Board of Health

June 3, 2020 A meeting of the Lowell Board of Health was held on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 by conference call. Chairperson Jo-Ann Keegan called the meeting to order at 6:01 P.M. Phone-In Participants: Jo-Ann Keegan, Chairperson John Donovan, Board Member Kathleen Cullen-Lutter, Board Member Lisa Golden, Board Member William Galvin, Board Member Joanne Belanger, Director of HHS Shawn Machado, Sr. Sanitary Code Inspector Dr. Peter Connolly, Medical Consultant Cesar Pungirum, Tobacco Control Program Director The meeting of the City of Lowell Board of Health was called to order at 6:01 PM by Chairperson Jo-Ann Keegan. 06-03-2020 1. NEW BUSINESS 1.I. Conference Call Log-In Information 1.II. For Acceptance: Minutes of the May 6, 2020 Meeting of the Board of Health Motion: to accept the minutes of the May 6, 2020 meeting of the Board of Health made by Lisa Golden, seconded by Kathleen Cullen-Lutter. All in favor 1.III. For Review: Tobacco Control Monthly Report Submitted By Cesar Pungirum, Program Director Program Director Cesar Pungirum reviewed the report with the Board. Mr. Pungirum updated the Board on the new State Law regarding flavored tobacco products that went into effect on June 1, 2020. This law bans the sale of all menthol and flavored tobacco and vape products with an exception of Smoking Bars which are prohibited in Lowell. The Board was also updated on the State shutdown and how it affected the Adult Only Tobacco Stores. Mr. Pungirum also informed the Board of the renewal of the Tobacco Grant and the funding increase to assist with compliance efforts relative to the new law. 1.IV. For Review: Monthly Development Services Report Submitted By Senior Sanitary Code Inspector Shawn Machado Sr. Sanitary Code Inspector Shawn Machado spoke to the Board and informed them that routine restaurant inspections will begin on June 8, 2020 as well as pre-inspections under the reopening guidelines issued by the State. The Department is received a lot of complaints regarding violations of the Phase 1 guidelines. Housing inspections will be expanded at this time also. When asked about any repeated complaints, Mr. Machado indicated 1 store was getting very confrontational customers and 1 store was inspected two times in one day and was issued a warning and then a $300 fine for employees not wearing masks. Mr. Machado noted that Development Services is taking all complaints seriously. Mr. Machado updated the Board regarding the charity drop box situation. One property was issued a $1,000 fine. The owner is trying to prevent the dumping at the site. The City Council may be voting to ban these drop-off charity boxes.  BOHM06032020 Page 2 1.V. For Review: Application For 2020 Beach Permit For The Rynne Beach Submitted By Peter Faticanti, Program Director, Recreation Department Health and Human Services Director Joanne Belanger spoke to the Board regarding the Rynne Beach on Pawtucket Blvd. The Recreation Department will be attempting to staff a lifeguard at the beach, but only 1 qualified beach certified lifeguard has applied at this time. The MOU with the State for use of the beach is in the process of being renewed. Motion: to approve the 2020 Beach Permit for the Rynne Beach was made by William Galvin, seconded by Kathleen Cullen- Lutter. All in favor. 1.VI. For Review: Trinity EMS, Inc. Reports Submitted By Jon Kelley The Board accepted and placed on file. Chairwoman JoAnn Keegan noted the low numbers in the under 24 year old age group. 1.VII. Communication: Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Program The Board accepted and placed on file. Chairwoman Keegan asked that the water mitigation program information be forwarded to other City Departments. HHS Director Belanger noted there is also a West Nile Virus webinar on June 10, 2020. 1.VIII. Discussion: Lowell Police Department Accreditation Request HHS Director Belanger updated the Board on this request by the Lowell Police Department. Ms. Belanger has reached out to Medical Consultant Dr. Peter Connolly for assistance with the medical review. 1.IX. Discussion: Dr. Peter Connolly - Contract HHS Director Belanger update the Board on this contract. Dr. Connolly is interested in remaining as the Medical Consultant and Ms. Belanger spoke to the Board regarding some language changes she is interested in including in the renewed contract. Motion: To approved the requested changes and proceed with a new contract made by William Galvin, seconded by Lisa Golden. All in favor. 2. OLD BUSINESS 2.I. Update: Service Zone Plan HHS Director Belanger updated the Board on the status of the Service Zone Plan. 2.II. Update: COVID-19 HHS Director Belanger updated the Board regarding COVID-19 and the guidance updates being received from the State. Guidelines have been issued relative to restaurants, long-term care facilities, daycares, and camps. Lowell COVID case numbers have been dropping and it has been noted that many protesters have been wearing masks. Additionally, Ms. Belanger filmed an informational video for City employees. Lowell School Nurses are being asked if they would like to continue to work as Contact Tracers during the summer and that the City is not using Partners in Health to assist with that effort. Chairwoman Keegan asked that the video be forwarded to the Board Members. 3. DIRECTOR'S REPORT 3.I. Departmental and Divisional Reports The Board was informed that the Public Health Nurse-Clinics position has been reposted. Additionally, the move of the Health Department to Merrimack St is moving forward and may occur in August. Ms. Belanger has also spoken with UMass/Lowell regarding bringing nursing students into the Health Department and a possible partnership with them for contact tracing.  BOHM06032020 Page 3 Chairwoman Keegan thanked Board Members William Galvin and Lisa Golden for helping the Health Department coordinate with Lowell General to test homeless residents. Member Galvin inquired on the renewed MOAPC grant end date. Ms. Belanger will confirm the correct date with Substance Abuse Coordinator Lainnie Emond for the next meeting. Director Belanger informed the Board that the Veterans' Office will be having a one day popup meal box distribution event on June 8, 2020 at the VFW on Plain St. 4. MOTION: TO ADJOURN Motion: To adjourn at 7:07 PM made by William Galvin, seconded by John Donovan. All in favor THE NEXT MEETING OF THE LOWELL BOARD OF HEALTH WILL BE HELD ON AUGUST 5, 2020 AT 6:00 PM BY CONFERENCE CALL.