Board of Health

Office of the Board of Health City Hall 166 Boulder Drive – Suite 108 Fitchburg, Massachusetts 01420 978-829-1870 A Conference Call was held on May 21, 2020 at 4:30 pm. Present: Stephen Curry, Director; Sandra Knipe, R.N.B.S.N.; John Bogdasarian, M.D., Chairman; Ian Murray, Board Member; Stephanie Holinko, Food Inspector; Mary Jo Bohart, Economic Development; Bill Smith, resident (IPM Plan); Ellen Griffin, Major’s Café. Dr. Bogdasarian opened the meeting at 4:40pm. Major’s Café-ticket appeal request hearing: Ellen Griffin Mr. Curry stated Ms. Griffin is here to appeal a $300.00 fine. Dr. B stated this is a potential violation of social distancing and serving alcohol at Major’s Café which generated a police visit and a police report. Ms. Griffin stated on April 23, 2020 she had four workers at her establishment to do much needed cosmetic work inside the building. She stated some of the workers brought in their own alcohol and she did not provide her alcohol to them. She can’t recall if the workers were wearing masks at the time. Mr. Curry asked who the individuals are in relation to Ms. Griffin. She state her husband Robert J Griffin, Erin Reffitt, daughter, Roberto Rodriguez, friend of the Griffins, Ryan Kuttler, friend of the Griffins, Joaquin & Johnny Davila, friend of the Griffins. Mr. Curry asked several questions in regards to the type of work she was doing in the bar. After lengthy discussion, the members of the BOH asked numerous questions to Ms. Griffin. Mr. Curry recommended to suspend the $300.00 fine and with the understanding that any outstanding violations get completed within a time frame. Ms. Knipe made a motion to suspend the $300.00 ticket and agree to let the Food Inspector come in for an inspection and agree to any deficiencies that the Inspector may find and resolved an agreed upon in 30 days. Mr. Murray stated he is questioning why we would add this to the language of the motion. As as far as the original complaint goes Ms. Griffin has reasonable explanations for some of the issues. Mr. Murray stated he agrees to rescinding the $300.00 fine however if there are violations found by the Food Inspector that she would have to agree upon to complete in a certain amount of time it doesn’t seem to be relevant or fair to what we are talking about today. There doesn’t seem there was anything else other than the violation of social distancing and the COVID-19 regulations the Governor had. Mr. Curry recommended to table the fine based on an inspection on Friday, May 22. Ms. Griffin stated she has not had an inspection in two years therefore there is no violations that need to be corrected to date. This fine is was about the COVID-19 regulation and had nothing to do with any violations she may have at the bar. Ms. Knipe amended her motion to suspend the $300.00 fine. Motion was 2nd by Ian Murray. All were in favor. Motion carries. Tryst Lounge Discussion: Dr. Bogdasarian stated in regards to Tryst Lounge request to allow hookah at their establishment, the information he received from DJ Wilson stated using any type of device used to vaporize material is not allowed. There is also no way of knowing what could be put in the device and there is no way of enforcing what is utilized in the hookah even though Tryst says they would be careful. Table discussion on Tryst Lounge to another meeting. Meeting Minutes Review and Approval: Ian Murray made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 14, 2020 conference call meeting. Motion was 2nd Sandra Knipe. All were in favor. Motion carries COVID-19 Update: Mr. Curry stated as of May 20, 2020 there are 636 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the City. 398 active cases, 194 recovered cases and 44 deaths due to COVID-19. FY 21 Budget: Table to a future meeting as the Budget is on hold at this time awaiting word from the state. SS Lobster discussion: Mr. Curry stated he did write the decision from the April 14, 2020 meeting. The BOH members need to review and approve. The social distancing issue has been addressed however SS Lobster refuses to hire a food consultant. Dr. Bogdasarian recommend issuing fines for noncompliance. This discussion will be addressed at the next meeting. Fitchburg Integrated Pest Management Policy (Council Petition #278-19), Bill Smith; Mr. Smith stated he is here to discuss how the BOH plans to move forward with the Integrated Pest Management policy that was introduced to the Council and Legislative Committee and sent to the BOH. Mr. Smith said Mr. Murray was going to research and Dr. B would become more familiar with the petition. Dr. B stated with all that is going on with COVID-19 there hasn’t been much discussed. Dr. B said with the budget on hold, how could this policy be implemented? Dr. B stated his thoughts are to comply with any regulations put out by the state as well as to involve the buildings and grounds committee. Mr. Smith stated his concern is the chemicals used at parks and playgrounds owned by the City of Fitchburg. He would like to see the BOH adopt a version of this policy that was submitted to the council in the near future. Mr. Smith will forward further documentation to the BOH for review. Mr. Curry stated the next BOH meeting will be on Thursday, June 4, 2020. On the agenda will be SS Lobster, COVID-19 Update, FY 21 Budget review and meeting minutes. Sandra Knipe made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion was 2nd by Ian Murray. All were in favor, motion carries-meeting adjourned at 6:45PM.