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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-28 Board of Health Minutes North Andover Board of Health Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 2S, 201 7:00 pm. North Andover Senior Center, 120 R Main Street North Andover, MA 01845 Present: Thomas Trowbridge,Larry Fixler,Joseph McCarthy,Frank MacMillan,Susan Sawyer and Lisa Blackburn. (Edwin Pease was not in attendance). 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:01 pm. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. PUBLIC HEARINGS IV, APPROVAL OF MINUTES Meeting minutes from February 28,2013 were presented for signature. MOTION was made by Mr. Fixler. The motion was seconded by Mr.McCarthy all were in favor and the minutes were approved. V. OLD BUSINESS VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Edgewood Retirement Community,Inc. —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 N.Andover Board of Health. Bob Coppola,the new Director of Facilities at Edgewood,approached the podium to request the variance. Dr. MacMillan asked Susan Sawyer if the variance comes up every year. Mrs. Sawyer stated that Edgewood had BOH variance with no renewal requirement;however,since it had been a while and there is a new Facilities Director, she felt that now would be a good time for them to reconfirm their obligations.Mrs. Sawyer stated that she spoke to Michele Grant,Health Inspector,and she stated that there have been no problems regarding the running of the pool with the variance. The pool is a year round indoor pool.Edgewood has recently had their yearly pool/Jacuzzi inspection and Edgewood is in compliance.Dr. Trowbridge stated local regulations require lifeguards and asked Mr. Coppola to explain what Edgewood is asking for.Mr. Coppola reviewed conditions from the last variance in 2006. He read from his letter dated 3/15/13. Dr.Trowbridge stated that the purpose of having a lifeguard present would be to get someone in trouble in the water to a safe area and be able to perform CPR. Dr. Trowbridge expressed concerns about what the procedure would be if a person had an emergency situation and how would the person get out of the water?Mr. Coppola stated that the pool is a four feet deep indoor lap pool.A buddy system is in place as one of the conditions. One person in each buddy group will carry a Simplex call- 2013 North Andover Board of Health Meeting-Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 2 Note: The Board of Health reserves the right to take items out of order and to discuss and/or vote on items that are not listed on the agenda. 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:Susan Sawyer,Health Director; Debra Rillahan,Public Health Nurse;Michele Grant,Public Health Inspector;Lisa Blackburn,Health Department Assistant chain which is activated by a button the pendent. If activated,the signal is sent directly to the Health Center on the second floor and an outside emergency response team will respond immediately. There is also an emergency pull cord on the wall.Dr. Trowbridge stated that lifeguards are trained on how to get to a person in trouble.He asked what would happen if the buddy gets into trouble?Is there a hook, pole,donut or a means to get the person from the middle of the pool to safety area so both people aren't in a bad situation?Mr. Coppola stated that there is a donut and extension pole that could be utilized. Mrs. Sawyer read from the code and stated that Edgewood is complying with the safety equipment list. Mr. Coppola stated in response to various members questions, stating that all the nurses along with the staff zumba instructor are certified and trained in CPR. A staff person is only present from 6:30 am to 9:00 am Monday through Friday. For the remainder of the day there are no staff persons present. There are approximately 300 residents and the most there is in the pool at any time is eight to ten.All residents must sign in at the front desk and work with a buddy system. In answer to the question whether one of the buddies would be out of the pool for safety reasons,Mr. Coppola stated that both the person and buddy can be in the pool at the same time,but one of them will have the Simplex call- chain with them. Dr. MacMillan asked Mrs. Sawyer how the variance to the lifeguard had originally come before the Board of Health. Mrs. Sawyer stated that she recalls the Board members at that time of the previous approval,did not have any serious concerns with granting the variance to this facility,because of the number of medical personnel available for quick response. She recalled that the members were concerned whether grandchildren of the residents may be at risk,hence Edgewood rules do not allow for children to use the pool facility. Mr. Fixler asked if there were any video cameras in the pool area. Mr. Coppola stated there were not however it is something that could be considered. Edgewood is highly staffed and there is emergency coverage 24/7 and someone would always be available to respond in case of an emergency. MOTION: Dr. MacMillan motioned that the variance be approved for a length of three years. Mr.McCarthy seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion was passed. VII. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND DISCUSSION A discussion ensued regarding the upcoming mosquito season and the licensing of mobile food.The status of Stevens Pond and the past algae issue was discussed.Permits for pools and recreation camps will be emailed out on Monday 4/1/13. A reminder of the springtime health issues was given to residents in regards to ticks and mosquitoes and the illnesses related to them. VIII. CORRESPONDENCE/NEWSLETTERS IX. ADJOURNMENT MOTION made by Dr.MacMillan to adjourn the meeting.Mr.Fixler seconded the motion and all were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 7:42 pm. Prepared b Lisa Blackburn, Health Dept, Assistant Reviewed by: All Board of Health Members&Susan Sawyer, Health Director Signed by' ' 2 Larry Fix le , CI r of the Bo r'd Date Signed 2013 North Andover Board of Health Meeting—Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 2 Note: The Board of Health reserves the right to take items out of order and to discuss and/or vote on items that are not listed on the agenda. 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:Susan Sawyer,Health Director; Debra Rillahan,Public Health Nurse;Michele Grant,Public Health Inspector;Lisa Blackburn,Health Department Assistant