Board of Health

Approved 2.5.2020 BOH meeting January 8, 2020 A meeting of the Lowell Board of Health was held on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 in the Mayor's Reception Room, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA 01852. Chairwoman Jo-Ann Keegan called the meeting to order at 6:03 P.M. Present: John Donovan, Board Member William Galvin, Board Member Lisa Golden, Board Member Kathleen Cullen-Lutter, Board Member Jo-Ann Keegan, Interim Director of Health & Human Services Cesar Pungirum, Tobacco Control Director Shawn Machado, Sr. Sanitary Code Inspector 1/8/2020 – Minutes 1. NEW BUSINESS 1. I. Election: Election of an Acting Chair of the Lowell Board of Health Board Member William Galvin made a motion to nominate Board Member John Donovan to act as the Board of Health Chairperson during Jo-Ann Keegan's leave of absence. Seconded by Lisa Golden. VOTE: William Galvin - yes John Donovan - yes Lisa Golden - yes Kathleen Cullen-Lutter - yes Motion passes. 1. II. For Acceptance: Minutes Of The December 11, 2019 Meeting Of The Board Of Health. Motion to accept the minutes of the December 11, 2019 Board of Health meeting made by Lisa Golden, seconded by William Galvin. All in favor. 1. III. For Review: Tobacco Control Monthly Report Submitted By Cesar Pungirum, Program Director. Tobacco Control Director Cesar Pungirum reviewed the report with the Board. Mr. Pungirum informed the Board that the City Council passed an ordinance prohibiting smoking in public parks. The fine for violating the ordinance is $300. Mr. Pungirum informed the Board that, due to recent changes in the State Law, he would like to withdraw the tabled proposal to change the City's Tobacco Regulations. The Board was in agreement to do so. Mr. Pungirum will submit proposed changes to the regulation in the future if needed. Mr. Pungirum spoke to the Board about the Two 55 Club on Westford Street regarding smoking and how the owner is attempting to exercise the smoking bar exception to the State Law. It is possible that the Board may want to think about regulations pertaining to smoking clubs. Member Galvin inquired if there are clear guidelines relative to smoking clubs. Mr. Pungirum informed the Board that there are guidelines that are easily adjusted. Possible options were discussed. Senior Sanitary Code Inspector Shawn Machado thought the Fire  BOHM01082020 PAGE 2 Department should be consulted. Mr. Pungirum will contact the Fire Department and look at possible ways to tighten the private club regulations. 1. IV. Monthly Development Services Report Submitted By Senior Sanitary Code Inspector Shawn Machado. Senior Sanitary Code Inspector Shawn Machado reviewed the reports with the Board. 1. V. Discussion: Body Art - Jeff Riel Apprentice License Motion: To revoke the Body Art Apprentice License issued to Jeffrey Riel as of January 8, 2020 made by William Galvin, seconded by Lisa Golden. All in favor. 1. VI. For Review: Trinity EMS Inc. Reports The Board reviewed and placed on file. 2. OLD BUSINESS 2. I. Update: Massachusetts DPH BEH Indoor Air Quality Control Report - Lowell High School Interim Health & Human Services Director Jo-Ann Keegan gave the Board a memo from DPW Commissioner Christine Clancy regarding the Status Summary of Lowell High School Indoor Air Quality Reassessment Reports. Commissioner Clancy will provide a more detailed response for the February 5, 2020 Board of Health meeting. Copies of the December 2019 Reassessment reports for the 1920's Building and Freshman Academy were passed out to the Board and will be scheduled for discussion at the February 5th meeting. Interim Director Keegan will participate in a walk-through of the facilities. Mr. Rick Underwood was present to answer questions from the Board regarding on-going repairs. Mr. Underwood informed the Board that the roof repairs have been great in terms of water mitigation. Mr. Underwood will examine the Indoor Air Quality Reports to determining if the CO2 levels have improved in rooms where the carpets were replaced. Member Galvin noted that some on the reported problems were due to behaviors by the teachers and students - such as the blocking of air vents, etc. 2. II. Update: Service Zone Plan. Interim Director Keegan informed the Board that she has been in touch with Mr. Brickett regarding the Service Zone Plan. Mr. Brickett has resolved some of the reported issues. Mr. Brickett, George Rose from the City's Emergency Operations Office and others will meet with the State to finish the changes to the Plan. 3. DIRECTOR'S REPORT 3. I. Update: Divisional and Departmental Updates Interim Director Keegan informed the Board of former HHS Director Kerran Vigroux's resignation effective January 2, 2020. The position has been posted until January 24, 2020. A committee will be established to interview prospective candidates. Additionally, the Board was informed of Public Health Nurse Coordinator Colleen da Silva's retirement on January 3, 2020. Member Galvin asked about the grid at the bottom of the Syringe Collection report relative to the Discarded Syringe pick up requests and the calls. Member Galvin felt the grid could be cleaned up a little bit. Board Member Lisa Golden inquired if Trinity EMS was conducting any syringe pickups. Interim Director Keegan will find out the answer. 4. Motion: To Adjourn. Motion: To adjourn made at 7:00 PM by William Galvin, seconded by Lisa Golden. All in favor. THE NEXT MEETING OF THE LOWELL BOARD OF HEALTH WILL BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 5, 2020 AT 6:00 PM IN THE MAYOR'S RECEPTION ROOM.