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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-03-11-BOH-min Lexington Board of Health March 11, 2004 Meeting Minutes Police Guard Room, 1575 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, Massachusetts Attendees: Board of Health: James Fearnside; Sharon MacKenzie; Wendy Heiger-Bernays Health Department: Derek Fullerton Public: Ingrid Klimoff; Cathleen Higgins, Supervisor of the School Lunch Program Jim Sheehy The meeting began at 7:05 p.m. Cathleen Higgins, Chartwell’s Supervisor of the School Lunch Program in Lexington began a discussion of Chartwell’s commitment to supply nutritious lunches to the Lexington Students. Cathleen distributed copies of menus to the Board. Cathleen also mentioned that the regional dietician reviews all the menus. Cathleen also informed the Board of the nutrition education offered to the students. Jim Fearnside asked if there is anything that the Board could do in a positive way to help the students with proper nutrition. Higgins indicated the largest problem is classroom time. Higgins suggested speaking with Jennifer Wolfrum, Health Education Department Coordinator, to discuss nutrition education. Fearnside introduced Ingrid Klimoff to the Board. Klimoff gave a citizen presentation of Warrant Article 40, anti-idling bylaw (noise bylaw). Klimoff asked the Board of Health for their support, education and enforcement of this bylaw. The Board of Health did not support this Warrant Article at this meeting. Klimoff also expressed her concern about the length of time the buses are allowed to run prior to departing the lot. Fullerton informed the Board of a call from David Eagle of C & W Transportation, indicating that there is a Massachusetts law stating the temperature in the bus must be 55 degrees before the children can get on the bus. Fearnside asked Fullerton to find out from Lexington’s legal counsel, if the Board of Health has the authority to enforce this article. Jim Sheehy, a resident, also expressed his concern about approximately 40 buses running for about one hour. Fearnside began a discussion concerning Critical Therapeutic’s application for Rdna research. At a meeting on March 8, 2004, the Biosafety Committee recommended granting the permit to Critical Therapeutics, Inc. Heiger-Bernays motioned to grant permission to Critical Therapeutics, Inc. if they remove limited access to those areas and documents deemed necessary and Article V of Section 155 of the Town of Lexington MacKenzie seconded. All approved. Fullerton began a discussion concerning annual inspections of Rdna facilities. Heiger-Bernays was in contact with Liz Gross who is the Health and Safety Officer at Dana Farber who recommended Karen Byers as an excellent inspector for the facilities. Wendy is still looking for a few more potential inspectors. Fearnside asked Heiger-Bernays for her recommendations at the next Board of Health meeting scheduled for April 8, 2004. Fullerton added that once a inspection rate is established, he will prepare a letter to go with the annual permit renewals informing the establishment of the inspection fees. Fullerton began a discussion concerning the emergency 4a meeting held on March 10, 2004. At the meeting, it was voted on to setup an executive committee comprised of the regions northeast, south, west and 4a to make decisions for money allocations for local purchases. Of the regional budget, 45% was voted to go to regional 4a including $70,000.00 for communications equipment, $56,000.00 for environmental and safety equipment and the remaining $68,000.00 to be confined for computer equipment. Our local money is approximately $7,500.00 and we will receive a check in the near future. A discussion followed including the LEPC. Fullerton informed the Board of the placement of the Public Health Nurse for 20 hours per week and mosquito control on the at risk list for the FY2005 budget. Fullerton mentioned that he had met with All Care Nursing Services last week. They appear to be a little more expensive than New England Home Care. Both companies agreed to do a trial basis for 3 to 6 months. A decision will be made shortly. Fullerton will be attaching with the septic installer’s renewal application form, a letter indicating that the installer’s must complete a Title V questionnaire/test at the time they request a construction permit. Fullerton mentioned to the Board that he is working on the final grease trap regulations. Fullerton began a discussion regarding the mercury regulation. Fullerton would like as part of the demolition permit to include the requirement of all contractors to recover mercury from boilers, thermostats, etc. Fullerton informed the Board of a free three hour safety training workshop on April 1 at 6:30 p.m., for all childcare, daycare and nursery providers and centers sponsored by Brunettta Associates through a state grant. The comprehensive three-hour workshop will address biological, chemical and physical hazards in a child care environment focusing on why Hepatitis A is so common in child care; cross contamination sources and prevention; staff and child personal hygiene habits; effective cleaning and sanitizing principles; food and beverages and their relationship to illness and injury; contamination via snacks and other food products; and current regulations pertaining to highly susceptible populations. MacKenzie asked if anyone had any further ideas for the proposed health fair to be held in the fall of 2004 at the High School Field House. MacKenzie described a multi-age group health awareness fair combined with DPH utilizing a sponsor to absorb the initial costs of approximately $200.00 and then the rest will pay for itself. Fearnside indicated he will be meeting with the Town Manager on March 25 and submit a list of requirements for the permanent Health Director. A discussion followed reviewing the qualifications. Heiger-Bernays motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. MacKenzie seconded. All approved.