Board of Health

Pittsfield Board of Health Tuesday, May 1, 2024 City Hall, Room 203, 6 p.m. Present: Chairperson Roberta Elliott; Board Members: Brad Gordon, 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 Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at City Hall, Room 203. Chairperson Elliott called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Public Comments: Shala Kerber of 21 Linden Street appeared and shared her concerns about smoking/smokers at the Public Housing Authority property on North Street. Ms. Kerber requested that the Board take action on the public health issue of secondhand smoke. 2024 Pittsfield Mosquito Control Plan Discussion: Chris Horton presented data on diseases found over the past three years, showing where the positive samples were found last year and over the past 10 years. Mr. Horton stated that traps are set in areas where they have a history of catching a high number of mosquitos and those that carry diseases. Mr. Horton shared that successful beaver activity contributes to higher number of mosquitos. Mr. Horton also shared mapped locations where nuisance mosquitos (those that do not carry disease) are found. He noted that the goal is to identify areas early so they can isolate the area to keep the mosquito population down. It was noted that a well-attended public meeting was held where presentations were given by Dr. Andrew Lover, an epidemiologist who specializes in vector-borne diseases and by Public Health Department Director Andy Cambi. Chairperson Elliott questioned whether catch basin cleaning and mitigation of beavers and trash would eliminate or decrease the use of adulticide. Chris Horton noted this would not be the case. He also shared the difference between backpack and truck spraying and noted that the product used is specific to mosquitos and does not kill most other insects. Director Cambi questioned whether an “opt-in” spraying option could be available. Board Member Gordon suggested that this does not seem practical. Mr. Horton noted he would be willing to help with conducting a survey. Mr. Cambi requested that the 2024 Mosquito Control Plan include an increase of new information for education. Mr. Cambi suggested that he and Mr. Horton could use media outlets to help promote education. He further suggested that a vote be delayed until the 2024 plan is presented with the requested new additions. Pool Permit Variance – Berkshire Hills Country Club: Andy Cambi shared that he was approached by Berkshire Hills Country Club with regard to the number of lifeguards required for their swimming pool. Mr. Cambi shared that pools that do not have a high usage do not have lifeguards, but also that the layout of the pool is something to take into consideration. Sheila Labarbera appeared on behalf of the Berkshire Hills Country Club and first shared that the pool will be closed for renovations during the 2024 season. Ms. Labarbera noted that they are trying to create a financially viable, long-term pool operation while maintaining the safest environment. Ms. Labarbera shared that the pool area capacity is 125 and that only 50 bathers are allowed in the pool at a time. She noted that they usually have two lifeguards on for the 25:1 ratio allowed per the state regulations, but there are also five to six “off- duty” guards that are on-the-clock to meet requirements of providing breaks. She further noted that weekend capacity reaches the limits. Ms. Labarbera requested that they be allowed to have a 40:1 ratio with the same pool area and bather capacities that are currently in place. She further stated that the club wishes to hire their own trained lifeguards which would realize a significant savings and provide more consistency in rules and enforcement. The Board agreed that they will review language of a proposed variance. MGL Chapter 114, Section 43M Discussion: Andy Cambi presented the Board with a request from Berkshire Health Systems asking the Board to sign off on allowing cremation of unclaimed decedents. Mr. Cambi noted that he consulted with City Solicitor Pagnotta and was advised that there is no reason not to sign off. The Board agreed they will provide the sign offs needed once a mandatory 30 period has lapsed. 30 Curtis Terrance, Apt. 1 - Correction Order Hearing Request: Ryan Griffin, Sanitarian for the Pittsfield Health Department appeared and provided the Board with an overview of the history of the property and the correction order. Eunice Drigo, property owner, appeared and began by stating that the occupants never made her aware of any of the complaints they had, and that if they had, she would have addressed them. With regard to the insufficient heat, Ms. Drigo noted that a new heating system was put in place in November 2023 which heats all of the apartments in the dwelling. She noted that no other occupants have complained about insufficient heat. She further noted that her heating bill has stayed consistent. Ms. Drigo shared that windows were to be replaced on April 2, 2024, but stated that the occupant called the police when the workmen requested to enter the unit to fix/replace the windows. She noted that the occupant called the Health Department on April 3, 2024. Ms. Drigo also noted that the occupant has been served with a Notice to Quit in August 2023 and again on March 24, 2024. She shared documentation that the occupant was ordered by the court to write down everything that needed to be fixed. Ms. Drigo noted that all of the items listed were corrected. Ms. Drigo noted that the occupant has not allowed access to address the issues in the correction order. Board Member Gordon suggested that documentation of the attempts at communication with the occupant to gain access would be helpful. The Board suggested that Ms. Drigo coordinate worker access along with the occupant and the Health Department. The matter has been continued to the June meeting. Health Department Updates: Monthly Inspectional Services Report: Mr. Cambi reviewed the monthly inspectional services report. May 4, Car Seat Event: Director Cambi shared that a well-attended car seat installation event took place on May 4, 2024, at the city garage on Hawthrone Avenue. Updates on Condemnation Orders: Andy Cambi noted that the Department of Community Development provided him with a document that provides information on resources available to property owners which will now be included in condemnation orders. Chairperson Elliott noted that City Councilor Ken Warren has inquired about phasing out tobacco sales. Andy Cambi noted that the environmental regulations need review and possible updates. 2 A motion to adjourn was made by Board Member Gordon and seconded by Board Member Pill was voted upon unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Stephanie Layden, Clerk Documents/Materials Distributed at Meeting - Meeting Minutes of March 12, 2024 - Pool Variance Request Documents - Hearing Request Documents – 30 Curtis Terrace, Apt. 1 - Monthly Inspectional Services Report 3