Board of Health

NOVEMBER 7, 2018 A meeting of the Lowell Board of Health was held on Wednesday, November 7, 2108 in the Mayor's Reception Room, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA 01852. Chairwoman Jo-Ann Keegan called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM. Present: Jo-Ann Keegan, RN, MSN, Chairperson John Donovan, DC, Board Member William Galvin, MD, Board Member Lisa Golden, RN, MSN, Board Member Eileen Donoghue, City Manager Acting School Superintendent Jeannine Durkin Kerran Vigroux, HHS Director Shawn Machado, Sr. Sanitary Code Inspector 11/7/2018 - Minutes 1. New Business 1. I. For Acceptance: Minutes of the October 3, 2018 Meeting Of the Board of Health Motion: To accept the minutes of the October 3, 2018 meeting of the Board of Health made by Lisa Golden, seconded by William Galvin. All in Favor. Motion: to take agenda items I.IV and I.III out of order made by John Donovan, seconded by Lisa Golden. All in favor. 1. IV. Discussion: Health Code Violations in Lowell Public Schools Senior Sanitary Code Inspector Shawn Machado updated the Board on the Health Code Violations within the Lowell Public Schools and provided photographs of a recent LHS inspection. The Board discussed the current pest control plan and the company providing the services. City Manager Eileen Donoghue spoke to the Board about the current services/contract and a meeting that occurred to address the situation. Acting Superintendent Jeannine Durkin also spoke to the Board on the attempts to address the need for more extermination visits and how the School Department is working with the contractor about that need as well as the need to have communication with Sr. Inspector Machado regarding any Sanitary Code violations. Mr. Machado will include Acting Superintendent Durkin on any communications regarding any violations found in the schools. Chairwoman Jo-Ann Keegan inquired about an update on the Indoor Air Quality Control inspection and report issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Environmental Health from December 2017 and how the Board has requested information on remediation efforts. Manager Donoghue will obtain a report from DPW on those efforts. Mr. James Green, Deputy Commissioner-DPW, Lands and Buildings spoke about ongoing remediation efforts, such as removal of carpeting, as well as the mitigation efforts relative to the CO2 levels in classrooms at LHS. Manager Donoghue informed the Board that the City will be pursuing funding for repairs from the State and that the LHS roof repair contracts have been awarded. Chairwoman Keegan inquired if children and staff are allowed to eat in the classrooms which may be contributing to the rodent problem.  BOHM110718 Page 2 1. III. Monthly Development Services Report Submitted By Senior Sanitary Code Inspector Shawn Machado. Senior Sanitary Code Inspector Machado reviewed his reports with the Board. The Board accepted and placed on file. Motion: To return to the regular agenda made by John Donovan, seconded by William Galvin. All in favor. 1. II. For Review: Tobacco Control Monthly Report Submitted By Cesar Pungirum, Program Director. The Board reviewed the Monthly Tobacco Control reports. Chairwoman Jo-Ann Keegan inquired on the pending hearing by the Court Magistrate regarding a tobacco fine and was informed that had been heard and payment of the fine was ordered. There were no further questions. 1. V. For Review: Trinity EMS, Inc Reports. Mr. John Kelley and Mr. Kurt Brigham of Trinity EMS, Inc were present to discuss the monthly Overdose reports with the Board. Mr. Kelley and Mr. Brigham reviewed the Quarterly Report with the Board. Mr. Shaun Dean of Lowell General Paramedics was also present. Mr. Kelley noted the addition on page 17 of the Total EMD by Trinity for 911 calls that went directly to Trinity Ambulance. The Board had no questions and accepted the reports. 1. VI. Informational: Article from JAMA August 28, 2018, Vol 320 Number 8 P769-778 The Board accepted and placed on file. 1. VII. Informational: Article From JAMA August 28, 2018 Vol. 320 Number 8 P779-791 The Board accepted and placed on file. 1. VIII. For Review: Board of Health 2019 Meeting Schedule The Board reviewed the 2019 calendar and set the meeting schedule for the year. 2. Old Business 2. I. For Review: Draft Letter of Support RE: National Gas Pipelines Health Assessment Testing. The Board approved and signed the revised letter of support. 3. Director's Report 3. I. Informational: Syringe Collection Program Coordinator Health & Human Services Director Kerran Vigroux reviewed the proposed position and responsibilities with the Board. 3. II. Update: Divisional and Department Reports and Updates. HHS Director Vigroux reviewed the reports with the Board and gave an update on the increases in the Tuberculosis and HIV cases this year. It was noted that the reported TB figure included non-confirmed cases. The Board asked that confirmed cases be noted. HHS Director will have the Public Health Nurse Manager better define the statistic. It was noted that the number of influenza cases include cases from last winter. HHS Director Vigroux informed the Board that a new Public Health Nurse has been hired and will be starting next week. 4. Motion: To Adjourn. Motion: To adjourn at 7:17pm made by William Galvin, seconded by John Donovan. All in favor. THE NEXT MEETING OF THE CITY OF LOWELL BOARD OF HEALTH WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 5, 2018 AT 6:00 PM IN THE MAYOR'S RECEPTION ROOM.