HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-11-20 Board of Health Minutes North Andover Board of Health
Meeting Minutes
Thursday_..November 20, 201.7
7:00 p.m.
120 Main Street,2nd Floor Selectmen's Meeting Room
North Andover, MA 01845
Present; Thomas Trowbridge,Frank MacMillan Jr.,Larry Fixler,Joseph McCarthy,Michelle
Davis,Brian LaGrasse,Toni K.Wolfenden
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:06 pm.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. PUBLIC HEARINGS
IV, APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Meeting minutes from October 26,2017 were presented for signature.
Motion was made by Joseph McCarthy to approve the minutes,the motion was seconded by
Thomas Trowbridge,the vote was 3-1 with Michelle Davis abstaining,the minutes were
approved. Frank MacMillan Jr. was not present for vote.
V. OLD BUSINESS
The Health Department has put together a packet of information to help citizens with backyard
chickens and other animals that require an animal permit. This letter gives information on the
permit application, free testing of chickens for salmonella pullorum or avian influenza and zoning
requirements. All permitted animals are inspected annually by the Town Veterinarian, Dr. R.
David Lindsay of Alternative Veterinary Services.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
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VII. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND DISCUSSION
The Board of Health welcomes new member Michelle Davis. Michelle has lived in North
Andover for almost 10 years. She has worked in health care for a total of 20 years,the past I I
years at Lowell General Hospital as Vice President of Administration that includes oversight of
the Community Health Department.
The Members of the Board of Health received a new emergency call list. In the event of an
emergency,Brian LaGrasse will be notified first,with the Public Health Inspector, Michele Grant
2017 North Andover Board of Health Meeting Page 1 of 3
Board of Health.Members;Larry Ff xler,C;hairman;,loseph McCarthy,Member/Clerk;Francis P.MacMillan,Jr.,M.D.
Member/Town Physician;Thomas Trowbridge,DDS,MD,Member;Michelle Davis,RN,Member Health Department Staff:
Brian LaGrasse,Health Director,Caroline Ibbitson,Public Health Nurse;Michele Grant,Public Health Inspector;Toni K. 1
Wolfenden,Health Department Assistant
being second. The Members of the Board will be informed of any event by Brian LaGrasse,
Director of Public Health.
Jeff Thompson from TBI, 120 Holt Road, came before the board to introduce himself, Jeff is one
of the owners of the waste management facility. With the retirement of his brother,Bill,Jeff is
the new contact person. Jeff explained that TBI has a drop off area for townspeople to recycle air
conditioners,televisions,refrigerators, batteries and bulbs. There are 3 ways to drop off;
commercial,town and personal recycling. TBI hosts a hazardous waste day twice per year to
help rid homes of harmful paints and solvents safety. The board is interested in touring the
facility.
Brian LaGrasse gave the monthly report for the director Of public health and discussed various
meetings,trainings, and inspections. He also reviewed building permit applications, septic plan
reviews,title 5 reports and well water plans & odor mitigation plans for 1.600 Osgood Street, He
dealt with various administration duties, consisting of the inspection of Royal Crest, abandoned
property, general customer service, animal control and medical waste control. His
correspondence consisted of approval letters, and responses to resident emails. Brian also
handled power outage issues due to the wind storm. The power outages caused a spike in
restaurant inspections due to food spoilage, Michele Grant and Megan Baldwin performed many
food establishment inspections to ensure food safety. Greater Lawrence Sanitation District was
also affected by the loss of power. With no emergency backup generators, sewage was dumped
into the Merrimack River. The Department of Health has no jurisdiction over this facility. No
one was harmed from the spillage.
Larry Fixler gave a presentation on aspirin. Larry gathered his information from MedicineNet,
WebMD and U.S Pharmacist. Aspirin is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
Aspirin will reduce blood clotting, fever and pain. It is very potent, and has many side effects.
Before one starts taking aspirin, contact your primary care physician. The ideal dosage of
aspirin is to maximize benefits while minimizing side effects. In the event of a cardiac issue, call
911 and let them direct patient care.
Michelle Davis attended Massachusetts Association of Health Board meeting. The meeting
consisted of morning and afternoon sessions. The morning was based on orientation of new
board members. In the afternoon she attended a seminar given by Andy Robinson,who is the
Prevention Program Manager of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of
Substance Addiction Services. Mr. Robinson's discussion highlighted the Board of Health's role
in prevention related to the opioid crisis. This department shares resources with the community.
The statewide helpline, (800-327-5050) will be expanding its hours. The website is
A)y 1ph/bsas. The BSAS is partnering with local communities with prevention and
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education. The BSAS encourages the use of evidence based programs for children and national
models with true proven results. Teaching the elementary school-age child life skills and smart
decision making can keep them from substance abuse.
Michelle also attended a seminar on marijuana. Cheryl Sbarra, Director of Policy and Law, gave
a presentation on medical and adult use of cannabis law and updates to the Tobacco Bill HB,
2864, an act that protects youth from tobacco and nicotine addiction. If passed,this law would
prohibit the sale of alcohol,marijuana and cannabis to under 21 years. The tobacco companies
have been court ordered to begin major outlet advertisement campaigns on the dangers of
smoking and nicotine products. Delayed use for minors can help prevent Substance abuse. Frank
MacMillan obtained a slide show from the surgeon general report for 2016 which he would
present to the board in regards to prevention and treatment. Edibles and recreational (retail)
marijuana will be considered food and will be under review of the health department. Michelle
will share the legislative updates with Brian. Brian explained that the town of North Andover has
obtained a grant from the MA attorney general's office for$25, 000 to purchase the Botvin life
skills prograin. The program teaches middle school students to deal with peer pressure and stress
with the use of coping skills. After these topics are addressed it moves toward the prevention of
I
North Andover Board of Health
Meeting Minutes
Thursday —November 20, 2017.
7:00 p.m.
1.20 Main Street 2"d Floor Selectmen's Meeting Room
North Andover, MA 01845
substance abuse. Merrimack College has of'f'ered additional support with staff, faculty and
students to continue the program's success.
The speaker series and the 2018 meeting schedule will be confirmed on at the next meeting,
December 1.4, 2017. Unfortunately, Michelle Davis is unable to attend due to a previous
engagement.
V111. CORRESPONDENCE/NEWSLETTERS
lx. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION made by Frank MacMillan to adjourn the meeting. Joseph McCarthy seconded the
motion and all were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45pin.
Prepared by:
I oni K. Wolfenden, Health Dept. Assistant
Reviewedby:
All Board of Health Members &Brian LaGrasse, Health Director
Signed by:
Jc sepl .McCarthy, Clerk:o,f e Board Date Signed J
i
2017 North Andover Board of Health Meeting Page 3 of 3
Board of Health,Members:Larry Fixler,Chairman;Joseph McCarthy,Member/Clerk;Francis P.MacMillan,fir.,M.D.
Meniber/Town Physician;`Ilromas'l'rowbridge,DDS,MD,Member;Michelle Davis,R.N,Member Health Department Staff:
Brian L.aGrasse,Health Director,Caroline;Ibbitson,Public:Health Nurse-,Michele Grant,Public,Health Inspector;Toni K.
Wolfenden,Health Department Assistant