Board of Health

Approved 5.6.20 BOH meeting April 1, 2020 A meeting of the Lowell Board of Health was held on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 by conference call. Chairperson John Donovan called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. Phone-In Participants: John Donovan, Chairperson Kathleen Cullen-Lutter, Board Member Lisa Golden, Board Member William Galvin, Board Member Jo-Ann Keegan, Interim Director of HHS Shawn Machado, Sr. Sanitary Code Inspector Dr. Peter Connolly, Medical Consultant The meeting of the City of Lowell Board of Health was called to order at 6:00 PM by Chairperson John Donovan. 4/1/2020 – Minutes 1. CONFERENCE CALL LOG-IN INFORMATION Information on how to log into the meeting was provided in the on-line meeting packet 2. NEW BUSINESS 2.1 For Acceptance: Minutes of the February 5, 2020 BOH Meeting Motion: To accept the minutes of the February 5, 2020 Board of Health meeting made by Lisa Golden, seconded by Kathleen Cullen-Lutter. All in favor. 2.II For Review: Tobacco Control Report submitted by Cesar Pungirum, Tobacco Control Director The Board had no questions. Accepted report and placed on file. 2.III Development Services Monthly Reports submitted by Shawn Machado, Sr. Sanitary Code Inspector Sr. Sanitary Code Inspector Shawn Machado reviewed the reports with the Board. Mr. Machado reviewed the closure of China Star and the Lowell Asian Baker on Broadway St with the Board due to failed inspections. MR. Machado will conduct more frequent inspections and will enforce permanent closure for one more failed inspection. The Board requested that the owners of both businesses appear before the Board once the social distancing requirements allows for in-person meetings. 2.IV 2020 Funeral Director’s Licenses Motion: To approve the 2020 Funeral Directors’ licenses made by Lisa Golden, seconded by William Galvin. All in favor. 2.V Animal Inspector Nominations for 2020 Motion: To approve the Animal Inspector Nominations for 2020-2021 made by William Galvin, seconded by Lisa Golden. All in favor. 2.VI For Review: Trinity EMS, Inc. Reports The board had no questions regarding the reports. Accepted and placed on file. 2.VII Communication: Central Mass Mosquito Control Project The Board reviewed the communication and placed on file.  BOHM04012020 Page 2 2.VIII For Discussion: COVID-19 update Interim Director Jo-Ann Keegan discussed ongoing COVID-19 efforts by the Health Department. The Department is utilizing the School Nurses for case management. The Nurses will be stationed between the Health Department and office space at the Department of Planning and Development. The EOC has been activated and Director Keegan is in touch with the City Manager and other EOC staff daily as well as Lowell General. Discussion about quarantining/testing of citizens, as well as the sheltering of the homeless population occurred. The rapid testing site set up at the Showcase Cinemas on Reiss Ave was discussed, as well as the use of UMASS/Lowell dorms and area hotels as shelters. The Health Department has send available N95 masks to Lowell General and Trinity EMS as well as surgical masks and gloves to area nursing homes. Additionally the Department is tracking all positive cases. Discussion on the testing process and wait time occurred. The Board inquired on projected numbers for the City and was informed by Director Keegan that the first death of a resident has occurred. The Department is creating a database of positive cases inclusive of neighborhoods. Currently, the most cases are occurring in the 30-39 age group. Director Keegan also informed the Board that Tobacco Control Director Cesar Pungirum has looked at various reports to determine if smoking/vaping was a risk factor. There is that possibility but currently clustering is happening in households where travel had occurred. 2.IX Communication: Keolis Commuter Services 2020 Yearly Operational Plan The Board reviewed the communication and placed on file. 3. OLD BUSINESS 3.1 Update: Service Zone Plan Director Keegan informed the Board of the current status of the Service Zone Plan. 3.2 Update: Freshman Academy An update on the Air Quality Test was not provided to the Board 4. DIRECTOR’S REPORT 4.1 Update: Divisional and Departmental Updates Director Keegan informed the Board that some of the Health Department employees have been working from home. The Public Health Nurses, Administrative Staff and Syringe Collector Andres Gonzalez have continued to work from the office. The Public Health Nurse position has been posted since February. 4.2 Update: Health and Human Services Director Position The HHS Director’s position has been filled. Joanne Belanger, currently the Assistant Health Director for the Town of Andover has been offered the position. Ms. Belanger will start on April 21, 2020. Director Keegan will remain to help Transition Director Belanger to the position. 5. Motion to Adjourn Motion: To adjourn was made at 6:50 PM by William Galvin, seconded by Lisa Golden. All in favor. THE NEXT MEETING OF THE LOWELL BOARD OF HEALTH WILL BE HELD ON MAY 6, 2020 AT 6:00 PM BY CONFERENCE CALL.