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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-12-17-BOH-min 1 LEXINGTON BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, December 17, 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, 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 Health Department Staff Absent: Select Board Liaison: Mark Sandeen Documents:  Minutes Approval  Open Forum (2 minutes per person, state your name and address)  Update on the Athletic Playing Fields Melissa Battite – Director of Recreation and Community Programs  18 Bacon Street – Article XII, On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems § 155-86. Exemptions Construction of Accessory Use Dwelling (ADU) with Tie in to Existing Septic System on Property Thorsen Akerley, PWS, RS William Sparages Engineers  Update to Fee Schedule for 2025  Tobacco Control Update  Health Staff Reports Environmental Health Community Health Directors Report  Correspondence/Information Lex250 Countdown Calendar Photo – Jan 2, 2025  New/Old Business Implementation of plastic water bottle ban – Jan 1 2025 Meeting schedule 2025 2 Meeting Called to Order: The meeting began at 6:30 P.M. Minutes Approval: The Board reviewed the November 19, 2024 meeting minutes. Ms. Escott made a motion to accept the amended minutes. Dr. Tung seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Open Forum (2 minutes per person, state your name and address) None Update on the Athletic Playing Fields Melissa Battite – Director of Recreation and Community Programs Melissa Battite, the Director of Recreation and Community Programs, was invited to provide the Board with an update on the Lincoln One and Lincoln Two playing fields. Ms. Battite highlighted the progress made throughout the project. She discussed the terms for Lincoln One and expressed her satisfaction in addressing various community needs while advancing the project. She mentioned that the fields have been upgraded with organic natural infill and a different type of shock pad. Ms. Battite noted improvements in walkability and seating at the field. However, she pointed out that they did not receive a full season of feedback on the new field due to its late opening. They are now preparing the bid specifications for Lincoln Two and anticipate requesting funding for the replacement of Lincoln Three in the upcoming spring. Dr. Tung raised a question regarding the working group report. During their discussion, Dr. Tung and Ms. Battite talked about the removal of materials from Lincoln, including the grass fibers and synthetic turf. Ms. Battite clarified that these materials were repurposed and not sent to a landfill or incinerator. Dr. Tung inquired about the levels of PFAS in the materials, and Ms. Battite confirmed that tests were conducted on Lincoln Two, showing undetectable levels of PFAS above 3 parts per million. The working group is considering more specific requests for Lincoln Two and is exploring trustworthy laboratories for further analysis. Cindy Arens, chair of the Sustainable Lexington Committee, expressed her appreciation for the working group's progress and the chance to contribute. Ms. Arens discussed the testing process for detecting total organofluoride at lower levels and emphasized the need to improve specifications. She clarified that both incineration and chemical recycling are not permitted; therefore, the best final disposal option for these items would be a landfill. Ms. Arens also expressed her appreciation for the working group and highlighted the necessity of gathering more information. 3 Dr. Heiger-Bernays inquired about the design process for Harrington, specifically regarding the involvement of consultants and the independence of the design team. Ms. Battite explained that the consultants from Activitas have designed and implemented multiple natural grass fields in Lexington and will create a design based on the feedback received from the town. Dr. Heiger-Bernays emphasized the importance of obtaining accurate estimates for each option, including end-of-life costs. Mr. Sandeen thanked everyone involved in the working group process. 18 Bacon Street – Article XII, On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems- § 155-86. Exemptions Construction of Accessory Use Dwelling (ADU) with Tie-in to Existing Septic System on Property- Thorsen Akerley, PWS, RS, William Sparages Engineers Ms. Belanger introduced Thorson Akerley, a registered sanitary and professional wetland scientist with William Sparages, who presented a design plan for an on-site sewage disposal system at 18 Bacon Street. Mr. Akerley proposed constructing an additional 2-bedroom accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on a large property that currently has a single-family dwelling and garages. The property relies on an on-site sewage disposal system due to its distance from the nearest sanitary sewer. The existing septic system was installed in 2007, and the goal is to remain within the approved 5-bedroom limit. The family intends to live in the ADU while their daughter and her family occupy the main dwelling. The proposal requires a variance, as no additional components for the on-site sewage disposal system are permitted under the bylaw. Ms. Belanger expressed concerns regarding the age of the system, the necessity for yearly water testing, and the potential impact of the ADU on the existing septic system. She also emphasized the need for additional soil testing and for the town engineer to review the documents. Mr. Akerley stated that the system has been lightly used and has passed a recent inspection, assuring that additional testing can be conducted if required. They were advised to prepare for changes that would need to be presented to the Board along with a plan change. The Board discussed the need for a formal report regarding the water pressure from the well and the necessity for a design change report. Ultimately, the Board agreed to table the motion until all required documentation was submitted and reviewed. They also discussed the need for an as-built report and the hiring of a licensed local septic installer. The conversation concluded with a vote to postpone the motion until all necessary documentation was in place. Dr. Heiger-Bernays proposed a motion to table the discussion until the proponent returns with all necessary documents. Currently, important details, such as the distances from various components, are missing from the plan. The plan does not include the distance from the D-box to the edge of the house or the measurements from the water line to the well, which are minor but still required. Additionally, we need to conduct lead testing, as outlined in our regulations, and a formal report regarding the water pressure from the well is necessary to confirm it can accommodate another dwelling. We also require confirmation from our engineering department that the rain garden meets stormwater management requirements and that its location remains unchanged. If there are any changes or redesigns, those components will also need to be addressed, especially concerning the septic tank associated with the new dwelling. Ms. Escott seconded the motion The motion was approved unanimously 4 Update to Fee Schedule for 2025 Ms. Belanger presented the fee schedule to the Board. Dr. Heiger-Bernays requested that a notification be sent to all tobacco permit holders to ensure their awareness. Ms. Escott made a motion to accept the fee schedule, effective February 28, 2025. Dr. Tung Seconded The motion was approved unanimously Mr. Sandeen informed the Board about the Select Board's discussion regarding the Board of Health and the proposal to amend the noise bylaw. He emphasized that the Board of Health should be involved in these discussions due to the public health implications of noise. Mr. Sandeen mentioned the formation of a new Ad Hoc Crematory Study Committee, which may include a member from the Board of Health. Dr. Heiger-Bernays indicated that she needed to recuse herself from the discussion and suggested that Mr. Sandeen consult with Mr. Flynn regarding the Board of Health's involvement in the crematory study. She also noted that the Department of Public Health (DPH) is reviewing its air regulations, which could cover emissions from crematories. Tobacco Control Update The Board discussed the progress of tobacco control initiatives. Ms. Belanger reported that 11 municipalities had passed regulations for a tobacco-free generation and existing tobacco laws, with Needham expected to follow suit. Mr. Sandeen mentioned the support of the Massachusetts Municipal Association for these initiatives. Ms. Belanger clarified that these regulations were approved during regular Board of Health meetings rather than formal hearings, as they were updates to existing regulations. Dr. Heiger-Bernays expressed concern about the lack of openly publicized discussions on these issues. The Board also talked about the slow legislative process and the potential for future legislative support. Health Staff Reports: Staff provided their monthly reports. Directors Report: Ms. Belanger presented her report to the Board and updated them on the conference she attended, as well as the award she received. She also informed the Board about her ongoing tasks, including her weekly meeting at the Armory shelter. Ms. Belanger presented the Health Department's budget to the Select Board, highlighting the department's increased workload with the same staff and the positive impact of their work. Ms. Belanger emphasized the importance of the communicable disease page, explaining the different types of diseases they follow up on and the significant workload involved. Ms. Belanger also discussed the department's wellness clinics and their impact on residents' health. 5 Ms. Belanger mentioned the department's work with shelters and the upcoming implementation of a water bottle ban regulation. Wendy expressed appreciation for Joanne's work. Correspondence/Information - Lex250 Countdown Calendar Photo – Jan 2, 2025 Ms. Belanger and Dr. Heiger-Bernays discussed the upcoming changes to their meeting schedule, shifting the dates from the 3rd Tuesday to the 4th Tuesday for February and March. They also discussed the upcoming "Lex 250 Countdown Calendar" event on January 2nd, with a photo to be taken and shared. The group also discussed the upcoming in-person meeting on April 15th, marking the end of their remote meetings Adjournment Dr. Geller made a motion to adjourn at 8:14 p.m. Dr. Heiger–Bernays seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.