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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-20-BOH-min 1 LEXINGTON BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, February 20th, 2024, 6:30 pm Conducted by Remote Participation Board of Health Members in Attendance: Wendy Heiger-Bernays Ph.D. Chair, Jillian Tung, M.D., M.P.H., David Geller, M.D., Vice-Chair Board of Health Members Absent: Susan Wolf-Fordham, J.D. MPA. Health Department Staff Attendees: Joanne Belanger, RN, Public Health Director, Alicia McCartin, Assistant Health Director Select Board Liaison: Mark Sandeen Documents:  Minutes Approval  Open Forum (2 minutes per person, state your name and address)  Laboratory Animal Regulations - Fee schedule  56 Sherburne Road South  FDA Grant Award  Discussion – Board and Health Department priorities for 2024  Tobacco Control Update  Health Staff Reports Environmental Health Community Health Directors Report  Correspondence/Information  New/Old Business Meeting Called to Order: The meeting began at 6:31 P.M. 2 Open Forum (2 minutes per person, state your name and address) None Minutes Approval: None NEHA/FDA Grant Ms. McCartin brought the Board up to date on the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) /FDA Grant. She explained this was the third time Lexington received the grant. Ms. McCartin is working with consultants to establish protocols for HACCP and self-verification for food establishments. The first grant was used for camps, food service, and swimming pool inspections. The second grant was used for ServSafe. Dr. Heiger-Bernays asked how many establishments in Town required HACCP and what are the reporting requirements. Ms. McCartin stated 5, all involved sous vide. The Health Department self-audits and must report to the Grantor no later than December but could report earlier. No further discussion. Lab Animal Regulations/Fees Ms. Belanger brought the Board up to date regarding the need for the Board to adopt a fee schedule associated with the recent adoption of the Animal Lab Regulations. Working with our consultant we feel that the fairest fee schedule would be based on the size of the square footage of the facility. Five categories were created: from small to large with corresponding fees of $750; $1,250; $2,000; $2,500 $3,500. Dr. Heiger-Bernays is concerned that $750 would not be enough to cover costs. It was discussed that fees should be increased. Dr. Heiger-Bernays asked to table the discussion and reassess fee structure. Ms. Belanger stated that a revised fee schedule will be recommended at the next meeting in March for adoption. Regulations are to be implemented May 1, 2024. 56 Sherborn Road South: Ms. Belanger explained to the Board that in 1959 there was a Lexington Planning Board decision that no approvals on homes at the Sherwood Road subdivision could be approved without the approval of the Lexington BOH. Since then there has been no record of approvals by the BOH at 56 Sherwood Road. A local attorney in conjunction with Lexington Town Counsel would like the current BOH to settle the matter and Counsel would draft a letter for Ms. Belanger to sign on behalf of the Board. Dr. Gellar asked if there is any documentation existing from previous Boards. Ms. Belanger answered that it is sporadic at best. Dr. Geller also asked if the Board of Health approval would be needed moving forward regarding any new structures. Ms. Belanger stated that the Planning Board's decision at the time stated for a new home construction 3 Dr Geller motioned to allow Ms. Belanger to sign the letter on behalf of the Board this one time that the Board has no issue with the structure at 56 Sherwood Road. Dr. Tung seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously Tobacco Control Update Ms. Belanger introduced Tahycha Soto to the Board of Health Ms. Soto is the new Tobacco Inspector. Ms. Soto is part-time with the Tobacco Control Collation and part-time Health Agent with the Tri- Ton Coalition. Ms. Soto updated The Board of Health as to the status of the tobacco program. All Board members welcomed Ms. Soto and thanked her. Health Staff Reports: Staff provided their monthly reports. Dr. Heiger-Bernays asked where we are with the settlement monies. Joanne stated that another lawsuit was settled. Town Meeting will have to approve acceptance of money, but this should be the last time moving forward. Otherwise, AEDs, fentanyl strips, wall cases for Town buildings, PD rescue kits, Narcan, and other supplies have been purchased and distributed. The Health Department is working with Public Schools and could be aided by community members outside the BOH/Health Department. Directors Report: Ms. Belanger gave her a verbal report. Highlights: 1. Shelter update which involved clinics for Flu and COVID. Meeting weekly with State Reps and the National Guard and volunteers. Ms. Belanger goes as often to the shelter as possible. 2. Upcoming immunization clinics planned 3. National Public Health Week planning 4. Patriots Day planning 5. Ms. Belanger attended MRC, and PHEP meetings dealing with stressful people training 6. Joanne thanked staff for all the hard work Dr. Tung asked if there had been any barriers to care at the shelter. Have residents been accepting? Ms. Belanger stated they have been accepting and appreciative. 4 Dr. Heiger-Bernays asked how much time the Health Department spent on the matter and was the Town Manager aware. Ms. Belanger stated that 10-15 hours of her week involved the shelter. Dr. Heiger-Bernays stated she would like to see a plan that involved the cost of time and that the Board of Health is here to support the Department. Correspondence/Information None Adjournment Dr. Geller made a motion to adjourn at 7:34 p.m. Dr. Heiger-Bernays seconded the motion. Approved was numinously