HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-02-27 Board of Health Minutes I
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North Andover Board of Health
Meeting Minutes
Thursday—February 27, 2014
7:00 p.m.
120R Main Street, Senior Center Activity Room 2
North Andover, MA 01845
Present: Thomas Trowbridge,Larry Fixler,Edwin Pease,Joseph McCarthy,Susan Sawyer,Lisa Blackburn
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 pm.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. PUBLIC HEARINGS
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Meeting minutes from January 23,2014 were presented for signature.
Motion was made by Mr.Fixler to approve the minutes,the motion was seconded by Mr.McCarthy,
all were in favor and the minutes were approved.
V. OLD BUSINESS
VI. NEW BUSINESS
--------- --- A.-Proposed-revisions-taAhe own-of-North dov€rZoard--afRealth-Regulations-Affecting—Smoking-------
in Certain Places and Youth Access to Tobacco.Dr.Trowbridge explained how a subcommittee was
formed last year with Dr.MacMillan and Ron Beauregard from Tobacco Control.However,before
beginning discussion,Dr.Trowbridge publically thanked CVS for discontinuing sales of cigarettes in their
stores and hopes that other store chains will follow.Mr.Beauregard approached the podium to review the
proposed North Andover Tobacco Control and Youth Access regulations and the comparison to the
existing regulations.Dr.Trowbridge brought up the subject of electronic cigarettes.Mr.Beauregard
provided information on the subject.He stated that there are no regulations presently on electronic
cigarettes and their purchase or use .Mr.Beauregard stated that it is up to each town's BOH to write the
regulations that are best for their towns.Mr.McCarthy questioned some of proposed draft changes and
stated that he considered some of the draft regulations to be intrusive to business owners. Mr.Fixler stated
that he also questioned some of the proposed regulations.Dr. Trowbridge stated that it is a draft copy and
changes can be made.Mr.Beauregard stated that the proposed regulations are suggestions and feels the
vision is to ultimately reduce the use of tobacco in the future,with special emphasis on limiting underage
access. One of the proposed regulations is to end coupon redemptions that allow a customer to purchase
tobacco products for free or for prices below minimum pricing laws.A discussion then turned to the cost of
cigarettes and the minimum pricing law by the state of MA. The minimum pricing laws for each brand
don't stay the same,which is difficult for retailers and the inspector. Since Dr.MacMillan wasn't present at
the meeting and was involved in the proposed regulations,Mr.Fixler suggested that the discussion of the
proposed regulations should be continued.Mr.Fixler did however question the proposed regulations for the
February 27,2014 North Andover Board of Health Meeting Page 1 of 3
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
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requirement of many signs. He felt that there were too many.Dr.Trowbridge brought up the point that it's
important for people to see many signs regarding quitting smoking before it can register in their minds and
follow through with action. The reminders of the many signs could be a good thing. Mrs. Sawyer requested
that Mr.Beauregard bring a few of the signs with him the next time he came to the BOH meeting.Dr.
Trowbridge questioned if there should be a public hearing next month regarding the proposed regulations
and asked Mr.Beauregard to explain the process for the public hearing. Mr.Beauregard suggested what
could be done before the public hearing is held,once it's held and what the process could be.Mr.Pease
suggested that the BOH members spend more time on the suggested regulations before bringing it to a
public hearing.Dr. Trowbridge suggested that the board members send Mrs. Sawyer any matters with
specific section and clause one week before March 27"'.These will be posted under old business on the
agenda one week before the March 27°i meeting. This meeting will be a regular BOH meeting and the
Board will consider any edits of the submitted items. The public meeting will be held possibly in April.
VII. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND DISCUSSION
A. Discussion by Northeast Mosquito Control on upcoming mosquito season.
Present from NE MA Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District were Bill Mehaffey,District
Supervisor,Esteban Cuebas-Incle and Robyn Januszewski. Mr.Mehaffey approached the podium and
reviewed the five control actions that were done last year, including Adulticiding,Barrier Sprays,Catch
Basins,Fresh Water Larviciding and Hand Ditch Maintenance(refer to handout in packet).The same will
be done again this year,provided it is requested by the Board.Dr. Cuebas-Incle approached the podium and
a discussion ensued regarding the EEE virus,West Nile virus and mosquito patterns from year to year.Mr.
McCarthy questioned if there are any programs to spray for ticks to prevent Lyme Disease.Mr.Mehaffey
stated that NE Mosquito Control does not do any tick control presently.A discussion ensued regarding
mosquito spraying,its effectiveness and opting out of spraying. In order to opt out of spraying,requests
need to be sent to Town Clerk by March I". About 30 or 40 residents opted out of spraying last year in
North Andover.Ms.Januszweski approached the podium and discussed the no spray requests and how they
are handled.Mrs. Sawyer stated that the Health Dept.receives many parent calls regarding drive-by
spraying of the schools and that parents would like notification of spraying in case children are on the
fields.Mrs.Mehaffey stated everyone is trained on spraying and they spray around the schools and fields
when there is no activity.Barrier spraying of school fields and parks was discussed. Schools will be
updating their IPM(Integrated Pest Management)plans.Dr.Trowbridge asked how a truck barrier spray
works.Mr.Mehaffey discussed the process.Ms. Januszweski stated that the updated BMP(Best
- --Marmgernent-Plarr�will-bc emaited-tothe-�WDepartrnent Dr.Trowbridge statedthat-requests-for - -
spraying went well last year and thanked NE Mosquito Control for their efforts.
B. Mrs. Sawyer presented information on the upcoming two-day certified food safety manager course
(ServSafe). The Health Dept. is very excited to be able to offer this course at an extremely discounted
rate of$50.00. The state requires certified food handlers on site where food is being served.The more
people who can be certified in food safety,the greater the protection. Since employees come and go,it
can become costly for employers to educate new hires. This is a great inexpensive opportunity for
restaurants and non-profit organizations.The course is run by Bridget Sweet,President of Public
Protection Specialists,who currently handles our food inspections. The two-night course will be held
at 1600 Osgood St. on Thursday,March 13`"and 20"'from 6-10 pm. Attendance is required for both
nights,and the certification is good for five years. There is a link on the town's website with the course
information or interested individuals can call the Health Dept.with any questions.
C. Mr.Fixler will make his presentation on food poisoning at next month's BOH meeting.He inquired if
hair nets were required for anyone serving food.Mrs. Sawyer stated that proper head coverings are
required for food handlers in the Federal Food Code.Mr.Fixler stated he felt non-compliance was high
in this area and requested that Inspectors address the issue.Ms. Sawyer stated that she would make
hats/hairnets the food safety focus for 2014.
VIII. CORRESPONDENCE/NEWSLETTERS
February 27,2014 North Andover Board of Health Meeting Page 2 of 3
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
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North Andover Board of Health
Meeting Minutes
11ursday —February 27, 2014
7:00 p.m.
120R Main Street, Senior Center Activity Room 2
North Andover, MA 01845
IX. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION made by Mr.McCarthy to adjourn the meeting.Mr.Fixler seconded the motion and all were in
favor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:19 pm.
Prepared by:
Lisa Blackburn,Health Dept.Assistant
Reviewed bv:
All Board of Health Members&Susan Sawyer, Health Director
Signed bX:
f-le-
Lar'y Ilxhr' C,1'erk of 7e Board Date Signed
February 27,2014 North Andover Board of Health Meeting Page 3 of 3
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