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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-01-24-BOH-min (DRAFT - Requested FINAL version) LEXINGTON BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, January 24th,2023, 6:30 pm Conducted by Remote Participation Board of Health Members in Attendance: Wendy Heiger-Bernays, PhD, Chair, Burt Perlmutter, M.D., Jillian Tung, M.D., M.P.H., David Geller, M.D., Vice Chair, Susan Wolf-Fordham, J.D. MPA. Board of Health Member Absent: N/A Select Board (Liaison): Mark Sandeen Office of Public Health Attendees: Joanne Belanger, RN, Public Health Director, Alicia McCartin, Assistant Health Director Documents:  BOH meeting minutes 12/20/22- Not completed  Proposed Revisions to the fee Schedule: rDNA Animals Permit Geothermal Wells- discussion for commercials vs. residential  Public Hearing Recreational Camps for Children- Draft Regulations Article XX- code of the Town of Lexington  Board Discussion: Lincoln Field Resurfacing meeting with Working Group: Recreation, Health Sustainability (staff and Board/ Committee) Resilient Lexington Working Group  Tobacco Control Update  Flu and Covid -19 Update  Health Staff Reports- 1. Environmental Health 2. Community Health 3. Director Reports  Opioid Settlement Meeting Called to Order: The Board of Health meeting of January 24, 2023, was called to order by Dr. Heiger Bernays at 6:30 pm. Open Forum (2 minutes per person, state your name and address) None Proposed Revisions to the fee Schedule After discussion, DR. Perlmutter made a motion that the Board of Health approve the Health Department fee increases for rDNA permits, Animal permits (kennels), and, Geothermal wells. The rDNA permits fee was $500.00 and was requested to increase to $850.00. The rDNA registration was $ 200.00 and was requested to increase it to $350.00. The geothermal commercial well fee will be a new item added to the fee schedule in the amount of $300.00. The Kennel fee for over 5 dogs is also new to the list of fees. The rate and fees will be in effect as of February 23, 2023. This motion was voted unanimously by the board. The Board put forward a motion that all late filing for renewal of a permit will be charged double the usual fee for that permit or up to the maximum allowed by state law. This will be in effect on February 23, 2023. Public Hearing: Recreational Camps for Children – Draft local regulations Article XX- Code of the Town of Lexington The Lexington Board of Health has adopted Article XX, Chapter 155, Board of Health Regulations of the Town of Lexington Code. The Board of Health discussed the supplemental local regulations for those areas insufficiently or unclearly addressed in 105 CMR 430.000 Minimum Standards for Recreational Camps for Children: State Sanitary Code Chapter IV. Those areas included clarification on camp personnel, immunizations, timelines for required documents, and inspections. The Board of Health, after reviewing written testimony and hearing oral testimony from the public during the hearing proceedings, voted to approve the proposed supplemental local regulations to 105 CMR 430.000 Minimum Standards for Recreational Camps for Children: State Sanitary Code Chapter IV. Board Discussion Lincoln Field resurfacing meeting with Working Group: Recreation, Health, Sustainability (staff and Board/ committee) – Lincoln Field was discussed in regard to the resurfacing of the field. There is a working group that consists of recreation, health, and sustainability. Both staff and boards and committees will discuss and figure out what will it resurface with. The big topic question for the Board and Committee is will be replaced with artificial turf. And if so what will be the composition of that turf? Or will it be natural turf? And if so will it be organically maintained? The Town of Lexington feels it is absolutely critical that the field is replaced. And the people have the opportunity to recreate. There are new materials, that are being considered in terms of their health and environmental concerns. The work of this committee is to come to a consensus on what will be the resurfacing of Lincoln Field. Tobacco Control Update None Flu and COVID-19 Update The Lexington COVID data from the Health Department Dashboard was provided to the Board. But the Town Health Department feels if you are at high risk of getting very sick, wear a high- quality mask or respirator (N95 or KN95) when indoors in public. If you have household or social contact with someone at high risk for getting very sick, consider self-testing to detect infection before contact, and consider wearing a high-quality mask when indoors with them. Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, including recommended booster doses. Maintain ventilation improvements. Avoid contact with people who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19 (and flu and RSV, as well). COVID test kits are provided by the State and are made available at many Town official offices, and clinics. A new batch has been released with new expiration dates of 8/18/2023. Opioid Settlement The Town of Lexington managers office, Humans Services, Health, and other associated offices have scheduled the first opioid settlement meeting for Friday 2/3/2022. Funds will be appropriated in the general fund annually and reserved for designated purposes until spent. The involved departments will discuss ways to develop plans and programs for utilizing the Lexington Opioid settlement grants. Health Staff Reports Both Alicia And Jessica are currently completing at least 40 or more inspections and meetings within the previous months. Ms. Belanger attended the annual Citizen Academy course on November 17, 2022. Ms. Belanger believes it has helped the town residents and herself with a better understanding of the Town Government system and how the town can get more involved. New / Old Business: The Town of Lexington Application has been approved as part of the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)-U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retail Flexible Funding Model Grant Program, with funding provided by the FDA. The Grant awards are made with the understanding that NEHA-FDA Retail Flexible Funding Model Grant Program staff may require clarification of information within your application, as necessary, during the application, project, or reporting periods. These inquiries may be necessary to allow us to appropriately carry out our administrative responsibilities. Adjournment Wendy Heiger-Bernays made a motion to adjourn at 8:41 pm. Burt Perlmutter, M.D seconded. Motion carried 4 to 0. All in favor.