HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-24 Board of Health Minutes North Andover Board of Health
Meeting Minutes
Thursday—June 24, 2021
7:00 p.m.
120 Main Street,Board of Select Room
Live broadcast can be heard on www.northandovercam.org
Present: Joseph McCarthy,Dr.Patrick Scanlon,Max Tilson,Brian LaGrasse,Stephen Casey Jr,Caroline
Ibbitson and Toni K Wolfenden.
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IIl. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Meeting Minutes from May 13,2021 presented for signature. Motion made by Dr.Patrick Scanlon
for approval,seconded by Dr.Max Tilson,all in favor and the minutes approved.(3-0-0)
IV. NEW BUSINESS
A. MOTION made by Dr.Patrick Scanlon to nominate Joseph McCarthy as Chairman for the
Board of Health. Motion seconded by Dr.Max Tilson.All in favor,motion approved. (3-0-0)
B. MOTION made by Dr.Patrick Scanlon to nominate Michelle Davis as Clerk for the Board of
Health.Motion seconded by Dr.Max Tilson.All in favor,motion approved. (3-0-0)
V. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND DISCUSSION
A. COVID-19 Updates—
Brian LaGrasse—Covid19 has been winding down. The State of Emergency ended on June 15,2021. All
restrictions have been lifted. General guidance and recommendations can be found on the Massachusetts
website(Mass.gov). People who do not feel safe are encouraged to wear masks. Minimal testing is still
being conducted. 27,000 test were completed today,June 24,2021,with 68 positive cases across
Massachusetts. The positivity rate is 0.3%,which is very good. Over the past 1 'h year,Massachusetts has
seen 663,000 positive cases,which is 10%of the population of the state. 4.1 million people in
Massachusetts have now been fully vaccinated,which equals two-thirds of the entire state. The vaccine is
extremely effective. North Andover has zero cases. For the,age group of 75+,in the Town of North
Andover,95%have been vaccinated with one dose, 88%have two.Ages: 65+92%,50+84%,30-49 79%,
20-29 72%, 16-19 62%,and the middle school children ages 12-15 are at 65%vaccinated. For total
population,the Town of North Andover is at 68%for the first dose and 61%for the second dose. The
vaccination is readily available. North Andover has seen 3043 cases of COVID-19 out of a population of
32,000. The infection rate was about 10%. The mortality rate was 0.3%which is very low. The Board of
Health discuss the COVID-19 vaccine and herding.
2021 North Andover Board of Health Meeting Page 1 of 3
Board of Health Members:Joseph McCarthy,Chairman;Michelle Davis,RN,Clerk/Member;Daphnee Alva-LaFleur,Member;
Dr.Patrick Scanlon,DO,Town Physician/Member;Max Tilson MD,Member Health Department Staff:Brian LaGrasse,Health
Director;Stephen Casey Jr.,Health Inspector;Caroline Ibbitson,Public Health Nurse;Toni K.Wolfenden,Health Department
Assistant
Stephen Casey—Stephen's position as inspector has almost completely gone back to pre-COVID-19
workload. With today's housing market,septic system testing and inspections has been extremely busy.
Currently,there are 11 open permits. Some are new construction,most are for full repairs. The Friendly
Toast is coming to North Andover. They are currently working through the plan review phase. There has
been a great deal of temporary food permits,mobile food permits and inspections because,the Farmers
Market, Smolak Farms and Stevens Coolidge Place have resumed their event schedules. There have been a
few housing complaints that needed to be addressed. Pool inspections are almost completed. The
sunscreen dispensers are being placed at the parks and Stevens Pond with the help of DPW. Laura Vlasuk
has been very helpful assisting with the inspections.
Caroline Ibbitson—The public health nurse has been doing a small amount of contact tracing,but nothing
crazy. Caroline has been working on the vaccinating elderly people with the shingles vaccine, Shingrix.
There is a wait list. Various summer camps are in the process of being permitted. Both recreation and
residential camps can run this year. Steven's Pond is open. The Board of Health discuss missed cancer
diagnoses over the past 1 '/z year due to COVID-19.
B. Short and Long Term Priority Assessment
Joseph McCarthy—Joe explains that meetings will be concise,focusing on education,and information.
Guest will be invited to speak,such as representatives from Northeast Mosquito Control,primarily on
health and safety issues. The Board of Health Regulations will be reviewed,and,if necessary,eliminate or
updated. Please see packets for the list of regulations(Appendix A).Timelines will not be established
because there are a large number of regulations to be reviewed. Joe anticipates the department and board
will be very busy primarily due to lost time during COVID-19. Joe reviews the ten essential public health
services(Appendix B).
Brian LaGrasse- Brian discusses the short and long term priority assessment goals,tasks,
accomplishments and statistical highlights. The pandemic made the department reevaluate everything that
is done on a daily basis,with a focus on being effective. The department is very busy including statutory
requirements of inspections and permitting and enforcement. There will be some short term goals to
improve policies,creating new regulations,updating old regulations. Currently,the department is working
under the 2013 federal food code,which was adopted two years ago. Long term goals is were Brian would
like to focus his attention on. A Community Health Assessment will be done to analyze the needs of our
town. Experts and consultants will be called in to work on an overall assessment. This is done by local
hospitals every three years. Both,Lawrence General Hospital and Holy Family Hospital do not necessarily
fit the North Andover demographic. Throughout the pandemic,the department saw many shortcomings,
which were not known to be needed. Food insecurities was a serious problem as were health inequities,
mobility and transportation issues. The health needs assessment will gather the data and then come up with
an effective action plan to address the needs that are identified. North Andover has never done this;most
towns do not have the capacity and staff to complete the massive project. The City of Worcester completed
their assessment about five years ago. They received accreditation through the federal government. Now
is the time for North Andover to fmd out what the needs are and address them. Brian has reached out to
Health Resources in Action,which has done the Lawrence General Hospital assessment. Andover is also
interested. Brian will be looking into a regional grant for epidemiologists and contact tracers and would
look for possible grants for the needs assessment. Currently,the health department has three part time
employees being compensated through the Cares Act. They consist of an extra inspector and two extra
part-time nurses. Training for new board members is being investigated for dates and times. The
department would like to offer Servsafe certification sometime soon.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION made by Dr.Max Tilson to adjourn the meeting.Dr.Patrick Scanlon seconded the motion and
all in favor,motion approved.The meeting adjourned at 7:51 pm.
North Andover Board of Health
Meeting Minutes
Thursday—June 24, 2021
7:00 p.m.
120 Main Street,Board of Select Room
Live broadcast can be heard on www.northandovercam.org
Prepared by:
Toni K. Wolfenden, Health Dept.Assistant
Reviewed bv:
All Board of Health Members&Brian LaGrasse, Health Director
Signed bX:
lw4u#&7K— (I 1� 21
the a avis, Clerk of the oard Date Signed
Documents Used At Meeting:
Agenda
Appendix A Regulations and Goals
Appendix B Essential Public Health Services
MAHB Duties of Local Boards of Health In Massachusetts
2021 North Andover Board of Health Meeting Page 3 of 3
Board of Health Members:Joseph McCarthy,Chairman;Michelle Davis,RN,Clerk/Member;Daphnee Alva-LaFleur,Member;
Dr.Patrick Scanlon,DO,Town Physician/Member;Max Tilson MD,Member Health Department Staff:Brian LaGrasse,Health
Director;Stephen Casey Jr.,Health Inspector;Caroline Ibbitson,Public Health Nurse;Toni K.Wolfenden,Health Department
Assistant
North Andover Board of Health
Meeting Agenda
Thursday,June 24,2021
7:00 pm
120 Main Street,2°d Floor Selectmen's Meeting Room
North Andover,MA 01845
Live broadcast can be heard on www.northandoverma.gov
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
A. May 13,2021
III. NEW BUSINESS
A. Board of Health-Elections
B. Short and Long Term Priority Assessment
IV. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND DISCUSSIONS
A. COVIDI9-Updates
V. ADJOURNMENT
2021 North Andover Board of Health Meeting-Meeting Agenda Page 1 of 1
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: Joseph McCarthy,Chairman;Michelle Davis,RN,Clerk/Member;Daphnee Alva-LaFleur,Member;
Dr.Patrick Scanlon,D.O.Town Physician/Member;Dr.Max Tilson,MD,Member Health Deuartment Staff:Brian LaGrasse,
Health Director;Stephen Casey,Public Health Inspector;Caroline Ibbitson,RN,Public Health Nurse;Toni K.Wolfenden,
Health Department Assistant.
6/24/2021 Fwd:FY 22 Narrative and Goals-blagrasse@northandoverma.gov-Town of North Andover Mail
Body Art
Recreational Camps
Dumpsters
Infectious Disease
Food Storage, mobile, catering, temporary etc
Offal Haulers
Outdoor Wood boilers
Septic
Suntanning
Tobacco
Trash Haulers
Recombinant DNA
Wells
State Laws we are responsible for include:
Food
Housing
Septic
Animals-general
Beaver Control
Communicable Diseases, Tb, COVID, measles etc
Zoonotic Diseases, EEE WNV, Rabies, Animal bites
Barns
Nuisances(odor, rodents, noise)
Recreational Camps for Children
Trash/Offal
Medical Waste
Weights and Measures
All Public Health MGL's.
Skating Rinks
Sharps Disposal
Trench Permits
Funeral Homes
Beaches
Pools
Hotels/Motels
Federal law we enforce is the Federal Food Code as part of food protection program
And this is just off the top of my head. I'm sure there are some more
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HEALTH DEPARTMENT
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Health Department is to protect and promote public health, the environment
and wellbeing of the Town of North Andover residents,businesses and visitors.
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
The Department is hiring a new Health Inspector.
PRIOR YEAR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Completing the transition to all online permit applications.
• Continuing to improve the permitting process for food establishments and consolidated,
simplified and streamlined the applications and process from the plan review process
through the application and annual renewal process.
• Hosted low cost food safety trainings for licensed food establishments.
• Hosting food code trainings for all establishments as Massachusetts adopted the 2013
Federal Food Code from the 1999 food code.
• Expanded the vaccine program and offer pneumonia vaccine, increased flu vaccine
administration and will offer shingles vaccine.
• Continued to assess the opioid epidemic through conversations with the Board of Health,
other town departments and community and regional entities. Continuing collaboration
with other departments and the Community Support Coordinator.
• Increased awareness of the Sharps Recover Program by posting notice on the Town's
website,working with the Fire Department and issuing community press releases.
• Implemented, in conjunction with Youth & Recreation Services, a new Running Series for
preschool age kids through third graders in the spring and fall.
• Implemented additional public outreach and education campaigns such as a Board of
Health Guest Speaker series, host a lecture series at the Stevens Memorial Library, and had
Dr. Potee present on the adolescent brain and addiction at North Andover high school.
Increased the Department's social media presence with outreach and posts.
• The trash truck monitoring and enforcement program is increasing compliance and
permitting.
• Drafted and approved an addendum to the body art regulations to regulate on permit new
procedures and services being offered by body art practitioners
FY20 GOALS
• Implement a rental housing inspection program and rental occupancy permit to help protect
tenants and landlords.
• Review the need for drafting and adopting Animal Regulations.
• Continue opioid and substance abuse outreach and education.
• Continue the Board of Health guest speaker series.
• Review and update all of the content on the Health Departments website.
• Increase dumpster permits and ensure all dumpsters are permitted annually and inspected.
• Purchase and install dog stations around town common and determine other areas that may
also need them.
• Sponsor adolescent and adult Mental Health First Aid training for employees and residents
through various town departments.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Health Department is to protect and promote public health, the environment
and wellbeing of the Town of North Andover's residents,businesses and visitors.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2020
• The Health Department assisted all townspeople, businesses, employees, schools
including Merrimack College and Brooks with all aspects of COVIDI9
• Assisted with outdoor seating, indoor seating, pool guidance, enforcement and
interpreting guidance for all aspects of the COVIDI9 Regulations and Orders
• Implemented quarantine, isolation and contact tracing regulations for COVID 19
• Vaccinated 1st Responders and Seniors for COVIDI9
• Began updating Local Food Regulations, Septic System, and Animal Regulations
• Assisted with the opening of new restaurants
• Implemented the 1 st Drive thru Flu Clinic
• Aided in Food Delivery to those impacted by COVIDI9
SIGNIFICANT STATISTICS
Commercial Permitsl — 179
Professional Permits2—68
Food Est./Related Permits &Reviews3 —211
Septic (all related reviews/permits/inspections)— 131
Offal Haulers/Trash Haulers and Placards—301
1 —Animal (16), Body Art (3), Ice Rink (0), Rec Camps (4), Sun Tanning (1), Swimming Pools
(12), Tobacco (19), Well (1),Dumpster(123)
2—Body Art Est(4), Funeral(2), Septic Installer(38), Septic Inspector(25)
3 —Food (155), Temp (48), Food Plans (8)
4—Title 5 (69),Plan Reviews(9), Soils(13), Repairs(38), Trench(2)
5—Offal (78), Trash Hauler(49),Placards(174)
CURRENT STAFF AND/OR BOARD MEMBERS
• Brian LaGrasse—Health Director
• Stephen Casey,Jr.—Health Inspector
• Caroline Ibbitson,RN—Public Health Nurse
• Toni K. Wolfenden—Department Assistant
• Kelechi Obika—Health Inspector PT
• Judith Sullivan—Nurse PT
• Melissa Bene—Nurse PT
• Dr. Patrick Scanlon D.O., - Town Physician
• Joseph McCarthy—Chair
• Michelle Davis, RN—Clerk
• Daphnee Alva-LaFleur—member
• Dr. Max Tilson, M.D - member
10 Essential Public Health
Services
• Monitor health status of community
• Investigate and diagnose health problems and health
hazards within the community
• Inform., educate, and empower residents about health
issues
• Mobilize community partnerships to solve health
problerr►s
• Develop policies that support individual and community
health efforts
10 Essential Services ,
Continued . . .
• Enforce laws and regulations that protect health
and ensure safety
• Link people to needed personal health services
and assure the provision of health care when
otherwise unavailable
• Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality
of health services
• Research for new insights and innovative
solutions to health problems
10 Essential Health Services
Essential Service # 1 : Monitor health
status of Community
• Does the BOH assure that a community
assessment is done at least once every (3-5)
years?
• Does the BOH assure resources, services and
activities are directed toward specific health
priorities?
• Does the BOH assure strategic plans address
priorities identified through community
assessments and activities are targeted toward
key groups?
Essential Service #2.
Investigate and diagnose health
problems and health hazards within
the community
Essential #3*o Inform, educate,ate, and
e1npower residents about health issues
• Does the BOH represent key constituents in the
community, or assure that there are mechanisms to gain
input directly for key constituent groups?
• Does the BOH facilitate relationships and collaborative
agreements with community stakeholders?
• Does the BOH assure resources and personnel are in place
for community mobilization?
• Does the BOH participate in face-to-face meetings with
members of the community to identify, prioritize and plan
for community health?
• Does the BOH maintain an ongoing relationship and
communication with the News Media?
Essential Bernice #4.0
Mobilize Community Partnerships
to Solve Health Problems
Essential # 6: Enforce laws and re s.
that protect health and ensure sa et
• Does the BOH assure that policies and rules are
developed in ways that address and protect the
needs and interests of special populations?
• Does the BOH assure groups and individuals
affected by rules and regulations are informed and
trained in how to meet the established
requirements?
• Does the BOH assure resources are in place to
produce accurate and timely reports?
• Does the BOH assure that the health agency
regularly monitors and enforces quality standards?
• Does the BOH routinely review rules and
regulations to assure that they are current and
being administered appropriately?
Essential # 7: Link people to needed personal
health services and assure the provision Of
health cage when otherwise unavailable
• Does the BOH assure community involvement
in defining roles for the public health agency?
• Does the BOH assure that the public health agency
participates in outreach activities?
• Does the BOH participate in outreach by meeting
with other boards, political bodies, and key
community groups?
• Does the BOH endorse and support the public health
agency's partnerships with other community groups
and organizations?
Essential Service # 8
• Does the BOH assure that all employees within the
public health agency meet necessary professional
standards?
• Does the BOH annually evaluate the performance of
the local health director (officer)?
• Does the BOH annually review and evaluate its owls
performance?
• Does the BOH assure that all members of the BOH
are adequately trained and prepared to serve on the
BOW
• Does the BOH assure that resources are available for
training and education of BOH members?
Essential # 9.* Evaluate effectiveness,
accessibility, and qualitjl of health services
• Does the BOH regularly evaluate the performance and
services provided by the local public health agency?
• Does the BOH regularly evaluate the health agency's
impact on the health status of the population that it
serves?
• Does the BOH regularly evaluate how customer
satisfaction with the public health agency?
• Does the BOH assure that the public health agency
participates with other health organizations in
evaluating the health of the community`.'
Essential #10: Research for new insigrhts and
innovative solutions to health problems
• Does the BOH assure that resources are available
for research and innovation in public health?
• Does the BOH regularly review research on the
health of the community?
• Does the BOH integrate research findings and
related information into its policies and plans?
• Does the BOH support and facilitate linkages
between the public health agency and institutions
of higher education and research?
I
Assisting Ma=6LLserts Boards of Hcdrh
Through Training,Technical Advia and Representauor
DUTIES OF LOCAL BOARDS OF HEALTH IN MASSACHUSETTS
The following is not intended as legal advice but as a quick and convenient summary. To
avoid errors,please check the original source regulation or law before using these citations
in an official document. For more detailed information,refer to the MAHB Legal
Handbook,or the Guidebook for Massachusetts Boards of Health
Local boards of health in Massachusetts are required by state statutes and regulations to perform many
important and crucial duties relative to the protection of public health, the control of disease, the
promotion of sanitary living conditions, and the protection of the environment from damage and
pollution. These requirements reflect the legislature's understanding that many critical health problems
are best handled by the involvement of local community officials familiar with local conditions.
The following is a list of duties and responsibilities of local boards of health in Massachusetts. Each item
includes a citation to the statute or regulation which imposes the duty or responsibility. The items have
been grouped under general subject categories.
Following this listing of Required Duties is a list of Additional Powers of local boards of health which
extend the local board's authority over the broad range of health,sanitation and environmental problems.
A. Records,Recordkeeping and Reports:
1. In cities, submit an annual report to the city council concerning the board's activities
during the preceding year and concerning the sanitary condition of the city. M.G.L.
c.111,s.28.
2. Maintain numerous records and retain them for required minimum retention periods. (A
list of approximately three dozen categories of board of health records and their retention
periods,will be found in the Guidebook for Massachusetts Boards of Health published by
the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards.
3. Process numerous types of reports of cases of diseases. These reports are detailed in
Food Borne Illness Investigation and Control Reference Manual, and MAHB Guide
book.
4. Process of death certificates. M.G.L.c.46,s.11.
B. Health Care and Disease Control:
1. Upon request, telephone to a gas and electric utility company and certify in writing
within seven(7)days of said telephone call that there is a serious illness in a residence
such that no gas or electric company shall shut off or fail to restore gas or electric service
f
in any residence during such time as there is a serious illness. M.G.L.c.164, s.124A; 220 r
CMR 25.03(2).
2. Receive reports of cases of disease dangerous to public health. Keep records of these
reports and also forward copies of these reports to the local school committee, and to
other local boards in whose jurisdiction the patient resides, or may have contracted the
disease, or may have exposed others. M.G.L. c.l l 1, s.l 11. See 105 CMR 300.100 for
list of diseases required to be reported.
3. Report cases of dangerous diseases to the Department of Public Health within twenty-
four hours. M.G.L.c.111,s.112. See 105 CMR 300.100 for a list of diseases required to
be reported.
4. Consult with the Department of Public Health regarding the prevention of dangerous
diseases. M.G.L.c.l 11,s.7.
5. Send to the Department of Public Health weekly reports of deaths due to dangerous
diseases. M.G.L.c.l 11 s.29.
6. Receive notices of school children sent home because of dangerous disease. M.G.L.
c.71,s.55A. See the School Health Manual.
7. Report to the Department of Public Health cases of a certain contagious disease occurring
at diary farms. See 105 CMR 310.100-110 for list of such diseases required to be
reported..
8. Receive reports of any inflammation, swelling, redness or unnatural discharge from the
eyes of an infant less than two weeks old,and take immediate action to prevent blindness.
M.G.L.c.111,s.110.
9. Receive reports of persons afflicted with cerebral palsy, and submit an annual report of
these cases to the Department of Public Health. M.G.L.c.111,s.111 A.
10. Provide anti-rabic vaccine and treatment. M.G.L.c.140,s.145A, 105 CMR 335.
11. Supervise or cant'out the disinfection of dwellings which have housed a person who has
suffered from or died of a disease dangerous to the public health. M.G.L.c.l 11,s.109.
12. Receive reports of food poisoning and send these reports to the State Department of
Public Health, 105'CMR 300.000.
13. Receive notices from inspectors of the Division of Occupationl Safety regarding violations of
health laws or nuisances in industrial establishments, investigate these reports, and enforce
appropriate laws. M.G.L.c.149,s.136.
C. Housing and Dwellings:
1. Enforce Chapter II of the State Sanitary Code: Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human
Habitation, M.G.L. c.111, ss.127A and 127B: 105 CMR 410.000. enforcement of
Chapter II includes inspecting dwellings(upon request or upon the board's initiative)for
compliance with the minimum standards, certifying violations, issuing orders, holding
hearings,granting variances and instituting court proceedings if necessary to enforce such
orders.
2. Enforce the State Lead Poisoning Prevention regulations. M.G.L.c.111,s.198; 105 CMR
460.000. Enforcement of these regulations includes inspecting dwellings (upon request
or upon the board's initiative)for lead paint,issuing orders for removal of lead paint,and
instituting court proceedings to enforce such orders if necessary.
3. Review and approve or disapprove preliminary and definitive plans for the subdivision of
land. M.G.L.c.41,ss.81S-81V.
4. Inspect and certify public lodging houses for waterclosets, urinals, ventilation and
cleaning. M.G.L.c.140,s.36..
D. Hazardous Wastes:
1. Assign the site for a hazardous waste disposal facility as follows(M.G.L.c.l 11,s.15013):
a. Notify the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) of the receipt of an
application to assign a site.
b. Assess significance and degree of danger to public health and consider and
evaluate any evidence submitted.
C. Give public notice and hold a public hearing.
d. Every decision of the board in assigning or refusing to assign a site must be in
writing and include a statement of reasons and facts relied on.
2. Chairperson of board serves on the local assessment committee, established whenever a
developer seeks to construct and operate a hazardous waste facility within the city or
town. Committee has certain duties including negotiating with the developer, entering a
contract,and adopting necessary rules and procedures. M.G.L.c.21D,s.5.
3. Notify the mayor and city council or board of selectmen of the following(M.G.L.c.21C,
s.4):
a. Pending applications for licenses for the collection, storage, treatment, or
disposal of hazardous waste,upon notification from DEP.
b. Information supplied annually.by DEP identifying types and quantities of
hazardous waste generated,stored,treated or disposed of within the city or town.
E. Solid Waste:
1. Assign sites of sanitary landfills, refuse incinerators, waste storage or treatment plants,
and refuse transfer stations, after a public hearing. Ensure that these do not present a
danger to public health. M.G.L.c.111,s.150A. .
2. Consider and act on applications for permits for the disposal of special wastes. 310 CMR
19.16.
3. Consider and act on applications for special permits for salvaging or recycling materials
from sanitary landfill sites or refuse transfer stations. 310 CMR 19.18; 18.15(1).
4. Periodically inspect sanitary landfill sites, and provide written notice of deficiencies.310
CMR 19.25.
5. Periodically examine and evaluate refuse transfer stations. 310 CMR 18.00.
6. Inspect and verify satisfactory completion of all corrective work to sanitary landfill
projects. 310 CMR 19.26(3).
7. Handle requests for variances of regulations governing sanitary landfills and refuse
transfer stations (forward these to DEP); keep notices of the grants of these variances
310 CMR 19.32; 18.27.
8. Keep on file an emergency plan governing emergencies occurring at a refuse transfer
station. 310 CMR 18.21.
F. Septage and Garbage
1. Enforce Title V of the State Environmental Code; Minimum Requirements for the
Subsurface disposal Sewage,310.CMR 15.00.
2. Make rules and regulations for the removal,transportation and disposal of garbage, offal
and other offensive substances. M.G.L.c.111,s.3113.
3. Issue permits for the removal or transportation of garbage, offal or offensive substances
when such refuse has been collected in the city or town. Keep registry of all transporters
of refuse through the city or town,and enforce local rules and regulations regarding such
transport. M.G.L.c.111,s.31A.
G. Nuisances:
1. Investigate nuisances which in the board's opinion may be injurious to health. The board
shall destroy, prevent or remove such nuisances, and shall make regulations relative to
nuisances.M.G.L.c.111,s.122.
2. License noisome trades M.G.L.c.l 11,s.151.
3. Assign location for slaughterhouses or other noxious or offensive trade. M.G.L. c.l 11,
s.143.
H. Food:
1. Issue permits for all food service establishments, including restaurants and food service
facilities in stores, recreational camps for children, family style campgrounds,
institutions, hotels, motels, schools, retail food store, mobile food units and pushcarts,
etc., 105 CMR 590.052.
2. Enforce Chapter X of the State Sanitary Code: Minimum Sanitation Standards for Food
Establishments, 105 CMR 590.000. Enforcement includes conducting inspections,
issuing orders,suspending or revoking permits where necessary.
3. Issue permits for plants which break and can eggs. M.G.L.c.94,s.89.
4. License milk pasteurization plants. M.G.L.c.94,s.48A.
5. City health departments shall have milk inspectors. Town boards may appoint milk
inspector.
Inspectors must inspect and license milk producers and dealers. M.G.L. c.94, s.33 and
s.40.
6. Issue permits for plants that bottle carbonated non-alcoholic beverages. M.G.L. c.94,s.I OA;
inspect such plants, and revoke permits where plants are found to be unsanitary or
otherwise in violation of public health rules and regulations,M.G.L. 94 s.IOC; 105 CMR
570 et. Seq. Send to the Department of Public Health copies of all licenses,applications
and half the license fees, 105 CMR 570.002. Notify each owner prior to the expiration
date of each permit and close plants that fail to renew such permits, 105 CMR 570.002.
M.G.L.c.94,s.10C.
7. Register and inspect bakeries and enforce State Bakery Regulations. M.G.L.c.94,s.94F; 105
CMR 550.000; 105 CMR 551.000. Furnish DPH with monthly reports of inspections,
105 CMR 550.001.
8. License plants that manufacture frozen desserts,M.G.L.c.94,s.65H; 105 CMR 561.000.
9. Inspect cold storage and refrigerated warehouses,M.G.L.c.94,s.67.
10. Enforce M.G.L. c.130, s.81 which prohibits importation of shellfish which have not been
certified by a United States or foreign shellfish regulating agency.
11. Enforce statutes and regulations relative to the adulteration and misbranding of food. M.G.L.
c.94,ss.186-195.
I. Pools and Beaches:
1. Enforcement Chapter V of the State Sanitary Code: Minimum Standards for Swimming
Pools, 105 CMR 435.000. Enforcement includes issuing annual permits, conducting
examinations,issuing orders,holding hearings,granting variances,taking water samples.
2. Enforce Chapter VII of the State Sanitary Code: Minimum Standards for Bathing
Beaches, 105 CMR 445.000. Enforcement includes issuing annual licenses, approving
plans for new or altered beaches, issuing orders, holding hearings, granting variances,
receiving reports of accidents,taking water samples. 11
3. Prohibit swimming in water that fails to meet proscribed standards for bathing, 105 CMR
445.10(-3).
4. Review plans for new or altered bathing beaches, 105 CMR 445.16.
J. Camps,Motels and Mobile Home Parks:
1. Inspect all recreational camps for children and family style campgrounds,motels,mobile
home parks and cabins; and annually issue licenses for these facilities, M.G.L. c.140,
ss.32B and 32C. Send copies of family style campground permits to the Department of
Environmental Protection. 1
2. Enforce Chapter VI of the State Sanitary Code: Minimum Standards for Developed
Family type Campgrounds, 105 CMR 440.000. Enforcement includes conducting
examination;issuing orders;issuing,suspending and revoking licenses;holding hearings;
granting variances.
3. Enforce Chapter IV of the State Sanitary Code: Sanitar�j Standards for Recreational
Camps for Children, 105 CMR 430.000. Enforcement includes inspection,issuing orders
and licenses,conducting hearings,granting variances.
K. Miscellaneous: I
1. Pesticides
a) Local boards may make reasonable health regulations regarding pesticides
provided such regulations are not inconsistent with jthe Massachusetts Pesticide
Control Act, M.G.L. c.132B or state regulations, 333 CMR 2.00. Wendell v.
Attorney General,476 NE 2"d 585,394 Mass 518(1985). For example,a city or
town may want to give its board of health an opportunity to determine whether
the proposed application of pesticides in particular locations would be consistent
with the products labeling or other restrictions imposed by the Department,
Wendell v.Attorney General,supra,394 Mass at 528.
I
b) Receive public notice of the application of herbides from applicants that intend to
maintain a right of way by the application of herbides. 333 CMR 11.07.
2. Nominate animal inspectors,M.G.L.c.129,s.15.
3. License massage parlors,M.G.L.c.140,s.51.
4. Issue burial permits,M.G.L.c.14,s.45.
5. License and if necessary revoke licenses for funeral directors. Transmit to the board of
registration in embalming names and addresses of all licensees,M.G.L.c.114,s.49.
6. Approve location of cemeteries,M.G.L.c.114.s.34.
7. Retain charge of any case arising under M.G_L. c.II I in which the board has acted.
M.G.L.c.111,s.32.
8. Enforce all local health regulations promulgated pursuant to M.G.L.c.I 11,s.31.
J. Smoking
1. Receive written complaints regarding the willful failure or refusal to comply with the
Indoor Clean Air Act regarding restaurants, supermarkets or retail food outlets. M.G.L.
c.270 s.22.
2. Inspect the area described in the complaint and enforce no-smoking laws. M.G.L. c.270
s.22.
3. Provide written response to complainant within 15 days and send copies of the complaint
and response to DPH. M.G.L.c.270 s.22.
ADDITIONAL POWERS AND AUTHORITY OF LOCAL
BOARDS OF BEALTH IN MASSACHUSETTS
Local boards of health in Massachusetts have historically played a crucial role in the protection of public
health, promotion of sanitary living conditions and protection of the environment. In recognition of the
importance of local leadership and action in these areas, the legislature has enacted over the years
numerous statutes which authorize and thereby encourage local boards to be responsible for dealing with
the broad range of health,sanitation and environmental problems at the local community level.
The following is a list of statutes which grant additional powers and authority to local boards of health.
Each time includes a citation to the appropriate statute. The items have been grouped under general
subject categories which parallel, where possible, the categories in the prior lists of required local
activities.
A. General Health Protection and Regulation:
1. Adopt and enforce any reasonable health regulations. M.G.L.c.I 11,s.31.
2. Issue an order reciting the existence of an emergency and requiring that such action be
taken as the board deems necessary to meet the emergency. State Sanitary Code,Chapter
1, 105 CMR 400.200(B), pursuant to M.G.L. c.111, s.127A; and State Environmental
Code,Title I,310 CMR 11.05(1).
B. Health Care and Disease Control:
1. Direct the operation of and adopt rules for city and town medical dental and health
clinics,M.G.L.c.111,s.50 and hospitals,M.G.L.c.I 11,s.92.
2. Require vaccination of inhabitants of the city or town. M.G.L.c.111,s.181.
3. Order the fluoridation of public water supplies. (This order may be overturned by a
referendum vote.) M.G.L.c.111,s.8C.
4. Appoint school physicians. M.G.L.c.71,s.53.
5. In cities, and in towns with a population greater than ten thousand, establish public
sanitary stations. M.G.L.c.111,s.33.
6. Isolation and quarantine of individuals and property relative to communicable disease
Chapter I I I sections 92-121A
C. Housing and Dwellings:
1. Condemn a dwelling which is unfit for human habitation, order the occupants to vacate,
order the owner to clean the dwelling or tear it down(or the board may itself clean or tear
down). M.G.L.c.I 11,s.127B.
D. Nuisances:
1. Condemn all nuisances;clean or tear down a nuisance. M.G.L.c.I 11,s.128.
E. Food:
1. Inspect and condemn all unfit meat, fish vegetables, produce, fruit or provisions of any
kind. M.G.L..c.94,s.146; 105 CMR 590.059.
2. Adopt and enforce regulations relative to the keeping and exposure of food for sale.
M.G.L.c.94,2.146.
3. Adopt and enforce regulations for bakeries and close bakeries found unfit for the
production of handling of food or dangerous to the health of its employees. M.G.L.c.94
s.9D-9M, 105 CMR 550.14.
4. In towns, appoint milk inspectors. (City boards of health are required to appoint milk
inspectors.) M.G.L.c.94,s.33.
5. Adopt bacterial standards for milk which are stricter than the standards adopted by the
Department of Public Health M.G.L.c.94,s.13E.
6. Upon determination that drinking water in a dwelling or food service establishment is
unsafe, order discontinuance of use or order provisions of a new source. M.G.L. c.I 11,
s.122A.
F. Miscellaneous:
1. Adopt and enforce regulations to control air pollution. M.G.L.c.l 11,s.31C.
INSPECTION TRUETABLE FOR BOARDS OF HEALTH
The following list describes the majority of inspections Boards of Health are required to perform. It is not
intended to be a comprehensive formal listing of all inspection requirements.
1) Food Establishments 105 CMR 590.000,State Sanitary Code Chapter X
-Inspect food establishments every six months.
2) Bathing Beaches 105 CMR 445.000,State Sanitary Code Chapter VII
-Inspect accredited bathing beaches twice during operating season.
-Take water samples twice monthly from accredited bathing`beaches during
bathing season.
-Periodically inspect no accredited beaches to determine compliance with physical and
bacteriological water quality standards.
3) Swimming Pools 105 CMR 435.000,State Sanitary Code Chapter V
-Inspect periodically and before issuing annual permit.
-Take samples of swimming,wading or special purpose pool water for
bacteriological analysis
prior to its opening.
4) Family Type Campgrounds 105 CMR 440.000,State Sanitary Code Chapter VI
-Inspect periodically with the exception of those operated by the Commonwealth.
-Renew license annually if inspection reveals compliance with the provisions of
the code.
5) Recreational Camps for Children 105 CUR 430.000,State Sanitary Code Chapter IV
-Inspect yearly and issue license annually if found to be in compliance with
requirements of the code. Other town inspectors also must approve for license.
Board of Health may also inspect at any time if there is reason to believe that a
violation or violations of this chapter exist or upon request or complaint for any
reason.
6) Subsurface Disposal of Sanitary Sewage 105 CMR 15.00,
State Environmental Code Title 5,
-Inspect the installation of all sewage disposal systems.
-Witness percolation tests, deep observation holes, and perform site examinations for
each system.
7) Housing(Human Habitation) 105 CMR 410.000,State Sanitary Code Chapter II
—Inspect a dwelling or dwelling unit upon receipt of a written,oral or telephone
request. Refer to code for specific timetable requirements.
8) Cabins,Motels and Mobile Home Parks M.G.L.Chapter 140,Section 32B,32C
-Inspect periodically and renew licenses annually,of inspection reveals i
compliance with applicable regulations.
9) Disposal of Solid Waste by Landfill 310 CMR 19.00,State Environmental Code
-Periodically examine and evaluate sanitary landfills.
STATE REGULATIONS COMMONLY USED BY LOCAL BOARDS OF HEALTH
MASS.DEPT.OF PUBLIC HEALTH: THE STATE SANITARY CODE
105 CMR 300.00 Reportable Diseases and Isolation and Quarantine Requirements
105 CMR 400.000 General Administrative Procedures
105 CMR 410.000 Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation
105 CMR 430.000 Minimum Sanitation and Safety Standards for Recreational Camps for Children
105 CMR 435.000 Minimum Standards for Swimming Pools
*(310 CMR 12.00)
105 CMR 440.000 Minimum Standards for Developed Family type Camp Grounds
*(310 CMR 14.00)
105 CMR 445.000 Minimum Standard for Bathing Beaches
*(310 CMR 17.00
105 CMR 460.000 Regulations for Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control
105 CMR 590.000 Minimum Sanitation Standards For Food Establishments
*Regulations which were previously available under asterisked D.E.P.CMR numbers. (State Legislature
transferred to MDPH FY87)
310 CMR 15.00Title 5 Minimum Requirements for Subsurface Disposal of Sanitary Sewage
310 CMR 19.00Disposal of Solid Waste by Sanitary Landfill
PRICE LIST
105 CMR 400.000 through 419.000(in one publication) $ plus postage
105 CMR 420.000 through 499.000(in one publication) $ plus postage
105 CMR 590.000 through 595.000 $ plus postage
310 CMR 11.00 through 17.00 $ plus postage
310 CMR 18.00 through 21.00 $ plus postage
NOTE: Any single regulation may be purchased separately.
ABOVE ARE AVAILABLE FROM: Secretary of State Bookstore at these locations:
State House State House West
First Floor,Room 116 436 Dwight Street
Boston,MA 02133 Springfield,MA 01103
1-617-727-2834 1-413-784-1376 check number
THIS IS A GUIDE ONLY...
Update:Mar.2003
Charlie Kaniecki,M-D.P.H. District Health Officer
MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL LAWS FREQUENTLY USED BY LOCAL HEALTH OFFICIALS
The following are cited in the Manual of Laws Relating to Public Health-
Chapter Section Description
old Page
40 347 54 Restrictions on Issuance of building Permits
Availability of Water Supply
41 367 23 Rescission of vote by selectmen;election of other officers,
tenure,etc.
41 389 81U Subdivision Control Act: Board of health authority
79A 13 Enforcement of state sanitary code;displacement of persons; 507
moving expenses;state financial assistance;reports
111 881 31 Health regulations;publication;violation
111 122 Regulations relative to nuisances;examinations 947
111 949 125A Review of order adjudging the operation of a farm to be a
nuisance
111 951 127B Dwellings unfit for human habitation;order to vacate or to
abate nuisance;removal of occupants;demolition expense,
lien;inspection reports,code violations;notices,enforcement
proceedings,jurisdiction;appeal
111 963 131 Compulsory examination of premises;complaint;warrant
111 141 Application to county commissioners from refusal or neglect 966
of board to abate nuisance;hearing notice
111 188 Disposition of fines and forfeitures
993n
129 14B Feeding garbage to swine;definitions;permit;application;
1315
revocation;processing of garbage;inspection of premises;
entry;record
140 51 Massage;baths 1422
148 25B Buildings used for human habitation;use of space heaters
1481
188 14 Wrongful acts of lessor or landlord of buildings or premises 1563
occupied for dwelling or residential purposes;criminal
penalties;civil remedies;jurisdiction;sections applicable
to acts of reprisal,waiver in leases or rental agreements
prohibited.
218 26 District Courts—Criminal Jurisdiction(General Provisions)
1576