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2021-07-22 Board of Health Minutes
North Andover Board of Health Meeting Minutes Thursday—July 22,2021 7:00 p.m. North Andover Town Hall 120 Main Street,Board of Select Room North Andover,MA 01845 Live broadcast can be heard on www.northandovercam.org Present: Joseph McCarthy,Michelle Davis,Daphne Alva-LaFleur,Dr.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 III. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND DISCUSSION A. Kimberly Foss,Entomologist-Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District presentation. See Appendix A. B. Brian LaGrasse—COVIDI9 update. The Town of North Andover currently has 10-11 cases. COVIDI9 is starting to creep back in. The majority of the people that have tested positive are not vaccinated. Massachusetts is still relatively low in terms of overall numbers. The Commonwealth had 457 new cases yesterday,with a 1.3%positive testing rate. There were 477 new cases today,with a 1.39%positive testing rate. There have been very few breakthrough cases. Breakthrough case symptoms are mild if any. Usually,these patients are being tested for other reasons whether it is going in the hospital for another procedure,traveling or due to exposure. Some are tested because they have mild symptoms and COVIDI9 is a standard test. The Commonwealth has I I I hospitalizations,which is low compared to the 4,000 last year. Of the 5000 Massachusetts breakthrough cases,300 people were hospitalized out of the 4.3 million people vaccinated. North Andover has 69%of the population vaccinated with one shot and 64%are fully vaccinated. Over the next few weeks,the percentiles will go up. Massachusetts is above the national average,which is 56%. The vaccine intake has slowed. Boosters have not been approved at this time. The vaccine covers the variants,including the delta variant. The vaccine is readily available. Currently there is a debate on whether or not students should wear masks in school. Governor Baker is not instituting any more restrictions or mask mandates at this point. C. Brian LaGrasse-Needs Assessment Update. Brian had a zoom call with Health Resources in Action. This is an organization that does needs assessments for the local hospitals which is done every three years. This is a nonprofit consulting company that is a quasi-governmental agency. Brian also spoke with Andrew Yolk,from Finding Common Purposes. In full disclosure,Mr.Yolk is a friend of Dr. Max Tilson. He has known him for 25 years. The Finding Common Purposes looks at underlying societal issues. The organization tries to help communities focus on what key issues are present and 2021 North Andover Board of Health Meeting Page 1 of 2 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 then hold the communities accountable to solving the problems. Brian would like to work with a combination of both organizations. This could potentially be a five year project. D. Stephen Casey—Health Department Update. There have been many questions and inquiries about septic. Currently,the health department has been busy with septic system inspections,and repairs. If a home is on septic,in order to sell,the home must have a passing Title 5. Housing complaints and inspections have been underway as well. Brian LaGrasse has been working on a rough draft for a rental inspection program. (Appendix B-Draft Rental Inspection Program). Catering and Mobile food inspections have started to pick back up. Events have been going on at Stevens Coolidge Place. Building permits have been steady with sign offs. Sunscreen dispensers have been filled and placed. E. Joseph McCarthy—At this time,there will not be an August meeting. IV. ADJOURNMENT MOTION made by Dr.Max Tilson to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Michelle Davis,all in favor, MOTION approved.The meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm.(4-0-0) Prepared by: Toni K. Wolfenden, Health Dept.Assistant Reviewed bv: All Board of Health Members&Brian LaGrasse, Health Director Signed by: *Mh eDavis, lerk of the Board Date Si ned Documents Used At Meeting: Agenda North Andover Board of Health Meeting Agenda Thursday,July 22,2021 7:00 pm 120 Main Street Board of Select Room Live broadcast can be heard on www.northandoverma.gov I. CALL TO ORDER II. NEW BUSINESS A. Mosquito Control Presentation III. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND DISCUSSIONS A. COVID19-Updates B. Rental Housing Inspection Program Discussion C. Needs Assessment Update IV. 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 Department Staff:Brian LaGrasse, Health Director;Stephen Casey,Public Health Inspector;Caroline Ibbitson,RN,Public Health Nurse;Toni K.Wolfenden, Health Department Assistant. Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board M A S Sq�yG�Ff WEiLAN�s���� NORTHEAST MASSACHUSETTS MOSQUITO CONTROL AND WETLANDS MANAGEMENT DISTRICT Barry Noone- Acting District Director Kimberly Foss- Entomologist Katelynn King- Wetland Project Coordinator Kelsey Liakos- Board of Health Liaison 118 Tenney Street Georgetown, MA 01833 www. nemassmosquito.org NEMMC Statement on PFAS Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances • We at Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District (NEMMC), understand that PFAS is an ongoing, complex issue. Along with the Mass. Department of Environmental Protections (MDEP), Mass. Department of Agriculture (MDAR), and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) thorough investigations and testing are being conducted. The EPA is the agency that has the authority over the production and registration of pesticides. • The EPA has stated that PEAS is not an inert or active ingredient in pesticide products, but in the containers the pesticide is stored in. To amend this, any containers with possible HAS contamination that NEMMC uses, have been replaced with containers without PFAS. Our pesticide products have been tested and approved for use in the District by the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (SRMCB), and the (EPA). • As an organization that uses pesticides, we want to ensure residents that our pesticide products meet the stringent safety requirements set by EPA standards. NEMMC Surveillance & Control Programs IPM- (Integrated Pest Management) The most effective, long-term way to manage pests using a combination of methods while minimizing risks to people and the environment. Surveillance • Adult and Larval Mosquitoes Chemical Control • Larvicides, Adulticides, Pupicides, Repell, Biological Controls • Bacterial Larvicides-Bti/Bs/S inosad °'t i mosquito We oe F.�,aL p Em� ��� Physical Control • Property maintenance/sanitation p Y • Structural barriers (screens, netting) • Mosquito habitat mitigation • Tire recycling programs Education & Outreach ,., ' • Hazardous waste collection days • Website • Public television collaborations • PowerPoint presentation events Mosguito/Arb-ovirus S-urveillance Program •Adult Surveillance Season • 211 week in May to September 3011 State lab testing June 1 St to September 3011 • 10 to 15 different species of mosquitoes may be tested for EEE/WNV *CDC/Gravid Traps operate 24 hours per collection cycle •1 collection per week •State lab notifies on Thursday (before 10:30am) of any positive mosquito specimens to Municipal BOH and to NEMMC •We contact the local BOH with positive findings and coordinate the appropriate response NII L . f�Y. -• .�4 � � :�z., as • q= a i No.Meisr MA Nosqunn Central Ois�.vl tlo r,agrun �� r - 4 i yV • CDC CO2/Li ht Trap ` g r Bridge vector species (human bit • Gravid Trap • Early WNV detection in Cx. pipiens/restuans (bird bite • Resting Boxes — EEE surveillance • Ovitrap e es a opl-c us moni oring occurrence in Manchester) Larval Surveillance- Areas containing standing water for 5-14 days (year-round) f : • Catch Basins, retention ponds, ditches • Freshwater habitats • Saltwater habitats . • Flood water habitats • Artificial containers • Swimming pools • Tires • Birdbaths =�== rr.rrrrr A, *names, • Tarps WIMUM • Boats• =..... . wwwwww�, Pet dishes �, • Gutters and drain spouts " • Empty containers « = ` • Natural containers • Rock pools • Tree holes - J General Larviciding •Fresh and saltwater wetlands •Retention ponds, detention basins, ditches, containers *Abandoned properties (swimming pools) *Regional Aerial Salt Marsh Larviciding Program • Ipswich to the New Hampshire border • �3,500 acres _r 9 4 C .x« .. y to ti a Catch Basin Larviciding Program • Arbovirus Control Program for WNV • Interrupts the early season WNV amplification in birds • —60,000 basins (includes schools) • Excellent mosquito nurseries, especially during drought years • Begin treatments late May/early June in WNV high risk areas 1 St • Uncleaned basins- Altosid or MetaLai a = #Wamwaft 41 • Too much organic material competes v :: � rr�rrr� ' • Cleaned basins- VectoMax (Bti) Lasts 30-90 days (product de ender . 0_ 41"�6 Adulticidingm arrier Treatments • Schools, Parks, Public Recreational Areas, Planned Events • Not used on residential properties • Suspend SC and Suspend Polyzone 1>� • Deltamethrin 4.75% • Broad spectrum insecticide ; i • Quick Knockdown • 21 -day to 90-day residual barrier control • Vegetation, indoor and outdoor structures, screens, barns, pet areas , • No phytotoxicity on wide range ornamentals • 1/2 hour after sunset i. • No re-entry until drys 7� Adulticiding-ULV Truck Based JLV (Ultra Low Volume) • Schools, Parks, Recreational Fields, Events • Emergency Block Sprays (Virus Intervention) • I PVM P- Phased response to virus- Page 16 '_enivex E4 • Etofenprox 4% (pyrethroid derivative) • No synergist- no Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO) • High efficacy, reduced-risk adulticide • 1 oz/acre mixed = 1 ml active/football field • Quick but limited knockdown - 15 min • No residual • 300 ft swath • �/2 hour after sunset- label= at sunset • Temperature/Weather/Population ¢ School IPM • Annually by local IPM coordinator- 333 CMR 14.08 F " C hops/;'massnrcorg,i;rr; Apes D OleHRS e Percwage Change... IF York County FCU 13 Cutlook Web Apo 4� NM:E: • "Outdoor" Plan Mass.go -- •• Make Your IPM Plan Online DAR Children's and Families Protection Act DAR SEARCH RESULTS FOR SCHOOLS IN"NORTH ANDOVER' Cceatz+E:in IPM !et atelEdit IPMP19n Online _ -- I e Schools ,•:-,1 an Online ©CAN'T FIND YOUR SCHOOL? Lntae a Plan and Daycare _ l 5 --"'—`- YOU FIUST SCROLI DOWN THE ENTIRE PAGE TO L'IE1'I ALL FACILITIES V/ITH IPII-PLANS """- ".r' - Nake your fan pi—oce�e. ICatG a Pion wttat i.IPM-.' Get hMo a n(ormat;on. !SUa,.I,1.11 THROUGH INTERNET&ALTERNATSL'E SV0FI ISSION METHODj. Resme ht.r.^rfo .__. -..-.._-_._..... , ..___. .....__ C—Pbance checlist,rpoFj r S2aer r.d o h ChiWsen's Pis is IPat? lnauachusatt tasetts PLAN_SUB 71ITT ED VIA THE INTERNET: Prolectton Act 0dren'a ContPiiance checklist oieLtron Act for ttosauAa Cont.w and Annie 4 Sargent Elementary School s.xneare wrtf#en Parents 300 Abbott Street.North Andover a Writ ton Flnd,s=1 IPM I-_ andard written Flnd ovt sbw,t mta a test<;dee. tts'Icabon ....,,,., ._ Type of Plan: Date Recorded: Date Updated: c= �ncyy� ,e, o+t ca•I ns.,.asnno�ncemsnr,, Sow, Indoor-View Plan s:'15:'ZGSZ ,"" ss•trtvaPi" ,ergencywarver --- :�eatr,drenot A+:awed ' Outdoor-View Plan gi 1 Bsrona 9<%wnhph— sficidesnotAllowed F-4-ntiyA111d for s 1Ne 1Ab`a""' Q-tt kms + _._._.. ..........._.._.. ATKINSON _,__ Pest Management MNews I II Phd! „Brook Rd,North Andover Professionals P' Contact Us _.._. L.ern th.bat.k.of tn.Act "•:,•, Type of Plan: Date Recorded: Date Updated: ..---- Gat amvren about the Act. - 11TtaLt tIS MDAR Hmne test update-Wed uu Indoor-View Plan 3,%151 Z01; 7i8/2021 Outdoor-View Plan V1512017 71812D21 Brooks School 1160 Great Pond Road,North Andover https://massnrc.org/ipm Type of Plan: Date Recorded: Date Updated: Indoor-View Plan 32115i2014 4124I2Qz0 •Create/Edit Plan Outdoor-View Plan 12/1512014 6/29/2021 Community Cooperative Preschool Mosquito Control and IPM Plans 396 Main St.,North Andover Type of Plan: Date Recorded: Date Updated: Must be created by IPM coordinator assigned to Indoor-Vier;Plan s'12/2014 3112/2014 Outdoor-View P.an 3f12i2014 3!12./2014 each school/daycare *Locate a Plan by Municipality (A-Z) Residential Pesticide Exclusions https://www.mass.gov/,,how-to/how-to-request-an exclusion-or-opt-out-from-wide-area-pesticide-aul ications *Online Application 14 day wait period Mass.gov Scores Gtoss.px x.rewq *Private property owner only o r srau a•d.mamnaiut uospinm truron eonre rsarnes, orrteeo et, aaswmuxem oeparmvnrMrg.K�rmMe,sources •Adulticide How to Request an Exclusion or Opt out from Wide Area Pesticide Applications *Larvicide > 1 acre Exclusion requests may be submitted at any time during the year and will go into effect 14 days from the date the request Is made.All requests will expire December 31st in the calendar year in which they are received. Submit your Exclusion 1 Dormload Fillable Exclusion T I Request Online+ ( R uorm Property Inspections CONTACT *Access via Chapter 252 Mosquito Program ,vn,tyou^ecd What you need C Phone How for Q.esc • Addiess •Resident requests lave into And/or Parcel Idenuticatlun Number U Online Dovmlwds 333 CMR allows for private property owners or tenants to request an Mosquito Progmmcnmass.gov exclusion from wide area pesticide applications. Corxaa *Vacant areas M.G.L.c.252.Section 2A allows for property owners to"opt out"to be excluded from aerial spraying and wide area emeremergency ��. splaying. •Abandoned pools :lease note than e.tlusiomlopt out requests will not be honored ih SRMCB Membership and Withdrawal PraeeS, The Commissioner of PublicHeatth has cenitie[I that the application,is to be made to protect the Public Health: • The Commissioner of the lent of Conservation and Sa RhIC6 Mosquho Control Protects Construction sites Dt the a ^a Drsv ets info maHon • Recreation has terrified titan the application is necessary ro contain an infestation of a recently vmtxfuced pest,Of • The Commissioner of the Department of Agrlcultcral Resources has B O H requests a pest w ich the application is necessary to a ri agriculture. an infestation of • a pest which is a significant ttveat to agrKufture. How to request Online + ,A By mail + Wetlands Management • Mosquito component required for all projects • Hand ditch maintenance • Mechanized maintenance (petition required) • Tire disposal events • Control of invasive species (Phragmites australis) rr 4' A v t a.. T "".�.T- -iec .. �t � + _'+ �i7�` .'i�'� t�..P��tn�Yt ,� it�•r ��7°`�!���}'y�r{r1y`. �'4��"•. V3aai�:�7iti i" ,aa±a�"�n,.;¢ ..,> ";Y` ..tom , ..,, °�^� .vE ��� ,tr°�r�,'s �:��"i .::Y4�lhl�` �."�.J'= �'.' set.tx u,qu•q. v Search www. nemassmosq u ito.or Municipal .. l . COVID-19 Update Read more. Service Request �� 11 Ann / I /-19 Update Read more. 7V2021 Residential ULV Adutbctd- been cancelled due to Hurricane Elsa �`r's l Has { -4 ing has been cancelled due to Hur- NEMMC Statement on PFASSei- ices and Control A-leasureS rcane Elsa We at Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito NEMMC Statement on PFAS ManagementRest « Residential f requests are be- Plans Residential ULV Adulticiding re- ing taken as of June 1st The services that NEMMC provides erncompass all factors of mosquito quests are being taken as of June Residential ULV AdubcidiM requests are Acluthade Requestscontrol Some of inese services include oreventative lawciding in the 1st 2021 VIEW ALLkZ!• spring to reduce flying mosquito population,pesticide use to lo,.er nus,- Inspection Requests " ante levels in the summer_and mosquito breeding source reduction in the Notice of Aerial Application to Con- Surveillance by opening;;pater;rays to decrease stagnant:,pater To learn more trol Mosquito Larvae on Saft Marsh Public Educati+ about each topic,please follow the links beloov. Residential Adutticidmg Ram Protocol ShoreNorth Gireenhead Fly 0 Best Management Practice Plans-view services to your town Programprovided by NEMMC View all Public Education Operations Spray Requests WetlandsManagement . Inspection Requests Pesticides "' ' . Property Pesticide Exclusion Request • . Mosquito Surveillance Towns • Pesticides . Towns Vee Serve . Tire Recycling Program �xa:, . ... .. ..» ., ,•.�..,,�. a w.�,xn��sxxn xaxa.a�emlas. e:.4 e+twAmsw. m'"+wWa.«w • Adult moN9Yo�L�fv�il�rQc���a�W���o ��1 (EPI 20) • Started to submit pools to DPH on June 14tn • We completed 24 site inspections for spring and early summer larviciding • We completed catch basin larviciding on 7/1 /2021 , a total of 3,779 basins were treated with Altosid WSP and VectoMax WSP • 8 residential pesticide exclusions have been filed in North Andover • BOH requested barrier (June 10th) and ULV (June 14ih) adulticide treatments were completed at North Andover H.S. 1 Resident request for aproperty/larval inspection/larvicide was completed. • 12 mosquito pools have been sent to the lab and tested negative for WNV/EEE . . u e s Ul . . CHECK YOUR HOME H a!muO•ni±'s will breed in Primly rrm'ritbrled l.owns and urtlrea.�:: If r. sw.romrig�goal.tare Lie CINUWJ gosmeIs wil =. ,47— ,rWs'ar a ccj,rntjajE,,wajer and - __ _ rr'45.a�lr�ry{ • Q'Sate a place•IUr capd:vr ted re -� -� -- -�,,-•''�I � � �Lttl ilrrus as ILvp pars tCdICS:i ItL'r in -_,.. -r I rr aml e `_:'- '' _ wtx[h masa�i�arS�pan .- _- .-' __- t•,?ds rlt+ broad e+?.- - "ti,• I 1� µmtpr.cap pr44PJe }' `- f CY y. spy[6 f:oa,i ov leal Iliter.but do rtO rakee b-oxen vaeens allklw mosr#:liIL&%In Iryw�s and uttlrr yard wasle into r•Ilr•yaut I7Jr!Y_' •ysltew" sr sluml da�Is. Deagg So -.--� Leaky 'auc is Ga-rw I� nilet rna'r pr�+v£nt�'•at�pr try tt�+.`1rYJ in%%ttch rr saur:'ve5 ,an aitr mary GrgaW pCnJS tt,;,It glye !, rresqsitue!s a place lu lay ogm zind dCyeinu. � https.//www.health.ny.gov/publications/2747/ Schedule of Annual NEMMC Activities J F M A M J J A S O N D :_ - , ti pring freshwater & snowmelt larvicidin rattail, Phragmities, retention pond, ditch & floodwater irvicidin ire treatments & recycling �alt marsh larvicidin hand & aerial -atch Basin larviciding & efficacy testing resident larvicide and BOH requests for abandon ro erties/ ools ►itch maintenance manual & mechanized Vetlands many ement/restoration/Phra mities mowing ,dulticiding spray requests & virus control --T i F0 1 = los uito Surveillance & MA-DPH test ** ** In virus prevalent seasons can be extended until October 15 ... ti MASSACHUSETTS PUBLIC . EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) Page 1 of 2 What is Eastern Equine Encephalitis? Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus. How is the EEE virus spread? The virus that causes EEE is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. In Massachusetts, the virus is most often identified in mosquitoes found in and around freshwater, hardwood swamps. More information about different types of mosquitoes that can spread the virus can be found on the MDPH website at www.mass.jzov/dph/mosquito. EEE virus particularly infects birds, often with no evidence of illness in the bird. Mosquitoes become infected when they bite infected birds. Although humans and several other types of mammals, particularly horses and llamas, can become infected, they do not spread disease. How common is EEE in Massachusetts? EEE is a very rare disease. Since the virus was first identified in Massachusetts in 1938,just over 115 cases have occurred. The majority of cases typically have been from Bristol,Plymouth, and Norfolk counties. However, in an active year human cases can occur throughout the state. Outbreaks of EEE usually occur in Massachusetts every 10-20 years. These outbreaks will typically last two to three years. The most recent outbreak of EEE in Massachusetts began in 2019 and included twelve cases with six fatalities. The outbreak continued in 2020 with five cases including one fatality. What are the symptoms of EEE? The first symptoms of EEE are fever(often 103'to 106°F), stiff neck, headache, and lack of energy. These symptoms show up three to ten days after a bite from an infected mosquito. Inflammation and swelling of the brain, called encephalitis, is the most dangerous and frequent serious complication. The disease gets worse quickly and some patients may go into a coma within a week. What is the treatment for EEE? There is no treatment for EEE. In Massachusetts, about half of the people identified with EEE died from the infection. People who survive this disease will often be permanently disabled. Few people recover completely. What can you do to protect yourself from EEE? Since the virus that causes EEE is spread by mosquitoes, here are some things you can do to reduce your chances of being bitten: • Schedule outdoor events to avoid the hours between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. • When you are outdoors, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and socks. This may be difficult to do when the weather is hot, but it will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin. • Use a repellent with DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide),permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 (3-[N-butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid) or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p- menthane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions given on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in Massachusetts Department of Public Health I Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences 305 South Street,Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 `4_y Page 2 of 2 concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin. • Keep mosquitoes out of your house by repairing any holes in your screens and making sure they are tightly attached to all your doors and windows. • Remove areas of standing water around your home. Here are some suggestions: ➢ Look around outside your house for containers and other things that might collect water and turn them over, regularly empty them, or dispose of them. ➢ Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors so that water can drain out. ➢ Clean clogged roof gutters; remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of rainwater. ➢ Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use. ➢ Change the water in birdbaths every few days; aerate ornamental ponds or stock them with fish. ➢ Keep swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated; remove standing water from pool covers. ➢ Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property. • More information on choosing and using repellents safely is included in the MDPH Mosquito Repellents fact sheet which can be viewed online at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito. If you can't go online, contact the MDPH at(617) 983-6800 for a hard copy. Where can I get more information? • Your doctor, nurse, or health care clinic, or your local board of health(listed in the telephone directory under local government). • The Massachusetts Department of Public Health(MDPH), Division of Epidemiology at (617) 983-6800 or on the MDPH Arbovirus website (www.mass.gov/dph/moNglito). • Health effects of pesticides, MDPH, Bureau of Environmental Health at 617-624-5757. • Mosquito control in your city or town: Mosquito control in Massachusetts is conducted through nine mosquito control districts. The State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (SRMCB) oversees all districts. Contact information for each district can be found online at www.mass.gov/state- reclamation-and-mosquito-control-board-srmcb. You may also contact the SRMCB within the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources at 617-626-1777 or your local board of health. Massachusetts Department of Public Health I Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences 305 South Street,Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 ?!1 MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH FACT SHEET West Nile virus (WNV) Page 1 of 2 What is West Nile Virus (WNV)? West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-carried virus that can cause illness ranging from a mild fever to more serious disease like encephalitis or meningitis. It was first identified in the United States in 1999. How is WNV spread? WNV is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. More information about different types of mosquitoes that can spread WNV can be found on the MDPH website at www.mass.gov/dvh/monyftg. WNV may also be spread through blood transfusion or organ transplant. In addition,there are rare reports of WNV being passed from pregnant or breastfeeding women,who are infected with WNV,to their babies. Since these reports are rare,the health effects on an unborn or breastfeeding baby are unclear and still being studied. People do not become infected by having direct contact with other infected people,birds or animals. Why don't I need to report dead birds anymore? From 2000 to 2008, MDPH collected reports and ran tests for WNV on dead birds in Massachusetts as one of several ways to monitor WNV activity across the state. In recent years,this method has become less useful for finding the virus. Many other states have discontinued dead bird reporting and testing. Mosquito collection and testing gives the most reliable indication of current WNV activity and this is where monitoring activities will continue to be focused. Dead birds are no longer being tested for WNV and do not need to be reported to MDPH. Dead birds can be safely disposed of in the trash. Using gloves, a shovel or plastic bags covering your hands,the dead bird should be double-bagged and placed in the trash. You should then wash your hands. What are the symptoms of WNV? The majority of people who are infected with WNV(approximately 80%) will have no symptoms. A smaller number of people who become infected (—20%)will have symptoms such as fever,headache, body aches,nausea,vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands. They may also develop a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Less than 1%of people infected with WNV will develop severe illness, including encephalitis or meningitis. The symptoms of severe illness can include high fever,headache,neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation,coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss,numbness and paralysis. Persons older than 50 years of age have a higher risk of developing severe illness. How common is WNV in Massachusetts? Because most people who are exposed to WNV have no symptoms, it is difficult to know exactly how many people have been infected. People who develop severe illness with WNV are most often reported. Between 2011 and 2020, 148 people were reported with WNV infection in Massachusetts. Seven of these people died. Cases have been identified from around the state. What can you do to protect yourself from WNV? Since WNV is most commonly spread by mosquitoes, here are some things you can do to reduce your chances of being bitten: Massachusetts Department of Public Health I Bureau of infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences 305 South Street,Jamaica Plain,MA 02130 Page 2 of 2 • Schedule outdoor events to avoid the hours between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. • When you are outdoors, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and socks. This may be difficult to do when the weather is hot,but it will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin. • Use a repellent with DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin,picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 (3- [N-butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid) or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p- menthane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions given on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes,bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin. • Keep mosquitoes out of your house by repairing any holes in your screens and making sure they are tightly attached to all your doors and windows. • Remove areas of standing water around your home. Here are some suggestions: ➢ Look around outside your house for containers and other things that might collect water and turn them over, regularly empty them, or dispose of them. ➢ Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors so that water can drain out. ➢ Clean clogged roof gutters;remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of rainwater. ➢ Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use. ➢ Change the water in birdbaths every few days; aerate ornamental ponds or stock them with fish. ➢ Keep swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated; remove standing water from pool covers. ➢ Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property. • More information on choosing and using repellents safely is included in the MDPH Mosquito Repellents fact sheet which can be viewed online at www.mass.jzov/dvh/mosquito. If you can't go online, contact MDPH at(617) 983-6800 for a hard copy. Did you know? - Mosquitoes can begin to multiply in any puddle or standing water that lasts for more than four days! Mosquito breeding sites can be anywhere. Take action to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and `neighborhood. Organize a neighborhood clean up day to pick up containers from vacant lots and parks and to encourage people to keep their yards free of standing water. Mosquitoes don't care about fences, so it's ,,important to remove areas of standing water throughout the..neighborhood_ Where can I get more information? • Your doctor, nurse, or health care clinic, or your local board of health. • The Massachusetts Department of Public Health(MDPH), Division of Epidemiology and Immunization at (617) 983-6800 or on the MDPH Arbovirus website (www.mass.gov/dph/mosguito). • Health effects of pesticides,MDPH, Bureau of Environmental Health at 617-624-5757. • Mosquito control in your city or town: Mosquito control in Massachusetts is conducted through nine mosquito control districts. The State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board(SRMCB) oversees all nine districts. Contact information for each district can be found online at https://www.mass.gov/state- reclamation-and-mosquito-control-board-srmcb. You may also contact the SRMCB within the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources at 617-626-1777 or your local board of health. Massachusetts Department of Public Health I Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences 305 South Street,Jamaica Plain,MA 02130 -MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH FACT SHEET Diseases Spread by Mosquitoes: Information for Travelers Page 1 of 2 What are the common diseases spread by mosquitoes you can get while traveling? Malaria, yellow fever, chikungunya and dengue fever are the common serious diseases people get from mosquitoes while traveling to tropical countries. Tropical countries tend to be warm year-round, and are located above and below the equator, in the "tropics." Examples of tropical regions are Central America and most of South America,much of Africa,most of India, Southeast Asia and Indonesia. Malaria is caused by a microscopic parasite that infects your blood. Yellow fever and dengue fever are both caused by viruses(germs). These diseases are not found in Europe, Canada, or the United States. How do people get malaria, yellow fever, chikungunya and dengue fever? People usually get malaria,yellow fever, chikungunya and dengue fever from the bite of an infected mosquito. People do not get these diseases by having direct contact with other infected people, birds or animals. What are the symptoms of these diseases? People who are sick with malaria will have fever, chills, headache,muscle aches, and fatigue; usually these symptoms occur in cycles. Many people infected with yellow fever, chikungunya and dengue fever will have no symptoms. Others will have fever, chills,headache, backache,nausea and vomiting. Some people will have rash,joint pain, eye pain and internal bleeding, a form of illness called viral hemorrhagic fever. "Hemorrhagic"means bleeding. Dengue and yellow fever viruses are two of several viruses that can cause viral hemorrhagic fever. Is there any treatment for these diseases? Malaria is treated with medicines (pills)that fight the malaria parasite. There are no medicines to treat yellow fever or dengue fever. Most people who get these diseases will get better on their own. Are there any vaccines or medications to prevent these diseases? There are medicines (pills) available to help prevent malaria infection while traveling in areas where malaria exists. It must be taken before travel, during travel, and for a short time after travel. The medicine must be prescribed by a doctor. There is no vaccine (shot) or medicine available to protect travelers from chikungunya or dengue fever. The best way to protect yourself is to not get bitten by mosquitoes. There is a safe and effective vaccine available to prevent yellow fever infections. Anyone over 9 months old who is traveling to, or living in, an area with risk of yellow fever should get a yellow fever shot. Where do these diseases occur? Malaria Malaria is found in parts of Central and South America,Africa, South and Southeast Asia and the Pacific. A higher risk of malaria is in Africa(south of the Sahara) and in parts of Oceania, such as Papua New Guinea. Massachusetts Department of Public Health I Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences 305 South Street,Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 �. J Chikungunya and Dengue Fever Chikungunya and Dengue is found in at least 100 countries in Asia,the Pacific, the Americas, Africa and the Caribbean. Chikungunya and Dengue infections are often found in the urban areas of tropical nations. Yellow Fever Yellow fever occurs in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of tropical South America. What can you do to protect yourself from these diseases while traveling? Don't travel to areas with known outbreaks of viral hemorrhagic fevers. Check travel advisories issued by the CDC (website below). Always check with your doctor or a travel clinic before you travel to find out if you will be in an area with high-risk of exposure to a mosquito-borne disease. When traveling outside the United States you can take the following measures to prevent being infected with these and other mosquito-borne diseases: • Get a yellow fever shot, if indicated • Take malaria prevention medicine, if needed • Use appropriate insect repellant • Wear proper clothing to cover your skin • Use bed nets to protect yourself from mosquito bites while slebping • Follow any travel advisories. For more information regarding international travel and viral hemorrhagic fevers, contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)at(800)232-4636 or through the internet at www.cdc.gov/travel. What if I have symptoms of a mosquito-borne disease? If you have recently traveled to a region where mosquito-borne diseases are common and have any of the symptoms listed above,you should call your healthcare provider immediately and explain your travel history and symptoms. Can viral hemorrhagic fever viruses be used for bioterrorism? Yes. Bioterrorism is the use of any biological organism to intentionally hurt people or create fear. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists some viral hemorrhagic fever viruses,but neither dengue nor yellow fever, as possible bioterrorist agents. Where can I get more information? • Your doctor,nurse or clinic, or your local board of health • The Massachusetts Department of Public Health(MDPH), Division of Epidemiology and Immunization at(617) 983-6800 or on the MDPH Website at www.mass.gov/dph. • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)website at www.emergency.cdc.gov/bioterrorism/. Massachusetts Department of Public Health I Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences 305 South Street,Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 North Andover Board of Health Rental Unit Inspection Certification Regulation PURPOSE These regulations are intended to protect the public health and general welfare by ensuring that all dwelling units for rent or lease meet Chapter 2 of the State Sanitary Code - Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation. AUTHORITY Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 111, Section 31 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the North Andover Board of Health adopted these regulations on the 27th day of October 2020, to be effective immediately. OWNER/LESSOR RESPONSIBILITY No owner, lessor or person in control or in charge of a dwelling or dwelling unit for rent shall commence any new tenancy or occupancy in an existing rental unit without having obtained a Rental Unit Inspection Certificate from the Board of Health;provided that any unit may be occupied prior to inspection after five business days have elapsed from the submission of a completed application for inspection; and provided further that any unit occupied under this exception shall be subject to inspection subsequent to the commencement of a tenancy or occupancy. 1. All owners, lessors or person in control of a dwelling consisting of there (3) or more units,who do not reside within the subject dwelling, shall post and maintain or cause to be posted and maintained on such dwelling adjacent to the mailboxes or elsewhere in a location that is visible; a notice constructed of durable material,bearing his/her name and telephone contact information. 2. Any owner residing outside the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must designate an area resident agent authorized to accept service on the owner's behalf. 3. The following properties shall be exempt from the provisions of this section: a. Property or units owned or managed by the North Andover Housing Authority. b. Hotels, motels and mobile homes that have been otherwise permitted by the Board of Health. c. Licensed rooming house units,provided that each licensed rooming house shall be subject to inspection in its entirety annually. d. Dwelling units newly constructed within the previous twenty-four(24)months. APPLICATION FOR INSPECTION 1. The owner, lessor or person in control or in charge of a rental unit shall submit a completed application for dwelling unit certification to the Board of Health Office for each unit requiring inspection. Application shall be in a form determined by the Director of Public Health and shall be accompanied by a non-refundable fee as set by the Board of Health Fee Schedule. 2. The Director of Public Health shall deny,without inspection,an application which: a. fails to provide the required information. b. provides false information. c. is not accompanied by the required fee. d. pertains to property that is in violation of the zoning ordinance. e. pertains to property or property owners who have outstanding taxes,fees,fines or charges due the city;or f. the owner, lessor or person in control or in charge of the rental unit has failed, in the judgment of the Director of Public Health, to provide reasonable access to the unit for purposes of inspection. INSPECTION-STANDARDS FOR CERTIFICATION, ORDER TO CORRECT DEFICIENCIES 1. The Director of Public Health or his agents and employees shall inspect each rental unit to assure compliance with Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation, as set forth in Chapter 2 of the State Sanitary Code and any additional housing regulations as adopted by the North Andover Board of Health. 2. The Director of Public Health shall issue a Rental Unit Inspection Certificate for each unit found to be in compliance or, if a rental unit fails to meet the minimum standards set forth above, shall issue a Housing Inspection Report and an Order to Correct. Said order shall establish the date by which corrections must be completed and shall provide notice that proper permits must be obtained for any work done under the order. 3. The owner of a unit for which an Order to Correct has been issued may request a re-inspection at any time and shall be subject to a re-inspection fee as determined by the Board of Health Fee Schedule. Upon reinspection and subsequent to the completion of the required corrections and verification that proper permits have been obtained, a Rental Unit Inspection Certificate shall be issued. DENIAL OF CERTIFICATE-RIGHT TO APPEAL 1. An applicant may, within seven days of receipt of an Order to Correct,file an appeal, in writing, with the Board of Health, detailing the alleged grounds for modification, or withdrawal of the Order to Correct. 2. The Board of Health shall, within 30 days of receipt of a notice of appeal,hold a public hearing, notice of the time and place of which shall be provided to all parties in interest. Failure to hold a hearing within the time specified herein shall not affect the validity of an Order to Correct. 3. The applicant or any other interested party may present documentary evidence and witnesses at the hearing. Within 7 days of the public hearing, the Board of Health shall issue a decision sustaining, modifying or vacating the Order to Correct and, if the Order is sustained, shall stipulate the time within which corrections shall be made. PENALTY FOR VIOLATION Violations of any provision of this ordinance may be punished in the manner provided in Mass. Gen. Laws Chapter 40 § 21 D by a fine of up to three-hundred ($300.00) dollars per incident. Each day or portion thereof during which a violation exists shall constitute a separate offense. J U LY 2, 2021 TO: Joseph McCarthy: Chair, North Andover Board of Health Delivered Via Hand: Community Development Department Dear Mr. McCarthy, Thank you and Board Members in advance for your attention to our concern. My husband and I are resident owners of 101 Cricket Lane. Please refer to the attached statement, dated June 24, 2021 from Douglas Lees PE. I have also included a copy of my letter, dated June 28, 2021, to Mr. Andrew Shapiro, Director Community Development Department. Please note the following. At the meeting we had with Mr. Shapiro on June 24, 2021, at which Town Counsel, Suzanne Egan, was also present, we asked for assistance about correcting possible erroneous information -- in the form of an opinion and/or interpretation we can only assume emanated from the Health Department -- given to a third party regarding our septic system. We also brought to the attention of Mr. Shapiro and Ms. Egan our past experience with two individuals in the Health Department, namely former Health Director Susan Sawyer and former Health Inspector Brian LaGrasse, which to this day has made us extremely uncomfortable approaching anyone in the Health Department. In the case of Ms. Sawyer, we stated to Mr. Shaprio and Ms. Egan that neither the past Board, nor the Town, nor Ms. Sawyer herself, disclosed to us that Ms. Sawyer was the wife of the septic system installer at our property. Despite this obvious conflict of interest, Ms. Sawyer was permitted oversight of the completion towards Title V compliance for the system installed by her husband at our property following the reported dismissal of the previous Health Director. There is a public record paper trail to show Ms. Sawyer's involvement. We discovered by chance that Ms. Sawyer was the wife of the installer and asked her to recuse herself, but Ms. Sawyer refused. We took our concern to a former Director of Community Development, who took no action. We then filed a formal protest with the Town Manager, who also refused to act. We then made a complaint via phone to the State Ethics Commission and then learned the Town had, finally, issued a written directive that Ms. Sawyer was not to be involved with the septic system at our property. For the record, we later entered into an out-of-court settlement with Ms. Sawyer's husband. Our second experience was with Mr. LaGrasse, in his capacity as former Health Inspector, who repeatedly over several months engaged in conduct that displayed overt bias towards us and favoritism towards others, as well as making mocking, sarcastic comments and gestures to us, when we had and have always been courteous to employees in the Town, including himself. Please note, as Mr. Lees' statement clarifies, that the existing slope-retaining wall for our system is very much part of our septic design, and my husband and I are fully aware of this. Please ensure that the Health Department employees involved in the regulatory process for Title V are made aware that the notation Mr. Lees made on the approved plan for our system - which depicts a wall and that says "Not a Title 5 Wall" - is NOT to be interpreted to any third party to infer that this wall is not part of our septic system. We respectfully request the Board ensures that correction and/or retraction is made for any erroneous information given to any third party about any aspect of our septic system. Sincerely, Rubina Hendley cc Board Members: Michelle B. Davis, Clerk Richard S. Tilson Daphnee Alva Patrick Scanlon June 28, 2021/Via hand: Community Development Department, Town of North Andover Dear Mr. Shapiro, Following my call to you on Wednesday June 23, 2021, at approximately 3.15pm, and the appointment you so promptly granted my husband and I for 2pm the next day, I'd like to share my impressions of the discussion that ensued, as well as the decision we have made for receiving the information we are seeking. As my husband and I were being ushered into the conference room, you merely said that "someone" would be joining us. I was about to ask if the room was haunted (British humor) since your statement was so nebulous, but rallied myself to query who it was, to which you replied "town counsel." We would have preferred disclosing this to us in a straightforward manner, particularly since this "someone" was sprung upon us without any advance notification. Nevertheless, both my husband and I found you most pleasant to interact with, and we appreciated the professional and considerate manner in which you listened to and responded to our concerns. In contrast, from my perspective, Attorney Egan's demeanor towards us was unduly unpleasant, and I have no desire to suffer through another session with town counsel behind closed doors. We rejected outright the attempts to manipulate us into engaging in wholly unnecessary legal expenses, and the tactics for deterring or restricting us from fully and unreservedly receiving information that we have reason to believe was opined by the Department's employee(s) about our property to a third party. We expect transparency in public service: this is not optional; this is not negotiable. To that end, please provide the following information to the Board of Health Chair and Members, to whom we are submitting a request to attend its upcoming meeting irrespective of whether or not the following occurred: In the course of performing public duties during, approximately, the last 3 months, if any employee(s) in Community Development and/or the Health Department, or anyone acting on the latter's behalf, has/have provided information (verbal, written, paperwork, etc.) in response to any enquiry from a third party about any aspect of our home's septic system,then the content and nature of this information can most certainly be provided to us, and the employee(s) involved identified. Sincerely, Ms. Rubina Hendley, 101 Cricket Ln cc: Chair & Members, Town of North Andover Board of Health Land Engineering 1 Bridgeview Circle, Suite 16 & Environmental Services, Inc. Tyngsboro, MA 01879 CIVIL ENGINEERING&LAND SURVEYING TELEPHONE(978)649-4642/FAX(978)649-0981 June 24,2021 Willis&Rubina Hendley 101 Cricket Lane North Andover, MA 01845 Dear Mr.& Mrs. Hendley; It was nice to talk with you yesterday, it is hard to believe that it has been fifteen years since we last spoke. I am sorry to hear that the retaining wall for your peptic system is in need of repair, but I guess time takes its toll. I reviewed our files and the Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Repair Plan that I prepared with Norse Environmental Services in 2003. The retaining wall that is locatted between your leach field and the neighbor's driveway is more than fifteen feet from the edge of the leaching trench,so while it is not regulated by 310 CMR 15.255(2) (this is what is meant by the notation "not a Title 5 wall"on the plan) it is,a part of the septic system. The wall is holding the soil in place that makes up the receiving area, without the wall the soil will shift and erode to form a more natural slope and the system may not meet the breakout requirements of Title 5. Please let me know if you have any question. Thank you Douglas Lees, PE