Board of Health

CITY OF GARDNER OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH 95 PLEASANT ST, ROOM 29 GARDNER, MASSACHUSETTS 01440 Members Present: Lauren Saunders – Health Director Rick Rossi – Assistant Health Director Susan Avallone, RN – Chairperson Geoff Tobia, Esq. - Member Angela DiPrima – Clerk Attendees Present: Matthew Christiansen, Esq. Jerold Paquette, Esq. Shanthy Sundramurthy Maliperimal Sundramurthy Odibar Rahman Board of Health meeting held Monday March 28, 2022 ________________________________________________________________________________ 4:35 Meeting called to order. 4:38 Hearing: Stop & Buy, 56 Union Square, Gardner This Food Establishment Permit holder has had repeat violations in this establishment during food inspections. There are also property violations related to the condition of the building. Both the property owner and store manager are present along with their attorneys. After a review of the inspection report by Rick Rossi, questions from the Board and a discussion period, all the parties reach the following plan to address each violation as described below: Violations found on 2/18/22 inspection: Hand wash sink clogged and unable to use: Establishment manager reports that the plumber is scheduled to service this on 3/31/22, reinspection will occur on 4/1/22. Multiple out of date/expired food items: Establishment manager reports that all out of date and improperly marked items have been removed from the establishment. As this is a repeat violation, future violations of this nature may result in fines and or Food Establishment Permit suspension. The 3-bay sink drain leaking: Establishment manager reports that the plumber is scheduled to service this on 3/31/22, reinspection will occur on 4/1/22. Roof actively leaking: Establishment manager and property owner agreed to develop a plan to remediate the active leak. A written plan will be provided to the Assistant Health Director within 14 days and the establishment manager and property owner agree to execute that plan within 30 days of the hearing. The establishment will be reinspected at the completion of the roof work. Failure to remediate the active leak may result in Food Establishment Permit suspension. 5:15 The minutes from the February 23, 2022 Board of Health meeting was reviewed, discussed and approved. 5:20 COVID Updates: At last month’s meeting the COVID positivity rate was 4.22% in Massachusetts and 8.89% in Gardner. As of 3/24/22 the positivity rate is 1.7% in Massachusetts and 2.56% in Gardner. The positivity rate has significantly decreased. Residents can still come to the Health Department office and get COVID test kits for free. On 3/26/2022 the Gardner Community Health Center along with Victoria Selser, the MPHN Epidemiologist, held a COVID vaccine cline at the Iglesia del Dios Viviente church located on Chestnut Street. 4:50 Old Business: Rick gives an update on 35 Graham Street, there was a court hearing on 3/23/22, the City Solicitor is now working on a proposal. There are no know immediate safety concerns at this time. The downtown trash barrel replacement cost increased significantly as the cost of metal has increased since the quote was given last year, so the Health Department is working on getting approval for the additional funds from the certified retained earnings account. The Health Department office is working on seasonal permit renewals, there is a new full-time Administrative Coordinator. 5:05 New Business: The Health Department has purchased a camera that will be placed in illegal dumping ‘hotspots” in efforts to curb illegal dumping. Our office will be working with the Police Department to identify and fine those who are seen illegally dumping. The FY2023 Transfer Station stickers will be available soon and will be valid from 7/1/22 through 6/30/2023. Annual Household Hazardous Waste Days will be held on June 25, 2022 and November 12, 2022. This event is free to the public. The next city-wide litter clean up event will be held on May 7, 2022 from 9:00am until noon. This event is being coordinated along with ‘Keep Gardner Beautiful’. The dumpster is donated by EL Harvey and Sons. Housing complaints and inspections have increased. The COVID eviction moratorium has been lifted. The Health Department has executed an administrative search warrant following a Police report on a severe hoarding situation. Spring septic installations and repair work is increasing with the spring season. 5:30 Next meeting: Monday April 25, 2022 at 4:30 pm; this will be an in-person meeting; adjourn. NOT PRESENT _________________________ __ ___________________________ ___________________________ Susan Avallone RN, Chairperson Atty. Geoffrey Tobia, Member Michele C. Parker MD, Member All conversations are documented on recordings identified as BOH March Meeting 3/28/2022