Board of Health

Easthampton Board of Health Meeting Minutes November 15, 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), HUnter Pelkey (HP), Liz Plouffe (LP), Jonathan Campbell (JC) 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 – 3, Opposed – 0. Vote was taken by roll call. A motion to accept the meeting minutes of October 18, 2023, was made by BR and seconded by AP. All in favor – 3, Opposed – 0, Vote was taken by roll call. Public Speak: None ● Update from Director: AE started her update, see attached, with hiring and staff updates, starting with LP, the social worker was back from maternity leave, part time now and full time in January. HP was introduced as the new Easthampton Healthy Youth Coalition (EHYC) coordinator. AE discussed the recent flu clinics, homebound vaccines and the upcoming Covid vaccine clinic at the Easthampton Congregational Church and the Infectious Disease Report from the Public Health Shared Services Collaborative dated January 1, 2023 - June 30, 2023. ● Health Agent Update: BC reviewed the health agent report, see attached, including the Valley Farms tobacco suspension, current housing complaints, a new septic installation and an application for a geothermal well. BC also stated that he had completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health and attended the Title 5 and MA Health Officers  Association Annual Conference training. BC also said that Pioneer Valley Waste, a permitted trash hauler in Easthampton, was in the process of becoming a transfer station as well. ● Septic system considerations for 39 Clapp St, proposed addition of ADU and adjusting existing bedroom count: AE reviewed the existing floor plan for the house and JC explained the new floor plan of decommissioning two bedrooms in the current structure to accommodate the new AUD and maintain the existing septic system. AE stated that the City had no plans in the next ten years to extend City water to include this house. AE said that she would contact DEP to confirm this plan met requirements. ● Tapestry Health Syringe Exchange and Mobile Van services for Easthampton: AE reviewed the letter from Liz Whynott, MPH, Director of Harm Reduction Programs regarding the Implementation of Harm Reduction Programming in the City of Easthampton, see attached. LP expressed the need in Easthampton. LP said that residents are currently seeking these services in neighboring communities because Easthampton does not have them. AE stated that the Department of Public Health requires a formal letter drafted by the BOH to allow the harm reduction services such as naloxone distribution and training, risk reduction counseling related to sexual and drug use risk and testing for HIV, hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted infections and referral to primary care services such as wound care, vaccinations and screenings. AE said that the mayor has given her full approval for the program. AE said that she could have a draft letter ready if the Board approved the program. A motion to approve the mobile van and services under Tapestry Health coming into Easthampton and providing services here was made by BR and seconded by AP. All in favor – 3, Opposed – 0. Vote taken by roll call. ● Review proposed fee increase schedules for Health Department permitting 2024-2028: Postponed until next BOH meeting. ● Board membership and terms: MH said that she had made the decision to not renew her term which expires at the end of December. AP and BR thanked MH for her service to the Board especially during the pandemic. MH said that if needed and permitted she would continue to serve for a short time until a new member was recruited. ● 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 MH. All in favor – 3, Opposed – 0. Vote taken by roll call. NEXT MEETING: TBA