Board of Health

Braintree Board of Health Meeting Held Via Zoom Thursday, December 3, 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: November 5, 2020 Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to approve the meeting minutes of November 5, 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 November 2-December 1, 2020. Ms. McGrath stated all of the complaints they are getting now are COVID-19 related. The complaints are either employees or customers not wearing face coverings or no social distancing. There are approximately two dozen of these types of complaints. New Business: Request for Keeping of Animals Permit Domenic Candelieri, 125 Grove Street (8 chickens) Ms. McGrath stated the applicant is a longtime resident and business owner in Braintree. His property is large and he has already been keeping chickens for over 40 years, which the town was not aware of. A complaint was filed regarding a rooster on his property and the rooster has now been removed. He was informed that he needed a permit to keep the chickens on his property. The existing coop is a house with a long run and the chickens are being well cared for. He uses the manure as compost for his garden. All abutters have been notified. Braintree Board of Health, December 3, 2020 Page 2 of 3 Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to approve the permit for keeping of animals, 8 chickens, 125 Grove Street Second By: Dr. Bregoli Unanimously Voted by roll call: Dr. Nedelman-yes; Dr. Bregoli-yes Khoa Dang, 184 Common Street (10 quail birds) Ms. McGrath stated the applicant is seeking this permit to keep the quail birds as pets. All direct abutters have been notified. The proposed coop is 20 feet off the rear property line and more than 10 feet from the side property lines. Dr. Bregoli stated he did some research and learned that the male quail can be noisy. Ms. McGrath stated they will keep on top of that and have the applicant come before the board if there is a problem. Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to approve the permit for keeping of animals, 10 quail birds, 184 Common Street Second By: Dr. Bregoli Unanimously Voted by roll call: Dr. Nedelman-yes; Dr. Bregoli-yes Request for Variance of Lifeguard Provision: Landing 53 Apartments, 25 Commercial Street Ms. McGrath stated this is a repeat application for an outdoor pool which is not open during the winter. The applicant provided data from July 1 through September 7, 2020. Their opening was delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to approve the variance of lifeguard provisions, Landing 53 Apartments, 25 Commercial Street Second By: Dr. Bregoli Unanimously Voted by roll call: Dr. Nedelman-yes; Dr. Bregoli-yes Anthony Ferris, Property Manager, joined the meeting after the Board voted. He offered an update of the past pool season during COVID-19. He stated they usually open the pool on Memorial Day, but were not able to open until July 1. They limited the area to ten chairs and residents had to make 90 minute reservations. They also hired a pool monitor who was responsible for sanitizing the chairs in between use. The pool was limited to residents only, no guests were allowed. Braintree Board of Health, December 3, 2020 Page 3 of 3 Informational: Dr. Nedelman asked if permits are required for residential pool installations. Ms. McGrath stated the Building Department provides permits for in-ground and above ground installations, but on the health side they do not regulate residential swimming pools, only public and semi-public pools for places such as hotels, apartment complexes and condominium complexes. When the Peterson pool opens, which will be a public pool, they will regulate that as well. Dr. Nedelman asked about the status of the Peterson pool. Ms. McGrath stated Mayor Kokoros recently provided an update, and they are looking at beginning foundation work in January. Up to this point they have been working on drainage concerns in the area. Dr. Bregoli asked if they are conducting a search for an additional Board of Health member. Ms. McGrath stated Mayor Kokoros is aware he needs to fill a position on the Board. She stated there is a form available through the Mayor’s office for anyone interested in applying. Ms. McGrath provided an update on COVID-19. She stated she continues to send the Board updated reports and yesterday was the highest single day ever with 44 cases. She anticipates a spike from Thanksgiving travel. She is very concerned with the rise in numbers with Christmas coming. Dr. Nedelman asked when they anticipate receiving a shipment of COVID-19 vaccine. Ms. McGrath stated the town has to register to receive the vaccine with the state Department of Public Health. She has completed this paperwork and both Mayor Kokoros and Dr. Nedelman have to sign off on it. She stated the DPH does not anticipate local Boards receiving the vaccine until spring. Next Meeting: To Be Determined Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to adjourn the meeting at 7:23 p.m. Unanimously Voted by roll call: Dr. Nedelman-yes; Dr. Bregoli-yes