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HomeMy Public PortalAboutBoard of Health Minutes 9-15-2021_202110210850347266BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING MINUTES The Watertown Board of Health has scheduled a REMOTE ZOOM meeting on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 7:00 pm PRESENT: Dr. John Straus, Dr. Barbara Beck and Richard Arnold, Staff: Larry Ramdin, Director of Public Health, Deanna Mazina, CHO, Maureen Foley, Head Clerk, In attendance: Lisa Manoogian, Melissa Manoogian, Jason Cupp, Yan Li, Bernard Paniccia, Meghana Kulkarmi, Emily Ricq, Mary Kulahlian, Corey Martin, Angeline Kounelis CALL TO ORDER: Dr. Straus called the meeting to order 7:07 pm, Roll Call Minutes Minutes were approved for August 18, 2021 and August 23, 2021 meeting, with adjustment Motions granted (Beck, Arnold) 3-0. All in favor. Roll Call Public Comment No Public Comment 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 Apellis Permit Application. Yan Li, gave a short synopsis of Apellis's activities. Larry Ramdin, WBSC Biosafety Committee (WBSC), indicated that the WBSC reviewed the application for a permit and approval of the application without conditions and recommended approval of Kisbee Therapeutics Permit Application. Emily Ricq, gave a short synopsis of Kisbee's activities. 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 Bakx Therapeutics Permit Application. Meghana Kulkarni, gave a short synopsis of Bakx's activities. Board of Health made a motion to accept the recommendations of three Biosafety Permits. Motions granted (Arnold, Beck) 3-0. All in favor. Roll Call 11Page Request a variance for Melissa Manoogian —137 School Street Ms. Manoogian met requirements to have a chicken coop. Applicant must place wood inside coop to create a solid, stable structure. The plastic hedge can become unsightly and needs to be maintained per Councilor Kounelis. Mr. Ramdin stated the ACO will monitor the chicken coop on a regular basis. If requirements are met, a permit can be issued. Covid Update Health Department received antigen testing from DPH for residents with active COVID symptoms. We are providing clinics at the town hall once per week. Results/documentation can be provided at the clinic for the person tested if need be. Staffing and Department Update Deanna Mazina has been promoted to Chief Health Officer and she introduced herself to the board. Other Business The reimplemented mask mandate in Watertown has had very few complaints or opposition. There is a high compliance rate in the community. Middlesex County is a high COVID level and Suffolk County is at very high level as of today. There are three residents diagnosed with West Nile Virus (WNV) in Watertown. At this point, evening activities have not been restricted. Information is being shared about WNV on all social media platforms and Watertown News. Next Meeting Meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, October 20, 2021 Dr. Straus adjourned the meeting at 8:12 pm 2 I Page