Board of Health

CITY OF GARDNER OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH 95 PLEASANT ST, ROOM 29 GARDNER, MASSACHUSETTS 01440 (978) 630-4013 FAX (978) 632-4682 Members Present: Lauren Saunders – Health Director Richard Rossi – Assistant Health Director John Mulqueen, MD - Chairperson Susan Avallone, RN - Member Atty. Geoffrey Tobia - Member Minutes for Board of Health meeting held on Monday, October 28, 2019 ________________________________________________________________________________ 5:06 Meeting called to order. 5:08 Minutes from the July 29, 2019 meeting were reviewed, discussed, and approved. 5:12 Old Business: Tattoo regulations: Lauren stated that she has been reviewing the Gardner tattoo regulations from 1999 and suggests that the regulations be updated as the Board creates new guidelines for the apprentice program. Lauren presented two different draft options based off regulations from both Fitchburg and Cambridge. The Board reviewed and discussed the tattoo regulations and apprentice program requirements at length, including ideas for apprentice logs, hours of direct and indirect supervision, the times-frame to complete their apprenticeship and the potential of fines and/or suspension for violations. There was also discussion about Body Piercing and Microblading which will also fall under the Tattoo & Body Piercing regulations. Lauren agreed to continue to develop the draft for review at the next meeting. EEE: Lauren reported that Gardner had yet to have a deep frost this season so we were still considered to be at moderate risk. Vaping Ban: Governor put a ban on vaping products the day after the last BOH meeting. Post announcement Joan from Tobacco Control visited all retailers with Lt. Maroni to make sure that all products included in the ban had been removed from the shelves. Lineage Vapors has closed completely as all they currently sell is vape related products. Gardner Public Access TV: Lauren has a copy of the DVD from the mosquito show available if the Board would like to review. There were no new shows scheduled at the time of the meeting. 5:48 New Business: Transfer Station: One of our 2 staff members who work at the Transfer Station has been out and is likely to be out for an extended period of time, and the other had a scheduled vacation. Lauren and Rick had to work at Transfer the previous week to cover their absence. Lauren also discussed the need to raise the cost of mattresses and box springs from $15 to $20 per piece. We did have a grant for a couple of years to offset the cost but we actually now pay more than we are collecting.  Facebook page: The office started a Gardner BOH Facebook page to notify residents of trash, recycle, and yard waste delays. We also plan to share educational information on many topics including recycling, mosquitos, ticks, hazardous waste collection days, and other public health information. The page gives us the opportunity to share information in a timely manner and lessens the incoming phone calls to the office. Soil Evaluator: Lauren received notification on the day of the meeting that she passed her Soil Evaluator’s classroom exam. At the time of the meeting she had not received her field exam results yet. McDonalds Inspection: There were 2 complaints of severely undercooked Quarter Pounders from residents, and photos received showed very raw burgers that were served to customers. Rick went out right away to address this with the restaurant. After discussion with the manager it did seem to be an isolated incent. McDonalds serviced the grill and a temp test was done on a burger, with temperature requirement being met. There had not been any additional complaints at the time of this meeting. Public School Cafeteria Inspections: Lauren and Rick have completed all 5 Gardner Public School’s fall inspections. Rick’s Training: Rick continues to train with Lauren and is now doing some housing and food inspection independently. He has also completed tanning salon inspections. The Board acknowledged that today was Dr. Mulqueen’s last meeting and thanked him for his years of service. Lauren will be looking for a new member to join the Board. 6:54 Set next meeting for Monday December 9, 2019 at 5pm, adjourn. ___________________________ _______________________ _________________________ John Mulqueen MD, Chairperson Susan Avallone RN, Member Atty. Geoffrey Tobia, Member All conversations are documented on recording identified as B.O.H October 28, 2019.