Board of Health

Pittsfield Board of Health Wednesday, February 7, 2024 City Hall, Room 203, 6 p.m. Present: Chairperson Roberta Elliott; Board Members: Brad Gordon, Jeffrey Leppo, Also Present Health Department Director Andy Cambi Convening The meeting of the Pittsfield Board of Health was held on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at City Hall, Room 203. Chairperson Elliott called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Hearing Request - 8 Weller Avenue: Andy Cambi reports that the owner has withdrawn the hearing request as most of the repairs have been made and the owner and occupant are working together. Hearing Request – 310 West St. & 456 Fenn Street: Andy Cambi provided the board with an overview of the properties. Kaily Hepburn, Esquire, appeared on behalf of U.S. Bank. Attorney Hepburn reported that she represents that bank in a foreclosure action that involves multiple properties. Ms. Hepburn shared that some of the 456 Fenn Street apartments are now vacant and only one occupant remains. She reported that the occupant is refusing access until the gas is turned back on and she has heat. Andy Cambi stated that the department can help facilitate access by meeting with the occupant and the repair person at the location. Attorney Hepburn reported that 308 West Street is a single family home that is vacant and secured. She further reported that 310 West Street has two units and that she believes only one of them is occupied. She noted that they are currently trying to help the occupants with relocation, but relayed that there are financial difficulties. Mr. Cambi noted that the repairs must still be made to the unit. Board Member Gordon asked about the potential for the properties and Ms. Hepburn noted that she believes their client is likely to secure and list them. Attorney Hepburn shared that they have gotten an estimate for the repairs for unit two of 310 West Street. Board Member Gordon provided Attorney Hepuburn with contact information for Berkshire Housing to potentially access resources that may be available to the occupants. Attorney Hepuburn and Andy Cambi will work to coordinate access to the unit as contact between the occupants and the department has been lost. Tobacco Permit Updates: Director Cambi informed the Board that tobacco permits for Harry’s Supermarket located at 290 Wahconah Street and Kirk’s Variety located at 784 Tyler Street, have been retired due to non-renewal. Mr. Cambi noted that attempts were made to contact the owners of both establishments. Mosquito Control Task Force Announcement: Director Cambi shared that he, along with Chairperson Elliott, Councilman Jim Conant and Conservation Agent Rob Van Der Kar had a very good meeting. He noted that they agree that one goal should be to have more input on the services that are being provided by Berkshire Country Mosquito Control (BCMC) and identify where efforts can be ramped up. Mr. Cambi will assure that BCMC is doing the work they are contracted to do. He noted that a public meeting will be held and that he is trying to get a member of the state Board to come out and speak as well. Board Member Gordon noted that public education, information sharing and then a recommendation to the City Council would be helpful. Andy Cambi noted that community engagement should be a goal as well. Board Member Gordon also noted that he would like to see better communication with the city council. Health Department Updates: FY25 Budget Revision: Mr. Cambi shared that per the Board’s recommendation, the Community Health Worker position has been added to the budget. He noted that this request will be part of his “wish list” budget as the City Council has communicated to department heads a request to look for a level funded budget. Mr. Cambi noted that he will be looking for ways to make reductions to offset this cost and he noted it will be a challenge. Chairperson Elliott questioned if vaccine reimbursement can help offset this expense. Mr. Cambi notes he will be pushing for a separate fund for the medical supply line that will become sustainable with the help of vaccine reimbursement and Medicare approval. Board Members suggested a fact sheet showing how many community members were served, mitigation service, impact on the community and the like, might prove to be useful in advocating for the position. Chairperson Elliott shared that she was very impressed with the work being done by the social worker and community health worker and asked Mr. Cambi to share what they do, outside of the regulatory things they department is required to do. Mr. Cambi noted that they do community engagement every Friday at the library and they invite other agencies so they can introduce them to constituents. They provide breakfast and have successfully engaged with constituents, opened dialogue and are building trust. The social worker and community health worker are helping to make the connections between these agencies and the constituents and guiding them to the available resources. He noted that they are helping behaviors change by engaging with the residents and promoting inclusion from our more fortunate residents to our community members that are in need by showing them that the library is their space too. Board Member Gordon noted that the Christian Center and warming shelter would be good places to have additional community engagement as well. Monthly Inspectional Services Report: Mr. Cambi reviewed the monthly inspectional services report and reviewed the inspection numbers from 2019-present noting Covid had a big impact on inspectional services, but further noted that the previous numbers have been surpassed. He noted that he welcomes input on what other areas of data the Board would like to see. Board Member Gordon suggested mapping to see clusters of where housing complaints are more prevalent in a possible effort to become more proactive in pre-tenancy like inspections. Nuisance Control Officer Position: Director Cambi notes that the Nuisance Control Officer position has been filled by Christopher Carrigan who is off to a great start. Rest of River: Chairperson Elliott noted a Zoom meeting took place and notes there will be a public meeting in the future. Andy Cambi noted that there is a lot of work that will be happening and that although there are control measures and plans from the EPA, he notes there will still be questions from the residents and notes that information should be provided to residents on what to look for, how to make a report and noted there will be a great deal of information to provide with regard to the project, transportation of the sediment, exposure, etc. Annual Health Director Review: Chairperson Elliott noted that Andy Cambi began on December 8, 2021. She requested that Mr. Cambi share his self-assessment. Mr. Cambi shared how the past year has gone beginning with the accomplishments which included filling the vacancies within the department, fostering a team environment for the staff noting he wants the team to feel supported, validated and know that they can grow. Mr. Cambi noted that the social worker position was an important new role brought on to the department which met some resource challenges for this position and those challenges were met by grants found by the social worker Maria Arias. He noted that in 2 2023 he focused on community engagement which included doing podcasts, media and shows, some in Spanish. He shared that he was recently chosen to receive a Forty under Forty award which had been a personal goal of his. Mr. Cambi noted that he has opportunities to grow which include working on financial skills and using funding created by the department which, in turn, the department can use as a direct service to residents. Mr. Cambi noted he is a big believer in building relationships to obtain a common goal. Chairperson Elliott shared that she loved Mr. Cambi’s “we can do that” attitude. Mr. Gordon noted that the genuine enjoyment for the work Mr. Cambi is doing is noticeable. Board Member Leppo noted that attitude trumps skill. The Board reviewed goals for Mr. Cambi in 2024 which include but are not limited to: obtaining a Community Health Officer certification; increase state sanitary code inspections and increase substance abuse training. Chairperson Elliott commended Mr. Cambi for a great year. 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 January 3, 2024 - Hearing Request documents for 8 Weller Ave. - Hearing Request documents for 310 West St. & 456 Fenn St. - Resume of Christopher Carrigan - Monthly Inspectional Services Report - FY25 Preliminary Budget - Self-Assessment Performance Review for Andy Cambi 3