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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-05-19 Board of Health MinutesRECEIVED Town of Reading TOWN CLERK Meeting Minutes REAr-fNG. MA. fc 2022 JUN -6 AM 8:45 Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Board of Health Date: 2022-05-19 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Location: Address: Session: Open Session Purpose: Open Session - Remote Meeting Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Chair Richard Lopez, Vice Chair Kerry Dunnell; Associate Members: Geri Cramer, Kevin Sexton (arrived at 7:25) Members - Not Present: Paula Curren Others Present: Public Health Director Ade Solarin, Health Inspector Jennifer Velazquez, Robin Snyder, Maara Martinez, Jackie McCarthy Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde Topics of Discussion: This meeting was held remotely via Zoom. Chair Richard Lopez called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm and reviewed the meeting agenda. Review/Approval of Minutes April 7, 2022: On a motion by Dr. Lopez, and seconded by Ms. Dunnell, the Board of Health voted 2-0 to approve the meeting minutes of April 7, 2022 as written. Roll call vote: Kerry Dunnell-Yes, Richard Lopez -Yes. 99 Pearl St- Variance Reauest to Increase Number of Chickens on Props Public Health Director Ade Solarin explained to the Board that in 2021 Robin and Jason Snyder requested a variance to increase the total number of chickens allowed on the property to nine, as the guidelines only allow six. The variance was never formally granted, so they are before the Board today for formal approval. Neighbors have been notified. The Animal Inspector noted that the coop Is well maintained, the chickens are healthy, and there is no reason to deny a variance. Mr. Solarin recommended that the Board approve the variance. On a motion by Dr. Lopez and seconded by Ms. Dunnell, the Board of Health voted 2-0 to approve the variance for 99 Pearl Street and amend the permit from six to nine chickens. Roll call vote: Kerry Dunnell-Yes, Richard Lopez -Yes. 34 Hartshorn St- Request for Extension of Compliance Time: Mr. Solarin reviewed the request of Michele and Brian Stowell for a variance and the timeline of events. On March 70, a complaint was received from a neighbor. On March 14th, Mr. Solarin, Health Inspector Jennifer Velazquez, Fire Captain Rick Nelson, Building Inspector Bret Bennett, Case Manager Kerry Valle, and Nurse Advocate Alyse Warren Page I 1 conducted a walk-through of the property. The team noted rodent traps in the backyard, multiple burrows, excessive garbage, and structural damage to the property. A letter was sent on March 24th Informing the homeowners of the violations and giving them time to clean up the property. On April 2hd, the Health Department received a pest control abatement report from Waltham Pest Control. The owners applied for a dumpster on April 26th and received it on April 29t4. On May 314, a second walk-through of the property was conducted, and the owner asked for an extension of clean-up time. A follow up Inspection is scheduled for May 26th. Mr. Solarin stated that the property owners have been responsive and recommended giving them more time to get the violation abated. He also stated that no more than 30 days should be sufficient. Ms. Velazquez noted that there had been much improvement at the walk-through on May 3r°, and the property owners are making progress. On a motion by Dr. Lopez and seconded by Kerry Dunnell, the Board of Health voted 2-0 to provide an extension to June 20th. Mr. Solarin clarified that another walk- through will be conducted on June 20th, and if violations are not corrected, the Health Department will look at the option of going to court. But the property owners are making a good faith effort to clean up the property. Roll call vote: Kerry Dunnell-Yes, Richard Lopez -Yes. Body Art Apprenticeship Program Proposal: At the last meeting, the Board discussed amending the Body Art Regulations to include an apprenticeship program that allows the required two years of experience to be gained in Reading. Mr. Solarin sent the amended regulations to Board members for comments, and stated that If members are comfortable with the language, he will send the document to Town Counsel for review and comments. Dr. Lopez asked for clarification on the number of supervisors for each apprentice, and suggested having a requirement that the apprentice read and attest to reading these regulations. Mr. Solarin explained that the permit would be granted to the apprentice and the apprentice would be assigned to one supervisor. Board members agreed with Dr. Lopez's suggestions and had no further comments. Mr. Solarin noted that there may be other Body Art amendments forthcoming In the future to Include microblading and piercing. Reading Coalition Update: Kevin Sexton stated that he got to meet the new Public Safety Clinician Taunya Jarzynleckl. He was impressed be her ability to jump right Into her position. She has taken over the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program and has already expanded it from follow ups to Include house calls. The Coalition has also been conducting a lot of outreach. Health Department Monthly Report: Mr. Solarin provided the Health Department Monthly Report. In the month of March, there was one solid waste inspection and three housing complaint inspections. Current COVID and infectious disease trends: • Total cases: 5,083 • Deaths: 53 • Recovered: 4,920 • Active cases In the past week: 93 • Other diseases: o Influenza:4 o Lyme Disease: 2 o Campylobacteriosis:) There is one potential COVID cluster at a home -operated daycare. A second COVID booster has been approved for adults. The CDC might approve boosters for children ages 5-11, as Page 1 2 the FDA already approved a few days ago. Dr. Lopez shared the mass.gov data of average dally cases per 100,000. The value for last week was 27 cases per 100,000. The cases are Increasing, and the numbers are comparable to the first week of December 2021. He noted that things are better, but COVID is still not done. Ms. Dunnell noted that hospital cases are also increasing, and it is important for people to consider hygiene, safety, comorbidities, and remain aware of the risks and concerns. Mr. Solarin noted that treatment is now widely available. People who test positive can get a prescription from their primary care providers within the first five days. He also reminded residents that treatment is not a substitute for vaccination and encouraged people to get vaccinated. The next vaccination clinic the Health Department is hosting will be held at the Coolidge Middle School on May 20th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The procurement for the food inspection software has been finalized and the software is being Implemented for inspections. The employment vacancy for the full-time Public Health Nurse has been reposted. There have been a few interviews and Mr. Solarin stated that he is hopeful that a suitable candidate will be hired soon. The job description for the Public Health Administrative Assistant position is still in the works, and will be posted once complete. The hope is to have someone hired by July 5th. The Town website was upgraded on March 23rD and staff has added a page for kids interested in healthy activities. Mr. Solarin noted that staff is open to suggestions for other Information to add to the website. The Health Department Is registered to participate in Reading Friends and Family Day on June 111. The goal is to connect with Reading families and share vital Public Health information. The Department is collaborating with neighboring communities for the Grant for Shared Services. Mr. Solarin stated that he is hopeful for approval and will share an update with the Board once he hears a decision. Mr. Solarin stated that he has been asked to present the MAPC review to the Select Board at their May 31n meeting. This will be a prelude to a discussion of the Select Board to recommend expanding the Board of Health to five members. In March, the Town received a notice of non -renewal for the Sealer of Weights and Measures from the state. A new, part-time employee, who will report to the Health Director, will take over those functions beginning July Vt. The Department received a grant for $19,642 from the state to enhance the Town's COVID- 19 response. The funds can be used for vaccinations, testing, case investigation, and contact tracing, but must be used by June 30' . Mr. Solarin asked Board members for their Input on how to spend the funds. Health Inspector Jennifer Velazquez has been busy with trainings and conferences, including Massachusetts Health Officers Association (MHOA), Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Certification and training, and Food Code Pro training. Public Comment: There was no comment from the public. Next Meetina Agenda Items: Final Comments: Dr. Lopez stated that he received some comments about meeting in person. The Emergency Order is set to expire on July 15th. It is not yet known whether the Governor could extend the order if COVID cases continue to increase, continue to allow hybrid meetings, or return to full in-person meetings. He opined that remote meetings provide as Gage 1 3 much access to the Board and its deliberations. For now, the June and July meetings will continue as remote. Dr. Lopez also noted that he requested an update at the July meeting on the progress the Health Department is making on implementing the MAPC assessment recommendations. Mr. Solarin noted that the Board will see a preview of that at the May 31"t Select Board meeting. On a motion by Dr. Lopez, and seconded by Ms. Dunnell, the Board of Health voted 2-0 to adjourn at 7:54 pm. Roll call vote: Kerry Dunnell-Yes, Richard Lopez -Yes. Page 1 4