001Uh, good evening. I'd like to call the October 21st Ashland Board of Health meeting to order. Um, the first thing on our agenda is citizen participation. Do we have anybody for citizen participation? Okay, that being said, uh next thing um Raj is you for the um housing issue at 49 Cherry Street. >> Uh thank you, Chief. So I I don't see anybody here. You know, they was notified uh the property owners uh this property is maintained by Jordan Properties right now. So I did send a little timeline to the board uh you know what what has transpired so far on this property. So around 15th August right we did get a complaint from a occupan regarding conditions at the at the unit. This is right on the right side of the town hall. This is
002there are three apartments in in that building. So we did an inspection uh on the on the 19th and there there was an item that I was concerned uh now in the unit the walls have this you know kind of black spots looks like you know it might be caused by fire or something that that was the reason you know there was a delay in between for us to send the order letter out right um and I asked the fire department to go look with me you know what's that right uh So we have that but uh we sent the order letter on the 30th. Uh we sent the order letter on the 27th and it got delivered to a Newton address on the 30th but then we had no response from the owner for
003almost a month. But digging into into the ownership uh you know and I got the phone number from the occupant that the phone number belonged to Jordan's properties uh and I have to give them a call. They said, you know, never got notified by the owner. U and then I sent them the order letters. Uh this was uh I guess on the 13th I got an email from their attorney uh that you know the matter is in the court. He'd been evicted and stuff like that. And on the 17th uh on the 17th I got a another email from the property manager saying that they didn't get access. Uh now this is where uh we are we don't have compliance on this property you know so that's why it's it's in front of the board.
004So Raj is is anybody living there now? chief to what when I went with the fire department right on the 8th October 8th the occupants still have access the property to him you know yes he allowed us me Lynn and a couple of other fire officials went in uh and then uh couple of other concerns right yes he still have till till the 8th I know he he was still an occupant you know so he was not at the property that time but he he was uh still allowed us access. The other thing I was concerned just want to bring it to the board. Now the in in the kitchen wall there is a big crack you know. So I'm definitely concerned about the structure of the building that I wanted to ask the board
005right uh that uh I did speak with the building commissioner as well. He said the property owner need to let him in to analyze right what's going on with that. So that's like my other concern along with those black marks, you know, that's that's on the walls. >> So Raj, when was your last communication with the property owner or the attorney? >> Uh last was when I sent them on the 17th uh that they need to attend this meeting, you know, it went and it was confirmed that they'll be here, you know. Is this them joining now or >> I guess um um >> Miss Hills is with the serious apartments, you know, that I know. >> Uh Scott Francis, you know, can you please u tell us if you if you are you with
006the with the 14 and Cherry Street? >> I'm sorry I'm not I'm with more Massachusetts organization for addiction recovery. >> Yeah. Thank you. I I guess we saw you last time. >> Yes. And thank you for your kindness last last meeting. Thank you. >> So good to be with you all. >> All right. Um so why don't we um let's do this then for now. Let's wait. Um why don't we go on to the next item. We'll go on to Sarah's Apartments and then um we'll see if they join us. Um and then if not Raj um we'll have to get a letter out to them. Um or maybe you maybe we should probably just let our legal counsel know. >> Hi there. This is Sarah Apartments. No, no, this is some Hang on. We're
007talking about different We'll be right with you, Sirrus Apartments. Um Raj, um just especially if we're concerned about a structural issue and if people are in that building, >> right, Chief, you know, so that's like one of the concerns I have though and the other thing is non-compliance with the auto letter that that was sent out uh on the on the 27th, I guess. Yes, it's it's more than a month and a half, right? like we should pursue this you know in the court. So I I I'm probably going to see the legal council tomorrow on another matter. So if if you advise I'll discuss this and we'll we'll file it, you know. So >> yeah. Yeah. Why don't you um unless they join us for now um and if if everyone from the board
008is okay, we'll have Raj check with legal counsel tomorrow. Um and then they Raj can just update us by email what's happening if unless anybody else has any questions for Raj. No. All right. So, let's uh Raj, let's move on to Sirrus Apartments. >> Thank you, Chief. So, uh uh this this is an ongoing thing. I I know the manager of uh sir department is here with us right now. So, I've shared some pictures uh from from the dumpsters. It's going on for from last year. I know there is a manager change uh but u recently u we we have issue with the with an open dumpster that been overflowing um that I've seen at least five six times over the past uh six months you know and u a week and a half back
009I had a citation of $100 uh for the non-compliance that that the management have paid since you know so and Regina I will give it to you you know if you have anything to say so Regina the current manager she was in office last week you know uh she did mention that they're working on it you know it it is um it was on the agenda before I hear from back from her you know so if you have to say anything you know yes thank you um this is Regina I'm the new property manager here at Cirrus Apartments Homes. I just started here in May and I was made aware that the 30 yard dumpster in the back of the property needed to have a cover. Um on May 20th, I did reach out to
010BP who's our vendor and ordered that. It was according to him it was um ordered and then he told me that it was going to take at least several weeks probably in mid July. I reached out in mid July because we had not received the dumpster and I got no response. I did let him know that we were out of compliance with the city and I need a response immediately. And then I found out that the dumpster had got cancelled. Had no idea. I found that out in the first of September. I reached out to my corporate office in regards to the um the non-compliant on his side, no communication. So, we have now changed vendors. We are working on getting a cover for the 30 yard in the back as well as a pad
011to place the dumpster on. So, we are working on it. Every time that he comes by, I never see him at all. All I get are emails saying that we are out of compliance. Um, I want to work with you guys. I want to have a partnership with you guys. Um, but I mean I just never see him until that there is an issue. >> All right. So I have a quick question for you. Um, so you so you were using BP and now who are you using? >> Lawrence. >> Okay. And so and Raj is the so is that BP 30 yard dumpster still there >> to last time chief I was there yes you know so this this been going on >> sorry we'll give you time to say that you know so
012I know she's she's complaining that I've never seen her I have I have sent her multiple multiple emails to no response you know I've been on site the property two times for pool inspection s you know the second pool inspection I was sitting standing in front of her office for 10 minutes before anybody will let me in the property you know so that's not what I I do you know so I am on time I have limited time she was complaining that I don't come when she's in office that's not how we operate you know so this been going on with no response either side I send you pictures for five times that the temps have been overflowing you So that's why they are in front of the board now, you know. So it's like
013it should be five tickets or more than that right now that have given her one ticket and that she was very upset. The whole whole town was shocked with her behavior, you know. >> All right. So my my question is is why isn't BP picking up their dumpster if they're no longer in contract with Cirrus? So the contract ends on October um the 31st. So currently right now we have BP on site as well as Lawrence. Okay. >> We have Lawrence in the back because of the 30 yard not being covered. But now we do have a container back there. It's the wrong dumpster container because it's a bulk container. It doesn't allow the residents to dump their trash. So, that has to be replaced. Um my contact from Lawrence is coming out here tomorrow
014and we are going to walk the property um in the back so that I can explain to him exactly what we need. >> So all right let me what time is that meeting >> at 11:00. So my question maybe and again Raj I don't know what your schedule is maybe if there is a way for you to be there at 11 Raj and make sure Lawrence knows what our um guidelines and what we what we expect >> chief I won't be able to do 11 because I have a board meeting you know but as not the board meeting I'm sorry my team meeting at 11 uh that's already scheduled but Regina, is there any other time we can do that? I I'm happy to be there. >> Yeah, it's going to be tomorrow at 11.
015>> Yes, I I have I have a meeting at 11. >> Exactly what is um expected. You guys want the 30 yard in the back on a concrete pad and it has to be covered. Is that correct? It's it's your choice where you put your trash or recycling program. Yes, it that this is by code. It need to be on impervious services and it need to be contained all times. You know, it need to be covered. You cannot leave that open because >> No, that's what I'm asking. >> That's what I'm asking. >> Yes, it the trash need to be contained. It cannot be in an open dumpster, you know, period. So, I think um so let's let's have this all happen and then hopefully BP is going to pick up their 30 yard um
016dumpster and hopefully Lawrence can get them into compliance. So, we still have a 30-yard dumpster at the main um entry because our main dumpster is down. We have two cylinders that are bent and they're on order. So that's why we have a 30 yard parked right there in building number three that is being picked up twice a week. >> So Regina, let me ask you one question. So from when till from when is this compacted down? Because it's like almost more than a week that I see that open dumpster in the front as well. >> It's been down. This would be the second week. So that would be correct. >> So when are we going to get it fixed? You know, we cannot leave open dumpsters on the property because now I'm concerned about the
017neighborhood too. You know, the rodents you're going to bring it there going to affect my neighborhood around too. You know, it's just not about serious apartments. >> Raj, I just said we have ordered two cylinders. They are on order. We do have to send this emergency bid up to my asset manager. He has to prove it. The work is in progress. I just got um the approval from Lawrence that they found the two parts today. So, it's not like we are dragging our feet. The moment that BP told us that hey there is something wrong with your dumpster, we jumped on this immediately. >> Dina, what is your control for the rodents till then? You know, are we going to openly allow rodents to come to these dumpsters and have a buffet? What is the
018plan for the rodents? >> No. Do you have any um suggestions? Please let me know because I have no idea. I mean somebody need to have an idea. There are 400 units there, right? Like if we going to keep the open trash like what you tell me how we going how we going to control it, you know? So like that solution you should be giving me because I'm concerned at this point because I've seen rodent activity around the dumpsters going to keep the open trash like that and we don't know the timeline, you know. So who's responsible for it? >> If you have um any ideas, please let me know. All I am trying to do is to work as quickly as I can to get the part here. And that's what I did. The
019moment that BP informed me that the dumpster is down, I got a 30 yard because I knew that my residents were going to start putting trash in front of the dumpster. So, I know that that was an eyesore. So, I got the dumpster, but I am open to any ideas that you have about the open dumpster when I am doing all that I can to get it up and running as quickly as I can. So, I'm open to any ideas. I I don't know about you know what what to say but this been going on for good amount of time you know we're talking about more than a year you know this is not today's problem you know the >> I've been here for five months and I've done more in five months than the
020prior manager did in a year >> all right why don't we do this um so Raj when is our next board meeting what what's the date for that >> it should be uh November 4th, you know, for as for right now. >> Uh November 14th. >> Fourth, sir. Fourth. >> November 4th. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. All right. So, since this part we Lawrence supposedly has this part, um why don't we um give this till November 4th to be corrected? Um if not um I'm sorry your name is Regina. I'm sorry. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Regina. Um and if this is not corrected by November 4th, we would like to we would will have you back at our November 4th board meeting, but also with your corporate office um um legal counsel. >> Okay, that's
021not a problem. and the my fellow board members. Does that sound reasonable? Uh or anybody have any other suggestions? >> That sounds good to me, Ed. >> Maurice, you good? And uh David? >> Yeah, agreed. Sounds good. >> So, so we'll give them the couple of few weeks to get that rectified. Um Raj, you good with that idea? >> Sir, totally. I mean, hopefully this doesn't spread the rodents, you know, but I mean, I I get that, you know, but >> u my I tried my best, you know. It's just not not today's thing, you know, but again, if if that's the board's decision, yes, I'm 100% agree, you know. Yes. >> Yeah. Especially with she's saying that this gentleman has this part that they need and they can get them into compliance. So, we'll
022give them till November 4th. If not, we'll expect you back at our meeting with your legal counsel. In the meantime, can we get an update about the meeting tomorrow? Like an email update. >> Yeah, Regina, can you after you meet with Lawrence tomorrow, can you send Raj an update that he could then send to us as the board? >> Absolutely. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else have any comments, questions? >> Great. Thank you, Regina. >> All right. Thank you. Um, I noticed somebody else joined. Um, >> uh, yes, Mr. Mr. Rob Jordan. >> Yes. Hi. Good afternoon. >> Um, do you represent 49 Cherry Street? >> Can you hear me? Okay. >> Yes. Can you hear us? >> I do, sir. >> I can. Can you hear me? Okay. >> Yes. Do you represent 49
023Cherry Street? >> I do. >> Okay. Um, so we can go back to that. Um, Araj, you want to take it from here? >> Sure. So, Chief, as I was explaining, you know, so we we have uh non-compliance uh here with order letter that was sent uh on on August uh 27th, you know. So uh along with the concerns you know with the with the cracks as well as those black spots that's that's inside that. So Mr. Jordan, you know, as I spoke with you, right? This was uh uh on October 7th, right? >> Correct. >> We want to know till October 7th in between August 30th and October 7th, why we didn't get any response uh regarding regarding the order to correct letter that was sent sent to the property, you know. >> Uh
024sure. Um, so you know, my company, we've been managing these two properties on uh 49 and 53 Cherry Street for maybe 15, 16 years now. Uh, we're always very responsive almost immediately whenever we get a notification or communication uh from the town of Ashlin. Um, the notifications and communication usually come directly to our office. Uh these particular communications went directly to the owner of the property um who does not handle day-to-day activities. Um so uh Tim forwarded over these uh these documents over to us right when he received them. Um unfortunately he has a Gmail account and for whatever reason our uh Office 365 uh mail server was blocking some Gmail uh accounts from getting to us. um he had assumed that we had received it and we were acting on it. Uh in fact
025we never we never received it or even knew about it. Uh when Raj uh contacted us directly uh that was the first time that we learned that there was a notice uh out there. Um so we acted on the notice immediately. Uh contacted the tenant, attempted to set up a service visit to assess what we needed to get done, get the tech scheduled and get them in and start the repairs. Um just uh I I know this has nothing to do with the board of health, but this particular tenant happens to be under eviction. Uh they owe over $12,000 right now. Uh we just finalized a court case with them. Uh we have a move out date that we're working on with the courts. Um so he is refusing access for us to even get
026in and complete these repairs. Um so we did have our housing attorney get involved. uh he did contact the board of Ashland, the board of health uh directly to let him know that you know this is where the court case is. Uh we are working on getting a move out date with the tenant and then as soon as we get the move out date we will get access. Um I did talk to the attorney about filing some sort of restraining order to get access but he said by the time that we actually get that through the courts we could potentially have a tenant out and then we can just get in there and do whatever repairs um you know the town is requesting of us. So that's the current situation where we're at right now.
027I do apologize that this has been going on for so long. We just ne never got notification of it. >> Um Rob, quick question for you. Um I know Raj um has some um concerns about uh structural um and wanted to get the building inspector in there. Is there anything that your legal counsel can do to assist us to at least get the building inspector in there to see that the building is at least safe for somebody to be actually even living in there? >> I I can do whatever the board is recommending I do. If if he if the board wants me to speak to the attorney about filing something with the courts, I can. Um if uh if the city wants to put together a letter that we can provide to the tenant
028uh instructing them that we need access, you know, we we have a legal right to the unit with proper notice. Uh and we also have a legal right to the unit if there's an emergency situation, but he is just refusing access because of this court case and eviction. Um so I I did review Raj's order. I did not see anything on that order regarding anything structural or cracks. >> Mr. Jordan just just to let you know when uh the fire officials or uh this was back again right so that's why in in the order to correct letter I have mentioned that this is not compreh uh complete uh there was concerns about those black spots there are black spots uh along along the walls right and this particular item that's why uh it's not in
029there you know so I have written in in the first paragraph I've written a note that you know we'll be uh with that. Okay. So, >> yeah. And and regarding the black spots, you know, that was a concern of Oz as well, uh we did hire a mold uh company to go in there and do uh testing on on the surfaces and the air. Uh and we did not receive any type of reports that was of concern. So, it's not actually mold, it's discoloration. Um I don't think the house was probably insulated correctly when it was originally built or additions were done. Uh, and I think you know some of the the walls might be breathing through air and however that tenant is living might be causing some blackness on those walls. Uh, but there
030it is. It was not found to be mold on those walls. Um, so you know just Yep. >> Go ahead. >> I think we sent that I'm sorry. I think we sent that report to you. >> No, I I didn't receive it, you know. So if you can send that to me, right? And yeah, if we get access right, are you are you okay with the building commissioner, building inspector going into the property if I >> I speak with your occupant, you know, are you are you okay giving him access? Because this is what when I spoke to the building commissioner, he wanted uh you know, kind of okay from you guys to to get into the property. So, are you okay with that? >> Yeah, I I would never withhold, you know, the city
031coming into any of our properties. I if there's any any concern they're concerned about, I'm concerned as well. Um but you know in regards to this property this is a very old house. I wouldn't be surprised if there's some settling cracks in different areas. >> Sure. But you know again not my expertise. That's why we I wanted you know fire and building you know to get in and do their work. And my one one last question now if the occupant >> if I if I speak to the occupant and he allows you guys access are you okay to move forward with the repairs now? >> 100%. >> Sure. So let me let me speak with him in the morning tomorrow right and I'll let you know about the access part at least because that that
032should not be the story we should be getting right like mean usually happens in these kind of situations so I will speak with him like hey you need to give access for the repairs and if that I I will convey to you no >> yeah no that all sounds fine and you know we're we're a professional property management company unfortunately we deal with evictions pretty regularly and then usually when eviction starts is when the health department gets involved with the tenant call and then we try to do repairs and then they're not allowing access. So, you know, I've been doing this quite a long time. This is unfortunately a very common occurrence for us. >> No, I hear you, sir. You know, but at that same time, it doesn't, you know, stop us. We we
033have to do our work. So, >> of course, anybody else, please. >> Anybody have any questions? >> I had one. Uh, so you you said that there there was or there was not yet a move out date for the occupant. >> Uh, so we were in court I I'm going to say roughly uh 7 to 10 days ago. Uh, there's always a 10day waiting period after that default in court uh for the tenant to file appeals. Um, and I believe we're coming up on that 10day period. So as as you know, right when that 10day hits, we're allowed to go back to court and then ask for the execution. And then if we're granted that that execution, we can move forward with scheduling the constable if the tenant does not move on his own and
034then we can have a a constable assist him with moving him out. So we're we're very close to that process. Um, so if you didn't want to kind of complicate the situation over the next couple days, we might be able to expedite getting him out and then we have free range to bring in building department, health department, my text to do repairs and do whatever we need to do to to get this unit uh safe or I I don't believe it's unsafe, but get it repaired based to your standards. So, you think you'll know in another Well, by the end of the week, you would know for certain um if you have a move out a move out date? >> Yeah, I wouldn't say anything is ever for certain with the housing courts. It all
035depends on how soon the attorney can get back in front of the judge. Um but as soon as our 10-day waiting period is up, we're allowed to file our motion to ask ask for the execution. And how long after that does it usually um take to get the the actual date or or I guess I should say what is what is Yeah. How how many days after that does it usually >> Sure. No, it's it's a it's a fair question. It really depends on the judge that's sitting for the hearing. Uh we could get a decision at the hearing. Uh the judge could take 24 to 48 hours to return u their decision. >> Great. Thanks. >> Yep. So Raj, do you um because of this whole court thing, you want to wait till like
036do we want to come up like if we have something by week from Friday? I'm open. Whatever anybody thinks we should do here, >> chief, we should be fine. I just don't want it to be dragging on, right? So I mean if >> if you think we can wait till then you know till then >> get the >> Yeah. So Rob, can you get in touch with Raj next week as soon as you hear from the court? >> Yeah, I'll be in constant contact with him directly and we'll keep them updated on our status and our end. Uh, and you know, just just please understand that our goal is to, you know, work through this as fast as possible and and honestly, if we got the original notice that this would have not been an
037issue coming up right now. >> Okay. Anybody else? >> I'm good with that, Ed. It sounded like Dave was going to suggest that anyway to to hold off and and both parties seem to be cooperating, so that sounds good to me. >> Yep, that works. All right. Um, thank you, Rob. Okay, thank you for the board's time. Thank you, Raj. >> Thank you. >> Okay. All right. >> All right. So, uh the next thing on our agenda is Raj's report. Uh >> thank you, Chief. Uh so, first first tobacco regeneration, right? Uh from from the last meeting, uh I did see our legal council regarding the matter as the board asked, right? So, uh the legal council have advised that we can go both sides. We can adopt this as a regulation if if the
038board need to, right? or as a bylaw. Uh if we have to do it as a regulation, uh then it's uh it's the board, right? It's the board's role. We can adopt the regulation. If it's bylaw, we have to go through the town board. So that's that's the legal end. Then I speak with the management uh and the management is kind of that we're going to do a public hearing for the matter, you know. So this is where we are and probably uh we'll prepare uh maybe before the next board meeting or one after you know we we can have a public hearing on the matter and then the board decides you know how do we want to proceed on it you anything sir or should I should I continue with the agenda? >> Anybody
039have any questions on that? Um actually um >> I do I do sorry ahead audio. So the the idea is public hearing and then the board would vote on >> on the regulation Dr. J if we'll be adopting it as a regulation right we in the back we do have to work on a regulation right if that need to be adopted so we we we'll work at the at the department level on that you know so but uh public hearing uh for for for the for the regulation that we'll be voting on >> okay yeah so >> that's my understanding so far you know of of the matter you know >> okay so so public hearing and then it's either of two tracks either it's uh the the board votes or the bylaw path. Is
040that what I'm understanding? >> I guess u Mr. Kingsman, it's just going to be then it's going to be the board's decision. We we'll be doing it as a regulation. You know, I at this point I guess it's it's that we adopt it as a regulation, not the bylaw. >> Oh, okay. So, we're we're not interested in the bylaw. >> That is correct. And then >> yes and then that those are the options you know but we're more inclining towards the regulation at this point. >> Is there a reason for that? >> I I don't know you know like but that's that's what I kind of got it uh from from the management. >> So that's from the the town manager of >> his office you know. Yes. I talked to my supervisor. Yep. Uh,
041Chief, I guess, uh, Dr. Zachary, you know, I I don't know if we have if you want to allow them, you know, it's up to you, you know. So, >> yeah, we can go ahead. Ju >> just wanted to give an update since we spoke last that uh since then, South Hadley decided to have a public hearing and then um had the board of health vote and adopted um tobaccof free generation. That was the only >> Yes, Dr. Dr. Exactly. I read that, you know, a couple of days back in in the iniquity and free generation newsletter. That's the 18th community. Correct. Right. >> The 18th. Yep. Yep. >> So my question to you now all these communities I know you've been working with right they do they have a formal regulation that that they
042are adopting or they they write one you know do you have any any sort of that document? you know just just curious you know again we'll work at our end you know maybe I'll have a conversation with you you know >> uh like I said every community is done a little bit differently uh uh Newton for example decided to write theirs completely from scratch um Hopkin uh we sent some uh kind of a draft that they considered and and and adopted so um >> I I will speak with you sir on that you know we we'll work at the department level right uh again uh but I was just curious you know as kind of a coalition you guys have right if there is anything like that but we we'll we'll work on that you
043know so >> yeah yeah I be I believe I already have sent you but happy to send uh the the what Hopkin passed as a as a template if that would be helpful >> so I I have a quick question did you attend the Hadley um public forum >> uh yes yeah remotely >> were There were a lot of people there or >> Yeah. Um, a lot. I I would um um there there were a lot at South Adley. Um every public hearing there is a a lot more people than a normal board of health meeting. Yeah. >> Okay. And obviously and and were there were there a were there obviously probably more pros than there were cons? And what were some of the con people that what were some of their comments? I'm just
044curious. >> Yeah, I I I don't want to speak for a position I hold myself, but um the the common ones are we hear from uh retail owners saying this is going to impact them. >> Um I have my own thoughts I'm happy to share with you on that. Um we hear there's there is a a lobbying group at South Habi. There was a um a lobbyist from Altria, Philip Morris lobbyist that was present as well. Um, you also hear people that um talk about uh how you know it's this is a uh again I don't want to get too much into other people's because it's not I don't want to rep misrepresent their views as >> right >> but but people saying yeah these are them that nicotine is so important in their life
045and they don't want you know various other things but I I I do think feel comfortable saying that at South Hadley and others the um con has in a a minority um viewpoint. >> Great. Okay. Um and real real quick, uh Scott, you wanted to say something? >> Yeah, I think some of the cons over on as a result of other people's addictions, you know. So, people want to make money off other people's uh sickness, that's one of the things that they want to do. And like, you know, cuz let's face it, um, you know, what age would you want your kid to start smoking cigarettes at? Like, I have a pretty consistent answer. So, uh, and I just really want to thank the board of of hearing this and also the time that you
046given to to us and really considering, uh, the pros of this and also, you know, I guess you're doing your diligence about hearing the cons. as much as I don't like it. Okay, you're doing your job. Okay, so thank you for hearing us out and uh it really is uh it's something that as a citizen I live at 17 Mory Drive in Ashland. I also work for more. So this isn't just my job. It's a passion of mine. It's been really a diff my the most difficult addiction for me to overcome. And it cost me thousands of dollars. It almost cost my wife her her um her place of residence cuz she was living in this house as a as a kid. and her mom said, "Look, you're not going to stay here and uh
047and smoke cigarettes." So, she kicked her out. Actually, she did get kicked out of the house and then she met me. So, see, these are the horrible things that can happen if if people smoke cigarettes. But, I appreciate you guys and uh thank you so much for uh allowing us to be here and participate. You didn't have to do that, but you did. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Uh Raj, we can move on. So Raj, you'll just let us know when we can get a public hearing scheduled and what that will look like. >> Definitely chief, we'll we'll work on that, you know. So >> Okay. >> All right. So this is the continuation of the October 21st board of health meeting. Uh Raj, we were at the um drug takeback day which is
048this Saturday. >> Yes. Thank you, Chief. So again, as I mentioned, it's the police department who's doing the event. The only thing we we are helping them is with the drug takeback box that we do routinely, right? Uh I I was there at the community center today to look at the drug box and hopefully swap it uh you know before before the event. So uh that's our role there, but it's a police department event. Uh the clinic's going good. You know, last clinic was on Columbus Day. We was on 13th myself and uh our nurse was here for the clinic. We did a total of 49 shots that day. Uh but this is with the pharmacy again and then we have two more scheduled. One for October 27th that's at the town hall uh from
04911 to 1 and then we have another one scheduled for uh our seniors at the senior center or the community center. That's on October 29th from 12 to 2. Ashland day. I I thanks uh the board members to be there. U we do had a table at the Ashland day. We distributed Narcan and Nurse Anne was there with me. Um I saw almost everybody there right Mr. Kingsman was at at our table right Dr. J and I might have missed other ones. since I saw Barbara there. But thank you for all of you, you know, for for the support. You know, I I was there like for 3 4 hours, you know, um very good event with lot of food vendors. I guess it was all successful. A lot of food trucks, you know, and
050Tom was there for for the inspections before the start of the event. uh with the housing code uh code training with with with the code change last year I'm going through tier three training from our training hubs in need uh so I had four trainings there in the past month every Monday almost I was at at needm health department for for the housing code training then for the fifth training uh my trainer she was at the town hall uh then I have couple of other uh trainings uh with this tier three housing training that are upcoming. So, one is uh uh in December we're going to be at a hotel in New Bedford uh doing uh housing inspections. There'll be like mocked housing inspection where we as inspectors need to go in and do a
051housing uh inspection with all the paperwork and all that. So, that that that's a lot of learning at least for me with the new code, you know. So one thing I have learned I want to mention it to the board any pest issues are now under the new code are considered u uh like living like kind of a danger to uh to the living conditions. So that had to be cited within 24 hours. Uh so that's one thing that I've learned uh now with this trainings you know besides other things. Other than that, we did had our HMCC meeting this past uh uh week on the October 15th where we did the hazard vulnerability analysis. You know, where where we go vote for various hazards, right? Uh like where they fall in on our priority
052or how we are prepared for it. You know, we we look at all the different hazards like bioteterrorism, you know, any any snow events, you know, flooding and all that good stuff. I guess there was close to 35 uh hazards we have looked at and scored you know. So that was that was on October 15 that I attended with the shadows shelter as I mentioned uh last time we they did clear our housing inspection that that was there right so we we closed that but with the food part uh I exchanged an email with the director there Mr. David that he's staying still that they don't need to get a obtain a food permit from board of health. Uh I'm I'm I I'm kind of mixed here, right? I'm not very sure uh that if
053they do they what they are saying that, you know, they have no role in the operation of of the kitchen. It's the residents of the shelter that that do cook there, you know. Uh so that's there. I'm I'm look still looking into it, you know, like how how we going to go about it. But meanwhile, we did had another complainant come in uh last week uh complaining about some conditions at at the shelter that she mentioned that she's going to send me an email for her complaint and then we'll look into that again. So that's the uh the unperimented chickens at 237 Pleasant Street, they have still not uh uh applied with the conservation. So we we're still waiting on that. I guess Donna being out there, you know, uh, working or, you know, reaching
054out to the property owner at 237 to get going with the with the conservation commission and after that it will be us. Uh, another thing we had uh a couple of complaints or multiple complaints uh from one resident right about the unpented chickens at 44 Valley. Uh Donna and myself been on the property multiple times. I did speak with the with the permit holder I guess Monday that yesterday. Yes. Right. That she he'll comply with the not letting the chickens out, you know. So uh there there is a neighbor behind the property pretty annoyed with with the chickens you know that let and coming into their property that me and Donna are not able to verify but u they have sent us videos and pictures uh but we are working on that situation hopefully uh
055with our uh I guess Donna has issued a citation also on this at this point you know so hopefully that that resolves it but it's still ongoing situation with with with that housing cases uh join drive last week I did uh the inspection at 19A join drive number 3A where all the issues on on that order to crack letter was was uh addressed except uh that we still have some pest issues going on that the management uh is doing bi-weekly pest control uh for right now and same with uh 20 joint drive number 35 and 10 that is just the best issues left with the arbo it's almost end of the uh season I guess right we in this season we had eight westnile cases human cases uh and then one animal case uh gladly
056but there's no AAA cases in the state so far this year you know so that's a good news I guess westnile also was way down I guess last year not wrong there was 18 cases at least, you know. So that's good news, you know. So with the disease investigations, we have two uh TB cases that we're currently working on and I guess that's all I have so for the board and I'm open to any questions please. >> Anybody have any questions for Raj? >> No. Thanks Raj. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Um, so the next thing on our agenda is the consent agenda. Review and approve the fiscal year 25 year-to- date budget report and the meeting minutes from September 16th. Do I have a motion? >> So moved, Ed. >> Second. Any discussion? All
057in favor? >> That's unanimous. Um next thing is uh discuss future agenda items tobacco regulations review well regulation review Raj anything on that for now >> chief tobacco regulation I know it's pending for a good amount of time that we'll do along with you know this new tobacco thing you know so that we'll work on other than that well regulation you know our sustainability had uh uh uh kind of they had a event with Hopington you know at our community center regarding the wells right uh so we we we need to work on our regulation and uh you know get the geothermal wells in the regulation so we should be permitting for that you know if somebody have to put uh a geothermal well they should be you know getting getting a permit from us
058I guess over last two three years I might have heard couple of people installing geothermal wells in the town you know at least that has come to my attention we have to work on our regulation to to have that in place and so that we start permitting for geothermal values you know so that's that's why this this was on on on this you know >> okay >> I have a suggestion also >> in addition to that so I think that we should talk have an agenda item on the tobaccof free generation and what the options actually are for us because I feel like it's moving way too fast And I don't fully understand um you know the the conversations you had Raj with management um you know my understanding was that you know there was
059interest in this um and that maybe residents would aside from a forum actually have a public forum they would have a say in it a town meeting if they wanted to vote on it or something like that. Um and that would be a bylaw I suppose. um you know, but I just think that we haven't fully considered it and um I don't know how you all feel about that. Um but I'd like to know and I think that we need an agenda item in order to discuss it. >> I agree. So, Raj, maybe um maybe for an agenda item for our November 4th meeting um after you speak with um Michael or Beth to maybe let us like maybe bring us what that public forum would look like, how does it get advertised, um all
060that kind of stuff. Is that what you mean, Jay? >> Yeah. And what and what are the options? So if if residents want to do this and they want to vote on it, that's my understanding is that's one thing. If the board of health wants to make it a regulation, >> well then we really need to talk about what that's going to look like because this is a very significant thing. Can we get Raj? Um maybe could if if Laura has time, could they get us the regulations from the other towns that have or maybe two or three of the other towns and get those to us so we have something to review. >> Absolutely chief. So that's one item right. So again we have to work on a regulation also before you know it's
061not right like see if we that was our thing right like I mean we're going to do all the work and tomorrow if it doesn't get adopted right so it's a little tricky we we'll do the background work right like how it is going to look but uh me speaking with that definitely it's going to go out on my social media right once uh the public discussion is going to be in place that we had uh you know that it's going to go out to the community that hey this is coming up on the board of health you know so that's all that is going to get followed you know so uh but like we we going to have a regulation I guess in at at least a draft ready you know I mean I
062and we need time too it's not right >> right like at least from my end I I have a lot going on you know >> but but again no but what I think but like with with what Jay is saying if we can get a copy of two or three cities or towns what that regulation looks like. That's going to help us answer a lot of the questions that we may have and just kind of look at the differences and so if that's something Laura might be able to get us. >> Yeah. And in addition to what it might look like just even really tapping the brakes here a little what are the actual options? So does it have to be a board um regulation? Can this be something else that allows the public to
063act to really have a say in and I mean voting on it? Um which is another way pe another way that that communities go. Um because you're you're talking about something that is, you know, very close to controlling people's own personal behavior about health decisions versus public health. And that could be argued, but I think that we need to to fully talk about that amongst ourselves. Um, and I think that we have the freedom to do that as a board. Um, so that's all I'm saying. You know what I mean? >> No, Dr. J, totally understand, right? But like, yes, I agree with you. But we we need to do our ground work too, right? Like I mean, how uh we we're going to go about it, you know? Yes. So uh first like yes
064we uh we'll send you couple of regulations right uh to to look at right and then go from there at least you know so >> it would it would also be really helpful it it because it sounds like Michael the town manager and you and um perhaps other people have already had a conversation about this and they favor going down the path where the board votes for regulation. it would be helpful if we at least knew what their reasoning was behind that. Um because I I >> I agree with a lot of what Jay just said that that it's certainly at a at a at a >> open forum we you know that the residents of the town will have a chance to voice their opinion but I um also share his concern that you
065know this is we'd be restricting freedom for um well for an entire generation plus and that's not something we should do lightly. So may maybe even part of the the next discussion too Raj is maybe we should see if Beth or Michael could even join our meeting for that short brief time to have this discussion with them with them. >> Yeah, that would be great. >> Certainly, you know, I I can ask them, you know, and then >> and we can put them like first on the agenda just so we can kind of get a feel for what they what they're looking for from the town side. >> I will definitely request that, sir, you know. So we we can work on that, you know. So >> Okay. Thanks, Raj. >> Absolutely. >> Yeah. Thanks.
066>> Thank you. Anything else? >> Sorry. Does anybody have anything else before I ask for a motion to adjurnn? >> All right. Do I have a motion to adjurnn? Anybody? motion motion that we >> I second the motion >> motion in a second. Um, everyone, thanks everybody. This was a good discussion tonight. >> Thank you. Thank you. Thanks for all night everybody.