2008-08-04-BOH-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Lexington Board of Health Meeting, August 4, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Selectmen’s Meeting Room 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA Attendees: Wendy Heiger-Bernays, Chair; Sharon MacKenzie; Burt Perlmutter; Deborah Thompson and Judith Feldman. Health Department Attendees: Gerard F. Cody, Ann Belliveau Heiger-Bernays called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. The Board reviewed the minutes of July 9, 2008. MacKenzie motioned to accept with corrections. Feldman seconded. All approved. Community Health Updates/Reports - The Board reviewed the Public Health Nurse report. Cody advised the Board of 4 reported cases of Lyme disease. Since Lyme disease is on the rise across the state, Cody prepared a draft press release for the Board’s review. This will be used to as a part of a public education outreach campaign for the next spring season. Public Health Nurse Update – With the second round of the Public Health Nurse interviews completed, Cody submitted his recommendation to Karen Mullins, Community Development Director. This recommendation is strongly supported by BOH. Environmental Health Update Cody asked the Board to recognize, Patrick Goddard, Director of Facilities for the Town of Lexington. Cody stated at the last meeting, a letter was sent by Ms. Fox to Chartwells, (the company that provides food services to the Lexington Public Schools). Heiger- Bernays apologized to Goddard for the letter, that should have been approved by the Health Director and should not have told Chartwells how to correct the violations and it should have just identified the violations. In addition, the letter should have been sent to Lexington Public Schools and not to the contractor. Heiger-Bernays informed Goddard that budget constraints are appreciated, but that compliance with health (sanitary) code is mandated by the State. Heiger-Bernays said the Board looks forward to a long and productive relationship with Facilities in obtaining this goal. Heiger-Bernays said that several items had been identified in the June 10, 2008, letter to Chartwells, based on the Sanitary Food Code. The BOH suggested that a plan be developed for addressing the violations and that the most critical items should be addressed first. Mr. Goddard informed the Board that he attended a meeting with Kathy Fox; Nancy Wiseman of Chartwells; and Mary Ellen Dunn, Finance Director for the Public Schools. As a result of this meeting, several pieces of equipment have been ordered totaling $80K including th most of the equipment mentioned in the June 10 letter so they are at various stages of completion. Goddard stated that some maintenance items will be completed prior to schools opening and there are plans to correct the violations. Heiger-Bernays wanted to reiterate that it is not the Board’s job to tell individuals how to correct (or what equipment to purchase) but rather identify what needs to be corrected and Mr. Cody can provide a list of food consultants who can work with individuals to correct situations. Goddard mentioned that the capital budget preparation will begin in September for FY2010 and he is working on developing a multi-year capital plan to address other items. Goddard advised the Board that Nancy Wiseman will work on procedural issues. Heiger-Bernays asked Cody to identify exact code reference for the items to be corrected for Goddard to help with the justification of funds. Goddard stated that Chartwells provides a contracted service for the Town but it is the Town’s obligation to provide suitable equipment to Chartwells in order for them to do the job. Goddard will be providing to Cody an update of what has been done.