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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-12-08-BOH-min Lexington Board of Health Meeting, December 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Cary Hall, Estabrook Hall 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA Attendees: Wendy Heiger-Bernays, Chair; Deborah Thompson; Sharon MacKenzie; Burt Perlmutter; Judith Feldman Health Department Attendee: Gerard F. Cody, Health Director; Ann Belliveau, Health Clerk Heiger-Bernays called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Minutes from the last meeting were not available for review. Liisa Jackson, MRC Region 4A Coordinator, informed the Board that the Flu Clinic held on Saturday, November 1, 2008, was run impeccably and 795 people were vaccinated. She will be working with the MRC Executive Committee for planning purposes in support of the Health Division. Environmental Health Update – Lisa Berger, of Berger Food Safety Consulting, advised the Board that Via Lago has completed the requirements of the order letter dated July 8, 2008. After a discussion, Perlmutter motioned that the Lexington Board of Health considers that Via Lago has completed all the requirements of the Order Letter dated July 8, 2008. However, it has been noted during a Health Dept. inspection on December 4, 2008, that necessary hair restraints were not being worn. Further administrative action, including suspension and fines will be imposed should the disregard for the proper use of hair restraints continue. MacKenzie seconded. All approved. Local Regulations – Tobacco Control Regulation Hearing Cody stated that at the previous Board of Health meeting, the existing local Tobacco Regulations had been updated to reflect the current statewide smoking in the workplace regulation in addition to updating the regulation to be compliant with the State regulation. A smokefree buffer zone of 15 feet around municipal buildings has been added. Proposed regulations were posted on 11/20/08 and 11/27/08 for public comment, none received. After a brief discussion of enforcement mechanisms, MacKenzie motioned that “the Lexington Board of Health approve of the amendments made to the Smoking and Tobacco products local regulation, Article III, §155 – Town of Lexington Code. The regulation dated December 8, 2008, replaces the document that was last amended on June 12, 2001”. Perlmutter seconded. All approved. Variance Request – Animal Permit Cody advised the Board of Ms. Hale Schatz’s (8 Woodwin Road), request for a variance from §155-45 A 1 “A minimum of two (2) acres is required to obtain a permit for keeping of animals of more than 20 pounds (other than house pets) to keep two dwarf goats. Ms. Schatz will be using the goat milk for her families’ use only and there will be no commercial ventures. After a presentation by Ms. Schatz and discussion regarding disposal of animal wastes through on-site composting, potential for pests and complaints by neighbors, Perlmutter motioned that “The Lexington Board of Health approve the variance request from Article VI, §155-45A 1 to allow less than the two (2) acres of land and keep in mind that this is an annual permit that is due at the end of January each year. This permit will expire in January 2010. Any and all complaints from neighbors will be investigated by the Health Division and may impact Ms. Schatz’s ability to renew the animal permit”. MacKenzie seconded. All approved. The Board reviewed the Public Health Nurse update and the Environmental Health updates. Mary Ellen Dunn, Asst. Superintendent for Finance and Business, Lexington Public Schools; Nancy Wiseman, Dir. Of Dining Svcs. Chartwells School Lunch; and Shawn Newall from the Facilities Dept. attended the meeting. Newall updated the Board of the progress of updating the school kitchens in accordance with Kathy Fox’s letter of June 10, 2008. Examples are: 1.Grease trap logs are now in every school kitchen 2. IPM in place for each facility. A copy of the plan will be sent to Cody 3.A new steamer has been installed at the High School kitchen 4 All the lights in the Harrington School’s walk-in freezer and refrigerator have been fixed. Dunn informed the Board that each new annual school budget would allow for additional improvements in food preparation equipment. Housing Code Update – 19 Garfield Street – Cody informed the Board of a recent inspection conducted at 19 Garfield Street by the Electrical Inspector, Bruce Dempsey and the items that should be addressed in order to maintain the property in a safe and habitable condition. Cody also mentioned that clutter had been cleaned up but there were a few items that need some attention. Cody stated that the tenant, Arthur Lanzinot would be updating the Board concerning the fixing and cleanup at 19 Garfield. Lanzinot said he cleaned the kitchen, bedrooms and living room. In addition, contractors said the electrical problems would cost about $13,000.00 to repair and some of the beams have termites. After a discussion, MacKenzie motioned “to continue 19 Garfield St. until the next meeting to see if decisions have been made concerning funding and in the interim, Mr. Lanzinot should be thinking of places to live should he need to leave”. Perlmutter seconded. All approved. Perlmutter motioned to adjourn. MacKenzie seconded. All approved.