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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOH 09/14/2023Town of Mansfield RECEIVED _ Board of Health TOWN CLF_'�. OFFICE September 14, 2023 Minutes Il; 35 1�i3 OCl 1 'i P E „r �s� eve Mission Statement: The mission of the Mansfield Board of Health ly ru�} 21 and improve the public health, environment, and wellbeing of our citizei5s>��10p,tfl� orcement of federal, state, and local statutes and regulations, education and promotion of sanitary living and working conditions, and protection of the environment from disease and pollution. Present: Chair, Antonia Blinn; Clerk, Michael Healey, Amy Donovan -Palmer, Ryan Maxwell, Elliot Harrison Lee, DPH Summer Intern, Stephania Quinones, Student Liasion Late: Kasia Frenette, arrived at 8:14pm Guests: Luke Lopez, GM for Bertucci's, Joshua Richardson, Tattoo Jar, Samantha Allen, Tattoo Jar, Samantha Caimeno, TGI Fridays The meeting was called to order at 7:02pm by Ms. Antonia Blinn There was no To be discussed later in Student liaison, Stephania Quinones, a Senior at Mansfield High School was introduced. She is the second student liaison that Mansfield has had. Quinones stated that she is a senior at Mansfield High School who is "here to be a voice" for her generation and intends on helping with matters that affect her age group and generation. Blinn stated that she wants to hear from her throughout the meeting and that they will call on her if she has any input to share. Elliot Harrison -Lee, a MPH student at Brown, worked with the town of Mansfield through the MDPH local health internship program. Harrison -Lee gave a presentation regarding a follow-up to a survey given about a community health assessment given in 2022. The work Mr. Harrison -Lee completed was a follow up to the Mansfield 2022 CHA follow-up about community experiences and priorities. It follows the work that last year's intern, Kevin Sassaman, did alongside Boston University students. The assessment identified three key goals: to "increase the visibility of the LGBTQIA+, youth, and BIPOC populations of Mansfield through inclusive, comprehensive, and affirming practices", to "enhance and support the overall mental health and emotional well-being of all residents in Mansfield", and to "increase accessibility of healthy and nutritious foods and food resources for all Mansfield residents". This assessment was created to address the community's health needs through surveys, rather than interviews, of residents in order to identify the needs of minority groups that were inaccessible by stakeholder interviews. The survey was distributed throughout Mansfield at places such as Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day and Mansfield Family Fun Night. In addition, it was sent out through the Parks and Rec email list and at the Mansfield Library. There were 32 responses, of which, 31 were kept. One was excluded because one family did not live in Mansfield. Responses were not excluded if not fully completed due to the open response nature of the survey. The results show that the community health priorities differed by age group. Youth respondents stated that mental health, physical activity, alcohol use, and food access were most important. Adults reported that physical activity, food, access, mental health, intimate partner violence, and healthcare access were the biggest priorities. Seniors reported that healthcare access, food access, mental health, transportation, and physical activity were the most important priorities. The survey also highlighted and gathered data on respondent's social experience in Mansfield. Follow up questions addressing stigma identification by the town were asked to POC and LGBT groups and their responses signified that there is an imminent need for addressing stigma or discrimination in this community. The respondents reported that Mansfield feels safe but it does not support physical activity needs. Highlighted quotes mentioned the need for more sidewalks and people feel that the town is responsive, based on the department of home works. Respondents felt that healthcare access was good, yet reliant on transportation access. Namely, the access to personal transportation vehicles. Community experiences indicated a desire for more community -based activities such as promoting diversity such as pride and there was a desire for more walking groups to be established for people of all ages. Food assistance programs were also desired. The community also felt neutrally regarding if leaders in the community advocate for their needs. To summarize, the priorities of Mansfield, according to the results of this survey should align with improving physical accessibility and transportation, new community programming, creating avenues for advocacy and support for minority communities in Mansfield, and integrating food assistance programs to increase access to healthy foods. Actions and recommendations that Harrison -Lee stated that Mansfield should take include integrating food assistance through programs such as SNAP through Mansfield's food pantry, increasing awareness of Massachusetts's Healthy Incentives Program, and expanding Ms. Donovan-Palmer's work with the CHI[ grant to make public spaces more accessible including making public spaces more disability inclusive and accessible. One community member stated that it was disheartening that while there were questions about POC and LGBT communities, there were no questions about disabled populations. Harrison -Lee stated that this was a "complete oversight" and will be better addressed moving forward. Community based exercise programs that take advantage of Mansfield's existing trails, green space, and bike paths are going to be considered. The recent establishment of the DEI board should communicate with the local board of health to formalize pathways of communication between organizations that represent minority groups and the town's need for more DEI work. This would reduce the experiences of discrimination. The presentation concluded and Ms. Blinn gave a statement regarding her embarrassment for the lack of disability inclusion by the survey. More information about HIP was requested and it was stated that any person on SNAP can double their SNAP benefits at certain produce vendors, such as farm stands. Mansfield does not have any in -town vendors, so people do not typically know about this program. WIC was not mentioned by any survey participants. Recent immigrant families to Mansfield were mentioned which provides a different perspective which must be aware of while Mansfield is providing shelter. The town aims to ask these temporary residents in future surveys. Recommendations and future surveys were asked to Harrison -Lee. He stated that involving schools would be beneficial to involve youth populations as well. Future interns during the school year would be beneficial to connect with more surveys. Social media or equitable canvassing may be used. Back to school or curriculum night may be utilized in the future for finding more input from middle and high school families. Connecting to schools with the representative on the board is also a beneficial idea for a regular basis of connection with the school. Quinones stated that she would be able to assist with this as she feels her peers would be more responsive if approached by her rather than an authoritative figure. This is pending approval. Having a school year intern may be a task for the APHC or another organization, according to timing. No other board members had questions or concerns other than involving the DEI board and contacting Parks and Rec for more walking groups. Approved as presented 4:0 Ms. Donovan -Palmer provided context which states that the department and board have a new policy for housing inspections. Due to extended timeframe violations, the department changed the policy where the housing code switched in May 2023. The new housing code is similar but new and has decided that the health department allows for up to 30 days to correct a housing code violation. If it goes past this time frame, the board, rather than the health department, will grant this extension. 133 West Streets' residents did not think they could fix their violation within 30 days. This is why they came before the board to ask for an extension. They did fix the violation and this time will be used to address questions about the policy change. Lead inspections are being promoted for lead paint poisoning prevention for 1978 or prior built houses with children under the age of 6 living there. Two lead inspections have been completed and lead was found in both of them. Lead cases are filed for the court as they are deemed an emergency. Luke Lopez, the assistant manager of Bertuccis was present at the meeting. Priority and priority foundation violations were found at a re -inspection. The Board discussed the violations. Mr. Lopez discussed actions they are taking to prevent further violations. A formal written plan is needed including what the violation is, how it is to be fixed, and how it is to be maintained. The timeframe for this written action plan is that it can be done by the next day at 5pm, September 15th. The restaurant's frequency of inspections is going to be increased as they are now in a higher category of risk due to these repeated issues. An additional inspection and an increase in permit fee will occur. Spot inspections were also requested and if the smaller infractions were fixed, then Paul is requested to check in on Bertuccis through the fall. A joint meeting intended to help will also occur. Food safety questions will be addressed by Paul, who is in charge of food safety as the regional inspector. On will be an additional A spokesperson for TGI Fridays, Samantha Caimeno, was present. Priority and priority foundation violations were observed at a re -inspection of the establishment. The Board discussed the violations and changes implemented to prevent future violations. An action plan will be created by 5pm the following evening, September 15th. This establishment will go from level 3 to 4 on the severity scale of risk. This means that the permit fee will be higher. It is possible to be moved back down as well. Inspections will be made in the fall. No one from Bar Pizza Present at the meeting. This will be addressed at the A violation occurred during a tattoo, photographs showed that a tattoo artist was ungloved and using an unsanitary hunting knife from a backpack (cited by client who sent in photo). Ms. Blinn brought up standards of practice stating "all body art procedures are to be done in accordance with universal precautions set for by the CDC". Part of this is ensuring universal precautions are taken including proper tools, sanitizations etc. Not following these precautions increases the risk for infection. A protocol should be in place for how a person who has received a tattoo leaves with proper aftercare instructions. The board asked to hear from the practitioner Joshua Richardson. He explained that the photo is not what it looks like and there are some misconceptions. There was discussion about proper tools and sanitizing procedures during body art procedures between the Board, Joshua Richardson, the practitioner, and Samantha Allen the owner. Ms. Blinn shared the regulations that they could be subject to a fine of $500 per day and they may receive a written warning for the first offense. Mr. Healey made a motion to fine the individual practitioner, Joshua Richardson $100 for the violation of not wearing a glove on his right hand and $200 for the use of a device in an ungloved hand this was seconded by Ms. Frenette. After discussion on regulation details, this motion was rescinded. Mr. Maxwell made a motion to issue a warning for the offenses stated, Mr. Wilson seconded this motion. Mr. Healy shared that he would love to issue a warning but he is struggling with the wording heard from both regarding their ability to be influenced by the pressure of a client, and doesn't think this can be changed without a punitive measure, and that the board relies on those who permits have been issued to follow regulations. Ms. Frenette then stated that as a professional if you're tired and will rush through to appease a client you shouldn't work that late, she understands if it's a really long day and things just happen, but it's not a good enough excuse to pull out a knife and not use a glove. Mr. Maxwell agreed. A vote was taken on the motion to issue a warning for the stated offenses to a vote of 1:4. The motion did not pass. Mr. Healey made a motion to fine Joshua Richardson $100 for not wearing a glove while tattooing and fining Samantha Allen of $200 for not complying to the infection prevention and control exposure control plan submitted to the Board of Health, seconded by Ms. Frenette. Ms. Blinn said it was tough to bring Ms. Allen into it because the only evidence was the photo of Mr. Richardson. Mr. Healey elaborated saying he's looking toward the person in charge to see what they're allowing in their facility and that to him that the use of the object should was not permitted. A vote took place 3:2, passing the motion for a fine of $100 for not wearing a glove while tattooing to Joshua and a $200 to Samantha for noncompliance with the infection prevention and control exposure control plan. Ms. Donovan -Palmer gathered information listing examples around language of restricting the sale of vape products to adult only stores. The more restrictive language is the one they are leaning toward. There are 3 questions the board needs to figure out. 1. Do you want to restrict vape products to adult only tobacco shops? 2. Do you want to restrict any smoking or vaping accessories to adult only tobacco shops? 3. Do you want to restrict the number of adult only stores in Mansfield? Mr. Healey asked the student rep about vaping in the high school and asked what percentage roughly vapes. She stated that the bathrooms all smell like vape and at least 10% do it in school but more, a majority, definitely do it outside of school. She will confer with friends who do vape to find out how they are getting it. Due to the late time and requiring additional information it was decided to table to conversation until the October meeting. Ms. Quinones will ask at school about vaping practices to bring the information back to the Board for that meeting. Ms. Blinn reminded folks that the Mass DPH has a community health equity survey (CHES), which is being promoted through town for those 14 and older. The first of this survey was done in the fall of 2020 trying to understand the effects Covid had on multiple Social Determinants of Health and other experiences. An additional survey about disabilities is also available. Ms. Blinn states this data would be key to inform them at the local level. Ms. Frenette asked if there are any social media promotional pieces or something more user friendly. Ms. Frenette said she forwarded it to the COA, Library, food pantry and to the newsletter, she will also send the link for the survey to their student rep. Upcoming free flu vaccination clinics • Thursday October 12, 12:30-3:30pm, Mansfield COA • Wednesday October 18, 5-8pm, Mansfield High School -Free-Health Screenings including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, Hands only CPR and associated prevention information • 21d Tuesday at the COA, 255 Hope Street Yd Wednesday at Town Hall, 6 Park Row Ms. Donovan -Palmer noted that they have been helping with the increase of migrant families with donation bins and other social supports. She shared that the biggest need seems to be transportation. Mr. Healey stated that since the state is providing lunch and dinner, breakfast and snacks/quick bites (PB+J) are the most needed. Ms. Donovan -Palmer shared there are 30 families within Mansfield, and the state said that Massachusetts has the capacity to hand up to 3,000 homeless families and as of August there are 6,000 and that's why this has been a struggle. Ms. Donovan -Palmer is continuously getting information from the office of regional and local health. Public health nurses have been visiting for health assessments, testing, and vaccinations. Ms. Donovan -Palmer reiterated they are not collecting clothing, and that they are working to get families to the St. Vincent De Paul shop. *****Not discussed but on agenda***** Permitting Bristol -Norfolk Public Health Partners Coalition Grants Update Public Health Excellence Grant Program for Shared Services Local health support for COVID-19 Case Investigation and Contact Tracing PEAS Website/Social Media Update Mosquito and Tick -Borne Diseases Housing Inspections FOG Grants FDA Retail Standards Grant Community Health Inclusion Index mini -grant Health and Wellness Grant- Parks and Rec prc No visitor comments � yr..U.l;�,11�7,'��-Ki4D1L��'��y�9F` / 9 r / i :✓...: rn �N �r.+%l r-. None Mr. Healey made the motion] to adjourn was seconded by Mr. Wilson, vote 5-0 meeting adjourned at 9:28pmrI p/IZ/Z3 Clerk Date