Board of Health

DECEMBER 5, 2018 A meeting of the Lowell Board of Health was held on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 in the Mayor's Reception Room, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA 01852. Chairwoman Jo-Ann Keegan called the meeting to order at 6:05 PM. Present: Jo-Ann Keegan, RN, MSN, Chairperson John Donovan, DC, Board Member Lisa Golden, RN, MSN, Board Member Kerran Vigroux, HHS Director Shawn Machado, Sr. Sanitary Code Inspector 12/5/2018 – Minutes 1. NEW BUSINESS 1. I. For Acceptance: Minutes Of The November 7, 2018 Meeting Of The Board Of Health. Motion: To accept the minutes of the November 7, 2018 meeting of the Board of Health made by Lisa Golden, seconded by Kathleen Cullen-Lutter. All in favor. 1. II. Monthly Development Services Report Submitted By Senior Sanitary Code Inspector Shawn Machado. Senior Sanitary Code Inspector Shawn Machado updated the Board on the going repairs in the Lowell Public Schools noting that the High School is improving and the pest control efforts is getting better. Mr. Machado additionally updated the Board about ongoing repairs at other public schools. A representative of Banner Pest Control spoke to the Board regarding ongoing trap replacements and the improvement of pest control efforts. Mr. Machado reviewed the Monthly Development Services reports with the Board and restaurants with failed inspections were discussed. Motion: To take agenda item 2.1 out of order made by Lisa Golden, seconded by Kathleen Cullen-Lutter. All in favor. 2. I. Update: Lowell Public School Repairs. Board Chairwoman Jo-Ann Keegan inquired about on-going repairs to classrooms noted in the Air Quality Report previously completed by the State DEP. James Donison, Commissioner of Public Works, was present and spoke to the Board regarding the air quality. Commissioner Donison also informed the Board that training on the computer system will be occurring. Chairwoman Keegan inquired as to when Commissioner Donison felt the State should return to retest the air quality. City Manager Eileen Donoghue was present and spoke to the Board regarding heat in the high school and Certificates of Inspection for the public schools. The report regarding Pest Control Efforts in the Lowell Public Schools submitted by Acting Superintendent Jeannine Durkin was reviewed by the Board and placed on file. Mr. Rick Underwood, Director of Facilities for the Lowell Public Schools spoke to the Board regarding the removal of the damaged carpet at Lowell High School as well as the increased pest control efforts. Motion: To return to the order of the agenda was made by Lisa Golden, seconded by John Donovan. All in favor.  BOHM120518 Page 2 1. III. Informational: Citizen Complaint of Repairs Needed At Lowell High School and Freshman Academy. Mr. Paul Georges of United Teachers of Lowell (UTL) addressed the Board regarding the submitted complaint and commented on the schools COI's. Manager Donoghue spoke regarding the COI’s for the schools noting that all the public schools had an inspection prior to the start of school. Manager Donoghue also spoke regarding the heat assessments that have been conducted in the LPS and how the contractor will assess the costs and prioritize the repairs. Mr. Underwood addressed Mr. George's concerns about overheated classrooms and the option for teachers to move to other available rooms. Manager Donoghue noted that the City responds rapidly when informed of issues. Ms. Mickie Dumont and Ms. Kristen Schultz spoke to the Board about the heating issues in elementary schools and the Freshman Academy. Mr. Georges inquired what the plan is for schools that will be cold all day. Manager Donoghue informed the Board that the City responds to these types of calls every day and repairs are made as quickly as possible. Chairwoman Keegan inquired if DPW receives the calls regarding heating and Mr. Underwood noted that he notifies DPW and Acting Superintendent Durkin who then notifies the City Manager. Ms. Schultz addressed the Board inquiring about the City's recommendation on what to do with students when there are problems in the classroom regarding lack of heat/excessive heat. Manager Donoghue suggested that Acting Superintendent Durkin be asked to develop a plan to address what to do when the heating is not adequate. Manager Donoghue informed the Board that the City is working with the School Department to apply for state grants that would cover 80% of the repair costs if awarded the grant. Motion: To request that Acting Superintendent Durkin to provide the Board for the January 9, 2019 meeting the Lowell Public Schools student relocation plan for situations involving extreme temperatures in individual classrooms and schools made by Lisa Golden, seconded by John Donovan. All in favor. 1. IV. For Review: Tobacco Control Monthly Report Submitted By Cesar Pungirum, Program Director. The Board accepted and placed on file. 1. V. Body Art Facility and Practitioner Renewal Applications for 2019. Motion: To approve the 2019 Body Art Facility applications pending payment of any outstanding taxes made by John Donovan, seconded by Lisa Golden. All in favor. Motion: To approve the 2019 Body Art Practitioner applications made by John Donovan, seconded by Lisa Golden. All in favor. 1. VI. Body Art Apprentice License – New. Motion: To approve the Body Art Apprentice license for Mr. Larry Bou made by John Donovan, seconded by Lisa Golden. All in favor. 1. VII.Communication: Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project. The Board accepted and placed on file. 2. OLD BUSINESS 2. II. Informational: 2019 Board Of Health Meeting Schedule. The 2019 Board of Health Schedule was reviewed and discussed. Due to possible lack of a quorum, the meeting scheduled for June 5, 2019 has been moved to June 9, 2019. 2. III. Update: Service Zone Plan. The Board tabled the discussion until the January 9, 2019 meeting. 3. DIRECTOR'S REPORT 3. I. Informational: Lowell Sun Articles Regarding Measles Cases in Lowell. Board Member Lisa Golden asked for an update as to if there had been a third case of Measles reported and if it was related to the two cases previously reported.  BOHM120518 Page 3 3. II. Informational: Measles Advisory for Lowell Residents The Board reviewed and placed on file. 3. III. Update: Divisional and Department Reports and Updates. Member Golden noted that the School Nurse Report showed an increase in the number of 911 calls and noted the number of measles cases in 2017 and 2018. 4. Motion: To Adjourn. Motion: To adjourn at 7:57 PM made by John Donovan, seconded by Lisa Golden. All in favor. THE NEXT MEETING OF THE CITY OF LOWELL BOARD OF HEALTH WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 9, 2019 IN THE MAYOR'S RECEPTION ROOM.