Board of Health

Easthampton Board of Health Meeting Minutes August 4, 2021 50 Payson Ave., Easthampton, MA 01027 PRESENT: Maggie Hebert (MH); Aimee Petrosky (AP); Bri Eichstaedt (BE), Health Director, Jackie Sienkiewicz (JS), Recorder. Also in attendance: Beth Rist (BR); Michael O’Brien (MO); Mark Tanner (MT); Greg Nuttleman (GN); Clayton Weglarz (CW); Mordechaei Kamel (MK); Jean Einstein (JE), Mike Czerwiez (MC); Steve Henderson (SH); Sandy Kurtz (SK). Meeting held on Zoom and recorded. Motion to open A motion to open the meeting at 4:30 PM. was made by MH and seconded by AP. All in favor – 2, Opposed – 0. Vote taken by roll call. • Public Speak Time: None • Approve meeting minutes for the following dates: a) 11/18/19 b) 2/24/20 c) 3/20/20 d) 3/31/20 e) 5/5/20 f) 8/17/20 g )8/19/20 h) 11/9/20 i) 2/10/21 j) 2/23/21 k) 4/13/21 A motion was made by AP and seconded by MH to approve the meeting minutes listed. All in favor: 2, opposed: 0. Vote taken by roll call. A motion was made by AP and seconded by MH to open the hearing for 359 Main St., Hampton East Condominium Trust request for two irrigations wells. All in favor: 2, opposed: 0. Vote taken by roll call. Michael O’Brien, stated that Hampton East Condominiums located at 359 Main St in Easthampton, has 60 units and is seeking a variance to install two wells to be used expressly for irrigation. MO stated that this property was private. MO stated that there were no health reasons that justified denying the wells. MO stated that Hampton East was not in the aquifer district. MO also stated that the BOH had a practice and policy of not allowing wells. MO said that while City water was available, it was only to line the pockets of the City. Sandy Kurtz, chair of the condo association, stated that the residents of the condos were fifty-five and over. The average yearly cost to a resident of 359 Main Street, was $600.00 to water the grounds. SK felt this was an unfair burden to these citizens. SK also stated that the property could be seen while travelling from Southampton along Route 10 and added to attractiveness of the City. AP thanked everyone for attending the meeting. AP stated that since the letter from MO sent to the BOH was too late for the Board to review before the meeting or to have the City attorney, MT, review it either, that she suggested that the hearing be continued until September. BE stated that a $50.00 fee was needed to be paid as well as a formal variance letter. A motion was made by AP and seconded by MH to suspend the hearing for 359 Main St., Hampton East Condominium Trust request for two irrigations wells. All in favor: 2, opposed: 0. Vote taken by roll call. • Discuss City Ordinance titled: Prohibition of Single Use Plastic Bags, Disposable Food Containers and Straws: BE discussed with the BOH the ordinance. The BOH discussed the hardship deferment noted in the ordinance. The enforcement of the ordinance was also discussed. The BOH suggested that BE invite Owen Zaret, a city councilor, to the next meeting to future discuss key points of the ordinance. • General Updates from Health Director: BE introduced Beth Rist, who will becoming the newest member of the BOH after she is sworn in later today. BE updated the BOH about the indoor mask advisory, the latest COVID-19 cases, breakthrough cases of the Delta variant, and the use of education via FB and signage. BE told the BOH that the recent pop-up vaccine clinic at two locations in Easthampton, resulted in the highest number amongst pop up clinics in the area. BE told the BOH that through grant funding, the Health Department was going to be getting a social worker added to the staff. This position was going to be for outreach not clinical work. BE discussed with the BOH having a permanent date and time for the monthly meetings. The first Tuesday of the month was decided on beginning in October. A motion was made by AP and seconded by MH to adjourn the meeting. All in favor: 2, opposed: 0. Vote taken by roll call. Meeting adjourned at 5:22 PM.