Board of Health

CITY OF AMESBURY, MA BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING MINUTES Approved 6/16/22 12/16/21 Meeting called to order at: 6:34 pm Roll Call Attendance: Matt Steinel, Chairman; Kaitlyn Zeigler, Vice Chairman; Dan McQueen, Secretary; Robin Beeley Staff: Deb Ketchen, Health Agent; Donna Lickteig, Adm. Asst. Meeting Minutes of 6/10/21, 6/24/21, & 7/22/21: Motion by Matt Steinel to accept, seconded by Dan Sweeney, Unan- imous vote. OLD BUSINESS – Rat Issues The Board asked if there were any new complaints/issues regarding rats. Deb Ketchen reported there were none. In- formational mailings were not sent out to residents, however, the City website was update with information regarding what to do. NEW BUSINESS – Compost Bins Mass. DEP had posted that grants were available to cities/towns for compost bins. The Board would like the Inspection- al Services Dept. to gather information, see if they are still available and if the City qualifies for this grant, and provide in- formation at the next Board meeting. The Board is in favor of applying for the grant as they feel it would be beneficial to residents. HEALTH AGENT REPORT Deb Ketchen, Health Agent, provided the Board with her monthly activity to include housing issues and food issues. An issue of concern regarding Carriage Hill Apartments was discussed. There have been numerous complaints for various issues and it was determined that a comprehensive inspection involving various City departments must be undertaken to address all violations. Deb Ketchen will speak to the Inspectional Services Dir., Vincenzo Tirone, to arrange an inspec- tion date and inform the Board of the findings at the next scheduled meeting. BOARD OF HEALTH MEMBER COMMENTS / REPORTS Dan Sweeney inquired about the Rules and Regulations for the Board of Health that were adopted in 2011. The Board asked for the document to be sent to each member so a review could be made to see if updates and changes were nec- essary since the adoption of said regulations are ten years old. PUBLIC COMMENTS A resident of Amesbury had questions regarding COVID. Specifically: who enforces the mandates; does the City alter the mandates if they feel it is necessary; is the public aware of detrimental effects the shots may have on children. Matt Steinel stated that the City strictly follows the State’s guidelines. The caller was made aware that all information, questions, concerns, should be directed to Emergency Management, Dave Mather, as this department has taken over all COVID related issues in conjunction with the Mayor. The meeting adjourned at 7:10pm Motion by Ann Mckay, seconded by Dan McQueen, all in favor to accept these meeting minutes at the 1/20/22 BOH monthly meeting. RECEIVED By City Clerk at 12:20 pm, 6/21/22 CITY OF AMESBURY, MA BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING MINUTES Approved 6/16/22 12/16/21