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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-12-20-BOH-min LEXINGTON BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, December 20, 2017 7:00 P.M. Cary Hall Memorial Building Estabrook Hall, (Lower level) 1605 Massachusetts Avenue Lexington, MA 02420 Board of Health Members in Attendance: Wendy Heiger-Bernays, PhD, Chair, John J. Flynn, Sharon MacKenzie R.N., CCM, Burt Perlmutter, M.D. Office of Public Health Attendees: Gerard Cody, Health Director Francis Dagle, Health Assistant Documents: Community Health Report Environmental Health Report Massachusetts Influenza Activity (as of December 9, 2017) Town of Lexington, Number of Residents Vaccinated with Influenza Vaccine (as of 12/20/17) Tobacco Permits 2017-2018 Red Sharps Kiosk, Blue and White Medication Disposal Kiosk, specifications documents 55 Bridge Street, document 287 Lowell Street, OTC 32 Tyler Road, document 8 Skyview Road, document 1798 Massachusetts Avenue, OTC Verizon Wireless - Small Cell Site Location, document Verizon Radio Frequency Exposure Results, report Emergency Preparedness Report The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM. Wendy Heiger-Bernays, PhD, served as Chair Person. Director Cody reviewed the Community Health Report; The Public Health Nurse is working with the school nurse at Lexington Christian Academy to provide flu shots free-of- charge to the 44 students that reside in the dormitories of the Lexington Christian Academy. Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid classes will continue to be offered to member os the community. Future trainings are being scheduled free-of-charge upon request. A kiosk for over the counter and prescription medications and a kiosk for medical sharps will be located outside of the rear entrance to the Lexington Town Offices Building and will supplement the existing medical waste collection program offered by Lexington Office of Public Health. United Waste would provide pick-up service for the kiosks. Mr. Cody noted that a safety spill plan will need to be implemented for the kiosks. A permit to operate a kiosk from MA DEP is in progress. The influenza vaccine will be available for Lexington residents at Avalon at Lexington Hills on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Director Cody noted that over 2,100 Lexington residents have been vaccinated this year. Director Cody reviewed the establishments in Lexington permitted for Tobacco Sales. Health Educator Michaela Scutti, will be spot checking tobacco retailers, and providing education awareness to all permitted establishments. Mr. Cody noted a concern of name for change blunt wraps. Blunt wraps have been relabeled as cigar wrappers. Environmental Health report was reviewed and the following topics were discussed; Beijing Chinese Dining had 6 critical and 2 non-critical violations at an inspection that took place on November 8, 2017. The board discussed the high number of violations as a chronic issue with this establishment. The board determined that Beijing Chinese Dining will be required to be present at the next scheduled Board of Health meeting date. 55 Bridge Street; On December 8, 2017 the Office of Public Health received a dispatch report from an incident that occurred at 55 Bridge Street. The report indicated that there were signs of filth,plumbing leaks, a refrigerator in disrepair, a bucket used to collect bodily waste and other conditions that deemed the dwelling space unsafe or unfit for human habitation. After some discussion Burt Perlmutter, M.D.proposed a motion that stated, "The Lexington Board of Health declares the residence at 55 Bridge Street unfit for human habitation."Sharon MacKenzie R.N., CCM, seconded the motion. All were in favor. 32 Tyler Road; The current owners have a purchase and sale agreement, and have a closing date of January 15, 2018 (See September 27, 2017 meeting minutes for more details). 1798 Massachusetts Avenue; An Order To Correct letter was issued on September 22, 2017. A second notice was issued December 15, 2017 (See September 27, 2017 meeting minutes for more details). 8 Skyview Road; Director Cody updated the board about a meeting that was held with a representative of the property. It was noted that the property is currently unoccupied. (See October 18, 2017 meeting minutes for more details). RF Complaint-Baskin Road-update; On November 7, 2017 Verizon submitted a report regarding RF exposure concerns on Baskin Road due to installation of micro cell towers. The report indicates that the highest RF measurement was 4.9 percent of the Measured Maximum Permissible exposure value. This indicates that the RF exposure value is 95.1%below the MPE. After some discussion Burt Perlmutter, M.D.proposed a motion that stated, "The Lexington Board ofHealth has reviewed the report submitted by Verizon on November 7, 2017. After much discussion, the BOH has been assured by Verizon that the micro cell towers operated by Verizon are in compliance with FCC requirements and no further action is required by the Office of Public Health."Wendy Heiger-Bernays, PhD, seconded the motion. All were in favor. The Emergency Preparedness report was reviewed and the following topics were discussed; On Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at 3:00 PM, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health will host a 30 minute "Winter Weather and Seasonal Flu Informational Call and Webinar" for local health departments. During the call, staff from the Office of Preparedness and Emergency Management will discuss winter preparations and tools that are available for local health departments to be better prepared during severe weather events. Bureau of infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences staff will provide an update on influenza surveillance, lab testing, and early season vaccine coverage. At the 4A General coalition meeting on December 7"', discussed the 4A project that will begin its workshops in February. 5 workshops will be held within the region at different sites allowing communities to choose a location and date of their preference. The workshops will consist of presentations highlighting the new EDS guidance and key changes. Region 4a MRC Coordinator Amy Hansen is working to order supplies for the Region to include: badging supplies, File of Life, Stop the Bleed tourniquet kits, ICS vests &windbreakers, shelter materials (blankets and comfort kits), and MRC tablecloths. The training calendar is being updated regularly with new trainings and is available online. Sharon MacKenzie R.N., CCM, motioned that the meeting be adjourned and Burt Perlmutter, M.D., seconded. All were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 8:42 PM. It was noted that the next meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 24, 2018.