Minutes
Board of Health · from the Town's website · 1 page · 29 KB
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WINTHROP BOARD of HEALTH MEETING August 18, 2020 6:00 PM REMOTE PARTICIPATION (A. Weins, Host) MINUTES Present: BOARD MEMBERS: Bill Schmidt, Chair; Astrid Weins, Vice Chair; Susan Maguire, Member. TOWN of WINTHROP: Meredith Hurley, Director Public Health and Clinical Services; Al Legee (at 6:50 pm). CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Schmidt called the Board of Health meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. Meeting being recorded. PUBLIC COMMENT: Shannon Poulos, Precinct 3 acknowledged Al Legee and Sharon Sicurella of ISD for their support in holding the landlord of 585 Shirley Street accountable for correcting violations. S. Maguire acknowledged Ms. Poulos’contribution to the community via Mia Amore and her willingness to support future efforts. S. Maguire also noted that Winthrop’s participation with Chelsea and Revere addressing food and housing insecurity through the Collaborative. REVIEW of MINUTES: Chair Schmidt motioned to approve the Board of Health Minutes of July 28, 2020, seconded by A. Weins, approved unanimously. COVID-19 TOWN of WINTHROP: Director Public Health and Clinical Services update-M. Hurley: COVID-19 incidence rate now at 7.6 per 100,000; may be in the red zone tomorrow if >8 per 100,000 (1.7 cases per day). Most recent cases are in the 30-50 year old age group appearing to be from occupational exposure. Only 4 cases are < 20 years old. No clusters have been identified in town. Governor Baker has reached out to A. Faison re: support from the state. If Winthrop moves to the red zone, ‘Stop the Spread’ COVID-19 testing will be available in Winthrop. School Committee has decided based on the current COVID-19 data, when school reopens, classes will now be remote vs. hybrid. Planning Flu clinics following state guidelines. Will increase the number and will now include drive-thru sites and online registration. Board Members have observed that pick-up games continue at basketball courts that remain open. Messaging re: safe practices via social media is still pending. Action steps: Chair Schmidt will send a request again to town manager’s office. Ice cream truck vendor issue (banned in Winthrop during the pandemic): Chair Schmidt will email A. Faison and Chief Delehanty. Last month, Councilor Demarco suggested that the Board consider reinstating a curfew to mitigate spread of COVID-19. For now, no curfew appears to be indicated but will revisit if necessary. VIKING PUB: Zoom participants, Sue and Ernie Hardy reported that in addition to the problems with trash, their building now has an infestation of flies. Their lawyer advised that they may not put a lock on the alleyway. Per Commissioner Legee, Viking Pub has been told to relocate the rubbish, and the Hardy’s may lock the area while allowing access to the meters. Chair Schmidt motioned to have the Board of Health issue a letter citing the relevant health codes, seconded by S. Maguire. Action steps: A. Legee will forward health code/ordinance information to Chair Schmidt. Chair Schmidt will draft correspondence to Viking Pub. Inspectional Services will send enforcement letter. Documents referenced: Exterminator’s report submitted by Mr. Hardy. 585 SHIRLEY STREET: Zoom participant, Shannon Poulos reported Page Exterminators are working on exterminating the rats. Per Commissioner Legee, in addition to the rodent problems, some house violations have been identified. ISD is working with attorneys to issue a Letter to Correct. 44 VILLA AVE: Commissioner Legee reported that the state fire marshal has been notified of the issues, and that he is working with the town’s attorney on issuing a letter. 59 COTTAGE: Inspection Report still pending. TOBACCO CONTROL ISSUES-SOMERVILLE COURT CASE (Sale of E-Cigarettes): Per B. Carroll’s email, one case has been stayed, another is ongoing. Chair Schmidt to review model regulations from D.J. Wilson that were not clear and hopes to have a draft by September or October. NSPHC REGIONAL COLLABORATIVE: S. Maguire shared relevant behavioral health information (Minding Your Mind and a BAM video) with workgroup lead. A. Weins and B. Schmidt to attend via Zoom the environmental workgroup tomorrow. Airport Hazards Committee meeting tomorrow evening re: updating insulation installed prior to 1993. Per Superintendent Howard’s email, the Winthrop Middle School and High School air filters will be upgraded to MERV 14, other schools will be replaced with MERV 15. The Cummings School filters, MERV 13 were replaced today, so will be upgraded next time. Air quality assessments being conducted. A. Weins suggested pre and post studies be conducted via the work with the Collaborative. MOSQUITOES-WEST NILE AND EEE in MASSACHUSETTS: Per A. Weins, EEE is remote and WNV is moderate. CDC Guidelines have been posted on town’s social media sites. PLASTIC BAGS in WINTHROP: Regulation has been updated by Chair Schmidt to reflect the new effective date of November 1, 2020. Action steps: Chair will email B. Shane requesting that she notify the Chamber’s members. After Labor Day, post notice on the Manager’s Weekly, and in the Transcript. Board members to sign the revised regulation. WALK WINTHROP: Winthrop awarded $ 105,000 by MA Department of Transportation for parklets and bicycle docks. Chair Schmidt will continue reviewing previous studies to inform a plan to promote walking. Document referenced: J. Wallerce email. ANNUAL REPORT: Chair Schmidt will draft and forward to Board members for review. PUBLIC COMMENT: Wendy Millar-Page voiced concerns regarding advertisements on social media (Winthrop, Revere and E. Boston) of the Town’s ferry rental availability for private parties and evening harbor cruises where ‘BYOB’ is allowed when alcohol use is prohibited on public commuter ferries, as well as the Town’s liability, particularly with COVID-19. Action steps: A. Weins will email Tanji re: concerns. Zoom participant R. Roy had no public comment, stated he was just ‘eavesdropping’. MINUTES FOR AUGUST 6, 2020: pending from S. Maguire. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Body Art Regulation, Tobacco Regulation, Workplan. ADJOURNMENT: S. Maguire motioned to adjourn at 7:52 pm, seconded by A. Weins, approved unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Susan Maguire