. LeLacheur said work place safety is a priority and there are protocols that are followed. If changes are needed people need to know. Mr. Page 1 3 Town of Reading 0$ Y Meeting Minutes 2a eJJe IIICOP Markman responded he frequently receives complaints about restaurants that have no merit. He was looking for guidance on how to handle complaints about his own employer. He assured that he has not received any complaints about the Town Hall. Ms. Donnell redirected the discussion back to the original intent regarding the opening of the building. Ms. Shonkoff further explained the documents and checklists, and asked the best way to communicate to the departments. Mr.LeLacheur recommended that any documents be reviewed by Town Counsel and Labor Counsel, and once the concepts are approved the BOH put out general information document. The town can follow what the library already has done, and tailor the plan to each building. He said DPW and Public Safety are further along than the Town Hall and Pleasant Street Center.The employees will need to be trained,PPE ordered if needed and then open to the public. Ms. Shonkoff clarified the Board would like to review each buildings checklist and/or protocols including the Library. The BOH approval will be filed in the Health Department and if a complaint is received the document can be referenced. Mr. LeLacheur responded the staff will discuss the requirements and he will update Human Resources; and the draft protocols will be available for the next meeting. Mr.Sexton clarified the checklist is what is needed to be returned and approved by the Board, and not a plan. Ms. Donnell said the guidance from the State is very comprehensive and is clear, the Board is available to act as a resource. The Board discussed the best way to train the employees. Mr. LeLacheur recommended: • Two or three Zoom meetings to train employees; • The information should come from Human Resources; • Appointment based public; • Not allow gatherings; • The procedure should show how to handle people who refuse or cannot wear a mask; and • If there are any machines that need to be ordered let him know Ms.Shonkoff said she will forward by email what was discussed and agreed upon and will follow up at the next meeting. Mr. LeLacheur said he will follow up with Human Resources and Town Clerk. On a motion by Ms. Shonkoff,and seconded by Ms. Curren,the Board of Health voted to adopt the combination of the Massachusetts Office Checklist and Covid-19 Control Plan template as resources of consideration for Town staff to return to work by a vote of 3-0-0. Roll call vote:Eleanor Shonkoff-Yes,Kerry Dunnell-Yes,Paula Curren-Yes Ms.Vlasuk asked about the YMCA and where it stands? Ms. Shonkoff referenced the email she sent earlier and said she approved of the activities. Ms.Curren asked about organized sports? Page 1 4 Town of Reading X Meeting Minutes Ms.Shonkoff said she received a response from Ashly at the YMCA and agreed that it should be considered playing with a group of 10 children. Ms.Donnell verified the talking points that she will be discussing about at the Select Board meeting. On a motion by Ms. Curren,and seconded by Ms. Donnell,the Board of Health voted to adjourn at 12:30 PM by a vote of 3-0-0. Roll call vote:Eleanor Shonkoff-Yes,Kerry Dunnell-Yes,Paula Curren-Yes Addendum: Summary Notes from Command Meeting July 20,2020 Board of Health meeting already in session-turned to Emergency Management Director Greg Bums at 11:04 AM Attendance: • Board of Health: Eleanor Shonkoff(Chair); Kerry Dunnell(Vice Chair);Richard Lopez (Associate) • Select Board:Mark Dockser(Chair) • Staff: Fire Chief Greg Bums;Deputy Fire Chief Paul Jackson, School Superintendent Dr. John Doherty,School CFO Gail Dowd; Health Agent Laura Vlasuk;Assistant Town Manager Jean Delius;Town Manager Bob LeLacheur;Select Board Chair Mark Dockser. 1) Re-opening Protocol(Goal 3-Demobilization of Town Departments)-was briefly discussed that this is being developed including checklists, attestations, and posters. 2) School Program Status(Goal 5)-Dr. Doherty Reviewed plans for School Re-Opening- 3 draft plans have been prepared: a. In Person-3 feet(6 feet preferred) b. Hybrid-combination c. Remote-no students in school Dr. Doherty summarized the status as follows. The architect Gienap is assisting with how to layout classrooms. Other areas being reviewed are how lunches are going to be handled, physical education, art, music,band, chorus(pending from the State). Page 1 5 Town of Reading 03 !� Meeting Minutes �a IJIpIR01�� Planning for needs for ppe. Plan is beginning to gel but still a lot of unkowns. Working with the unions as well as it is reuired. Ms.Dowd provided an overview of how they are trying to set up the classrooms including working with the Fire Department. Ms. Shonkoff asked about guidance for younger children given the trends related to transmittal being lower in that age group. Dr. Doherty indicated that the data is still not clear. Dr.Doherty expressed his concern about how to keep adults safe. Mr. LeLacheur asked if Schools needed anything for graduation. Dr.Doherty stated that they were all set. DESE guidance states no food or drink. 3. Status of Community Events(Goal 4)— The Election was discussed and the idea of testing poll workers was presented. Discussion ensued about how to manage testing. Mr. LeLacheur stated that this could be overseen by the Town Clerk. He also noted that this is a sensitive HR issue due to privacy. HR has been consulted by Mr. LeLacheur and should there be an expense he indicated that the Town would absorb that expense and perhaps it may want to be optional. The issue of when to test was discussed (before or after the election). False positives were of concern. The waiting period after exposure was also noted. The agenda item was moved to the next meeting on Thursday including various back up plans for poll workers that test positive and otherwise opt-out at the last minute. 4. Determine Residents that Need Assistance (Goal 1)— Chief Jackson has been working with EHS staff. There has not been any need for assistance based on feedback from EHS staff. Staff will proceed with contacting needy and frail elders. The Cooling Center idea was discussed—utilizing the PSC for cooling. Since there is no clear need at this point the decision was made to just keep monitoring this issue. Status of Cleaning Protocols was discussed and it was agreed that Facilities would attend a future meeting. Ms. Delios noted that Facilities is cleaning and disinfecting daily including high touch areas(e.g.,bathrooms). More details will be provided at a future meeting. Discussion continued regarding the Senior Van and plans to bring that back on line. Guidance from DESE is that only one person per seat is allowed. Chief Jackson will follow up with Facilities on developing a plan for the Senior Van to return to service. Ms.Dowd had provided Page 1 6 Town of Reading 0 Meeting Minutes DESE guidance to Ms.Delios in late June (steno note: this was distributed by Ms.Vlasuk to the BOH at that time). Chief Bums said he would reach out to Burlington and see what they are doing as it was noted that their van is in service. Chief Bums also said they would see if there is any further guidance available including installation of plexiglass to ensure safety. The Command Meeting ended at approximately 12:40 PM Page 1 7