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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-01-27 Board of Health Minutes North Andover Board of Health Meeting Minutes "Thursday, January 27, 2011 7:00 p.m. 120 Rear Main Street, Senior Center,Activity Room#2 North Andover, MA 01845 I. CALL TO ORDER II. PUBLIC HEARINGS III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. December 16,2010 Minutes to be presented for signature The minutes were signed and approved unanimously. IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Pre-Occupancy Rental Housing Service —Additional information to be discussed about the program, and assessment of an appropriate fee. Ms. Sawyer will provide a general overview of the implementation plan for this program. Ms. Sawyer provided an update on her recent housing inspection training. Some towns provide certificates or basic inspections which take approximately 15 minutes. Ms. Sawyer does not want the inspections to be arduous,but to comply with a basic sanitary code inspection. To complete the inspections thoroughly,the cost of the certificate should reflect the quality of the inspection. Sanitary code inspections of an empty apartment would be the norm, as the inspections would be completed upon tenant turnovers. According to her research, a fee of$25.00 would be reasonable for a basic inspection up to $50 for an inspection which would encompass the sanitary code. Mr. Fixler asked if implementing this program will bring rental housing in North Andover to at least the minimum standards of code. Ms. Sawyer explained that she would like to have the landlords complete a self inspection check off form and submit their fee. There would be no violations for an empty apartment. However, if someone rents the apartment,and it is not up to code,the apartment would then be in violation. Ms. Sawyer stated that every landlord must take on the personal responsibility of becoming familiar with the minimum standards of the housing habitation code. This new,proactive program would begin as purely voluntary and with only empty apartments. Mr.Pease asked if the Health Department must respond to every call or complaint for rental housing. Yes. Ms. Sawyer stated that there is currently 15-20% of rental housing available in North Andover. As one example,the Royal Crest Apartment complex has about 48 buildings with three floors each. Ms. Sawyer stated that an empty apartment for a one(1)bedroom would take about .5 hour(s)to conduct. Appropriate fee increases would have to be reviewed as appropriate for more extensive inspections. Mr. Pease stated that the Health Department should publicize this new program well. Ms. Sawyer mentioned the regular health column that the Board of Health can utilize to generate and produce an article explaining the basics of the program, as well as the website and word of mouth. January 27,2011 . North Andover Board of Health Meeting—Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 3 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;Pamela DelleChiaie,Health Department Assistant Motion: Dr.MacMillan made a motion to implement a$50.00 housing inspection fee. Mr.Pease seconded the motion. All were in favor. B. 1004 Salem Street—Update to be provided regarding the status of the options and resulting decision to address any needed issues regarding the septic system—a request to continue this item until the this meeting date for the Board of Health meeting. Ms. Sawyer provided an update to the Board of Health. The actual agreement is being worked on through Al Manzi and the Department of Public Works(DPW). Therefore,no further action is required. V. NEW BUSINESS VI. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND DISCUSSION A. Allergen Training— Ms.Grant spoke about the new requirements for food establishments to be trained in food allergens. At least one person per establishment must be trained in the procedures,which includes posting signs to request the public to notify their food server of any food allergies they may have. Ms.Grant noted that she watched a three-part video today about Allergen Awareness. She also mentioned that food establishments are becoming much more aware of and accommodating customers who may have physical ailments such as Celiac Disease,which is caused by food allergies. Anyone can visit the Department of Public Health(DPH)website to watch the video. Ms. Grant stated that it is interesting to note that heat does not"denature"all allergens. Ms.Grant stated that Burger King actually now uses a fiyolator which is only used for French fries to avoid possible cross-contamination with food allergens,and chicken nuggets are now baked. Disneyworld has a lot of food available that is safe for people who have food allergies. Physical reactions to ingredients such as gluten can cause damage to kidneys. Mr.Fixler mentioned that many grocery stores now have gluten free aisles within the last five years or so. Ms. Sawyer is hoping that food allergen trainings provide food establishments with basic information so they are informed. Ms. Grant feels that restaurants should be informed and liable to the public. Dr.MacMillan stated that anyone who has a peanut allergy should always carry their own epi-pen. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease. If one is eating out,it is at their own risk. Food establishments cannot be responsible for individual physical ailments,but they can be aware and try to be accommodating. Mr.Fixler suggested calling a restaurant in advance and speaking with the manager about preparing a meal the an individual's particular needs in mind. It was agreed by all that this was a proactive approach to taking personal responsibility for one's disease,and allowing a food establishment time to accommodate their patrons. January 27,2011 North Andover Board of Health Meeting—Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3 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;Pamela DelleChiaie,Health Department Assistant VII. CORRESPONDENCE/NEWSLETTERS i VIII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. BOHMeetingMinutes Reviewed bv: All Board of Health Members and Susan Sawyer, Health Director Signed by: February 24, 2011 Ls Z t Larry Fix r, Cler of the Bo rd Date Signed January 27,2011 North Andover Board of Health Meeting—Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3 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;Pamela DelleChiaie,Health Department Assistant