Board of Health

CITY OF AMESBURY, MA BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING MINUTES RECEIVED By City Clerk at 10:35 am, 1/5/22 July 22, 2021 Meeting called to order at: 6:31pm Roll Call Attendance: Matt Steinel, Chairman; Kaitlyn Zeigler, Vice Chairman; Ann McKay Staff: Ernest Creveling, Inspectional Services Dir.; Deb Ketchen, Health Agent; Donna Lickteig, Adm. Asst. Guest: Ron Beauregard, Tobacco Control Director Meeting Minutes of 6/24/21: Motion by Ann McKay to accept, seconded by Kaitlyn Zeigler, Unanimous vote by Matt Steinel. Changes to meeting minutes of 6/10/21 will be brought before the Board at the next scheduled meeting for acceptance. FOLLOW UP Tobacco Control: Ron Beauregard was present to explain to the Board how his position as tobacco control director works for Amesbury. In addition, Ron updated the Board on new regulations from the State regarding the removal of all flavored tobacco prod- ucts for resale. Ron stated flavored tobacco products can only be purchased/consumed in smoking bars. The Board has asked Ron to review the Board of Health Rules and Regulations and provide updates to the existing poli- cies listed therein. Activity Reports: Deb Ketchen, Health Agent, provided the Board with her monthly activity to include housing issues and food issues. An issue of concern was rodents in and around the downtown area which is common to most cities/towns. The rodents appear to be coming from river centrally located in the Millyard and are attracted to food receptacles in the downtown district. Ann McKay will be addressing this issue with the Mayor at the next 2030 Group Meeting to see if volunteers can assist in clean up efforts to help with this issue. Tina LaCourse, Health Nurse, provided a breakdown of communicable diseases in the City. There were no areas of con- cern other than the Board felt that we should closely monitor COVID due to the recent Delta Variant being discussed and possibly take preventative measures should the numbers in cases start to rise. Board of Health Rules and Regulations: The Board received a copy of the regulations adopted in 2011. Minor wording was updated and the Board will be re- viewing these regulations and updating as necessary. Septic Reviews: Inspectional Services currently has an independent contractor reviewing all septic upgrades and installations. A motion by Matt Steinel, made unanimous by the Board, was made to allow Joe Serwatka to make decisions without having to go before the Board unless a resident applies for a waiver for repairs, at which time a hearing will be scheduled. Health Fair: Ann McKay will be bringing K2 tablets to the upcoming health fair. Most residents do not know that we carry them. Page 1 of 2  CITY OF AMESBURY, MA BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING MINUTES July 22, 2021 Board of Health Web-site: The Board will be reaching out to Caitlyn Thayer, Communications Dir., to update the Board’s website with informational material they feel is valuable to the public. The meeting adjourned at 7:45pm APPROVED 12/16/21 Page 2 of 2