Board of Health

Braintree Board of Health Meeting Held Via Zoom Thursday, January 14, 2021, 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: December 3, 2020 Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to approve the meeting minutes of December 3, 2020. Second By: Dr. Bregoli Unanimously Voted by roll call: Dr. Nedelman-yes; Dr. Bregoli-yes List of Complaints: Ms. McGrath stated she has not had an opportunity to compile the list of complaints received from November 30-January 8, 2021. She stated the majority of complaints continue to be related to COVID-19 compliance requirements. New Business: Request for Keeping of Animals Permit Cindy & Allan Webster, 61 Arborway Drive (2 Nigerian dwarf goats) Cindy Webster was present before the Board via Zoom. Ms. McGrath stated the applicant is requesting a permit for the keeping of 2 Nigerian dwarf goats. All abutters have been notified and signed off on having receiving notification and she has not been notified of any objections. A plot plan indicating where the goats will be kept has been provided. Ms. McGrath stated she is concerned about keeping livestock on such a small property. Dr. Bregoli asked if the goats will be roaming the yard and the applicant stated they would be. Dr. Nedelman asked about the size of the proposed pen. Ms. Webster stated it is 20 x 15 feet and a Nigerian goat requires about 150 square feet of living space. Braintree Board of Health, January 14, 2021 Page 2 of 3 Dr. Bregoli stated he has some concerns but about the size of the property, but they seem to have sufficient accommodations for the animals. Dr. Nedelman stated he is concerned about the size of the outside space and requested that the Health Department conduct more frequent inspections and if there are concerns raised they can be brought back before the Board. Ms. McGrath asked how big the goats can get and Ms. Webster indicated they normally are no larger than 60 lb. each, comparable to a midsize dog. She stated the goats will be adequately sheltered in cold weather, will not have horns, will not be female, and will be neutered. She stated they will be composting the manure. Ms. McGrath informed the applicant she should check with the building department to see if a permit is needed for the shed where the animals will be housed. Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to provisionally approve the request for 2 Nigerian dwarf goats, conditional that the Health Department staff inspect the pen/shelter area weekly for six months to ensure no issues with sanitation, compost, etc. Second By: Dr. Bregoli Unanimously Voted by roll call: Dr. Nedelman-yes; Dr. Bregoli-yes Request for Hearing regarding housing violation order, 263 Elm Street, Unit #1D Present before the Board via Zoom was John Tassinari, representing his father, the property owner. Ms. McGrath stated this order was issued by Robin Magner, the Code Enforcement Officer, after she inspected the property as the result of a complaint she received. She determined that there were violations of the housing code observed. The order was sent to the property owner who requested a hearing. She stated the Board can uphold the order, modify the order, or rescind the order. She recommended the Board uphold the order. The property owner would have to make a good faith order to comply with the order and Ms. Magner will have to go back and inspect the property to determine compliance. Robin Magner stated she received a complaint from the occupant of the unit and there were three violations found when she conducted the inspection. There was no heat and Mr. Tassinari has informed her that the baseboard heat was replaced. She stated heat should be 64 degrees during the day and 69 degrees at night. The second violation is a hole in the bathroom ceiling. The larger issue is a black substance on the wall and ceiling, which may be mold. Ms. McGrath stated this property consists of 12 units, four being basement units, with half of those units being below grade. She stated an inspection of this same unit several years ago found the same black substance, which must be due to dampness. She stated Braintree Board of Health, January 14, 2021 Page 3 of 3 there should be something put in place to prevent this moisture in the future, such as a dehumidifier. Ms. Magner stated she has been informed that the occupant of this unit is not currently staying there, and she would need his permission to go in and re-inspect the unit. If he moves out by February 1st she could go in at that time and inspect the unit for compliance. Dr. Nedelman asked if the vents in the bathroom are vented to the outside of the building. Ms. McGrath stated the building inspector would have to make that determination. Dr. Nedelman stated it should be vented to the outside. Mr. Tassinari stated they are aware these issues needed to be dealt with so they hired an outside firm, Green Environmental, who did a full assessment and air samples. They tested wall moisture to determine the source of potential mold. He has submitted their report to the Health Department. He stated they hired a licensed electrician who made repairs and installed new radiators. They painted with a microbial paint and they are ready for inspection. He stated the tenant is leaving the unit in two weeks. Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to uphold housing order as written, 263 Elm Street, Unit 1D Second By: Dr. Bregoli Unanimously Voted by roll call: Dr. Nedelman-yes; Dr. Bregoli-yes Informational: Ms. McGrath stated they are currently in a COVID-19 surge. Dr. Nedelman has signed an order for the Health Department to start vaccinations, which was done earlier this week for first responders. They will continue vaccinating into the next phases as they receive the vaccine doses. They have to submit requests each week for the doses required. The vaccine is only good for 30 days in the refrigerator and they are supposed to use the vaccine within 10 days of receipt. Each vial contains 10-11 doses and once punctured the vial must be used within six hours. All those vaccinated have been scheduled by appointment. At the time of vaccination the recipient is given a card indicating they received the vaccine and also indicating they are to return 28 days later for the second dose. Next Meeting: February 11, 2021 Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to adjourn the meeting at 7:48 p.m. Unanimously Voted by roll call: Dr. Nedelman-yes; Dr. Bregoli-yes