Minutes
Board of Health · from the Town's website · 1 page · 31 KB
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WINTHROP BOARD of HEALTH MEETING July 2, 2020 6:00 PM REMOTE PARTICIPATION (A. Weins, Host) MINUTES BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair: Bill Schmidt; Vice-Chair: Astrid Weins; Member: Susan Maguire. TOWN of WINTHROP: Meredith Hurley, Director Public Health and Clinical Services; Al Legee, Commissioner Inspectional Services (arrival 7:00 pm) INVITED GUEST: Bonny Carroll, Director, Six City Tobacco Initiative CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Schmidt called the Board of Health meeting to order at 6:05 pm. Chair Schmidt announced that the meeting would be recorded by WCAT. PUBLIC COMMENT: Chair Schmidt requested that all comments be kept to three minutes. Wendy Millar-Page advocated for the creation of a Human Rights Committee which had been proposed a number of years ago by One Winthrop but never was formed. Envision Winthrop working in partnership with Revere to address social determinants of health. Chelsea regrouping as well. Action steps: The topic is on next week’s Town Council agenda. S. Maguire to forward a copy of the 2019 CHNA Report to Wendy. Follow up discussion at the 7/28/2020 BoH meeting. Betsy Shane: Reserves comments REVIEW of MINUTES: Chair Schmidt motioned, A. Weins seconded to approve the minutes of the June 9, 2020 Board of Health meeting, all in favor. Chair Schmidt motioned, A. Weins seconded to approve the minutes of the June 16, 2020 Board of Health meeting, all in favor. PAST BUSINESS: COTTAGE AVE: Response pending from Commissioner Legee ROUNDUP ADVISORY: Draft by S. Maguire approved by the Board pending one edit re: Bill 4413 suggested by Chair Schmitt. Action steps: Post on social media sites and The Winthrop Transcript. PARC AT HARBOR VIEW ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY: In-service for staff at the facility re: COVID-19 protocols, e.g., infection control and PPE by M. Hurley and A. Weins still pending. Reference document: status update by M. Hurley. WINTHROP SQUARE MARKET: B. Carroll has contacted the retailer and answered questions posed regarding what products can be sold. Retailer received letter from JUUL stating their current product is only 3% nicotine which may be sold. TOBACCO: Update by Bonny Carroll: Model regulations by D.J. Wilson that will comply with the new state regulations for towns to use when updating their current regulations are still pending. B. Shane would like a copy to send to retailers once released. Chair Schmidt explained the process followed by the Board when updating/revising regulations. Somerville has banned the sale of all flavored nicotine products, including tobacco, hence no e-cigarettes are being sold. Action steps: At the request of Chair Schmidt, Bonny will check to see if there is a court case challenging this order. COVID-19: Phase 3 of state reopening starts Monday, July 6, 2020. B. Shane noted that the restaurants are doing well complying with the guidelines because of the Chamber’s close working relationship with Meredith Hurley and Al Legee and the Chamber’s efforts to support retailers, through social media. Of the 45 food establishments in business prior to the pandemic, 35 will be reopening. The Board praised Betsy for all her support to town businesses during these trying times. Beach Guidelines that comply with those from the state have been posted on social media sites and the Transcript. Kudos go out to Astrid and Meredith. TWIST and SHAKE: Following conversations with S. Maguire and A. Weins, owner Sheryl Queen attended the meeting and voiced what a difficult time this has been for small businesses, and the difficulties she faces ensuring patrons comply with social distancing and face coverings. Taking the pandemic very seriously, at one point she considered closing because of staff and public safety issues. The store has now posted additional distancing signage and placed 6 feet markers on the pavement to the corner where Hi Tide is located. Delivery service will continue. COMMISSIONER OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES UPDATE: A. LEGEE: Will continue unannounced visits to establishments to monitor compliance with guidelines. Will research report for 59 Cottage this week. Square Market: ‘all quiet’. First fine payment due August 1, 2020. Gyms, licensed by the Licensing Commission, are now open; conducting unannounced inspections. Rodents: Keeping A. Faison updated on the situation. Attention being give to Yirrell Beach and the Highlands. Action Steps: develop some educational materials, e.g, proper trash maintenance and forward to Board for review. 44 Villa complaint: Not a public health issue, but a zoning issue. Complaint sent to Licensing Commission but without an address, no action can be taken. Action Steps: Al will investigate and report back to the Board. DIRECTOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND CLINICAL SERVICES UPDATE: M. HURLEY: Document referenced: Email dated 7/2/2020 PARC: spoke with regional manager who assured her that issues have been addressed. Assisting with reopenings Submitted a letter of inquiry to MGH CCHI to fund community health workers for mental health outreach. MRC: Absent BUDGET: Per Town Council, hoping for additional monies from the Town and Cares Act to support Inspectional Services and Public Health. REGIONAL COLLABORATIVE: Thirty three thousand dollar grant awarded to support Environmental CHIP. Action steps: A. Weins to email A. Faison re: her interest in participating and collaborating with Chelsea and Revere. ADJOURNMENT: A. Weins, Vice Chair motioned to adjourn at 8:05 pm, seconded by S. Maguire, approved unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Susan Maguire