HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-02-09-BOH-min
Lexington Board of Health Meeting, February 9, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Office Bldg., Room G-15
1625 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.
The Board reviewed the minutes of January 12, 2009. MacKenzie motioned to accept the
minutes with corrections. Perlmutter seconded. All approved.
The Board reviewed the Community Health Updates prepared by the Public Health
Nurse, David Neylon.
Tobacco Compliance Update – Cody informed the Board that a round of tobacco
compliance inspections were conducted last week and all the establishments passed.
None of the establishments sold tobacco products to minors.
Teppanyaki Update – Cody introduced Sam Wong, the food consultant hired by
Teppanyaki to train food service staff, perform random inspections and attend Board of
Health meetings for at least three months. Wong will also revise the existing HACCP
Plan that will need to be approved by the Board. Cody received a copy of the contract
and it meets all the parameters (including the timeframe) as required in the order to
correct. Mr. Wong informed the Board that he has trained the Sushi Chef (in the proper
preparation of sushi grade rice) and conducted his first unannounced inspection today.
There were two critical violations and he worked with the PIC to correct the problems.
Wong will reinspect. According to Wong, Teppanyaki’s Sushi chef will become certified
as a food protection manager as required.
Lemon Grass Update - Cody introduced Chairuch Pichetshote, the owner of Lemon Grass
to the Board. Cody mentioned that Mr. Pichetshote had come before the Board last
October and needed to complete a food plan review by February 2009. A Food Plan
review is necessary in order for Lemon Grass prepare food in a safe and sanitary manner..
As of this meeting, a complete food review plan has not been submitted. Today, the food
consultant for Lemon Grass, Maureen Lee, requested another week to submit the plan.
Heiger-Bernays asked why a plan has not been submitted. Mr. Pichetshote stated that
each week, the landlord of the property changes his mind. MacKenzie motioned to
extend submittal of the plan review to Tuesday, February 17, 2009. Perlmutter seconded.
All approved. Cody also mentioned that during a recent inspection, no person-in-charge
was at the establishment. Mr. Pichetshote informed the Board that the current person-in-
charge broke her wrist and, therefore, a new person-in-charge must be hired. Perlmutter
motioned to amend the recent motion to include that a new person-in-charge must be
trained and the Health Director must be notified when there is a change. MacKenzie
seconded. All approved.
Noise Committee - Judy Crocker of 5 Currier Court, Lexington and a member of the
Anti-Idling Committee addressed the Board concerning new anti-idling stickers to be
used as part of the education campaign. Ms. Crocker asked the Board if these stickers
could be put on all non-emergency Town of Lexington vehicles including Lexpress and
to see if there could be an in-service for all Town employees to make them aware of the
Anti-idling law. Heiger-Bernays stated the Board clearly supports this bylaw because it
is a Health issue and supports what needs to be done to enforce but there have been some
enforcement issues. Cody mentioned that there is a health and wellness day in May for
Town employees and someone could set up a booth for an educational seminar. Cody
will look into if the stickers could be placed in the Town vehicles.
Noise Advisory Committee – Anthony Galaitis addressed the Board on behalf of the
Noise Advisory Committee. The NAC has submitted an Article for consideration at the
2009 Town Meeting concerning some changes to some start time of operations for three
types of equipment. Galaitis also mentioned that these time restrictions would not apply
during emergencies. Galaitis stated that the majority of the NAC supports these changes
because they feel it would present a positive step towards an improvement to general
quality of life. Heiger-Bernays asked if this a health issue. Galaitis responded that
although people can be awakened by the operation of equipment, it would not hurt their
hearing or health. MacKenzie recommended to leave the start times as already
established by the current noise control law. Heiger-Bernays stated the rationale for the
Boards decision is to provide equity between residential and commercial.
MacKenzie motioned to adjourn. Perlmutter seconded. All approved.