Board of Health

Braintree Board of Health Meeting Held Via Zoom Thursday, January 11, 2024, 7:00 p.m. IN ATTENDANCE: Dr. Arthur Bregoli, Chairman Dr. Philip Nedelman, Vice Chairman Juliana Melchionda, Clerk 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; Ms. Melchionda-yes Approval of Meeting Minutes: December 14, 2023 Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to approve the minutes of December 14, 2023 Second By: Ms. Melchionda Unanimously Voted by roll call: Dr. Bregoli-yes; Dr. Nedelman-yes; Ms. Melchionda-yes New Business: Request for Variance of Lifeguard Provision: Ms. McGrath asked that the Hyatt Place hearing be taken out of order as the General Manager is in attendance. Hyatt Place Boston Braintree, 50 Forbes Road Adam Butner-Burroughs, Manager, was present before the Board via Zoom. Ms. McGrath stated last year the Hyatt came before the Board to request a lifeguard variance. Prior to that the pool had been closed for almost five years. They did an extensive renovation on the pool and it reopened in January of 2023. The Board did approve a conditional variance as they did not have historical bather load data. The conditional variance was approved for six months, at which time the Hyatt was to come before the Board again. Unfortunately, they discovered they needed to do additional work on the pool and it had to be closed again. They have completed this work and would like to reopen the pool. They are requesting a conditional variance again at his time and within that timeframe they could gather bather load data. Mr. Butner-Burroughs stated the pool was open for approximately five weeks when they discovered some ceiling issues and HVAC issues in the room which needed repair. He stated they are hoping the Board will grant the same variance they were granted last year. Braintree Board of Health, January 11, 2024 Page 2 of 3 Ms. McGrath recommended the Board consider a six month variance until June 2024, at which time they can come before the Board to make a further decision for the remainder of the year. Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to approve conditional variance of lifeguard provision, Hyatt Place Boston Braintree, 50 Forbes Road, for six months, January through June 2024 Second By: Ms. Melchionda Unanimously voted by roll call: Dr. Bregoli-yes; Dr. Nedelman-yes; Ms. Melchionda-yes Hampton Inn, 215 Wood Road Ms. McGrath stated this is an annual renewal of lifeguard variance and the Board has the variance request and bather load data. The pool had some heater and electrical issues and the Health Department shut the pool down for safety reasons. Once the work was completed and the pool reopened they were able to collect bather load data for each month they were open. The pool operates by access through a keycard system and is only open for guests of the hotel. There is traditionally a low bather load, particularly on weekdays. She recommended that the Board consider approval of the renewal. Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to approve variance of lifeguard provision, Hampton Inn, 215 Wood Road Second By: Ms. Melchionda Unanimously voted by roll call: Dr. Bregoli-yes; Dr. Nedelman-yes; Ms. Melchionda-yes Residence Inn by Marriott, 180 Forbes Road Ms. McGrath reported this is an annual renewal of lifeguard variance. This is a hotel which had the same issue with their heater as the previous applicant and the pool was shutdown for a period of time. The manager provided bather load data indicating pool usage per day. The pool area is accessed with a keycard system. She recommended the Board consider approval of the renewal. Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to approve variance of lifeguard provision, Residence Inn by Marriott, 180 Forbes Road Second By: Ms. Melchionda Unanimously voted by roll call: Dr. Bregoli-yes; Dr. Nedelman-yes; Ms. Melchionda-yes Braintree Board of Health, January 11, 2024 Page 3 of 3 Informational: Ms. McGrath reported Braintree has a new Mayor, Erin Joyce. She has been told the Mayor will be looking at Boards and Commissions and how they are comprised and there could be letters going out to each of the members regarding their appointments. She will advise members if she receives further information. Dr. Bregoli reported he has taken the state ethics course. Ms. McGrath stated she forwarded information to the members about this online course. They do not have to forward any information to her once they take the course as it is now submitted directly to the state and the Town Clerk receives information that the course was taken. She recommended members keep a copy of their certificate of completion for their own records. Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to adjourn the meeting at 7:11 p.m. Second By: Ms. Melchionda Unanimously Voted by roll call: Dr. Bregoli-yes; Dr. Nedelman-yes; Ms. Melchionda-yes