Board of Health

Pittsfield Board of Health Tuesday, March 12, 2024 City Hall, Room 203, 6 p.m. Present: Chairperson Roberta Elliott; Board Members:Jeffrey Leppo, Sandra Gattasso, David Pill Also Present Health Department Director Andy Cambi Convening The meeting of the Pittsfield Board of Health was held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at City Hall, Room 203. Chairperson Elliott called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. The Board welcomed new Board Member David Pill. Request to Demolish – 135 Lincoln St.: An overview of the property was provided by Code Enforcement Officer Andrew Gagnon. Mr. Gagnon shared that the property was condemned in 2022, is vacant, secured and is being maintained. He noted that the taxes are current. It was noted that since the owners are involved, it may require a court order to enforce the Order to Demolish if they do not take action on their own. A unanimous motion to approve the Order to Demolish for 135 Lincoln Street was made by Board Member Leppo and seconded by Board Member Gattasso. Request to Demolish – 89 Daniels Avenue: An overview of the property was provided by Code Enforcement Officer Andrew Gagnon. Mr. Gagnon shared that the property was condemned in 2022, is vacant, not secured and is not being maintained. It was noted that the structure has been marked by the Pittsfield Fire Department as unsafe for interior firefighting. Chairperson Elliott questioned if the property can be secured. Mr. Gagnon stated that he can contact the city’s building maintenance department to facilitate this. A unanimous motion to approve the Order to Demolish for 89 Daniels Avenue was made by Board Member Leppo and seconded by Board Member Gattasso with a stipulation by Chairperson Elliott that the structure be secured forthwith. Health Department Updates: Monthly Inspectional Services Report: Mr. Cambi reviewed the monthly inspectional services report and noted that he will be providing a map detailing where the majority of the housing inspections take place. Gambling: Director Cambi shared that the department social worker, Maria Arias, secured a stipend from the MDPH Office of Gambling Services which will be used for outreach to identify those who need further help and direct them toward resources. He noted that recovery could lead to housing and food security as well. New Board Member David Pill asked what the department’s social worker does. Andy Cambi explained that the social worker and community health worker do not do any clinical work, but rather they do a lot of outreach in the community, they provide support and empower our residents to seek help. He noted that these outreach efforts have been very impactful. Rest of River: Chairperson Elliott announced that a meeting will take place on March 27, 2024 at 6 p.m. at Herberg Middle School and will be open to the public. Mosquitos: Andy Cambi shared that the working group is not going as he had hoped. He noted that he would like to see someone other than himself spearhead and address the city council. He noted that he will be meeting with Chris Horton regarding early larvicide Tobacco Updates: Chairperson Elliott requested that Tri-Town come to present updates as to the efforts being made in tobacco enforcement. Chairperson Elliott announced that Director Andy Cambi has been chosen as a 40 Under 40 Award Recipient. It was noted that the next meeting will be April 3, 2024. A motion to adjourn was made by Board Member Leppo and seconded by Board Member Gattasso voted upon unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Stephanie Layden, Clerk Documents/Materials Distributed at Meeting - Meeting Minutes of February 7, 2024 - Order to Demolish – 135 Lincoln St. - Order to Demolish – 89 Daniels Ave. - Monthly Inspectional Services Report 2