Board of Health

Easthampton Board of Health Meeting Minutes October 18, 2023 50 Payson Ave., Easthampton, MA 01027 PRESENT: Maggie Hebert (MH), Beth Rist (BR), Aimee Petrosky (AP), Allison Egan (AE), Health Director, Brian Chapdelaine (BC), Health Agent, Jackie Sienkiewicz, recorder. Absent: None Also Present: Christine Southworth(CS) Meeting held remotely by Google Meet. Motions A motion to open the meeting at 5:31 PM was made by AP and seconded by MH. All in favor – 3, Opposed – 0. Vote was taken by roll call. A motion to accept the meeting minutes of September 20, 2023, was made by BR and seconded by MH. All in favor – 3, Opposed – 0, Vote was taken by roll call. Public Speak: None ● Update from Director: AE began her update by introducing the new public health nurse Christine Southworth. CS gave a brief description of her experience, including at Southwick Regional Health Service and stated that she was a strong advocate for prevention and would like to work to help to keep the whole community well. AE presented her Director’s Update, see attached, including the interview process for the Easthampton Healthy Youth Coalition director, the resignation of the animal inspector and the process to have a part-time health inspector added to the department. AE stated that the late payment for the tobacco violation for Valley Farms has now been paid in full. BC explained that during the suspension of their permit, inspections would be done by the department and the tobacco coalition to ensure that the tobacco products were off site during the suspension. ● Health Agent Update: BC reviewed the health agent report, see attached, and explained that it has been challenging to conduct food inspections due to an increase in housing cases. BC updated the Board about the status of new ownership of 26-28 Federal St and the fire that occurred at 20 Gaugh St.  ● Introduction of Christine Southworth, Easthampton Public Health Nurse: CS said that she had already visited the Easthampton Council on Aging and had a visit to the Easthampton Community Center on her list next. CS explained that she had already discussed with AE about a possible health fair in May. CS stated that something like that would take a few months to put together but was already working on compiling a list of supportive agencies. CS stated that she would like to continue to do informational meetings at the COA, Community Center and library ● Plan for fee study/increasing permit fees incrementally between 2024 and 2028: AE said that she would gather more information to give the Board regarding the rates of other communities' fee schedules. ● Items not reasonably anticipated by the chair 48 hours in advance of the Board of Health meeting: None A motion to close the meeting at 6:26 PM was made by BR and seconded by AP. All in favor – 3, Opposed – 0. Vote taken by roll call. NEXT MEETING: Nov 15, 2023 at 5:30