Board of Health

Approved – BOH Meeting 2.1.23 January 11, 2023 PRESENT: Jo-Ann Keegan, Chairperson William Galvin, Board Member Erin Gendron, Board Member Alison Keegan, Board Member Chairperson Keegan called the meeting of the Board of Health to order at 6:00PM. 1/11/2023 - Minutes 1. NEW BUSINESS 1.I. For Acceptance: Minutes of the December 7, 2022 meeting of the Board of Health Motion: to accept the minutes of the December 7, 2022 Board of Health meeting made by Erin Gendron, seconded by Alison Keegan. All in Favor. Motion: to take Agenda Item 2.1 out of order by William Galvin, seconded by Erin Gendron. All in favor. 1.II. Informational: Indoor Air Quality Assessment during LHS Construction Mr. Ricky Underwood Lowell Public Schools Facilities Manager was present. The Board reviewed the air quality report with Mr. Underwood who updated the Board on mitigation efforts, inclusive on the use of air filters in interior classrooms. 1.III. For Review: Monthly Development Services Report Submitted By Senior Sanitary Code Inspector Jimmy Le Senior Sanitary Code Inspector Jimmy Le reviewed the reports with the Board. Mr. Underwood noted that every item on the list has been taken care of except for the Greenhalge School's exhaust hood which has been scheduled for repairs. Mr. Underwood has been working with DPW to address any issues that arise. Mr. Richard Kelly from Banner Pest Control was also present regarding rodent mitigation efforts at various schools. Mr. Kelly stressed the need for school personnel putting information into the book in the office so problem areas can be addressed when Banner arrives to treat the building. Also, Mr. Kelly noted that classrooms have food being left out and not stored in bins making it available to any mice present. 1.IV. For Review: Tobacco Control Monthly Report Submitted By Cesar Pungirum, Program Director The Board accepted and placed on file. 1. V. Communication: Amy Hoey, President, Lowell General Hospital Regarding Closure of TB Chest and Immunization Clinic The Board reviewed the communication from President Amy Hoey regarding the closure of the TB Chest Clinic/Immunization Clinic at Lowell General Hospital. Chairwoman Keegan informed the Board that she has reached out to President Hoey and Kevin Cranston from DPH. Board Member Galvin inquired if the Health Department could take these clinics over but it was noted that X-rays and the issuance of prescriptions could not be done at the Health Department. Board Member Galvin noted that there should be a state wide action plan regarding the issue. 1.VI. Communication: Central Mass Mosquito Control Project Schedule of 2023 Meetings The Board accepted and placed on file. 1.VII. Informational: National Grid Yearly Operating Plan The Board accepted and placed on file.  BOHM01112023 Page 2 1.VIII. Body Art Establishment and Practitioner Renewals For 2023 Motion: to approve the Body Art Establishment and Practitioners Licenses for 2023 made by Erin Gendron, seconded by William Galvin. All in favor. 1.IX. Body Art Apprentice - New Motion: To approve the Body Art Apprentice license for Ramon Fonseca, 22 Howard St, Waltham MA pending receipt of proof of second HepB vaccination made by Erin Gendron, seconded by William Galvin. All in favor. 1.X. For Review: Trinity EMS, Inc. Reports and Notifications Submitted By Jon Kelley, Trinity EMS Inc. The Board accepted and placed on file. 1.XI. For Review/Revision: 2023 Board Of Health Meeting Calendar Motion: Move the May 3, 2023 meeting of the Board of Health to May 10, 2023 due to a conflict made William Galvin, seconded by Alison Keegan. All in favor. 2. OLD BUSINESS 2.I. Gold Star Closure - Food Permit Revocation Chairperson Keegan updated the new members of the Board regarding the violations, inspections, and education efforts over the years for Gold Star Restaurant. The Board discussed the previous violations. Language Line Solutions LLC was contacted for a Cantonese interpreter (Lat Tou #263541) as requested by Gold Star owner Mr. Jimmy Lee. Mr. Vincent Lee was present and informed the Board that he would be assisting his father, Mr. Jimmy Lee, with correcting the violations. The Board was shown signage that the establishment created to assist the kitchen staff with food safety. Mr. Tsyren Ulzutue, an employee at the restaurant, also address the Board with his intent to assist Mr. J. Lee with running the restaurant. Sr. Sanitary Code Inspector Jimmy Le and the Board, with the assistance of the interpreter, spoke to Mr. J. Lee regarding the need to follow the Massachusetts Food and Sanitary Codes. Mr. David Lorenezo, 204 Parker Rd Dracut spoke to the Board in support of mitigation efforts at the restaurant. Chairperson Keegan asked the Board how they wished to proceed. Sr. Sanitary Code Inspector Le spoke to the Board regarding the possibility of Mr. J. Lee following the required State Codes. Mr. V. Lee and Mr. Ulzutue indicated to the Board that they will be in the restaurant full time to ensure the Codes are followed. Motion: To table this agenda item until the establishment is ready to re-approach the Board with a plan to reopen made by Erin Gendron, seconded by William Galvin. All in favor. VOTE: Jo-Ann Keegan - yes William Galvin - yes Erin Gendron -yes Alison Keegan - yes Motion passes. Motion: to return to the regular agenda made by William Galvin, seconded by Erin Gendron. All in favor. 2.II. Communication: From Mr. Sam Lipson, Challiance.Org Relative to Establishment of Biosafety Committee Health & Human Services Director Lisa Golden updated the Board regarding the establishment of a BioSafety Advisory Board. Director Golden spoke to Mr. Sam Lipson from Challiance who recommended changing the regulations rather than forming the advisory board. He also recommended the change give the HHS Director and the Board of Health Chairperson/Board of Health the power to make decisions relative to any biosafety issues. Board Member Galvin asked for and was given clarification on UMASS/Lowell's need for this permit.  BOHM01112023 Page 3 2.III. Informational: MassDEP LCCA Extended Assistance Program - Immaculate Conception Director Golden update the Board regarding the Immaculate Conception School. Director Golden reached out to the City's Water Department which, while the school is not under the purview of the City, has provided education and assistance to the Principal of the school. The school has shut off any sources of contamination and the students do not use those facilities. The Board would like to find out what the mitigation efforts the school is attempting. 3. DIRECTOR'S REPORT 3. I. Department and Divisional Reports and Updates The Board reviewed the reports and placed on file. 4. MOTION TO ADJOURN. Motion: To adjourn at 8:15PM made by Erin Gendron, seconded by Alison Keegan. All in favor THE NEXT MEETING OF THE LOWELL BOARD OF HEALTH WILL BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 1, 2023 AT 6:00PM IN THE MAYOR'S RECEPTION ROOM, CITY HALL