Board of Health

Easthampton Board of Health Meeting Minutes January 17, 2024 50 Payson Ave., Easthampton, MA 01027 PRESENT: Beth Rist (BR), Aimee Petrosky (AP) interim chair, Allison Egan (AE), Health Director: Jackie Sienkiewicz, recorder. Absent: None Also Present: Christine Southworth (CS), Hunter Pelkey (HP), Liz Plouffe (LP), Lindsi Sekula Meeting held remotely by Google Meet. Motions A motion to open the meeting at 5:33 PM was made by AP and seconded by BR. All in favor – 2, Opposed – 0. Vote was taken by roll call. A motion to accept the meeting minutes of November 15, 2023, was made by BR and seconded by AP. All in favor – 2, Opposed – 0, Vote was taken by roll call. Public Speak: None ● Update from Director: AE stated that Brian Chapdelaine, Health Agent, would not be attending tonight and that she would review both the updates from the Director and Health Agent, see attached. AE reviewed the work status of current employees and that of the still vacant Health Inspector. AP suggested speaking with Northampton and using their shared services until the position was filled as well as the possibility of contracting the job with Northampton to not only save money but also acquiring a more qualified applicant. Another Covid vaccine clinic was discussed since there might have been some people who wanted the vaccine but were unable to make it to the clinic. AP said that as a parent, she wanted to thank the Health Dept for their work in the recent pediatric vaccine clinic. AE reviewed the Health Agent report and stressed the steady flow of housing complaints and inspections. AE reviewed the circumstances of 97 Ferry St and having the Building Commissioner involved as well due substantial subfloor damage to the second floor as seen from the first floor bathroom. AE explained that an order to correct was issued and that upon the second inspection, this time including the second floor, BC found that the toilet of the second floor apartment had to be removed to complete repairs. AP stated that per Mass General laws, no bathroom is a 24-hour violation and tenants are supposed to moved. AP stated that by not enforcing this, it was opening the City to liability, regardless of what the property owner and tenants may have worked out. AE reviewed the status of two new food establishments moving into town. AE stated that Brian and his wife were due to have a baby in June and would be taking three months paternity leave. AE discussed the need to get coverage for this time period in addition to getting the inspector’s position filled. HP updated the Board at this point concerning the Easthampton Healthy Youth Coalition. He discussed the compliance checks, Mindfulness Mondays and a Narcan training. JS reviewed the permits that were still not renewed at this time. JS stated that Republic, a waste hauler, was not only late this year but was failing to respond to calls or emails from both the director and health agent and were currently operating without a valid permit in Easthampton. AE said that according to the regulations, the City could issue a cease and desist order and also issue fines for each day they operate without a permit. AP suggested following up with the City solicitor for guidance and then proceed. 7-Eleven, was also late in submitting all of their paperwork and fees. AP suggested doing a site visit and explaining that if the paperwork and fees were not submitted by end of day, the Board of Health would shut them down. JS explained that Mission Taco submitted their renewal after the first of January but failed to pay the late fee. Multiple attempts by phone and email were made to collect this fee but have gone unanswered. AP suggested that AE or BC go to the restaurant to offer the permit after the balance of the fee has been paid. AP interrupted to ask AE what the plan of action was when Brian went out on leave. AP stated that camp season will be in full swing and has always been labor intensive and asked AE what the plan was for this situation. Added to the camp season were also the food truck season and multiple temporary food events that would need to be inspected. The Board discussed with AE, options concerning getting coverage from Northampton’s shared services and getting the public health nurse trained to assist before the season started. AP said that even if the inspectors position was filled, there would still be a gap of Brian’s hours and an inspector who was trained in this area. AE updated the Board concerning the possibility of obtaining a digital inspection application. This would also include a digital renewal process. AE discussed the proposed FY 25 permit fee increase as suggested by the mayor. AP reminded AE that fees cannot be raised without justification. AE said that the addition of an inspector and the possible digital inspection program system is part of that justification. AE said that she and Brian had gone over the cost analysis of each renewal and inspection as well. AE said that she would look further into fee comparisons in other communities and have that for the next meeting to discuss.  ● 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 6:46 PM was made by BR and seconded by AP. All in favor – 2, Opposed – 0. Vote taken by roll call. NEXT MEETING: TBA