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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-26 Board of Health Minutes I �f Town of North Boardof Health Dr. Patn*ck Scanlon ` /� Q ; , / u MichelleDavis, RN Chair & Town Physician , „ ,,i Jennifer.A.bou.-Ezzl,RN 1r Jennifer Moore, RN Clerk Bral S z_ ht Fi Ir i wp^ ggI Ii t i kY' I �n Mli' I Yr MEETING MINUTES Toivn Hall, 120 Main Street,North Ani-lover,MA 01845 Members Present Dr. Patrick Scanlon, Jennifer Moore, and Jennifer Abou- zzl Members Absent Bral Splght, and Michelle Davis Staff Members Present Andrew Shapiro, Craig DeCosta, and Carolyn:fan �1. CALL TO ORDER Der. Scanlon called the meeting to order at 7:00,p.m. 2.,PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3.APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES A Motion was made by J.Moore to approve the February 26, 2026 minutes. Seconded by J. .Abou-Ezz . The vote to approve was unanimous. MOTION APPROVED. 4,NEW BUSINESS Board of Health.Agent Appointment Thomas Carbone was discussed as a,part-time`title 5 Specialist. A Motion was made by J.Abeu-Ezzl to appoint Thomas Carbone as a BOH agent. Seconded by J. Moore. The vote to approve was unanimous,MOTION A-PPR VE :. 0 Appointment of Town uf"North Andover voting member to the Middlesex-Essex Public Health Collaborative Advisory Board (PossibleVin e Andrew Shapiro was nominated. A Motion was Wade by J. Moore to appoint Andrew Shapiro as voting member,to the MEP,HC Advisory.Board. Seconded by J. A.bou- zz . The vote to approve was unanimous, MOTION, APPROVED, 5. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND DISCUSSIONS Discussion and Possible vote: Recommendation can Proposed Towvn.Meeting Articles by Save North Andover Wildlife. Carla Carter of 23 Wright Ave. and Denise Dion of 25 Elrnerest Rd., representing Save North Andover Wildlife(founded by Carol Disney),requested:full and favorable support for two Town. Meeting warrant articles concerning second-generation anticoagulant r dentieides SGARs . • Article 1: :propose a bylaws to prohibit the use of SGARs on town land.. • Article 2: Pass a home rule petition allowing the town to vote to ban.SGAR use on all private property,. Presentation Highlights o The group acknowledged the need for rodent control and provided evidence supporting cost-effective and viable alternatives to SGARs. • The town already does not use SGARs on municipal/school property; schools stopped last summer and 'increased exclusion/starvation methods. and • Examples of alternatives were mentioned�� including Newton's birth control approach Lowell's switch from SGARs before a city-wide ban. n o Previous information sent to the board included science-backed ce-b ac ked data from Harvard and Tufts and testimonials from wildlife rehabilitators. • The EPA Risk Assessment states SGARs pose a risk to children, pets, and non-target species. • The presentation cited the significant number of non-target species affected and the first documented case of a snapping turtle perishing from SGAR poisoning in Watertown, MA.Long-term effects, including bioaccumulation, are under-investigated. • Ms. Carter and Ms.D'ion shared personal experiences near the airport(a suburban area with surrounding woods and wildlife), observing coyotes bobcats hawks eagles, owls rabbits, deer,, and a red-tailed hawk nest. • Incidents of suspected poisoning included a red-tailed hawk observed struggling (awkward Right,missed landings,falling from trees)that was taken to a rehabilitator (Tufts study found a 1001%rate of rodenticide poisoning in red-tailed hawks)- a dead rabbit found bleeding from the gums/mouth(a sign of poisoning) shortly after a i inc dents of a dog nearly M" gesting a dead mouse, neighbor's pest control visit-, and recent three dead rabbits, and four dead/dying mice/rodents found on the piropeity fi-om surrounding neighbors. .0 Concerns were raised that dogs are repeatedly put at risk by poisoned carcasses,rats are hoarders and carry poison out of bait boxes,and over 43 0 bait boxes were counted in the area. • SGARs were stated to contribute to the problem by killing natural predators (e.g., a single great homed owl can eat 1,500 rats/4,0100,mice per year). • Non-poison alternatives were noted as successful.-cost-comparative, or less expensive when used correctly. Board Deliberation and Vote o Board members recalled supporting the meas4e last year. o A member ffiquired about companies that might use trained predators for rodent control. o The presenter confirmed the reason for attending was to secure the Board of Health's f0 support, as the town manager's office requested relevant boards weigh in by April 1 Oth (or soon after the meeting date). o The BOH could motion to vote to recommend faVorable action, not favorable action, or take no action. A vote was required to officially tedord a favorable/not favorable recommendation. A Motion to approve Article 1,Bylaw Petition for Regulation ofRoy enticides on Town Land in North Andover,was,made by J.Moore. Seconded by J. Abou-Ezzi. The vote to approve was unanimous, MOTION APPROVE,Do A Motion to approve Article 2,Home Rule Petition for Regulating the Use of Rodenticides wi thin North Andover,was made by J.Moore. Seconded by J. Abou-Ezzi.The vote to approve MOTION APPRO VEDe was unanimous, General Updates: • Public Health Nurse­Carolyn Lam: Ms.Lam has been busy with camp season permit is gearing up to teach CPR and Choke reviews,took a mental health first aid training,, Safe classes, and is,planning health fairs. • Health Inspector—Craig DeCosta: Busy with permits(seasonal food permits for sheep shearing,pool season) and an increase in housing complaints including hoarding and rodent issues. BOHMeeting Minutes 03121612026 Page 2 of 3 6.ADJOURNMENT A Motion was,made by J. Moore to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by J. Abou-Ezzi. The of to adjourn was unanimous,.MOTION APPROVED. The meetin was adjourned at approximately 7:31 p.m. Prepared b Jennifer M Battersby, Health Departine,nt Assistant Revie All Board ofRealth Men7bers Si gz?ed by. 1110100 00000,01� 00,0 100110,0,11 "000uU ,1000 '1100�1001 000,"1�00" J&nniftr �e.�4erlc-,-QfB rd- Date Sighed A J d" % , 0 A 000o000 (f msm iou NA, Meeting Materials:Agenda;February 26,2026 Minutes*Save North Andover Wildlife Presentation Slides. BOHMeeting Minutes 0312612:026 Page 3 of 3