Board of Health

Easthampton Board of Health Meeting Minutes August 2, 2023 50 Payson Ave., Easthampton, MA 01027 PRESENT: Maggie Hebert (MH), Beth Rist (BR), Allison Egan (AE), Brian Chapdelaine (BC), Jackie Sienkiewicz, recorder. Absent: Aimee Petrosky Also Present: None. Meeting held remotely by Google Meet. Motions A motion to open the meeting at 5:31 PM was made by BR and seconded by MH. All in favor – 2, Opposed – 0. Vote was taken by roll call. A motion to accept the meeting minutes of June 23, 2023, was made by BR and seconded by MH. All in favor – 2, Opposed – 0. Vote was taken by roll call. Public Speak: None ● Vote to appoint Brian Chapdelaine in new position of Health Agent and as agent of the Board. Vote to appoint Allison Egan with corrected title of Director of Public Health: AE explained the promotion of BC from Health Inspector to Health Agent and the title correction needed for the Director of Public Health. A motion was made by MH and seconded by BR to appoint Brian Chapdelaine as Health Agent and an agent of the Easthampton Board of Health. All in favor – 2, Opposed – 0. Vote was taken by roll. A motion was made by MH and seconded by BR to appoint Allison Egan to the appointed title of Director of Public Health. All in favor – 2, Opposed – 0. Vote was taken by roll. • Review updated MIIA best practices guide for code of conduct for Boards and Committees: AE stated that she had sent the updated guidelines to the Board members to review. The guidelines serve as the standard for achieving and maintaining a high level of public confidence, trust and professional respect with rehard to how the City and it’s officials conduct business.  • Update from Health Director: AE explained that the City Hall building had to be closed due to issues caused by the recent HVAC work being done in the building, code violations and lack of permitting. The target date to reopen at this time is August 14, 2023. This date would depend on how fast and safely they got things done. AE also explained about the health concerns reporting form for employees in the building who are or were reporting health concerns due to the work and air quality issues. It was also noted that the state while out reviewing the situation, also made a lot of discoveries about the building that were not related to the current problems. AE discussed the need to have representatives from the various disciplines in the Health Department, like the nurse, social worker and Health Youth Coalition, to come before the Board to provide updates. AE updated the BOH about the staffing progress for the nurse and part time inspector. AE told the BOH that three flu clinics will be scheduled this fall. A municipal clinic, one at the Council on Aging and a drive through clinic. ● Health Agent Update: BC reminded the Board that 140 Everett St had recently became in possession of the City due to unpaid taxes. BC had also condemned it due to hoarding and animal hoarding. BC said that the animals were taken; the house had already had some cleaning out done and was scheduled to sell at auction this month. BC said that he had one more inspection and camps will be completed for another year. BC stated that the tobacco violation fine for Union Mart has been paid and the suspension of the tobacco permit for both Union Mart and Old Colony would start this week. BC also updated the BOH concerning the recent food borne illness at Dynasty Gourmet, saying that due to the time difference between the food consumed at the restaurant and testing, there was no proof that the illness originated at Dynasty Gourmet. BC explained the current conditions of 26-28 Federal St, a two family house whose owner had passed away earlier in the year and any family has not claimed the house. The tenants still living in the house have made numerous complaints about a significant fly infestation. The house is set for sale later this month but due to legalities, there is not much that can be done until the new owner take possession. A motion was made by MH and seconded by BR to address the Federal Street property with the new owner once the sale is completed for the property and take appropriate action depending on the response from the new owner. All in favor – 2, Opposed – 0. Vote was taken by roll. ● Items not reasonably anticipated by the chair 48 hours in advance of the Board meeting: None A motion to close the meeting at 6:16 PM was made by MH and seconded by BR. All in favor – 23, Opposed – 0. Vote taken by roll call. NEXT MEETING: July 19, 2023