Board of Health

Easthampton Board of Health Meeting Minutes May 8, 2024 50 Payson Ave., Easthampton, MA 01027 PRESENT: Beth Rist (BR), Aimee Petrosky (AP) interim chair, Brian Chapdelaine (BC) Health Agent; Jackie Sienkiewicz (JS), recorder. Absent: None Also Present: Hunter Pelkey (HP), Liz Plouffe (LP). Meeting held remotely by Google Meet. Motions A motion to open the meeting at 5:31 PM was made by BR and seconded by AP. All in favor – 2, Opposed – 0. Vote was taken by roll call. Public Speak: None ● Approve Meeting Minutes from April 10, 2024: A motion to accept the meeting minutes of April 10, 2024, was made by BR and seconded by AP. All in favor – 2, Opposed – 0, Vote was taken by roll call. ● Collaboration with Northampton Shared Services: AP said that the director in Northampton was out on vacation for two weeks so no update was available from Northampton regarding the shared services needed while Brian is out on paternity leave. ● Health Agent Update: BC said that, in addition to the attached Health Agent report, he wanted to inform the Board that he was recently contacted by DEP about a potential asphalt-recycling plan at Palmer Paving off Ferry St. There was no need for any action by the Board or Health Department at this time. AP suggested that the Health Department have a contact name and number available if area residents have any concerns so that they can reach out to DEP directly. BR asked if a permit was going to be needed from our Health Department when this opened. BC said he did not believe so at this point. BC updated the Board about the recent camp presentation training. BC explained that the deadline was approaching for permits to be submitted and that the Mayor’s office had sent an email expressing the deadline date and that no applications would be accepted after that date. BC  said that he hoped to be able to inspect the dorms at Williston for the summer camp season before his paternity leave and that he had taken the Public Health Nurse on a tour of the various sites the summer camps that she’ll need to visit for medical records review. Upcoming pool inspections and construction progress of the pool at Nonotuck park were also discussed. ● Public Health Nurse Update: see attached. ● Social Services Update: LP presented the Social Services update, see attached. LP discussed a recent housing forum hosted by Springfield Tech. LP discussed monthly Veteran’s lunches and assisting BC with some housing inspections and the overdose vigil on August 26, 2024. LP said with additional cities and towns around Easthampton also adding Community social or case workers, they are trying to start a network to share information and resources. LP discussed her role as a DART team member. LP discussed the pending funding of the Tapestry contract with the City as well. ● Healthy Youth Update: HP presented the Healthy Youth Update, see attached. HP discussed the upcoming Battle of the Bands, July 20, 2024 at Nonotuck Park. HP discussed the success of Mindfullness Mondays at the school and plans to continue it. HP said that he and the Public Health Nurse conducted a Narcan training for City Hall staff and the a future one at the Council on Aging. The Board discussed Kratom and Delta 5 with HP and recent updates in other states. The disposal of vape pens and cartridges was also discussed. ● Items not reasonably anticipated by the chair 48 hours in advance of the Board of Health meeting: LP discussed with the Board the potential use of the unused Director’s office as the Community Social Worker’s office until a replacement Director is hired. LP stated privacy issues as the primary need and the proximity of all other Health Department staff to help clients when LP was not in the office. Currently, the office being used by LP is on the opposite side of the building. JS noted for the Board recruitment letters for the vacant BOH seat would soon be mailed out. A motion to close the meeting at 6:19 PM was made by BR and seconded by AP. All in favor – 2, Opposed – 0. Vote taken by roll call. NEXT MEETING: TBA