Board of Health

April 29, 2026 BOH draft minutes Board members participating: Chair Celia Bird, Jenny Tomczak, Kate Tracy and Health Officer Bill Ward Board Chair Celia Bird called the meeting to order at 5:45 pm. Agenda Jenny made a motion to adopt the draft agenda. 2nd by Kate. Vote was unanimous in favor. Draft minutes Some typos were corrected and Kate made a motion to approve those draft April minutes. Jenny 2nd- Vote was unanimous in favor. Public Forum There were no members of the public present. Pesticide Application request Sara Walsh from Global Partners LP at 2 Flynn Avenue attended remotely to answer questions about the pesticide application papers filed for their property. Sara confirmed that no changes would be made from the previous year's application method. The board reviewed requirements including signage, distance from walkways, and weather restrictions. Jenny made a motion to approve the application. Kate 2nd. Vote was unanimous in favor. BTV Clean-Up Crew The Board members received an introduction to the BTV Clean-up Crew from the Bella Fern and Kason Hudman of the Peace and Justice Center. They provided an update on their weekly syringe and trash cleaning efforts across the city. The initiative has collected over 950 syringes since October through weekly Thursday morning and monthly Sunday volunteer efforts. The program has engaged over 100 volunteers who have contributed more than 1,000 hours, with about 20 regular participants. The initiative also distributes harm reduction kits containing naloxone test strips, fentanyl testing, and Band-Aids through community food pantries. Following the presentation, Kate made a motion to approve a $1,000 donation to the Peace and Justice Center to directly support the BTV Clean-Up Crew drop boxes. Jenny 2nd. Vote was unanimous in favor. Problem Property update from Director Ward Bill gave the board members an overview of DPI’s work on Problem Properties in the last month. Boves restaurant - The property owner’s plans were reviewed with the Ward 3 NPA in the last 30 days which clears the way for them to get on the DRB schedule once their permit is finalized with DPI and the fee paid. Pearl Street Mobil May 1 decision for them to cease use of the parking area or apply for a permitted use for that parcel in the High Density zoning District. 115 Pine Street In late November it was posted as unfit for human habitation and unoccupied since. Reposted April 29, 2026 after DPI heard from a neighbor it was reoccupied in recent days. Reposted along with a letter from Bill Ward to whoever might be occupying to contact DPI to arrange an inspection and confirm their safety. Miscellaneous – 2 properties on the vacant/problem property list sold in the last 30 days. 218 Saint Paul Street sold and 27 Archibald Street which was placed under an sales agreement. Chair Report Celia mentioned the two positions on the BOH that have a term ending on June 30th are her position and Jenny’s position. Both members announced that they are planning to reapply. Celia asked about the need for any new pesticide notification signs. The group reviewed plans for pesticide notification signs near crossings with Bill suggesting they keep the trusted circle small due to the unique circumstances. Emerging Issues Jenny noted that Juneteenth was approaching and we should prepare in the event the Board is able to participate in hosting a table at the event. The event will be observed in Burlington on June 20, 2026. Members will prepare to discuss participation at the May meeting. They also discussed submitting nominations for various awards including the Community Impact Award for the BTV Clean-Up Crew, with nominations due May 15th. The board agreed to make the nomination as a group rather than individually, with Jenny volunteering to draft the nomination document. Public Outreach/Communications Bill will confirm with Bella the specific message the BTV Clean-up crew would like to send to further their message to the entire FPF area. Adjournment The board discussed scheduling a meeting for June 27th at 5:45 PM and decided to tentatively book the room while confirming with members like Bianca and Jane if the date works for everyone. Kate made a motion to adjourn the meeting, 2nd by Jenny. Celia noted the meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m.