HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-05-21-BOH-min
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LEXINGTON BOARD OF HEALTH
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 6:30 pm
Conducted by Remote Participation
Board of Health Members in Attendance:
Wendy Heiger-Bernays Ph.D. Chair, David Geller, M.D., Vice-Chair, Jillian Tung, M.D., M.P.H.,
Shoolah Escott, MS., Susan Wolf-Fordham, J.D. MPA
Board of Health Members Absent: N/A
Health Department Staff Attendees:
Joanne Belanger, RN, Public Health Director, Alicia McCartin, Assistant Health Director
Select Board Liaison: Mark Sandeen ( late 6:53pm)
Documents:
Minutes Approval
Open Forum (2 minutes per person, state your name and address)
Semi Public Pool Variance Requests:
105 CMR 435.23 (1) Lifeguards
Code of the Town of Lexington, Chapter 155-116
Seasonal Permits
Emerson Gardens – 73B Emerson Gardens Rd - Semi-Public Pool
Code of the Town of Lexington, Chapter 155-116
Emerson Gardens – 73B Emerson Gardens Rd - Semi-Public Pool
Emergency Condemnation of a Dwelling
10 Blueberry Lane
Green Burials discussion
Tobacco Control Update
Health Staff Reports
Environmental Health
Community Health
Directors Report
Correspondence/Information
New/Old Business
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Meeting Called to Order:
The meeting began at 6:30 P.M.
Minutes Approval:
April minutes were not available and will be ready for the next Board of Health meeting on June
18th, 2024.
Open Forum (2 minutes per person, state your name and address)
None
Semi-Public Pool Variance Requests:
105 CMR 435.23 (1) Lifeguards
Code of the Town of Lexington, Chapter 155-116
Seasonal Permits
Emerson Gardens – 73B Emerson Gardens Rd - Semi-Public Pool
Code of the Town of Lexington, Chapter 155-116
Emerson Gardens – 73B Emerson Gardens Rd - Semi-Public Pool
Dr. Geller made a motion that the Lexington Board of Health grants the variance request from
the requirement of lifeguards for the safe operation of pools as listed under Article XVI, Bathing
Places § 155-116. In addition, all requirements of 105 CMR 435.23 (2) shall be met including all
signage which includes: “Warning No Lifeguard on Duty” in easy to read, legible letters which
are at least four inches high “Children under age 16 should not use swimming pool without an
adult in attendance” and another sign that states, “Adults should not swim alone.” This variance
applies only to the following seasonal pool facilities, which have made the request in writing.
They are listed as follows: Pleasant Brook Pool o Emerson Gardens Pool
Dr. Heiger-Bernays second the motions
The motion was approved unanimously.
Emergency Condemnation of a Dwelling - 10 Blueberry Lane
Ms. McCartin updates the Board on a housing case for condemnation. She requested
condemnation based on the absence of water and electricity in the home, rendering it unfit for
human habitation, and visual building deficiencies.
Dr. Geller made a motion; “ Due to numerous code violations after inspection by the Health
Department the Board supports the common condemnation of 10 Blueberry Lane.”
Dr. Heiger-Bernays seconded the motion
The motion was approved unanimously.
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Green Burials discussion
Ms. McCartin provided the Board with an update on the Green Burial conference that she
attended. The Board had several questions and concerns, and Ms. McCartin addressed them.
Tobacco Control Update
No reports are available for this month
Health Staff Reports:
Staff provided their monthly reports.
Directors Report:
Highlights:
1. MS. Belanger congratulated Dr. Geller for his reappointment to the Board.
2. Ms. Belanger informed the Board that she will attend the Region 4AB Extreme
Temperatures Project. Maggie Pearce, the Sustainability director, will accompany her for
workshop #2.
3. Ms. Belanger updated the Board on her recent training on suicide and aging at the
community center built by Human Services.
4. Ms. Belanger stated she is still attending the weekly shelter meeting
5. Ms. Belanger informed the Board that the new refugees have been settled into the
armory.
Correspondence/Information - Public Health Commission memo
Dr. Heiger-Bernays and Dr. Geller discussed the Hanscom Airfield Expansion project. They
reviewed the draft environmental impact reports and addressed potential difficulties and concerns.
The Pubic Health Department and Board of Health received a letter from the Massachusetts
Public Health Council extending their deepest gratitude and respect for the exceptional service
provided to the communities in Massachusetts.
Adjournment
Dr. Heiger-Bernays made a motion to adjourn at 7:53 p.m.
Dr. Tung seconded the motion.
The motion was approved unanimously.