HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-12-16 Board of Health Minutes North Andover Board of Health
Meeting Minutes
Thursday—December 16,2021
6:30 p.m.
120 Main Street, Board of Select Room
Live broadcast can be heard on www.northandovercam.org
Present: Joseph McCarthy,Dr.Patrick Scanlon,Michelle Davis,Daphne Alva-LaFleur,Max Tilson,Brian
LaGrasse,Stephen Casey Jr and Carolyn Lam.
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting called to order at 6:30 pm.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Meeting Minutes from November 18,2021 presented for signature. Motion made by Michelle Davis for
approval,seconded by Dr.Max Tilson,all in favor and the minutes approved.(5-0-0)
IV. NEW BUSINESS
A. Brian LaGrasse introduces Carolyn Lam,the new Public Health Nurse.
B. Animal Regulations—Brian LaGrasse begins the discussion on Animal Regulations. The Town of
North Andover's Animal Regulations are 20-25 years old and need updating. The health department
issues an annual animal permit for residents who house agricultural animals. Examples are but not
limited to chickens,goats,horses,cattle,and pigs. The new regulations will cover the criteria for
having animals,lot size,zoning,manure storage,stable requirements,distances and offsets to water
supplies and private wells,and lot lines. With the regulations in writing,the department will be able to
enforce the criteria. Laura Vlasek,Temporary Part-Time Health Inspector,has been researching
regulations from other towns and MHOA(Massachusetts Health Officers Association). The first draft
has been compiled for the Board to review. (See Appendix A.) The new animal regulations will be
further discussed at the January 27,2022 meeting.
V. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND DISCUSSION
A. COVID-19 Updates
Brian LaGrasse—Brian meets with the school department once per week to discuss the COVIDI9
trends. The test and stay program is a rapid antigen test given to students in school. They are not
reported anywhere except internally,however,the numbers were sent to DESE(Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education)this past week dating September thru mid-December. Brian
reviews the current COVIDI9 numbers with the Board(See Appendix B). The numbers continue to
rise. Information was given to the school department about the Omicron variant. The DPH
(Department of Public Health)is still gathering data on the Omicron variant,which originated in South
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 Deartment Staff:Brian LaGrasse,Health
Director;Stephen Casey Jr.,Health Inspector;Caroline Ibbitson,Public Health Nurse;Toni K.Wolfenden,Health Department
Assistant
Africa in mid-November. Early reports on the transmissibility and the severity of Omicron indicate
that it is as transmissible if not more than Delta but it is not more severe. In South Africa the
hospitalizations did not increase,they stayed and remained steady from the Delta variant to the
Omicron variant. Dr.Patrick Scanlon reviewed literature stating that the Omicron in South Africa has
already hit its peak and is already on its way down,which is positive. There have been 16 cases in
Massachusetts and one person was hospitalized briefly. Antivirals do seem to be effective. The
vaccines are effective especially if you have a booster. Vaccinations and boosters are highly
recommended. Ages five to eleven are now allowed to be vaccinated. A clinic has been scheduled for
January 611 at the high school for this age group. A link will be sent for signups around Monday
December 20,2021. People who are fully vaccinated do not have to quarantine if they are a close
contact. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has closed down the contact tracing collaborative,
which adds a burden to the Health Department because the team has to reach out to all of the cases.
The state has switched calling all close contacts to allowing the positive person to notify their own.
Per Diem nurses continue to assist with COVIDI9 reports and exposures. The nurses are prioritizing
specific groups,early education,K-12,and then higher education in any type of cluster. The Health
Department team are working with Merrimack College and Brooks School. Both schools are doing
their own contact tracing on each campus. The North Andover Public School Nurses are helping with
school age children. The transition will happen eventually from pandemic to endemic,but the medical
community is unsure when this will happen. Joseph McCarthy discusses an article from the Boston
Globe about the Omicron variant. According to the Boston Globe,the Omicron variant could be 70
times more contagious than the delta but the data is preliminary at this time. The WHO and the CDC
rank the variants. Omicron is ranked at an area of concern. The medical community at this time is
unsure if Omicron will be a serious threat. Brian LaGrasse discusses the COVIDI9 test kits. The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts dispersed two million test kits this week to various communities
across the state. This will help people to test before going to a holiday event. Indoor transmission
with close contact gatherings is how the virus passes quickly. Outdoor transmission is minimal. Brian
highly recommends people to test before going to a holiday gathering. Test results are available within
15 minutes. If one tests positive,they should isolate for 10 days so they do not spread it to anyone
else. The vaccination rate for North Andover is 82%partially vaccinated and 73%fully vaccinated. It
is difficult to get the staff for the vaccination clinics. The North Andover High School mask mandate
is in place through January 15,2022. They must apply to DESE for a waiver from the masking rule.
The School Department will be voting on the mask mandate. Brian recommends keeping it in place
until after the holidays due to post holiday spike. Currently,there are 53 high school students testing
positive. Dr.Max Tilson discusses the hospitals being very busy because the special COVIDI9
hospitals have closed. People with chronic illnesses that have put off care are now in their local
hospitals,which has increased the ICU numbers. Hospitals are packed. The last time Dr. Tilson
visited a specific hospital,36 people in the ER were waiting for a bed. The hospitals are not full of
COVIDI9 patients;they are full of patients with other chronic illnesses. Hospitals now have a
mandate to cancel elective procedures because of lack of beds to place patients. Elective procedures
have been cancelled until the middle of January and possibly longer. Another problem is that staff is
exhausted. Hospital capacity has artificially shrunk because there are beds but the nursing staff is not
available. This has been going on for two years. Healthcare workers are extraordinarily frustrated
because this was preventable and has not been prevented because there has not been universal
vaccination. Roughly,70%of the people admitted to hospitals are not vaccinated. Dr.Patrick Scanlon
explains that patients have put off care,they are very sick and the ICU beds cannot fully open because
of staffing. They do not have the nurses to care for the open beds. Dr.Tilson explains that in 2020,
the hospitals were staffed with traveling nurses,because the areas they were coming from were not yet
affected. This talent pool is now gone. These nurses are now needed at home. Joe stated that our
board doctors,Dr.Max Tilson and Dr.Patrick Scanlon continue to provide very good information on
our local hospitals and COVID19.Eight hundred thousand people in the United States have died from
COVIDI9,and 5 million in the world. If a resident of North Andover loses their vaccination card,
they can call the health department for a certificate of the vaccinations. A primary care and possibly
the pharmacist from CVS can also help;the person must be able to access vaccination records.
Michelle Davis explains that she now has access to her vaccination status through a QR code on her
patient gateway,which is now housed in the apple wallet however;it is only acceptable if
Massachusetts starts accepting apple wallet. Dr. Scanlon heard that the Governor Baker is joining
twenty other states to create some type of universal card for one's phone.
North Andover Board of Health
Meeting Minutes
Thursday—December 16,2021
6:30 p.m.
120 Main Street,Board of Select Room
Live broadcast can be heard on www.northandovercam.org
V 1. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION made by Dr.Patrick Scanlon to adjourn the meeting.Michelle Davis seconded all in favor,
motion approved.The meeting adjourned at 7:20 pm.
Prepared bv:
Toni K. Wolfenden, Health Dept.Assistant
Reviewed bv:
All Board of Health Members&Brian LaGrasse, Health Director
Signed by:
Miche avis, Clerk of the Board Date Signed
Documents Used At Meeting:
Agenda
Draft—Keeping of Animal Rules and Regulations
COVIDI9—Case Numbers and Statistics
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, December 16, 2021
6:30 pm
120 Main Street
Board of Select Room
Live broadcast can be heard on www.northandoverma.gov
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
A. November 18, 2021
III. NEW BUSINESS
A. Animal Regulations
IV. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND DISCUSSIONS
A. COVIDI9-Updates
V. ADJOURNMENT
Pursuant to Governor Baker's March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting
Law, G.L. c. 30A, Section 18, and the Governor's March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the
number of people that may gather in one place, this meeting of the North Andover Board of Health will be
conducted via remote participation to the greatest extent possible. Specific information and the general
guidelines for remote participation by members of the public and/or parties with a right and/or requirement
to attend this meeting can be found on the Town's website, at www.northandoverma.gov. For this meeting,
members of the public who wish to watch the meeting may do so on their televisions by tuning to Comcast
Channel 8 or Verizon Channel 26 or online at www.northandovercam.orq. No in-person attendance of
members of the public will be permitted, but every effort will be made to ensure that the public can
adequately access the proceedings in real time, via technological means. In the event that we are unable
to do so, despite best efforts, we will post on the Town of North Andover website an audio or video
recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting.
If the public would like to participate in public hearings please email your question/comment prior to or
during the meeting to blagrasse _northandoverma_gov The question/comment will be read during the
proceedings and responded to accordingly.
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.
4 Czl-Y--, 4,
KEEPING OF ANIMALS RULES AND REGULATIONS
Section 1 -Authority
Animal rules and regulations are adopted under M.G.L. chapter 111, section 31, as health
regulations by the North Andover Board of Health.
Section 2 - Purpose
Whereas minimum standards for keeping of animal's protection of the public health, animal
welfare, and the environment are considered necessary for the welfare, of the community, these
regulations have been adopted by the North Andover Board of Health this day 12/4/21 and are
effective on 12/4/21.
Section 3 - Definitions
Unless otherwise noted below, the following terms shall have the following definitions through
this regulation.
3.1 Abutter: shall mean the owner of properties within 300' of the parcel(s)where work is
proposed as certified by The North Andover Assessor's Office.
3.2 Animal: shall mean the keeping and raising of livestock including horses, the keeping
and raising of poultry, swine, cattle, and other domesticated animals used for food or
farming purposes as defined in MGL Chapter 111.
3.3 Applicant: shall mean any person in North Andover who applies for a permit to keep
one or more animas under this Town of North Andover regulation.
3.4 Animal Shelters and Corrals: shall include all stables, coops, pens, piggeries, cages,
and any other means of protecting and housing an animal from the environment or for
containing an animal.
3.5 Board of Health: shall mean The North Andover Board of Health and appointed agents.
3.6 Cockerel: shall mean a young male chicken.
3.7 Coop: shall mean a small structure for housing live fowl.
3.8 Corral: shall mean any pen or enclosure for confining one or more animals.
3.9 Direct Abutter: shall mean owners or tenants of land that adjoins the side or rear lot
lines of the resident property that is applying.
3.10 Domesticated Animal: shall mean animals of a species of vertebrates that have been
domesticated by humans to live and breed in a tame condition and depend on
humankind for survival. Domesticated animals shall include, but not be limited to, any
equine or bovine animal. Goat, sheep, sine, dog, cat, poultry or domesticated beast or
bird.
3.11 Dwelling: shall mean any building, shelter or structure used or intended for human
habitation.
3.12 Exotic Animal: shall mean an animal that is not native to this region and or country.
3.13 Facility: shall mean the total accommodations to be used for the keeping and care of
one or more animals, including but not limited to, land and any accessory or animal
structures such as, but not limited to, a barn and/or stable.
3.14 Feral Cats: shall mean a cat born to the wild, which is no longer domesticated or
socialized to humans and has been abandoned or allowed to become free roaming.
3.15 Fencing: shall mean enclosure material installed for the purpose of privacy or livestock
and/or animal containment.
3.16 Fowl: shall mean chickens, pigeons, doves, capons, hens, turkeys, pheasants, guinea
fowl, ducks, roosters, and geese other than wild species.
3.17 Generally Acceptable Agricultural Practices: shall mean the applicant is consistent
with the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture Resources Division of Animal
Health's, Generally Acceptable Agricultural Practices. The following are some potential
resources.
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-agricultural-resources
https://www.nres.usda.gov/wps/portal/nres/site/ma/home/
https://massacd.wordpress.com/
https://ag.umass.edu/resources/agricture-resources
3.18 Hen: shall mean adult female chicken.
3.19 Household Pets: shall mean animals that are primarily kept indoors for non-agricultural
purposes, including but not limited to dogs, cats, ferrets, pot-bellied pigs, fish,
domesticated or exotic birds, hamsters, and mice.
3.20 Keeping of Animals Permit: shall mean a permit issued by the North Andover Board of
Health and appointed agents for the keeping or housing of one or more animals in
accordance with the provisions of this regulation.
3.21 Livestock: shall mean animals kept for agricultural purposes, including but not limited to
cattle, goats, sheep, swine, quines, camelids, poultry, and other fowl. For the purposes
of this regulation, the definition of"livestock" shall not include roosters or cockerels.
3.22 Manure Management Plan: shell mean a plan for the handling of manure. This plan
shall address cleaning, composting, storage, utilization, and removal of manure.
3.23 Nuisance: shall mean any condition including, but not limited to, noise, offensive odor,
attraction or breeding of insects, an environment supporting growth of vermin, presence
of rodents, or any other condition having public health or environmental significance.
3.24 Permit: shall mean a permit that is issued by the North Andover Board of Health and
appointed agents for the keeping of one or more animals in accordance with the
provisions of this regulation.
3.25 Permit Applicant: shall mean a person or entity who applies for a permit to keep one or
more animals under this regulation.
3.26 Permit Holder: shall mean any person who has received a permit issued by the Board
of Health for the keeping of animals.
3.27 Pen: shall mean a structure for the keeping or housing one or more animals.
3.28 Person: shall mean a person, persons, association, partnership, trust, company,
corporation, or other legal entity, owning property carrying on an activity regulated by
this regulation.
3.29 Pest Management Plan: shall mean a plan, which adequately defines the measures
that shall be taken by the owner to minimize the presence of rodents, insects, and pest,
and to minimize the creation of odors and other nuisances.
3.30 Plot Plan: shall mean the plan that shows the dimensions of the area where animals will
be kept. A plot plan must also include the locations of the primary residence, all
structures, fences, corrals, septic systems, private wells, and wetlands. A hand-drawn
plot plan is acceptable so long as it is of sufficient detail and quality to allow for revied by
the North Andover Board of Health and appointed agents.
3.31 Poultry: shall mean the following but is not limited to, chickens, ducks, geese, guinea
fowl, peafowl, pheasants, partridges, quail, and turkey. Swine: shall not include pigs kept
primarily indoors as companion animals.
3.32 Rooster: shall mean adult male chicken.
3.33 Runoff: shall mean water from natural or unnatural sources that flows over the surface
of the ground.
3.34 Stable: shall mean a building or structure used for the shelter and/or feeding of one or
more animals.
3.35 Stall: shall mean a compartment in a stable used for the keeping of one or more
animals.
3.36 Town: shall mean The Town of North Andover.
3.37 Usable Area: shall mean land area suitable for the raising of animals such as pastures,
fields, and wooded uplands. This area does not include wetlands, dwellings, or any other
area(s) as may be restricted by town, state or federal law, regulations, or guidelines.
3.38 Vermin: shall mean various types of insects, bugs, and/or rodents.
3.39 Wetland: shall mean land area or surface are so defined by Massachusetts Wetlands
Protection Act, M.G.L. Chapter 131, Section 40, and regulations promulgates pursuant
thereto at 310 CMR 10.00.
Section 4 - General Requirements
4.1 All applications must be submitted to The North Andover Board of Health shall meet the
criteria set forth in this regulation.
4.2 All structures must comply with the setback requirements for the zoning district in which
such structures are located as set forth in The North Andover Zoning Bylaw's (Chapter
195-4.2, Chapter 195-4.3, Chapter 195-4.4, Chapter 195-4.5, Chapter 4.6). Chart 195
attachment 3 (Table 2 summery of dimensional requirements) and Wetland Protection
Chapter 190.
North Andover by law states:
Agriculture,horticulture,floriculture,viticulture or silviculture.
(1)Farming of field crops and row crops,truck gardens,orchards,plant nurseries,and greenhouses.
(2) On any lot of at least three acres,the keeping of a total of not more than three of any kind or assortment of animals or
birds,except chickens being kept,harbored,raised,or maintained as accessory to a residential single-family structure
as defined in Subsection F(5),in addition to the household pets of a family living on such lot,and for each additional
acre of lot size to five acres,the keeping of one additional animal or bird,but not the keeping of animals,birds,or pets
of persons not resident on such lot.
(3) On any lot of at least five acres,the keeping of any number of animals or birds regardless of ownership and the
operation of equestrian riding academies,stables,stud farms,and poultry batteries.
(4) The sale of products raised as a result of the above uses on the subject land.
(5) The sale of products of agriculture,horticulture,floriculture,viticulture or silviculture as well as accessory or customary
items,by any person who is primarily engaged in any of the above activities.The operation must be on at least 10
contiguous acres used primarily for any of these activities.
(6) A single-family residence may keep a maximum of six hens.
(a) Two-family residences,in addition to single-family residences,may keep six hens as long as hens are owned by the
homeowner,who must reside in the property.
(b) For lots of at least three acres,a single-family residence may keep a maximum of three hens per acre of lot size.
(c) No roosters shall be permitted.
(d) Such residence must maintain a minimum coop area of four-square feet per hen.
(e) The owner of the hens must live in the residence.
(f) Hens and coops are prohibited from the front yard of a residence,unless screened by a privacy fence of at least six
feet in height.
(g) No coop shall be located closer than 40 feet to any residential structure occupied by someone other than the hen
owner,custodian,or keeper.
(h) The hens shall be secured in a coop and contained in a fenced area on the property when out of the coop.
(i) This use shall meet all current applicable state or Board of Health regulations regarding the raising of chickens.
4.3 All facilities used for the keeping of animal's shell be securely fence as to prevent
animals from escaping location permitted for the keeping of animals.
4.4 Keeping of household pets are exempt from this regulation with the exception that the
North Andover Board of Health and appointed agents may impose a permit requirement
in situations where animals are kept in unreasonable numbers or in conductions that
may result in a public nuisance or hazard to the health and welfare of the Town of North
Andover and its residents.
Section 5 -Application Requirements
5.1 Permit holder must complete and submit.
5.1.1. Complete application.
5.1.2. Sketch or Certified Plot Plan of location.
5.1.3. Payment of Application fee.
5.1.4. Written description of how permit holder will implement.
• Manure Management Plan
• Storage of Feed
• Pest Management
9.1.1 5.1.5 List of Abutter within 300' of the parcel(s)where work is proposed as
certified by The North Andover Assessor's Office.
(NOTE: This certified list shall not be more than 30 days old at the time of filing.)
5.1.5. Notification made to abutters by certified mail/certificated of mailing not less than
seven (7) calendar days prior to the public hearing and proof of mailing
presented at that hearing in the form of signed green cards."
5.1.6. Self-addressed stamped envelopes made out to each abutter.
Section 6 - Permit
6.1 Permits shall expire on February 28 of each year, unless revoked or suspended by The
North Andover Board of Health and appointed agents.
Section 7 - Construction and Construction Changes
7.1 no person shall erect, occupy, use, rebuild reconstruct, alter, or structurally change a
stable, accessory structure or corral without approval from but not limited to The North
Andover Board of Health and appointed agents, Building Department, Zoning
Department and Conservation Department.
Section 8 - Enforcement and Penalties
8.1 Any violations of these regulations may result on a written order to correct.
8.2 In the event that a person does not comply with an order to correct a fine shall be
issued.
8.3 The North Andover Board of Health and appointed agents may suspend, revoke, or deny
a permit if any permit holder or potential permit holder in found to be in violation of any of
these regulations.
Section 9 - Hearings and Posting of Legal Notice
9.1 Permit holder my request a hearing before The North Andover Board of Health and
appointed agents, by filling out a written request in addition to but not limited to the
following.
9.1.2 List of Abutter within 300' of the parcel(s)where work is proposed as certified by
The North Andover Assessor's Office.
(NOTE: This certified list shall not be more then 30 days old at the time of filing.)
9.1.3 Notification made to abutters by certified mail/certificated of mailing not less than
seven (7) calendar days prior to the public hearing and proof of mailing
presented at that hearing in the form of signed green cards."
9.1.4 Notification of public hearing made in the Lawrence Eagle Tribune not less than
seven (7) days prior to the public hearing. Health Department staff will prepare
the appropriate legal notice, however submission and payment to Tribune is the
applicant's responsibility.
Section 10 -Variance
10.1 Variance to any section of this regulation may be requested before The North Andover
Board of Health and appointed agents, by filling out a written request in addition to but
not limited to the following.
10.1.1 Certified Abutters list obtained from The North Andover Assessor's Office.
10.1.2 Self-addressed stamped envelopes made out to each abutter.
10.1.3 Fee for the advertised in a Legal Notice in a local paper at least 14 days in advance of
the date of the hearing.
Keeping of Animals Application
Birds/Fowl (maximum of 6) $10 each
Cattle, cows, houses, sheep,goats $10 each
Pigs $10 each
Pigeons(maximum of 10) $10 each
Name:
Address:
Telephone: Email
Type & Number of Animals:
Poultry Pigeons Pigs Cattle Cows Goats Horses Sheep
Other
Source of animals:
Distance from residence: Distance from abutting property:
How and where is feed stored:
How and where is manure stored/disposed:
Provide the following:
Certified Abutters List from Assessing and proof of Certified mailing
A plot plan which includes topographical information,size of lot with structures presents as well
as structures planned for the use of intended animals (including fences&wells), distances of animal
housing and enclosures from all abutters' structures and property lines, any other conditions which
could influence the safety and health of the community if said animal(s) were kept on the applicant's
premises.
A picture and/or sketch of structure to house animals and fence/enclosure including dimensions.
I, certify under penalties of perjury that the above-mentioned
information is correct.Signature: Date:
Approval from the following departments:
Building
Conservation:
Health Director
Keeping of Animals Application
Birds/Fowl (maximum of 6) $10 each
Cattle,cows, houses, sheep, goats $10 each
Pigs $10 each
Pigeons(maximum of 10) $10 each
Name:
Address:
Telephone: Email
Type & Number of Animals:
Poultry Pigeons Pigs Cattle Cows Goats Horses Sheep
Other
Source of animals:
Distance from residence: Distance from abutting property:
How and where is feed stored:
How and where is manure stored/disposed:
Provide the following:
Certified Abutters List from Assessing and proof of Certified mailing
A plot plan which includes topographical information, size of lot with structures presents as well
as structures planned for the use of intended animals(including fences&wells), distances of animal
housing and enclosures from all abutters'structures and property lines, any other conditions which
could influence the safety and health of the community if said animal(s) were kept on the applicant's
premises.
A picture and/or sketch of structure to house animals and fence/enclosure including dimensions.
I, certify under penalties of perjury that the above-mentioned
information is correct. Signature: Date:
Approval from the following departments:
Building
Keeping of Animals Application
Birds/Fowl (maximum of 6) $10 each
Cattle,cows, houses, sheep,goats $10 each
Pigs $10 each
Pigeons (maximum of 10) $10 each
Name:
Address:
Telephone: Email
Type & Number of Animals:
Poultry Pigeons Pigs Cattle Cows Goats Horses Sheep
Other
Source of animals:
Distance from residence: Distance from abutting property:
How and where is feed stored:
How and where is manure stored/disposed:
Provide the following:
Certified Abutters List from Assessing and proof of Certified mailing
A plot plan which includes topographical information,size of lot with structures presents as well
as structures planned for the use of intended animals(including fences&wells),distances of animal
housing and enclosures from all abutters'structures and property lines, any other conditions which
could influence the safety and health of the community if said animal(s)were kept on the applicant's
premises.
A picture and/or sketch of structure to house animals and fence/enclosure including dimensions.
I, certify under penalties of perjury that the above-mentioned
information is correct.Signature: Date:
Approval from the following departments:
Building
KEEPING OF ANIMALS RULES AND REGULATIONS
Section 1 -Authority
Animal rules and regulations are adopted under M.G.L. chapter 111, section 31, as health
regulations by the North Andover Board of Health.
Section 2 - Purpose
Whereas minimum standards for keeping of animal's protection of the public health, animal
welfare, and the environment are considered necessary for the welfare, of the community, these
regulations have been adopted by the North Andover Board of Health this day 12/4/21 and are
effective on 12/4/21.
Section 3 - Definitions
Unless otherwise noted below, the following terms shall have the following definitions through
this regulation.
3.1 Abutter: shall mean the owner of properties within 300' of the parcel(s) where work is
proposed as certified by The North Andover Assessor's Office.
3.2 Animal: shall mean the keeping and raising of livestock including horses, the keeping
and raising of poultry, swine, cattle, and other domesticated animals used for food or
farming purposes as defined in MGL Chapter 111.
3.3 Applicant: shall mean any person in North Andover who applies for a permit to keep
one or more animas under this Town of North Andover regulation.
3.4 Animal Shelters and Corrals: shall include all stables, coops, pens, piggeries, cages,
and any other means of protecting and housing an animal from the environment or for
containing an animal.
3.5 Board of Health: shall mean The North Andover Board of Health and appointed agents.
3.6 Cockerel: shall mean a young male chicken.
3.7 Coop: shall mean a small structure for housing live fowl.
3.8 Corral: shall mean any pen or enclosure for confining one or more animals.
3.9 Direct Abutter: shall mean owners or tenants of land that adjoins the side or rear lot
lines of the resident property that is applying.
3.10 Domesticated Animal: shall mean animals of a species of vertebrates that have been
domesticated by humans to live and breed in a tame condition and depend on
humankind for survival. Domesticated animals shall include, but not be limited to, any
equine or bovine animal. Goat, sheep, sine, dog, cat, poultry or domesticated beast or
bird.
3.24 Permit: shall mean a permit that is issued by the North Andover Board of Health and
appointed agents for the keeping of one or more animals in accordance with the
provisions of this regulation.
3.25 Permit Applicant: shall mean a person or entity who applies for a permit to keep one or
more animals under this regulation.
3.26 Permit Holder: shall mean any person who has received a permit issued by the Board
of Health for the keeping of animals.
3.27 Pen: shall mean a structure for the keeping or housing one or more animals.
3.28 Person: shall mean a person, persons, association, partnership, trust, company,
corporation, or other legal entity, owning property carrying on an activity regulated by
this regulation.
3.29 Pest Management Plan: shall mean a plan, which adequately defines the measures
that shall be taken by the owner to minimize the presence of rodents, insects, and pest,
and to minimize the creation of odors and other nuisances.
3.30 Plot Plan: shall mean the plan that shows the dimensions of the area where animals will
be kept. A plot plan must also include the locations of the primary residence, all
structures, fences, corrals, septic systems, private wells, and wetlands. A hand-drawn
plot plan is acceptable so long as it is of sufficient detail and quality to allow for revied by
the North Andover Board of Health and appointed agents.
3.31 Poultry: shall mean the following but is not limited to, chickens, ducks, geese, guinea
fowl, peafowl, pheasants, partridges, quail, and turkey. Swine: shall not include pigs kept
primarily indoors as companion animals.
3.32 Rooster: shall mean adult male chicken.
3.33 Runoff: shall mean water from natural or unnatural sources that flows over the surface
of the ground.
3.34 Stable: shall mean a building or structure used for the shelter and/or feeding of one or
more animals.
3.35 Stall: shall mean a compartment in a stable used for the keeping of one or more
animals.
3.36 Town: shall mean The Town of North Andover.
3.37 Usable Area: shall mean land area suitable for the raising of animals such as pastures,
fields, and wooded uplands. This area does not include wetlands, dwellings, or any other
area(s) as may be restricted by town, state or federal law, regulations, or guidelines.
3.38 Vermin: shall mean various types of insects, bugs, and/or rodents.
3.39 Wetland: shall mean land area or surface are so defined by Massachusetts Wetlands
Protection Act, M.G.L. Chapter 131, Section 40, and regulations promulgates pursuant
thereto at 310 CMR 10.00.
4.3 All facilities used for the keeping of animal's shell be securely fence as to prevent
animals from escaping location permitted for the keeping of animals.
4.4 Keeping of household pets are exempt from this regulation with the exception that the
North Andover Board of Health and appointed agents may impose a permit requirement
in situations where animals are kept in unreasonable numbers or in conductions that
may result in a public nuisance or hazard to the health and welfare of the Town of North
Andover and its residents.
Section 5 -Application Requirements
5.1 Permit holder must complete and submit.
5.1.1. Complete application.
5.1.2. Sketch or Certified Plot Plan of location.
5.1.3. Payment of Application fee.
5.1.4. Written description of how permit holder will implement.
• Manure Management Plan
• Storage of Feed
• Pest Management
9.1.1 5.1.5 List of Abutter within 300' of the parcel(s) where work is proposed as
certified by The North Andover Assessor's Office.
(NOTE: This certified list shall not be more than 30 days old at the time of filing.)
5.1.5. Notification made to abutters by certified mail/certificated of mailing not less than
seven (7) calendar days prior to the public hearing and proof of mailing
presented at that hearing in the form of signed green cards."
5.1.6. Self-addressed stamped envelopes made out to each abutter.
Section 6 - Permit
6.1 Permits shall expire on February 28 of each year, unless revoked or suspended by The
North Andover Board of Health and appointed agents.
Section 7 -Construction and Construction Changes
7.1 no person shall erect, occupy, use, rebuild reconstruct, alter, or structurally change a
stable, accessory structure or corral without approval from but not limited to The North
Andover Board of Health and appointed agents, Building Department, Zoning
Department and Conservation Department.
16 .
Date Total Number of Cases Total Active Cases Deaths
12/9/2021 4264 204 92
— Cases by age Y North Andover Vaccination Rates __ Vaccination Status __ ___._.._..__. ....__..._.._......_._ .._.__ ___........_..____.._.........___.........,.._o._...___..�_ ._......_..............
Age #of Positive Cases /°Population Partially Vaccinated /°Population Fully Vaccinated Vaccinated - NOT Vaccinated
....................... ......... ........................................................................;......_.................. ................................................_..................................._.._.._......................................__............._..................... _...._................................ .......
..._..........0-4 _....................... 10 - _ j - i 10......_...._............._..__.....
....._........_......................-----........... ;_ ...._........._......_._._......__......_...................._...._....._.
5-11 i 28 46% 29% 0 __..._........__._ ____.___
28
_............_.._._....� __...._—._.._..........._........:...._.._................... ......-.---....._.._...-----_._.__._....._._..__ _ _....__..__.......................-»..._.............__.._._._..�. i
12-15 i 4 85% 77% ...._.................._f........_.._._.................._...._..---..........._..................'..........................__.........._ _.....__....__.._._...
.............1............................................_..... ...........................................-.--- 4
16-19 j 13 68% € 64% j 9 ; 4
20-29 35 _83%...._...__._._. i 75% E 12 ..............._...�23_.
_...__.._...—__....---_............._.... _...._.__...... ......—...------ _;.._ _......._. _;_.. _ ..__._ .....--..................._.......__--_..._.._..__.._....._._.............._...................;........_...__................._..................................................
.30-49 57 _90%ow 82% 1 26 31
.._._........................ ......_....................._.___1.......---..__....................—_................._......_............_..•................._............ ...................._...........s........................................ .I..__......................._......._ i
_•___........__............__-.._. ..__..._....................._.._............j.............._.«.............._. .....
...............
50-64 42 92% € 86% 25 17
_................_._ ---------_............._---- ._......----........._. ....._......_r_.... ;__ _ _..—.__._........._ _. _�._..._.._.
—_... -- 65-74 _.... 9 ;._....— _...._......._'.95%0 95% 7 __ _ __.._... 2
...............__...._._......_. ...._--..........._ --._................_.__..._..__ .......... —--..._......:........ ..........._...._ __......._........
.6 '95% _ �95% ... .._..._._..........._....__...................................................._....................__2............_................
75+ 4....
_....................._.. ._. ...__..........,..............................................._............._......................I........ _
TOTAL 204 82% 73% j 83 121
NA Household Cluster% 34% Cases linked to household or congregate living transmission.
_.. ._...-.._ _._ .. ........... _. ....... ..._._.
NA Percent Positive Testing Rate: 4.65% Percent of positive tests over 14 days
NA 14 Day Incidence Rate: 51.9 Incidence rate is the number of new cases per 100K people. Rates
are used to compare data between areas with different population sizes
NA 7 Day Incidence Rate: 66.0 NA rate taken over the last 7 days
----- -- --..__...
NA Two week Testing Number 4,994 Number of tests given over 14 days to NA residents,including higher ad
Total#Vaccinated in MA: 4.96M People are fully vaccinated In MA
Hospitalizations in MA: 1,239 COVID-19 hospital patients In MA(261 in ICU,1491ntubated patients)
Items to Note: 1.The weekly case totals continue to see high and steady numbers every day.Our daily average Is roughly 20 new cases per day.
_... .. .... .. -... ._..__._ ._ .. .._....__. ...- .._. .....
- - .... - -.__. _...... .
We had a daily high of 37 cases this week
2.Winter sports and activities are up and running.
Please take a look at our Indoor sports and activity posting Jig
VACCINATED ATHLETES DO NOT HAVE TO QUARANTINE IF EXPOSED BYATEAMATE
Please get your child vaccinated if they play any indoor team sport or participate in and indoor activity.
3.The Health Department and the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center will hold more vaccination clinics for ages 5 and older I
after the holidays. The dates,times and locations are being finalized and will be announced as soon as possible. I
t
_._ -- - - ----- -- - _. ._ . ----- ------------1
Vaccine Info: jhttcs://www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine
1.8%of fully vaccinated people in MA have contracted the virus.
0.05%of vaccinated people have gone to the hospital with symptoms.
i
0.01%of vaccinated Individuals have passed away from covid.
!As of 1214,4_90M people are vaccinated in MA with 88,968 breakthrough cases.Of those cases,2,716 were hospitalized and 647-resulted in death.
- - _-- -- - _ .- _- -r---Testing: ;If you have been exposed or are a close contact,get tested. It is still free and easy
hhps:/Ammmass.gov/info-details/find-a-covid-l9-test
Date Active Cases -- ' - - -- -
7/8 0 -- _
7/15 4 North Andover Active COVID-19 Cases by Week _
7/22 11
7/29 32 250 .-
8/6 20 240 -- -----.—__ 230—
230 220 --
-------- �__._s—_.
8/12 47 - -- -_-.._ ______—_
8/19 58 210 204
8/26 62 200 _-----
190
9/2 82 180 --- _.
9/9 88 170 ---- -
9/16 107 ¢ 160 --____— --_--_--
9/23 103 50
z140 --_. __. e — ._ _.__.------___-_-._.._ _.. 128 133
9/30 105 130
10/7 71 m 120 — --- —----107-- 103 105---- 107
v 110 —_ --
10/14 61 100 -- —
10/21 70 90
80 --
10/28 91 70
11/4 96 60 ---
11/11 112 50 ---
11/18 107 30 — --
11/25 128 20 4 —
10 --0 —
12/2 133 p
12/9 204 ��� ��.`' ��titi 1��0 alb 11,
11 o ti o�"I
12/16 230
Date
Hospitalizations, ICU and Intubated Patients in Massachusetts
Hospitilizations ICU Intubated
1500 _-
-'1411—
1239
989
y 1000
m
•s
771
0 675 657
a 595 622 606 618
c565 571 567 532 528 509 527
500
!°- 375 - -
326
264 261
176 158 166 173 165 167 206 176
143 150 142 142 40 47 41 132 156 149
0 55 85 9 48 70 99 193 197 196 1100 192 83 79 75 3 74 67 84 109
3'17 19 32
i 0
7/29 8/5 8/12 8/19 8/26 9/2 9/9 9/16 9/23 9/30 1017 10/14 10/21 10/28 11/4 11/11 11/18 11/25 12/2 12/9 12116
I
Date
i
North Andover Health Department
1. We have seen cases increasing since July and throughout the fall. Daily average is up to 20+ per day.
2. All attributed to the Delta variant, Omicron has not been a factor in NA or Massachusetts at this time.
NA Monthly Case Totals
600 --
400
200 -
10
0
June July August September October November December
(estimated)
Omicron Info
3. Still gathering data on the Omicron variant.
a. Originated in South Africa in mid November.
b. Still analyzing transmissibility and severity.
c. Early reports indicate it is as transmissible, possibly more than Delta but has not had more severe outcomes.
d. Severity lower possibly because cases have in been younger pops.
e. Cases seem to be in the younger age groups and in people more apt to travel.
f. Hospitalizations in South Africa have been consistent over the emergence of this variant.
g. 16 cases in MA and 1 briefly hospitalized.
h. Antivirals seem to be effective and vaccines are effective but efficacy is improved with booster dose.
Vaccine
4. Best defense against the virus and all the variants is getting vaccinated.
5. Vaccines highly reduce your chances of contracting the virus if you are exposed.
6. Vaccines will also reduce severity and duration of symptoms and are 99.95% effective at keeping cases out of the hospital.
7. MA and NA have very high vaccination rates. MA has 5M people fully vaccinated and NA is 82% partially and 73% fully vaccinated.
8. With high vaccination rates, contact tracing is not the priority it was previously and the state eliminated the CTC.
9. Local resources are shifting to priority groups, such as early childhood education, K-12 and clusters for outreach.
10. Please remember that people who are fully vaccinated do not have to quarantine if deemed a close contact.
11. Indoor sports and indoor activities tend to have a higher number of close contacts and quarantines
11. Please remember to be safe and protect you loved ones over the holidays!
NA Vaccination Rates by Age
Age % Partially Vaxxed % Fully Vaxxed
5-11 46% 29%
12-15 85% 77%
16-19 68% 64%
20-29 83% 73%
30-49 90% 82%
50-64 92% 86%
65-74 <95% 95%
75+ <95% <95%
Total 82% 73%
As of 12/9