Board of Health

Approved 3.1.23 BOH Meeting PRESENT: Jo-Ann Keegan, Chairperson Kathleen Cullen-Lutter, Board Member Erin Gendron, Board Member Alison Keegan, Board Member Cesar Pungirum, Tobacco Control Director Jimmy Le, Sr. Sanitary Code Inspector Jon Kelly, Trinity EMS, Inc. Casey Rainville, Lowell General Hospital Paramedics David Green, Pride Star EMS Chairperson Jo-Ann Keegan called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM. 2/1/2023 - Minutes 1. NEW BUSINESS 1.I. For Acceptance: Minutes of the January 11, 2023 Meeting of the Board of Health Motion: To accept the minutes of the January 11, 2023 meeting of the Board of Health made by Erin Gendron, seconded by Kathleen Cullen-Lutter. All in favor. 1.II. For Review: Trinity EMS, Inc. Reports and Notifications submitted by Jon Kelley Mr. Jon Kelley, Trinity EMS Inc. was present to review the Quarterly report. Mr. Kelley noted an error on page 8 where the transport total should have been recorded as 3,013. Also on page 8, Mr. Kelley informed the Board that the increase in syringe pickup was for coverage when the Health Department staff is off as well as night & weekend calls. Mr. Kelley will record the totals for the Q4 intubation totals on page 9 for the next report. Mr. Casey Rainville updated the Board regarding changes to behavioral health calls. Additionally, Mr. Rainville informed the Board that Pride Star EMS is working with Lowell Police Dispatch relative to acuity level assessments for calls. 1.III. For Review: Tobacco Control Monthly Report submitted by Cesar Pungirum, Program Director Mr. Cesar Pungirum, Tobacco Control Program Director reviewed the report with the Board. Mr. Pungirum also informed the Board that the Law Department has completed its review of the proposed regulations and Mr. Pungirum plans to bring it forward with the minor revisions previously noted for a public hearing in an upcoming meeting. Chairwoman Keegan requested that the original and revised regulations be presented at that time. Mr. Pungirum informed the Board that during recent inspections 16 establishments were cited for violations. One establishment requested a hearing before the Board within the seven day response period. Fourteen of the remaining establishments have paid the fine and will be scheduled for a suspension hearing before the Board over the next two Board of Health meetings. The remaining establishment is still within their 21 day payment window. Chairwoman Keegan requested that the hearing packet include the establishment's previous inspection/violation history for the Board's review.  BOHM02012023 Page 2 1.IV. For Review: Monthly Development Services Report submitted by Senior Sanitary Code Inspector Jimmy Le Mr. Jimmy Le, Sr. Sanitary Code Inspector, reviewed the reports with the Board and answered any questions. Mr. Vincent Lee was present to update the Board regarding Gold Star Restaurant on Fairmount St. He informed the Board that he would be taking ownership of the establishment and would be addressing the Sanitary Code violations prior to reopening. Sr. Sanitary Code Inspector Le informed the Board of the Closure of the A & R African Market & International Food located at 558 Gorham St. due to Sanitary Code violations/lack of a current food permit. Motion: to send a letter to the owner of the A & R African Market & International Food to appear before the Board regarding selling of food without a food permit made by Kathleen Cullen-Lutter, seconded by Erin Gendron. All in favor. 2. OLD BUSINESS 2.I. Informational: Biobot Analytics - Wastewater Testing 1.23.23 The Board had no questions and noted the downward trend. 2.II. Informational: Immaculate School The Board reviewed the provided communications and noted that the school has applied for a grant to obtain water filling stations. 3. DIRECTOR'S REPORT 3.I. Department and Divisional Reports and Updates Health & Human Services Director Lisa Golden updated the Board regarding new hires to the Department. Chairperson Keegan noted that the Public Health Nursing reports that Influenza and Covid vaccines are still being offered at the Health Department's vaccination clinic on Tuesday afternoons between 4:00-6:00 PM. It was also noted that the Syringe Coordinator collected over 5,000 used sharps in the month of January. Chairperson Keegan inquired relative to the School Nursing Division report Nursing Assessment figure and the reason for the drop. Director Golden informed the Board that there had been a problem running the report and anticipated that it would be corrected for the next report. 4. Motion: To Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the meeting of the Board of Health at 6:43 PM made by Erin Gendron, seconded by Kathleen Cullen-Lutter. All in favor. THE NEXT MEETING OF THE LOWELL BOARD OF HEALTH WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 1, 2023 AT 6:00 PM IN THE MAYOR'S RECEPTION ROOM, CITY HALL.