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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-05-24 Board of Health Minutes North Andover Board of Health Meeting Minutes Tuesday — May 24, 016 7:01) Imn. Superintendent's Meeting Room 566 Main Street North Andover, MA 01845 Present: Thomas Trowbridge,Frank MacMillan Jr.,Larry Fixler,Edwin Pease,Joseph McCarthy,Brian LaGrasse, Lisa Hadge 1, CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm. U. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Ill, PUBLIC HEARINGS IV, APPROVAL OF MINUTES Meeting minutes from March 22,2016 and April 26,2016 were presented for signature. Motion was made by Mr. Fixler to approve the minutes from March 22,2016.Motion was seconded by Dr. MacMillan. All were in favor and the minutes were approved. Motion was made by Mr. Fixler to approve the minutes from April 26,2016.Motion was seconded by Mr. Pease. Motion was passed unanimously, with Dr.MacMillan abstaining. V. OLD BUSINESS Vi. NEW BUSINESS A. Brookside Homeowners—applying for the continuance of a variance to not have a lifeguard on duty when the semi-public swimming pool is open,as required by Massachusetts Regulation 105 CMR 435.23 and the North Andover Board of Health. Jeff Roberts,retired Brookside Board member, Patty Heenan,President of the Board at Brookside, and Kevin Bourque,current Brookside Board member,were present,Mr. Roberts presented Brookside's rules and regulations for using the pool, He stated that all residents need to follow the rules and regulations of the pool. Children under the age of sixteen are not allowed in the pool area without adult supervision.Residents are allowed up to four guests total at a time.The residents need to supervise the guests. Mr.Roberts stated that on average,there are usually less than twelve people using the pool at one time.Mr. Roberts stated that Brookside's procedures are that the person supervising at pool side will take whatever life-saving steps are necessary if an incident should occur.Mr. Robert's presented a report that was done over the last three years to show improvements.They have recruited a volunteer staff that is certified in CPR training available on site,a supervisor at the pool as well as an emergency phone located at the pool. Mr. Robert's reviewed Brookside's emergency procedures plan. 2016 North Andover Board of Health Meeting Page I of 4 Board of Health Members: Thomas Trowbridge,DDS,MD,Chairman;Larry Fixler,Member/Clerk;Francis P.MacMillan,Jr., M.D.;Joseph McCarthy,Member; Edwin Pease,Member Health Department Staff:Brian LaGrasse,Health Director,Debra Rillahan,Public Health Nurse;Michele Grant,Public Health Inspector;Lisa Hadge,Health Department Assistant This includes rescue tools at the poolside,calling on-site CPR trained residents,and an on-site phone to call 911. Brookside has also contracted again this year with Lenny Annalorro as their CPO. This will be Mr. Annalorro's third year with Brookside.Mr.Annalorro regulates and inspects the pool and performs all the chemical testing. Mr. Roberts stated that Mr. Annalorro also has himself and four other Brookside Board members who can back up Mr.Annalorro if needed. Mr. Roberts stated that there have been many improvements including installing a new pool, deck,filter and pump system. They have updated signage,performed repairs to the emergency shut off system,updated lighting fixtures,repaired and re- paired the wooden cabana as well as other improvements. Mr.Fixler asked why Brookside has not considered hiring a lifeguard. Mr.Roberts stated that it would be a costly financial burden since they are only a 27 member condo association.Mr. Fixler shared a personal experience of witnessing a child that needed rescue at a pool party even though there were many adults present.Mr. Fixler stated that it is hard for him to consider not having a lifeguard on duty that is certified in CPR.Mr.Roberts stated that parties are no longer allowed at the pool. Mr. McCarthy didn't see a reason to not approve the extension of the variance. Dr. MacMillan asked if Brookside has all the required signage that is stated in the regulations. Mr. Robert's stated that they did. Dr. MacMillan stated he was impressed with all the safety improvements that have been made and would approve the request. Dr. Trowbridge stated that Brookside's request for the variance is to substitute another process in place of a lifeguard. If Brookside has shown a substitute process that is reasonable,the BOH can fairly allow the variance.Dr.Trowbridge asked how Brookside would intervene in a similar way as a lifeguard would if there was an emergency on site.A discussion ensued regarding Brookside's emergency plan. Dr,Trowbridge would like to see a prominently posted signage listing the emergency procedures. Dr. MacMillan suggested more CPR training throughout the community.Dr.Trowbridge stated that even if the BOH approved the variance, any financial and legal responsibility remains with the Brookside board. MOTION made by Dr. MacMillan to approve the variance request for another three years. Brookside is to come back before the Board in three years to inform the Board of progress.Motion seconded by Mr.McCarthy.Dr. Trowbridge, Dr.MacMillan,Mr.McCarthy and Mr. Pease voted in favor to approve the motion,Mr.Fixler was opposed to the motion. The variance request was approved by a majority vote of 4-1 in favor. B. Edgewood Retirement Community—applying for the continuance of a variance to not have a lifeguard on duty when the semi-public swimming pool is open,as required by Massachusetts Regulation 105 CMR 435.23 and the North Andover Board of Health. Bob Coppola,Director of Facilities,reviewed Edgewood's pool procedures. Edgewood has multiple procedures in place. There is an emergency call button system in the pool area as well as a pendant that residents must carry with them when in the pool area.The pendant automatically dials the nursing office as well as Patriot ambulance.Residents are only allowed in the pool area 7:30 am-7:30 pm. They are required to have two persons at the pool at all times and must sign out a key from the reception desk. Edgewood is highly staffed with emergency coverage 2417. Security staff monitors and patrols the pool area three times on each shift.All staff members are CPR certified. If the emergency call system is activated,there are three people who would respond at all times; security officer,nurse, and residence service people. Children are not allowed in the pool area under the age of sixteen.There is also a strict limit on the number of guests allowed in the pool. The pool is a three lane Olympic size pool.Mr.Coppola was not sure of the bathing load capacity. There are typically seven residents that utilize the pool per day. The most that have been in the pool is thirteen,during an exercise class. Although there are only two pendants available,there is a phone available at the pool along with lifesaving equipment and proper signage. MOTION made by Mr. McCarthy to approve the variance continuation request to not have a lifeguard on duty for another three years. Motion seconded by Mr. Fixler,All were in favor and motion was approved. VII. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND DISCUSSION A. Dr. Frank MacMillan,Jr.---Re-elected Vice-Speaker of the House of Delegates of Massachusetts Medical Society.Dr.MacMillan is starting his 2,d year as the vice-speaker. Dr.MacMillan discussed the duties of the vice-speaker and stated he is proud to be re-elected. The Board members congratulated Dr.MacMillan on his re-election.Mr. McCarthy asked about the Massachusetts Medical Society's stand on the recently enacted opioid regulation changes.A discussion ensued regarding the Massachusetts Medical Society's stand on the opioid issue. The Massachusetts Medical Society is advocating not only for its members but also the citizens of the Commonwealth to make sure people l North Andover Board of Health Meeting Minutes ,ruesday— May 24, 2016 f 7:00 pan. Superintendent's Meeting]Room 566 Main Street North Andover,MA 01845 who need opioids have access to it but to see that it's not overused.A discussion ensued regarding the length of time to prescribe opioid usage.Mr.McCarthy asked about the Massachusetts Medical Society's stand on the medical marijuana issue.A discussion ensued regarding the topic of medical marijuana and Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome(Cannabinoid Hyperemesis.Syndrome). B. Board ]elections—Mr. LaGrasse and Dr.Trowbridge attended the Board of Selectmen's meeting. Town Manager suggested that all Boards rotate their officer positions. It makes sense in terms of succession planning, sharing the responsibility,and encouraging learning leadership.Dr. Trowbridge offered to be the Chairman for this year,but the Board needs to be prepared to rotate the position at the next election.There are two officer positions; 1 Chairman and 1 Cleric.Dr.Trowbridge opened the floor for nominations.Mr. Pease nominated Dr.Trowbridge as Chairman and Mr. Fixler as Clerk. Dr. Trowbridge closed the nominations.The nominations were accepted and no vote was necessary. Mr. LaGrasse suggested electing the officers in May or June to start the new terms on July I"of the new fiscal year.A discussion ensued regarding appointments and rotating the positions. Mr.LaGrasse stated that some communities appoint their staff members as agents of the Board. It would be beneficial to the Board to appoint Mr.LaGrasse as an agent of the Board for policy and statutory enforcement. MOTION made by Dr. MacMillan to appoint Mr.LaGrasse as an agent of the Board of Health for the upcoming year.Mr.Fixler seconded the motion.All were in favor and the motion was approved. i Planning Discussion—Dr.Trowbridge has had conversation with Eric Kfoury,Director of Economic and Community Development,and Brian.Lagrasse recently about the role of the Board and its interests and goals.Although necessary,management of regulatory issues by the Health Department on a regular basis detracts from health and human services.Board members brainstormed different ideas/topics that could provide education,awareness and support to the citizens of North Andover. Some of the ideas included public education sessions on opioid usage.Mr.LaGrasse serves on a regional opioid non-profit task force while Mr. Pease serves on the local task force. Mr.Pease and Mr. LaGrasse discussed what each task force does. Mr. LaGrasse stated that the task force focuses on education awareness and support. Other ideas included writing more newspaper articles on health issues.Dr.MacMillan currently writes for the Valley Patriot regarding health issues&concerns.Dr. MacMillan brought up the topic of Mindfulness Training,coping without chemicals.He explained Mindfulness Training and the idea of possibly incorporating a similar program into the Health curriculum in the schools in North Andover. CPR training for middle school students, ServSafe training for restaurants at a discounted price, increasing vaccine coverage for the public and emergency planning were some of the other topics discussed.Mr.LaGrasse has talked with the Dean of Health Sciences at Merrimack College and has met with the Coordinator of Experimental Learning.They 2016 North Andover Board of Health Meeting Page 3 of 4 i Board of Health Members: Thomas Trowbridge,DDS,MD,Chairman;Larry Fixler,Member/Clerk;Francis P.MacMillan,Jr., M.D.,Joseph McCarthy,Member; Edwin Pease,Member Health Department Staff:Brian LaGrasse,Health Director,Debra. Rillaban,Public Health Nurse;Michele Grant,Public Health Inspector;Lisa Hadge,Health Department Assistant 1 I 1 I have an intern planned to work with the Health Department who is studying public health and education,Dr.Trowbridge Suggested having another conversation at the next BOH meeting to further brainstorm and prioritize issues. C. 45 Elm Street—Mr, LaGrasse presented a draft letter to follow up on the order letter for 45 Elm Street.The owners made their argument to the Board at the March 22,2016 meeting. Mr. LaGrasse has been trying to set up a meeting to work with the homeowner to comply with the original order letter. The homeowner backed out of the meeting. The order letter needs to be closed out,and the housing code allows a thirty day deadline to comply. An extension can be given if needed or if progress is being made.Mr. LaGrasse would like to visit the property himself to see the violations listed on the order letter. If the Board approves of the draft letter, it will be sent out tomorrow. Dr. Trowbridge stated that the draft letter is clear and straight forward. Dr. Trowbridge asked if the home owner could withdraw the request to rent. Mr. LaGrasse stated that since these violations have been documented by the Health Department, all violations need to be corrected and the original order letter needs to be complied with.The Housing Code calls for minimum standards of human habitation and does not differentiate between tenants, owners,condos, single family homes,etc. All agreed that the letter is appropriate at this time, VIII. CORRESPONDENCE/NEWSLETTERS IX. ADJOURNMENT MOTION made by Mr. McCarthy to adjourn the meeting.Dr.MacMillan seconded the motion and all were in favor,The meeting was adjourned at 8:46 pin. Pared bE: Lisa Hadge, Health Dept. Assistant Reviewed b All Board qfHealth Members&Brian LaGrasse, Health Director Signed bj: Larry r, Cle oft lie Y . uL o o 0 d Date Signed