2005-10-19-BOH-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Lexington Board of Health October 19, 2005 Meeting Minutes Selectmen Meeting Room, Lexington Town Office Building, 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420 Attendees: Board of Health: Wendy Heiger-Bernays, Chair; Sharon MacKenzie, Burt Perlmutter, Deborah Thompson Health Department: Derek Fullerton, Ann Belliveau Heiger-Bernays called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM. There was no public participation. Heiger-Bernays asked the Board to review the minutes of September 12, 2005. MacKenzie moved to accept the minutes of September 12, 2005, as amended. Thompson seconded. All approved. Heiger-Bernays asked the Board to review the September datasheets. Fullerton informed the Board that Jane Franks had been notified about the adolescent pertussis cases. Jane actually did the follow-up on one of the cases. MacKenzie was concerned about new cases of TB not being contacted by the Health Department to make sure they have received medication as well as tracking of all cases so that we know the numbers and status. MacKenzie offered to review the files. A discussion began concerning the passing of the cesspool Title V inspection conducted at Benjamin Road. If nuisance odors are reported to the Health Department again, the Director will work with the Plumbing Inspector to measure concentrations with an appropriate gas detector. Fullerton advised the Board of a recent Massage Therapist complaint. The investigation is being handled by the Police. MacKenzie motioned to not have the massage complaint on record and all documentation copies must be shredded after the meeting. Fullerton began a discussion concerning the Animal Control Officer position, asking whether the BOH would approve a change in structure for this position. Currently, the officer is located at the Police Station, but is overseen by the Health Department. Recent discussions have taken place in the Town Manager’s office to have the Animal Control Officer come under the Police Department budget; however. The BOH requires that protocols for health issues would be established and reported to the Health Department. Heiger-Bernays asked about reporting procedures from veterinarians to the Health Department. Fullerton informed the Board that veterinarians currently notify the Health Department of any dog bites or possible rabies exposure and that would remain the same even when the animal control officer becomes part of the police department. MacKenzie motioned to approve. Perlmutter seconded. All approved. A discussion began concerning the needs based budget request. Heiger-Bernays stated that the Public Health Nurse must be full time and re-write request that is submitted to the Town Manager and Selectmen justifying the need for a full time nurse because of the obligations mandated by State law for disease surveillance, prevention and control..