Minutes
Board of Health · from the Town's website · 1 page · 19 KB
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Winthrop Board of Health Meeting May 10, 2022 @6:30 PM Harvey Hearing Room and via Zoom Call to order: 6:39 pm Roll call: Bill Schmidt, Chair, Jeanne Holgersen, Vice-Chair, Marianne Dalton, Member Attending (via Zoom): Denice Quist; Al Legee, Commissioner of Inspectional Services, Wendy Millar-Page, Solid Waste and Recycling Manager Review of minutes, April 12, 2022: approved unanimously 3-0. Public comment: none Past business: Black Plastics regulations will hopefully be presented to Town Council by Bill Schmidt and Wendy Millar-Page, Solid Waste and Recycling Manager at the Town Council meeting in June. If this takes place, then BOH will have a public hearing at their meeting in June on the regulations. Mass DEP New Waste Disposal Bans: update from Wendy Millar-Page, Solid Waste and Recycling Manager: Wendy states that the Town and DPW have entered into an agreement with CMRK to provide textile disposal for Winthrop. A mattress disposal program is being researched for the town’s use as well. These programs are tentatively set to launch July 1, well ahead of the November 1 deadline the state has set for the new bans, allowing time for residents to familiarize themselves with the new regulations. Bill comments that the graphics Wendy has included in the weekly Town Manager’s blog have been very informative concerning recycling/trash disposal tips. Board of Health Town Website: deferred to July Board of Health Workplan for FY2023: deferred to July COVID-19-Town of Winthrop, Board of Health, Vaccinations, etc: Meredith Hurley, Director of Public Health and Clinical Services is unable to attend tonight d/t a previous commitment. Bill reviews that as the number of COVID cases are rising, the Board may want to revisit issuing guidance about mask-wearing. This will be further discussed at June’s meeting, if numbers continue to advance. Commissioner of Inspectional Services Update: Al Legee, Commissioner of Inspectional Services reports that IS is busy with inspections for outside dining and other permits. Pool safety-Draft regulations: Bill has drafted regulations, using Chelsea as the template, as well as other communities, for pool safety in the Town. Board members and Al will review the draft, and discuss at June’s meeting. Governor’s Park, Fort Heath, Pillar House, and Seal Harbor are the semi-public pools to be regulated. 226 Main St: Al reports the matter is being dealt with, owner obtained permits, IS will monitor. 497 Shirley St: Al reports that the sewer backup has been remedied by plumbing. French Square, Center Business District—Public smoking: Bill reports some residents have expressed concern about smoking regulation in the newly-renovated CBD. They want to ensure it remains a smoke-free environment. Bill states he consulted Interim Town Manager/Chief Terry Delehanty who confirmed that as a public park, the French Square is still designated as smoke-free. Al states that signs might be posted, he will discuss with Steven Calla, Director of Public Works. MRC update: Bill reports receiving an email from Jeanne Maggio, Coordinator of Medical Reserve Corp (MRC), announcing that a rabies clinic will be held on June 4, at the old auditorium front hall. A new local veterinarian will be administering the shots; the Town Clerk's office will be recording and issuing the documentation. Jeanne is asking if volunteers could be recruited to assist in guiding people in and out of the facility, assist with paperwork, and help with animals if needed. Epidermis—Services: Jeanne reports that all documentation has been received, and that Epidermis is now in compliance. Bill reviews that within the next 6 months there will be a spot check there; Jeanne will consult Al and coordinate within the next 6 months. Chicken permit-Keeping of Animals regulation: Bill reports that a resident has 3 chickens in coops in their front yard, through a miscommunication with inspectional services. The current regulation prohibits keeping of chickens in the front yards of residents. Bill is proposing that for this resident, a variance be made, to allow him to keep the chickens in his front yard until Bill revises and finalizes the keeping of animals regulations, to be reviewed and approved at June’s BOH meeting. The resident, Vasili Mallios, resides on Pleasant St. The variance for Mr Mallios is approved unanimously 3-0. Women’s Health Forum: Jeanne reports that the night and venue have been reserved, for October 19 from 6 pm-8 pm, at the Neil Shapiro Center for the Performing Arts, at the new Winthrop Middle/High School. Jeanne brings the “Use of Space Request Form” for board members review. Mental health issues—May is Mental Health Month: Bill reports reading a news brief in the Winthrop Transcript about data and statistics from North Suffolk Mental Health. Increased anxiety and depression across all ages; COVID-19 affecting mental health; scarcity of mental health resources in Massachusetts were all statistics quoted in this item in the Transcript. Jeanne reports following up with Lisa Howard, Superintendent of Winthrop Public Schools, about mental health resources available to students/teachers in Winthrop. She states that Lisa is willing to present to the Board what resources there are, in person, at a future Board meeting. Jeanne also states she has outreached North Suffolk Mental Health to inquire further about services available to Winthrop schools. Teen drivers—Motor Vehicle Safety: Jeanne is commended for the fine article she wrote, on motor vehicle safety, published in Transcript and the Manager’s Blog this week. MAHB annual certificate program: Board members are planning on attending this program, featuring guidance for public boards of health on public health laws, regulations and bylaws for State and local jurisdictions. Adjournment: 7:21 pm, approved unanimously 3-0. Respectfully submitted, Marianne Dalton, Member