Board of Health

Braintree Board of Health Meeting Held Via Zoom Thursday, November 5, 2020, 7:00 p.m. IN ATTENDANCE: Dr. Arthur Bregoli, Chairman Dr. Philip Nedelman, Vice Chairman ALSO PRESENT: Marybeth McGrath, Director of ML & I Dr. Bregoli called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. by roll call vote: Dr. Bregoli-yes; Dr. Nedelman-yes Approval of Meeting Minutes: September 17, 2020 Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to approve the meeting minutes of September 17, 2020. Second By: Dr. Bregoli Unanimously Voted by roll call: Dr. Nedelman-yes; Dr. Bregoli-yes List of Complaints: The Board reviewed a list of complaints received from September 15-November 2, 2020. Ms. McGrath stated that approximately 98% of the complaints they are receiving are COVID-19 reopening related. The majority are related to face masks and social distancing in establishments. Inspectors visit the establishment in question and if a violation is observed enforcement starts with a verbal warning, second offense is a written warning and third offense a monetary fine. If the violations continue it could lead to closure of an establishment. She stated they have had to close one establishment in Braintree. Ms. McGrath reviewed the new orders the Governor announced which go into effect November 6, 2020. New Business: Request for Keeping of Animals Permit Christine Yarbrough, 94 Brow Avenue (10 Chickens) Christine Yarbrough was present before the Board via Zoom. Ms. McGrath directed the Board members to the information packet provided by the applicant. She stated the coop will be located 25 feet off the rear property line and right property line, and 20 feet off the left property line. All direct abutters have been notified and they have received the certified mailing cards back. Braintree Board of Health, November 5, 2020 Page 2 of 3 Dr. Bregoli stated the information provided was the most detailed he has seen and he had no questions. Ms. McGrath informed the applicant that the keeping of roosters is not allowed and Ms. Yarbrough indicated that she did not intend on keeping roosters. Ms. McGrath advised that the chicken coop and run be buried into the ground to keep wildlife away. Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to approve the permit for keeping of animals, 10 chickens, 94 Brow Avenue Second By: Dr. Bregoli Unanimously Voted by roll call: Dr. Nedelman-yes; Dr. Bregoli-yes Matthew McInnis, 26 Davis Road (8 Chickens) Ms. McGrath stated the proposed coop would be in excess of 25 feet from the house and greater than 25 feet from the rear and side property lines. All direct abutters have been notified and notification receipts have been received. Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to approve the permit for keeping of animals, 8 chickens, 26 Davis Road Second By: Dr. Bregoli Unanimously Voted by roll call: Dr. Nedelman-yes; Dr. Bregoli-yes Request for Variance of Lifeguard Provision: Ms. McGrath stated these lifeguard variance requests are different than the Board has seen in the past. Residence Inn and Hampton in have indoor pools, and Riverbend Condominiums has an outdoor seasonal pool. All three pools have not been open since February due to COVID-19, however, they may want to reopen it in the future. There is no bather data to provide because of these closures. Residence Inn by Marriott, 180 Forbes Road Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to approve the variance of lifeguard provisions, Residence Inn by Marriott, 180 Forbes Road Second By: Dr. Bregoli Unanimously Voted by roll call: Dr. Nedelman-yes; Dr. Bregoli-yes Hampton Inn, 215 Wood Road Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to approve the variance of lifeguard provisions, Hampton Inn, 215 Wood Road Braintree Board of Health, November 5, 2020 Page 3 of 3 Second By: Dr. Bregoli Unanimously Voted by roll call: Dr. Nedelman-yes; Dr. Bregoli-yes Riverbend Condominium Trust, 399 Pond Street Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to approve the variance of lifeguard provisions, Riverbend Condominium Trust, 399 Pond Street Second By: Dr. Bregoli Unanimously Voted by roll call: Dr. Nedelman-yes; Dr. Bregoli-yes Informational: Ms. McGrath reported they have conducted some very successful flu clinics. On October 4 they administered 807 doses of vaccine. On October 13 they administered approximately 315 doses of vaccine. Every Thursday afternoon from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. they offer flu vaccine to the general public at Town Hall. They have also administered approximately 900 doses of vaccine to students in the school system. She stated the outdoor clinic was very successful and they should be able to do this again in the future if needed. Ms. McGrath stated Dr. Nedelman is the town physician and the school physician and he will be reviewing standard orders for a program that is being rolled out to perform rapid testing of students for COVID-19. This testing will be performed by school nurses. Dr. Nedelman expressed concern that parental consent be provided before these tests are administered. Ms. McGrath agreed that consent would have to be provided and stated Dr. Nedelman can include that requirement in the standing order. Ms. McGrath stated she continues to send the members updates on COVID-19. The town is up to 1191 cumulative cases since February 2020. In the beginning months the majority of cases were seen in long-term care facilities. In June that number flipped and 70 percent of cases were seen in the community, 30% in long-term facilities. From July through October 97 percent of the cases were in the community, with only 3% in long- term facilities. Next Meeting: December 3, 2020 Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to adjourn the meeting at 7:27 p.m. Unanimously Voted by roll call: Dr. Nedelman-yes; Dr. Bregoli-yes