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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-02-27 Board of Health Minutes I I 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 i I 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 i 1 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