HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-01-21-BOH-min MINUTES for:
BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING
Wednesday, January 21, 2015, 7:00 P.M.
Training Room
DPW, 201 Bedford St, Lexington, MA
Board of Health Members in Attendance:
Wendy Heiger-Bernays, PhD, Sharon MacKenzie, Burt Perlmutter, MD, David Geller, MD
Health Division Attendees:
Gerard F. Cody, Health Director, Linda Rainville, Clerk
1.) Minutes of December 17, 2014 accepted with corrections
2.) Community Health
a.) CHNA grant update—The Board reviewed the Health Report submitted by David Neylon, Public
Health Nurse.
1.) Mental Health First Aid Training schedule - Mr. Cody explained that they are working on
training schedule an Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid Course. A chart of the training schedule was
presented. Initial training will be presented to Guidance Counselors and teachers. The Police department has
been invited to join the training. The Recreation department and Human Services will be invited to future
trainings. An evaluation of the program will be done through a pre-class test and a post-class test.
b.) Community Health and Infectious Disease Report—The Board reviewed the Communicable Disease
report. Dr. Perlmutter asked if the Health Department considered getting a new broader spectrum
pneumococcal vaccine. Mr. Cody explained that the State sends us a small amount of pneumococcal vaccines
and we are limited to getting what they send us.
1.) Flu Activity update—Mr. Cody reported that over 2500 people attended the flu clinics this
year.
3.) Environmental Health
a.) Environmental Health Report—The Board reviewed the Health Report submitted by K. Fox. Mr.
Cody reported that a meeting was held with Mr. Robin Ong, Yangtze River Restaurant, regarding pest control
and cleaning issues. The restaurant is now doing quarterly cleanings of a thorough nature. The Health
Department will be monitoring their progress.
b.) Food Inspection program
1.) Roll the Bones Barbecue—Food Plan Review
a.) Mr. Paul Busa—met with the Board to get approval for a food permit to make and
sell two different types of barbecue sauce.
Dr. Perlmutter motioned Dr. Geller seconded a motion: "The Lexington Board of Health grants an
Annual Retail Food Permit to Roll Your Bones Barbecue Sauce upon successful completion of a pre-
operational inspection and acceptable food lab data bacterial testing results. The Board of Health recommends
a repeat bacterial testing in six months' time." All in favor
c.) State Sanitary Code Case Review
1.) 267 Waltham Street—Mr. Cody reported that the case was still open. There will be a re-
inspection in May. The Social Worker is still in communication with the resident.
2.) 137 Reed Street - In response to a complaint, the Health Department went to the property.
Observations made from the street showed a large accumulation of material. The Health Department is working
with K. Axtell from Health and Human Services.
3.) 25 Valley Road—This complaint is still open. Mr. Cody is attempting to communicate with
the tenant and property owner.
4.) 15 Emerald Street—An Order to Comply regarding sanitary conditions of outside property
was mailed. The resident requested an extension. The BOH granted an extension. S. MacKenzie,proposed a
motion, (Burt Perlmutter 2nd) "The Lexington Board of Health agrees to extend the deadline to April 1, 2015 to
come into full compliance by May 1°2015." All in favor.
d.) Open Meeting Law Complaint—On December 26, 2014 Mr. Cody was made aware of an Open
Meeting Law complaint being filed on December 21, 2014. Dr. Heiger Bernays proposed a motion (Seconded
by S. MacKenzie); "The Town Attorney respond to the Open Meeting Law Complaint. All communication
with the Town Attorney should take place though Mr. Cody regarding how to continue." All in favor.
e.) Youth Access to Tobacco Products Compliance Inspection update—During a compliance regulation
inspections, two stores sold tobacco products to underage customers. The stores were fined $100. and store
employees are required to attend a refresher training on Tobacco sales. The refresher training will be held at the
Community Development Office.
The Town Counsel suggested some proposed language for the town articles regarding the Bylaw for Sale of
Tobacco. We are requesting an amendment to the bylaw to change the minimum age to purchase tobacco
products to 21 years of age. The BOH would like to repeal the existing bylaw (Article 39) then pass the
amendment(Article 40). A member of the Board of Health should be in attendance at the Town Meeting (date
to be determined). If Article 39 does not pass please see Article 40. It is the preference of the BOH that the last
sentence of Description: "It is the preference of the Board of Health that the existing Bylaws be repealed
pursuant to Article."
4.) Emergency Preparedness
a.) Health and Medical Coordinating Coalition, (HMCC) update—Mr. Cody recapped that the State
wants to rename and merge regions. In our area it would be merging Region 4A with Region 4B. At this time
all plans are on hold for up to 6 months.
b.) CASPER training in Waltham Medical Society on January 28, 2015
1.)Epi Ready Response team Medical Reserve Corp volunteers form different teams to help in
a Public Health Emergency Response. On January 28th, 2015 there will be a training presentation.
Miscellaneous
5.) Old Business/New Business
S. MacKenzie asked D. Geller if he is seeing more Flu diagnosis than usually. Dr. Geller said he did not think it
was more than usual but he was seeing patients with flu-like symptoms.
Mr. Cody reported that at this time the Animal Control Officer position is vacant. The Health Department is
being called upon to help out with animal control issues.
6.)Next Meeting Wednesday, February 18, 2015