Minutes
Board of Health · from the Town's website · 1 page · 24 KB
open the file ↗ · original at the source ↗
Winthrop Board Of Health Meeting Minutes October 12, 2021 REMOTE PARTICIPATION BY ZOOM Call to order: 6:43 pm Roll call: Present: Bill Schmidt, Chair, Jeanne Holgersen, Member, Marianne Dalton, Member Additional participants: Meredith Hurley, Dorothy Charles, Wendy Millar-Page, Jeanne Maggio, Jillian Shaponick, Donna Alioto, Al Legee, John Vitagliano Review of minutes, September 14, 2021: Bill sent edits to Jeanne Holgersen, who took minutes in Marianne’s absence. Minutes approved 2-0, Marianne abstaining. Public comment: No public comment, public comment subsequently closed. Public hearing—Trash, Recycling and Solid Waste Disposal Regulation Opened 6:46 pm Bill Schmidt, Chair shares comments made via email from the following: Councilor Christopher relays a question from a constituent asking if composting will be mandatory under the new regulations. It will not be mandatory. David Hickey, former head of the DPW, asks questions about cost and how the fees might be more equitably distributed amongst the town residents. Bill informed him that the fees were determined and voted upon by the Town Council, not the Board of Health. A town resident expressed concern about the current limit of one recycling container per household, stating this may discourage recycling, and that they were willing to pay for additional container (s). Wendy Millar Page, Zero Waste Committee Chair responds that these ideas can be presented to the Town Manager and DPW, but changes would need to be implemented by the Board of Health. Bill Schmidt, Chair sent the legal ad concerning the trash/recycling regulations to the Transcript and it was published on September 23, 2021. Bill Schmidt and Wendy Millar-Page jointly presented the draft to the Town Council on 9/7/21: comments and questions included electronics, “scavenging”, buildings with 4 or more dwelling units, fabric recycling, commercial trash and recycling, regulation for larger units trash and recycling, and “dumpster diving”. The draft was reviewed by the town’s legal counsel K&P and reviews were positive, with the following recommendations for changes: the yard waste definition, and to adjust fine maximum to around $300 for violations. Bill Schmidt clarified that compliance will be enforced by Inspectional Services, not law enforcement, given the limitations of BOH in enforcement of further regulations. Wendy Millar-Page asks to add an official recommendation to the regulations: implement means to allow for overflow recycling, similar to what is already in place for overflow trash, i.e. stickers, extra barrel, implement a fee, etc. Bill states that this issue needs research prior to adding to final draft regulations. Wendy clarifies that extra fee for recycling, if implemented, would be for those choosing to recycle beyond their town-issued barrel, not for the town as a whole. Jeanne Maggio, Coordinator of Medical Reserve Corp (MRC) offers her input on recycling, as a former BOH member and trash committee member. Jeanne states that “pay as you throw” is not ideal for non-rural areas, and can result in issues such as stealing stickers and putting trash in others’ containers. She encourages education as a means of getting residents “on board” with the new regulations, suggesting WCAT as a possible venue. Wendy Millar-Page, Zero Waste Committee Chair responds that an educational tri-fold flyer will be sent out with the bills for the recycling bins. In addition, Wendy has already contacted WCAT for help to spread the word about how-to’s and what can and cannot be recycled. Bill Schmidt adds that Pete Solomon, who has done presentations on WCAT in the past, has expressed willingness to produce programming to educate residents about recycling basics. In reference to the resident request about the willingness to pay for additional recycling bins, Wendy states that purchase of additional recycling bins is cost prohibitive at this time, and the number of “extra” bins the town currently has is very limited. Public hearing on Trash, Recycling and Solid Waste is closed @7:03 pm. Thursday, November 4, 2021 is the date the Board of Health will hold a special meeting to vote on the Trash regulations. 1/1/22 is the effective date if approved. MRC update: Jeanne Maggio gives a summary of what the MRC has accomplished in the past several months: COVID vaccine clinics, wellness-check calls, not only in Winthrop but in surrounding towns/areas. MRC members assisted at medical tents during the Boston Marathon, and volunteered at Best Buddies. Jeanne reports 7 new volunteers joined this past year, bringing the total to 26 members, both medical and non-medical. Jeanne commends Chief Flanagan for his past support of the MRC and looks forward to working with the new Chief Scott Wiley. Past business—Report from ISD 59 Cottage Ave Al Legee, Commissioner of Inspectional Services reports the matter of this long-time problem property is now in the hands of the town’s attorneys. Multiple fines have accumulated and are now liens against the property. Bill Schmidt reports emailing Chief Delehanty today updating him on the situation and asking if he has any suggestions to offer, and Bill will share the reply once received. Al expresses the difficulty of dealing with this matter, which he reports is unlike any other he has ever dealt with during his tenure in Inspectional Services. He states that the next step may be to solicit an administrative warrant, which would entail forcible entry by police and fire personnel, to access the interior for inspection. Al states he will ask Meredith and or a social worker to become involved should entry be obtained. Trident Ave Property Al states he has spoken with the owner who claims the debris outside his home includes valuable antiques. Al reports advising owner to store it elsewhere off his property. An “Order to Correct” will be issued, and if no corrective action taken by owner within 7 days, tickets will be issued daily until compliance is obtained. Governor’s Drive Unit The mold situation reported by resident is caused by multiple factors, including flooding by rains last year and burst pipes in the winter. Al reports the resident is in the process of speaking to the owner/landlord to remedy the situation. Governors Park Pool Safety Al reports that pool capacity is an issue. Signage stating occupant load and deck load would be helpful. Lifeguard on duty would be a good addition to regulations, as Al states many municipalities have instituted this measure, including Chelsea. Al asks if BOH has ability to add this regulation. Bill Schmidt cites a regulation on the Mass Association of Health Boards website stating that pools with depths greater than 4 feet require a lifeguard. However, these regulations are from 1988. Al states that he will investigate what other towns are doing and get back to the Board with details on what authority the Board can claim to mandate lifeguards, and what requirements lifeguards would need to meet (17 years of age, current CPR certification, first aid certification, etc.). Apartment complaint Al reports a complaint coming from a resident last month concerning rodent infestation and foul odors coming from her downstairs neighbor’s apartment. Al reports that the phone number left by the complainant has been repeatedly called and no one has been reached. Bill finds the address of the resident in question on the town resident list, and states he will forward the address to Al to facilitate an inspection of the premises. Property at Nahant and Grovers Ave Al states the issue is flooding at this unimproved property. He states that the owner is usually attentive to pumping and keeping the area clear, but has not been as consistent in recent months. Al states the owner has promised to attend to the pumping, and Al states IS will monitor. Town Council fee increases Al reports the fee increases will be effective mid-late October. Bill respectfully requests that in the future, BOH is given notice about fee increases in advance, so input can be given prior to finalization of fee schedules. Al expresses regret and states that with the post-pandemic re-opening and normalization of daily operations, ISD has been inundated with conducting inspections, building permits, grease trap inspections, new restaurant/establishments opening in Winthrop, etc. He states that they will try to include BOH in any future fee discussions. COVID-19 Town of Winthrop, Board of Health: Meredith Hurley, Director of Public Health and Clinical Services introduces Dorothy Charles, the new Public Health Program Manager for the Health Department, and reports Dorothy’s initiation is going well. Meredith reports covid infections are decreasing. Currently there are 24 active cases isolating. She reports a 2.2% positivity rate as of last week, and 4% 4 weeks ago. In Winthrop 73% of residents have at least 1 dose vaccine and 67% are fully vaccinated. No word yet on Moderna boosters from FDA. Flu vaccines are slowly coming in, to be given out at the Senior Center, and to first responders. More vaccines are hopefully on the way. Meredith reports the Health Department is helping to sponsor a program for the post hate crime in June, with resources available for both the Jewish community and BIPOC community. Meredith reports that Bob Repucci, former director of CAPIC in Chelsea, has helped coordinate anti-poverty and anti-homelessness outreach. Halloween happenings: Bill relays the news from Dr Anthony Fauci that “trick-or-treating is safe” this year. Due to the ongoing construction in the Center, the annual Trick-or-Treat held in the center is cancelled. Wendy Millar-Page lists events that are happening around Halloween in Winthrop: Bike Day on 10/30, Ingleside Park 11 am-1 pm, featuring arts and crafts, a bike parade around the park, and costumes. Sponsored by Ace Hardware, FKO, Winthrop Police, Parks and Recreation, Harbor City Church and others. The weekend after Halloween, Black Earth, Trash and Waste Committee, Mothers Out Front, Clean Waters and Zero Waste Committee will sponsor “The Great Pumpkin Drop”, which features activities with pumpkins: youngsters can attempt to roll pumpkins down Overlook Hill into barrels at the bottom of the hill; and for the older crowd, Black Earth will affix basketball hoops to the sides of their collection vehicles, and hold contests using the pumpkins as basketballs. There will be food, arts and crafts and music provided. Mothers Out Front: not present to request BOH support for Pesticides Legislation, issue is tabled until next meeting. Epidermis and Co—Services: Jeanne Holgersen, Member lists the documentation yet to be provided by Jillian Shaponick and Donna Alioto of Epidermis and Co. Jeanne also lists documents that were provided but were either expired or not official. Jeanne organized a comprehensive list of the items still lacking and promises to email the document to Jillian and Donna. Jeanne adds that certifications, proof of continuing education hours, as well as requirements for the room in which procedures are to be performed need to be provided. Bill Schmidt advises both Jillian and Donna to review the DPH website for more information on obtaining a clinic license, as the Winthrop BOH does not have authority over this, the State Board does. Both Jillian and Donna state they are willing to work on getting all documentation to the Board. Bill reviews that Epidermis and Co needs to complete this process soon, to avoid any fines Epidermis may incur from incomplete compliance. Jillian and Donna voiced understanding. Mosquito spraying: Marianne Dalton, Member reports emailing NEMMC asking what, if anything, needs to be done now concerning mosquito management, and is awaiting their reply. She reports no recent requested spraying from residents. Bill comments that West Nile virus cases are increasing in Massachusetts, but none found in Winthrop. Marianne states that no town-wide spraying will be initiated by NEMMC unless a confirmed case is discovered in Winthrop. Massport—Runway 9/27 issue: Bill Schmidt reports sending Massport a letter (as a private citizen) expressing concerns about pollution, both from noise and fuel exhaust, from runway 9/27. John Vitagliano, current member of the Airport Hazard Committee and former Massport Board member, provides input on the impact upon Winthrop, especially the Point Shirley section, of Massport’s proposal to expand runway 9/27. John states that expansion would potentially increase the air traffic over the Point, which already bears the noise and fumes from nearly a third of the flights out of Logan. Massport is also proposing a a 650-foot pier, that would possibly encroach upon Town of Winthrop property in the Point Shirley section. John states that this pier, if approved, would be important in future mitigation/remedial agreements between Massport and the Town. Annual Report FY2021: Bill drafted a summary of the Board of Health Annual report, and requests board members review and provide input. Once reviewed by board, Bill will forward the report to the Town Clerk, who will compile it with the Town’s annual report. Black Plastic—not recyclable: Wendy Millar-Page, Zero Waste Committee Chair reviews why black plastic is not acceptable for recycling. The presence of black plastic in a recycling load not only results in the black plastic being rejected, but the entire load being processed as well, turning the recycling load into trash. This added cost is not covered by the $160/household fee for recycling. Wendy proposes implementing a ban on black plastic containers in Winthrop; she states that other towns have successfully done this in Massachusetts. She states that alternatives, such as clear, white or aluminum containers, which are equivalent in cost to black plastic, can be phased in, with a deadline set for elimination of black plastic. Wendy states that nips are another item awaiting banning. This issue is currently in state legislation. If a statewide ban is passed, municipalities can more easily pass bans. Bill asks that Wendy research the language other towns have used in regulations concerning bans, and the Board will be able to adapt the language for Winthrop use. Wendy lists other pending legislation from the State: possible prohibition of mattresses being collected in trash, as well as textiles. Wendy states the goal is to reduce the trash and recycling stream as much as possible. This will be facilitated by education of residents and encouraging purchase of sustainable vs. disposable goods whenever possible. Jeanne Maggio asks about mask wearing in Winthrop. Bill states that the state has mandated mask-wearing in public schools until November 1, 2021, unless vaccination rate reaches 80% statewide. If vaccination rate is still below 80% as of November 1, then the mask mandate will likely be extended. Jeanne comments 80% vaccination rate will be easier reached once Pfizer vaccine is approved for ages 5-12. Board of Health town website: work still needs to be done. Board of Health workplan: Bill expresses hope that with the pandemic end in sight, other non-covid issues may be addressed. The workplan proposed several months ago included diabetes education by Marianne, and this might now be possible. Wendy Millar-Page proposes the Board consider addressing the “disease of the month” (breast cancer awareness, mental health awareness, etc). Bill reviews that the Board is primarily a policy board, staffed by volunteers. The Health Department is better suited for implementation of initiatives such as what Wendy is proposing. Bill suggests asking Meredith and the newly hired Dorothy Charles for assistance in getting the message out about disease awareness using the town website, the Transcript, and the weekly Town Manager report. Wendy promises to send email details to Bill who will then forward to Meredith. November meetings: The Board will hold a special meeting November 4, 2021 specifically to vote on the trash and recycling regulations. The regular monthly meeting will be held on November 16, instead of the second Tuesday of November, as this day will be Election Day. The December monthly meeting will be held on Thursday December 16, due to the special election on December 14 for the state senate. Adjournment: 8:54 pm, unanimously approved. Respectfully submitted by Marianne Dalton, Member