HomeMy Public PortalAboutBoard of Health Minutes 8-18-2021BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING
MINUTES
The Watertown Board of Health has scheduled a REMOTE ZOOM meeting on
Wednesday August 18, 2021 at 7:00 pm
PRESENT: Dr. John Straus, Dr. Barbara Beck and Richard Arnold,
Staff: Larry Ramdin, Director of Public Health, Maureen Foley, Head Clerk, Wil Van Dinter,
Public Health Nurse
In attendance: Lian-Ee Ching, Helen Dempsey, Leanne Hammond, Ning Lee, Mia Lieberman
CALL TO ORDER: Dr. Straus called the meeting to order 7:04 pm
Minutes
Minutes were approved for July 21, 2021 meeting, with adjustment
Motions granted (Beck, Arnold) 3-0.
All in favor.
Roll Call
Public Comment
Larry Ramdin read these comments to the Board of Health:
Yesterday I watched the fire and police department respond to an emergency and was appalled
that no one was masked given how contagious the Delta variant is. While surrounding towns are
requiring masks inside, as Baker acts usually too little, too late, I wanted to register my concern
that the very people who are responsible for vulnerable Watertown residents, are putting them at
risk. I encourage you to look at the huge jump in numbers of Covid positive people in the
Commonwealth and urge you to follow the lead of neighboring towns. I do not know if this is
your decision or up to the town manager but I urge you to protect vulnerable people in
Watertown. The time is now, before school starts to try to stop the spread before we join other
states and are in crisis mode.
Sincerely,
Patricia A. Geller
Good afternoon -
I would like to submit public comments for the Board of Health meeting to occur on August 18,
2021. These comments relate to usage of rodent bait stations in response to resident requests for
rodent management. While in my particular case I have observed bait stations on my street
(Evans Street) for purposes of a pipe replacement project, I understand that the Board of Health
may similarly authorize the use of bait stations for individual residential cases. The purpose of
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my comments is to make the BoH members aware of the dangers of rodent bait stations, and to
urge alternative rodent control methods such as Integrated Pest Management.
The poison used in the bait stations is the so-called Second Generation Anticoagulant
Rodenticide (SGAR), and it frequently harms animals who are not the intended victims. Non -
target species of animal may eat the poison itself, or eat rodents who are poisoned. A wide
variety of animals, both wildlife and pets, have been hospitalized and/or died after being exposed
to second generation anticoagulants. You may have seen a recent story in the news about the
first death of a bald eagle in MA due to ingestion of SGAR (https://www.mass.gov/news/first-
bald-eagle-death-in-massachusetts-from-rodenticides-confirmed). Newhouse Wildlife Rescue
recently posted about a six month old fox being treated for exposure to rat poison (I urge you to
read its rescuer's
note: https://www.facebook.com/NewhouseWildlifeRescue/photos/a. 1862173803870811/417249
3626172139/).
MA currently has a bill in the State legislature that seeks to limit the use of SGARs and promote
Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which uses multiple methods to prevent and address rodent
problems. One of these strategies is a product called Contrapest, which is fertility control for
rodents (the product is approved for use in MA and with the EPA). The Contrapest, coupled
with other proven IPM strategies such as effective waste management (sealed trash containers,
dumpster enforcement, etc.), can go a long way to reduce rodent populations without resulting to
rodenticide use. In fact, Somerville has recently published a report on its successful
implementation of IPM (https://www.somervillema.gov/news/reported-rodent-sightings-down-
somerville).
I would like to understand whether the BoH has considered the IPM as a rodent control measure,
and if not, how it can be introduced into the town's strategy as a long-term rodent management
solution that is better for public health and the environment and wildlife.
Sincerely,
Tatiana Mandel
Evans St.
Watertown, MA
Leanne Hammonds supported moving forward with masking in public buildings. WFPL has
making in place.
Chairman's Comments
Dr. Straus will be retiring from the Board of Health at the end of October to spend more time in
Vermont. He thanked his fellow Board members and the Health department especially during the
pandemic. Larry Ramdin thanked Dr. Straus for his guidance during his tenure as a Board Member
and chairman of the Board.
Watertown Biosafety Committee (WBSC)
Larry Ramdin, WBSC Biosafety Committee (WBSC), indicated that the WBSC reviewed the
application for a permit and approval of the application with conditions. WBSC Chair indicated
all conditions have been met and recommended approval of Selecta Biosciences Permit
Application. Ning Lee, gave a short synopsis of Selecta's activities.
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Board of Health made a motion to accept the recommendations of Selecta Biosciences Biosafety
Permits.
Motions granted (Beck, Arnold) 3-0.
All in favor.
Roll Call
Larry Ramdin introduced Mia Lieberman to the Board of Health as a consultant to the Watertown
Biosafety Committee.
Covid Update
Wil Van Dinter, Public Health Nurse stated the COVID cases are rising even with the vaccinated
also. The Delta variant is becoming more prevalent. Wil stated there have a total of 1147 cases,
40 fatalities and 45 active cases presently.
May had 29 cases, June had 5 cases, July had 72 cases and August has 58 cases so far. CDC
recommends booster shots for the immune compromised population.
Watertown received a limited supply of Covid antigen testing equipment with stipulations: for
people with symptoms, not for travel purposes and one per person.
Larry Ramdin recommends face coverings in all public buildings. Larry contacted Town Attorney
and Town Council regarding this mandate. The state has left the responsibility up to each city and
town. The board of Health will vote on the mask mandate on Monday, August 23, 2021.
Staffing and Department Update
Carly Foster, ACO is attending ACOAM training and certification from September through
October 2021.
Other Business
Wil Van Dinter received first shipment of flu vaccine. Watertown will be receiving some enhanced
doses for the older population.
Next Meeting
Meeting was scheduled for Wednesday September 15, 2021
Dr. Straus adjourned the meeting at 8:38 pm
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