Board of Health

APPROVED 8.4.21 June 2, 2021 Phone-Participants Jo-Ann Keegan, Chairperson Lisa Golden, Board Member William Galvin, III, Board Member Kathleen Cullen-Lutter, Board Member Erin Gendron, Board Member Joanne Belanger, HHS Director Shawn Machado, Sr. Sanitary Code Inspector The meeting of the City of Lowell Board of Health was called to order at 6:03 PM by Acting Chairperson Lisa Golden. 6/2/2021 - Minutes NEW BUSINESS 1.I. Conference Call Log-In Information 1.II. Update: Jo-Ann Keegan - Leave of Absence Jo-Ann Keegan informed the Board that her Leave of Absence had ended and thanked Lisa Golden for serving as the Chairperson in the interim. 1.III. For Acceptance: Minutes of the May 5, 2021 Board of Health Meeting Motion: To accept the Minutes of the May 5, 2021 made by Lisa Golden, seconded by Kathleen Cullen- Lutter. All in favor. 1.IV. For Review: Tobacco Control Monthly Report submitted by Cesar Pungirum, Program Director The Board discussed the Tobacco Control Monthly Report items specifically the meeting Mr. Pungirum had with Yaya Cigars and Vapes, 309 Chelmsford St. regarding the enforcement of the State's Tobacco Control Law. The report was accepted and placed on file. 1.V. For Review: Monthly Development Services Report submitted by Senior Sanitary Code Inspector Shawn Machado Sr. Sanitary Code Inspector Shawn Machado reviewed his report with the Board. Mr. Machado informed the Board that COVID enforcement by the Inspectors has ended as the guidelines are now recommended and not enforceable. Discussion about swimming pools and the need to wear/not wear masks and the guidelines on mask-wearing in different locations occurred. 1.VI. For Review: Trinity EMS, Inc. Reports and Notifications submitted by Jon Kelley The Board accepted the report and placed on file. 1.VII. Discussion: Return to In-Person Meetings of the Lowell Board of Health Motion: To return to meeting in-person in August. The Board discussed the possibility of returning to in-person meetings. Director Belanger informed the Board that the City Manager is leave the return to in-person meetings to the individual Boards. The Board discussed the various possibilities. Chairwoman Keegan inquired if 6:30 would be a better time for members to meet instead of 6:00 PM.  BOHM06022021 Page 2 VOTE: Jo-Ann Keegan - No Lisa Golden - No William Galvin - No Kathleen Cullen-Lutter - No Erin Gendron - No The Board tabled the discussion until the August 4, 2021 Board of Health meeting. 1.VIII. Communication: Central Mass Mosquito Control Project The Board reviewed the Communication and placed on file. OLD BUSINESS 2.I. Update: COVID-19 HHS Director Belanger informed the Board of the State memo rescinding various COVID Regulations regarding face covering/mask wearing. Currently the City Manager is still requiring employees to wear masks upon entering/leaving City buildings and in common areas with members of the public also being asked to wear masks in these locations. Director Belanger also updated the Board on the improving COVID numbers and the City has gone from in the red to green within three weeks. Director Belanger has received notification that the Lowell General Hospital vaccination site on Pawtucket Blvd will be ramping down and relocating to the Saints campus as of June 15, 2021. Additionally, the State is opening the Homebound Program to a wider number of citizens. The Board was updated on the on-going COVID pool testing in the schools. The School Department plans to continue this testing during the summer as they plan to open every school for the summer programs and most of the Health Department nurses will be working the summer programs. HHS Director notified the Board of the Governor's announcement of a partnership between the State and Market Basket to host mobile vaccine clinics. Lowell was not chosen as one of the 5 participating communities. Free testing remains available at Cawley Stadium but the numbers are low and the State may decrease the number of days or remove it. 2.II. Communication: Concerned Citizen Regarding COVID-19 Vaccinations at UMASS-Lowell The Board had no questions and placed on file. 2.III. Update: Service Zone Plan Director Belanger informed the Board that there is no update to the status of the Service Zone Plan. She will get an update from Jonathan Brickett for the next meeting. Chairwoman Keegan asked that it be placed on the agenda. DIRECTOR'S REPORT 3.I. Departmental and Divisional Reports Director Belanger reviewed the reports with the Board. Shannon Gray will be at the August meeting to meet the Board. Additionally the Substance Abuse Division team has gotten a new vehicle to use. MOTION: TO ADJOURN Motion: To adjourn at 6:50 PM made by William Galvin and seconded by Lisa Golden. All in favor. THE NEXT MEETING OF THE BOARD OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH WILL BE ON AUGUST 4, 2021 AT 6:00 PM.