Board of Health

APPROVED 5.1.24 BOH MEETING PRESENT: Kathleen Cullen-Lutter, Board Member William Galvin, III Board Member Erin Gendron, Board Member Alison Keegan, Board Member Lisa Golden, HHS Director Cesar Pungirum, Tobacco Control Director Board of Health Member William Glavin called April 3, 2024 meeting of the Board of Health to order at 6:00PM 4/3/2024 - Minutes 1. NEW BUSINESS 1.I. For Acceptance: Minutes of the April 3, 2024 Meeting of the Lowell Board of Health Motion to approve the minutes of the April 3, 2024 meeting of the Lowell Board of Health made by Erin Gendron, seconded by Alison Keegan. All in favor 1.II. For Review: Tobacco Control Monthly Report Submitted by Cesar Pungirum, Program Director Mr. Pungirum informed the Board that Country Farms, located at 268 Branch St., was cited by the MA Department of Revenue for the presence of unstamped cigarettes within the establishment. Mr. Pungirum noted that all tobacco products must have Massachusetts tax stamp. Mr. Pungirum informed the Board that this establishment has had several violations over the years including two in 2023 so he felt it prudent to have the representatives of the establishment come in so the Board could stress the importance of no further violations as the next one could result in a thirty (30) day suspension of their tobacco sales permit. Mr. Mishank Patel was present to represent the establishment and spoke to the Board about the circumstances of the violation. The Board stressed to Mr. Patel the importance of following the law and the significance of a 30-day permit suspension. 1.II.i. Tobacco Control Suspension Hearing – Sale to a Minor Establishment Address Date of Violation Fine Status 7-Eleven 970 Gorham St Lowell, MA January 12, 2024 $1,000 Paid Mr. Pungirum reviewed the circumstance of the sale to a 19-year-old male with the Board and noted that the history of the store has been excellent with only 1 violation regarding a sign back in April 2021. Mr. Pungirum recommended a 3 consecutive business day suspension beginning at the start of business on April 22, 2024 through the close of business April 24, 2024. Mr. Alan Marcotte was present to represent the store and speak to the Board noting that the employees have been reeducated that all ID’s need to be checked. Motion: To Suspend the Tobacco Sales permit for three (3) consecutive business days made by Erin Gendron, seconded by Kathleen Cullen-Lutter. All in favor VOTE: William Galvin – yes Erin Gendron – yes Alison Keegan – yes Kathleen Cullen-Lutter – yes Jo-Ann Keegan – not present 4-Yes, 1 not present  BOHM04032024 Page 2 1.II.ii. Informational: In-Store Lung Cancer Screening Program HHS Director Lisa Golden informed the Board that Wellsley College was attempting to have these flyers distributed to establishments via local Tobacco Control Programs. Mr. Pungirum noted that establishments would not normally have room for flyers, and it would be more appropriate to place them in doctor’s offices. The Board mentioned the possibility of the Lowell Sun doing a public interest story. Director Golden noted that a media campaign would be appropriate. 1.III. For Review: Monthly Development Services Reports Submitted by Sr. Sanitary Code Inspector Jimmy Le Development Services Director Lloyd DeJesus was present as Sr. Inspector Jimmy Le was unable to attend. Mr. DeJesus made note of the Board’s questions and comments and will follow up with Mr. Le. Mr. DeJesus informed the Board that he reached out to DPW Commissioner Paul St. Cyr and Rick Underwood regarding the schools and that Mr. Underwood will reach out to the pest control company. 1.IV. For Review: PrideStar EMS, Inc. Reports and Notifications submitted by Jon Kelley The Board accepted and placed it on file. 1.V. Funeral Directors Licenses 2024-2025 Motion: To approve the 2024-2025 Funeral Directors’ Licenses made by Erin Gendron, seconded by Kathleen Cullen-Lutter. All in favor. VOTE: William Galvin – yes Erin Gendron – yes Alison Keegan – yes Kathleen Cullen-Lutter – yes Jo-Ann Keegan – not present 4-Yes, 1 not present 1.VI. Nomination: Animal Inspector 2024-2025 Motion: To nominate Gerard P. Emond as Animal Inspector 2024-2025 made by Kathleen Cullen-Lutter, seconded by Alison Keegan. All in favor. VOTE: William Galvin – yes Erin Gendron – yes Alison Keegan – yes Kathleen Cullen-Lutter – yes Jo-Ann Keegan – not present 4-Yes, 1 not present 2. OLD BUSINESS 2.I. For Review: Pawtucket Memorial - EMSL Analytical Mold Report Director Golden reviewed the report with the Board and noted that the results were good. Director Golden noted that going forward she would only include the report if there was something unusual in it. 2.II. For Review: Wastewater COVID-FLU-RSV Testing Report Director Golden noted that nothing stands out in the report and will only be included if the numbers rise. 3. DIRECTOR'S REPORT 3.I. Departmental/Divisional Reports and Updates Director Golden reviewed the reports with the Board. Member Galvin noted that the TB numbers were still difficult to understand and asked that only the actual case numbers, without the suspect cases, be used. Director Golden informed the Board of several new hires, and that some positions are being reposted.  BOHM04032024 Page 3 4. Motion: To Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the April 3, 2024 meeting of the Board of Health at 6:40 PM made by Erin Gendron, seconded by Alison Keegan. All in favor. THE NEXT MEETING OF THE LOWELL BOARD OF HEALTH WILL BE HELD AT 6:00PM ON MAY 1, 2024 AT THE MAYOR’S RECEPTION ROOM, CITY HALL, 375 MERRIMACK ST 2ND FLOOR