Board of Health

Pittsfield Board of Health Wednesday, January 3, 2024 City Hall, Room 203, 6 p.m. Present: Chairperson Roberta Orsi-Elliott; Board Members: Brad Gordon, Jeffrey Leppo, Sandra Gattasso Also Present Health Department Director Andy Cambi Convening The meeting of the Pittsfield Board of Health was held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at City Hall, Room 203. Chairperson Orsi-Elliott called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Public Health Nurse Updates: Patricia Tremblay appeared and began by sharing that homebased vaccines are ongoing which have included flu and Covid vaccines. Ms. Tremblay noted that residents have also requested the RSV vaccine, but further noted that the cost is prohibitive. She shared that planning is underway to attempt reimbursement for vaccine administration through Medicare/Medicaid. Andy Cambi noted that being part of a municipality rather than a separate entity presents challenges with qualifying for reimbursement. It was noted that the RSV vaccine is currently $260 per shot and other vaccines are $100 or more, per shot. Ms. Tremblay shared that the software system known as Color has been instrumental as it does the billing for private health insurers, but further noted that they are not an “approved provider” through Medicare/Medicaid. Ms. Tremblay stated that she has applied to be a vaccine provider with the state so that more resources will be available to the department. She opined that the Medicaid/Medicare approval is expected this year and noted that equipment will be needed if she is approved. Ms. Tremblay noted that she covers Pittsfield for vaccines and that the Public Health Alliance covers some neighboring towns for homebound vaccines. It was noted that vaccine education is provided in Spanish and translation is used to help reach the Hispanic community. Ms. Tremblay stated they are looking to Hispanic community leaders to help bring education and vaccines to the Hispanic population. Director Cambi noted that some vaccine locations had a lack of communication between the facility managers and the department which is an area they would like to strengthen. Health Department Updates: Mosquito Plan Update: Andy Cambi shared that a meeting will take place at 10 a.m. on January 8, 2024, in Room 202 of City Hall with City Councilor Jim Conant and Conservation Agent Rob Van Der Kar. Mr. Cambi requested that Board Members attend. Chairperson Orsi-Elliott and Board Member Leppo will attend. Preliminary FY25 Budget Discussion: Mr. Cambi reviewed the preliminary FY25 budget. Mr. Cambi focused on the personnel portion of the budget and noted that 9 position are union positions which have increases based upon their contract. He noted that one position, that of the Community Health Worker is funded by ARPA, and that funding will expire on December 31, 2024. Mr. Cambi stated that that he will be looking for funding to keep this position and further noted that if he is unable to find funding to support the position, he will be advocating to add the position as a line item in the Health Department budget and noted that the Board can also advocate for the same. A motion was made by Board Member Leppo to include the Community Health Worker position as a line item with a stipulation that other funding will be sought out. The motion was seconded by Board Member Gattasso and the Board voted unanimously. Mr. Cambi explained that that managers are currently at a 2.5% cost of living increase, and that he will consider asking for an increase of 3% after he completes his reviews. Board Members agreed that they will conduct a performance review of Director Cambi at the February meeting in an executive session. Mr. Cambi reviewed the remaining line items with the Board. Mr. Cambi also asked the Board for their support in the medical supplies portion of the budget. Monthly Inspectional Services Report: Mr. Cambi reviewed the monthly inspectional services report and reviewed the 2023 annual inspection totals noting that the number of inspections is higher than it has been historically and commended his staff. He noted that the nuisance position is still vacant. Other Business: Chairperson Orsi-Elliott asked Andy Cambi his vision for department goals. Mr. Cambi stated that he would like to continue to create and build relationships with the community and agencies. He noted that this is taking a while but is proving to be meaningful. He shared that he would like to address the issue of mental health, noting that it does affect housing inspections and he believes it will empower community members to have healthier lifestyles. He also noted that he would like to focus on mosquito control. Board Member Gordon noted that he would like to see housing retention and code enforcement remain a priority so as to negate increasing the unhoused population. A motion to adjourn was made by Board Member Gordon and seconded by Board Member Leppo was voted upon unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Stephanie Layden, Clerk Documents/Materials Distributed at Meeting - Meeting Minutes of December 6, 2023 - FY25 Preliminary Budget - Monthly Inspectional Services Report 2