Board of Health

Easthampton Board of Health Meeting Minutes January 10, 2023 50 Payson Ave., Easthampton, MA 01027 PRESENT: Maggie Hebert (MH), Aimee Petrosky (AP), Bri Dupras (BD), Health Director, Brian Chapdelaine (BC), Jackie Sienkiewicz, recorder. Absent: Beth Rist Also Present: Meeting held remotely by Google Meet. Motions A motion to open the meeting at 5:00 PM was made by MH and seconded by AP. All in favor – 2, Opposed – 0. Vote was taken by roll call. A motion to accept the meeting minutes of June 22, 2022, July 26, 2022, September 20, 2022 and November 15, 2022 was made by AP and seconded by MH. All in favor – 2, Opposed – 0. Vote was taken by roll call. Public Speak: None ● Review 2022 Year in Review Document: BD discussed with the Board the 2022 Year in Review document, attached. The Board suggested that the document be made public and shared on various platforms, including Facebook, the City webpage and sent to the City Council as well. A motion to accept the 2022 Year in Review Document was made by AP and seconded by MH. All in favor – 2, Opposed – 0. Vote taken by roll call. ● Preliminary FY24 Budget Discussion: BD stated that the FY24 budget was due in the Mayor’s office on 1/24/23. BD explained that she was requesting a twenty hour a week health inspector to assist in completing the minimum routine inspections for food, body art, tanning, pools, etc, that currently have not been met due to the large number of complaint calls and seasonal demands. BD stated that she would be including back up documentation to support this request.  ● Overview of New Harm Reduction Program: BD explained that the Health Department had launched the anonymous ordering system for residents to pick up free products that will help increase health and safety. Available products to start will be naloxone (commonly known as Narcan), fentanyl testing strips, condoms, rapid COVID-19 tests, face masks, and hand sanitizer. Residents can order items anonymously through a Google Form and pick up the items in a drop-box located outside of the Health Department. BD said that a drop box had been purchased and mounted outside the Health Department office to pick these items up. BD said that a fact sheet would be included in each request. ● Update from the Health Director: BD updated the Board that a new body art establishment would be opening in Easthampton. Lucky’s, who currently has a location in Northampton, would be opening soon at a site on Northampton St. ● Items not reasonably anticipated by the chair 48 hours in advance of the Board meeting: None. A motion to close the meeting at 5:26 PM was made by AP and seconded by MH. All in favor – 2, Opposed – 0. Vote taken by roll call. NEXT MEETING: TBD