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Home My WebLink About2014-10-23 Board of Health Minutes i i North Andover Board of Health Meeting Minutes Thursday _October 23, 201 7:00 pan. 120 Main Street, 2"d Floor Selectmen's Meeting Room North Andover, MA 01845 Present: Larry Fixler,Frank MacMillan,Edwin Pease,Joseph McCarthy,Susan Sawyer,Debra Rillahan, Lisa Blackburn I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:07 pm by acting Chairman Larry Fixler. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. PUBLIC HEARINGS IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Meeting minutes from July 24,2014 and September 29,2014 were not presented at this meeting and will be signed at a later Board meeting. V. OLD BUSINESS VI. NEW BUSINESS A. 98 Lyman Road—Board of Health Notice for Consideration of a Finding of Unfitness for Human Habitation,State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 400.000 and 105 CMR 410.000. Robert Dufresne spoke on Mrs.Mallory's behalf. She is the owner of the property and was not present at the meeting.He is a VFW member and friend of the late Mr.Mallory,husband of Mrs.Mallory, who was a member of the VFW for over thirty years. Mr.Dufresne and members of the VFW have been assisting Mrs.Mallory and overseeing her care and well as her needs over the last couple months. Mr.Dufi•esne discussed the problems that need to be addressed with the home.The main priority would be the fixing the heating system that is in disrepair and plumbing issues that affect the showers (toilets and sinks are in working condition).Mr.Dufresne requested a thirty day time period to complete the work that needs to be clone in order to get Mrs.Mallory out of assisted living and back hi to her home.Deb Rillahan,public health nurse,discussed the circumstances of Mrs.Mallory's situation.Ms.Rillahan's concern isn't just the disrepair of the home but the extreme financial issues Mrs.Mallory has i.e.taxes owed to town and a reverse mortgage.Mr.Dufresne stated he was not aware of her financial situation.Mrs. Sawyer discussed where the Health Department stands on the issue.Mrs. Sawyer stated that one of the concerns is the use of alternative heating sources being used such as space heaters and the stove.The other occupants in the home have the ability to safely leave the home in an emergency;however,the concern is for the elder,Mrs.Mallory. The Health Department does not want Mrs.Mallory to return to the home until it is deemed safe. 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 A discussion ensued regarding the financial issues.Nancy Murphy,Mrs.Mallory's sister,thought that her sister was taking out a loan to help take care of the repairs and back taxes.Mrs. Sawyer stated that the financial issues would need to be resolved within the family or perhaps seek a legal advisor that could consult with the family. Mr.Dufresne stated that he is aware of the heathig issues;however,he has not had anyone come into the house to look at the problem.He again requested the thirty days to get the heating and plumbing issues fixed. He stated that they should also know the status of the loan within the thirty days that Mrs. Mallory requested.Members of the VFW, other volunteers and Mr.Dufresne will be doing the cleaning of the home.Mr.Fixler commended the efforts of Mr.Dufresne and members of the VFW in trying to help Mrs.Mallory.Mr.Dufresne stated that Mr.Mallory was a great member of the VFW and they all want to give back. He would like to begin work within the next three business days.Mrs. Sawyer asked Mr.Dufresne to submit a plan to the Health Department within the next three business days to see what steps will be taken to fix the issues.Mrs. Sawyer expressed her concern about not putting any of the volunteers that are helping at risk.The conditions at the home that are health risks may need remediation by a cleaning company.Nix.Dufresne surmised that they may need someone like ServPro to come in.They will also be providing a dumpster for the cleaning out of premises as there is a lot of clutter. A discussion ensued regarding the physical condition of the home.The housing issues and health problems have been an ongoing issue at least since 2008.The Board needs to decide if the home is in violation of the sanitation code. If the Board fords the home unfit for human habitation,then the finding would allow Mrs.Malloy to remain in assisted living or other safe housing and prevent her from returning back to the home until it is safe for her to return. If the home could be brought up to code,the Board could always remove the finding. MOTION made by Mr.Pease to find the home at 98 Lyman Road unfit for human habitation with some conditions that a report is received by the end of Tuesday,October 28,2014 for an action plan and the Board will revisit the finding at the next BOH meeting in November to see if the plan has been followed though.Mr.McCarthy seconded the motion.All were in favor and the motion was passed. B. 712 and 724 Sharpners Pond Road-Mitchell E.Weisman,Esquire,representing owners of 712 and 724 Sharpners Pond Road,requesting a variance resulting from a violation of 310 CMR 15.211(1)(5). A letter was sent to the Health Department by Attorney Weisman to postpone the request for the variance to the next BOH meeting in November. VII. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND DISCUSSION A. The Health Dept will be holding another ServSafe course November 6t"and 13"',2014 from 6pm- lOpm. Cost is$50.00. The Rotary is also running a CPR course October 28,2014 from 6:30pm- 8:30pm at Brightview Senior Living for$25.00.Please contact Sue Sawyer at the Health Department for information. B. The town is working together to he sure that there are protocols in place regarding the current Ebola situation.Trainmgs are ongoing for first responders,police and fire.Mrs. Sawyer explained the recent responsibility of the Health Department regarding the issue.There will be an informational link on the Health Departments website.Mr.Fixler gave helpful tips on staying healthy. C. Flu Clinics—Ms.Rillahan reviewed the recent flu clinics that the Health Department held. Approximately 1200 flu shots have already been given.The Health Department is not giving the high does flu shots but the Quadrivalent.Flu mist was given out at the family clinic however,there is no more available.It is recommended that everyone receives a flu shot and encourages residents to call the Health Department if a flu shot is needed. D. Mrs. Sawyer stated that the Tobacco Regulation copy will be ready to sign on November 20,2014. Notices were recently sent out certified mail to retailers with tobacco permits showing the pending changes.A final copy of the regulation will be available to the public after November 20,2014. So far there has been no negative feedback from retailers. North Andover Board of Health Meeting Minutes 'luirsday—October 23,2014 7:00 pan. 120 Main Street, 2"d Floor Selectmen's Meeting Room North Andover,MA 01845 VIII. CORRESPONDENCE/NEWSLETTERS IX. ADJOURNMENT MOTION made by Mr.McCarthy to adjourn the meeting. Mr.Pease seconded the motion and all were in favor.The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 pm. Prepared by Lisa Blackburn, Health Dept.Assistant Reviewed bi All Board of Health Members d Susan Smger-, Health Director Signed bv: Larry F' er Clerk of the oard Date Signed 2014 North Andover Board of Health Meeting Page 3 of 3 Board of Health Members: Thomas Trowbridge,DDS,MD,Chairman;Larry Haler,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