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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-04-15-BOH-minLEXINGTON BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, April 15th, 2025, 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., Shoolah Escott, MS; Susan Wolf -Fordham, J.D., MPA, David Geller, M.D. Vice Chair (late 6:39 pm) Health Department Staff Attendees: Alicia McCartin, Assistant Health Director Absent Health Department Staff: Joanne Belanger, RN, Public Health Director Select Board Liaison: Mark Sandeen Documents: December 17'h, 2024 BOH meeting minutes February 25`h, 2025 BOH meeting minutes Elpis Non -Compliance Letter Wildlife Presentation Reservoir maintenance Pool Variance Request Environmental Health Reports Public Health Nurse Report Tobacco Report Public Health Committee Workforce Letter FDA Retail Standards Grant Approval Letter Memo from Mary De Alderete, Town Clerk re: official posting requirements Meeting Called to Order: The Board of Health meeting of April 15th, 2025, was called to order by Dr. Heiger-Bernays at 6:30 pm. Minutes Approval: The December 17th, 2024, Board of Health meeting minutes were reviewed by the Board. Dr. Tung made a motion to accept minutes as edited. Ms. Escott seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. The February 25, 2025, BOH meeting minutes were reviewed by the Board. Ms. Wolf -Fordham made a motion to accept minutes as edited. Dr. Tung seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Elpis Biopharmaceuticals -1285 Spring Street On March 21, 2025, Dr. Karen Soule of Grace Biosafety Services conducted an inspection of the Elpis Biopharmaceuticals facility located at 128 Spring St, Lexington, Massachusetts. During this inspection, several violations of the Lexington Board of Health's Article V regulations concerning the use of recombinant and synthetic nucleic acid molecules and biological agents were noted. The inspection revealed that the biosafety cabinets, eye wash stations, safety showers, and fire extinguishers were overdue for inspection. Furthermore, the biosafety cabinets were cluttered and appeared not to have been properly cleaned after each use. New work had been conducted since the 2024 inspection; however, it was unclear whether all involved organisms had been reported to the Lexington Board of Health. Additionally, none of the employees were certified by the Department of Transportation, which meant that the waste manifest had not been signed by an authorized designee before pickup by the biowaste service provider. There had also been no annual meeting of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), and a new permit, as required by Lexington regulations, had not been applied for through the Viewpoint system. Consequently, up-to-date files, including lists of organisms, project descriptions, training slides, and training records, had not been provided to the Board of Health. Dr. Heiger-Bernays requested that May Tan, the VP of finance at Elpis Biopharmaceuticals, provide the Board of Health with a timeline and indicate whether she plans to hire a consultant to address the more technical issues. Ms. Tan responded regarding the first item, stating that they have already begun addressing issues, including the installation of eye wash stations and safety showers. These will be inspected monthly. Ms. Tan contacted the landlord to complete the inspection of a malfunctioning fire extinguisher located at the back of the building. The inspection is expected to occur in the next couple of weeks. The clutter around the biosafety cabinet has been resolved, and a cleanup has taken place. Elpis Biopharmaceutical held a meeting, and they have assigned one of their scientists to conduct daily walkthroughs of the lab to ensure it remains organized. Regarding item number three, Ms. Tan clarified that there was a miscommunication. She confirmed with the CEO, who is also a scientist, that no new work involving organisms is currently underway. Dr. Heiger-Bernays suggested that Ms. Tan collaborate with Grace Biosafety Services to address the identified violations. Dr. Soule mentioned that a three-month timeframe for reinspection seems appropriate. Dr. Heiger-Bernays made a motion for a reinspection by Grace Biosafety Services to reinspect Elpis Biopharmaceuticals within 3 months, and to arrange between Grace Biosafety Services and Ms. Tan to set a tentative date for the meeting of the advisory committee. Ms. Escott seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Monofilament Disposal Presentation Cindy Savage, a resident of 6 Berwick Rd, attended the meeting on behalf of Save Lexington Wildlife, accompanied by Pam Winters and Marci Cemenska. They presented to the Board of Health the risks that monofilament fishing line poses to wildlife. Their goal is to reduce or eliminate the use of monofilament and other fishing gear, such as bobbers and hooks. They expressed particular concern for the old reservoir, where Ms. Cemenska often walks and collects harmful litter. This debris can endanger the environment, pets, humans, and especially wildlife. Save Lexington Wildlife presented on the dangers of fishing lines and hooks to local wildlife, showcasing severe consequences for animals caught in debris. In October 2023, the Fire Department rescued an owl entangled in fishing line, highlighting the ongoing issue. The organization proposed implementing recycling bins for fishing gear, which successfully decreased wildlife injuries by 90% in Woburn. While not seeking town funding, Save Lexington Wildlife plans to educate the public with signs. The Board of Health supports their initiative, and collaboration with the Department of Public Works and the Conservation Departments is encouraged. Semi -Public Pools Variances Dr. Geller made a motion that the Lexington Board of Health grant 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 pool facilities, which have made the request in writing. They are listed as follows: Adams, Moon Hill, Aloft, Element, Brookhaven, Waterstone, Five Fields, Peacock Farm, Drummer Boy, Pleasant Brook, Emerson Gardens. This Variance will expire at the Seasonal pool expiration date, or Annual pool expiration date, or upon notification of an unsafe operating condition at a specific facility. Ms. Wolf -Fordham seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Dr. Geller made a motion that the Lexington Board of Health approve the permit application for the pool permit for 475 Bedford St Indoor Pool under the conditions that all swim coaches submit their Life Guard Certification as part of the permit application. This Variance will expire at the Annual pool expiration date to be reviewed by the Lexington Board of Health on or before that date or upon notification of an unsafe operating condition at a specific facility. Ms. Escott seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. National Public Health Week Recap Ms. McCartin provided an update on the National Public Health Week, which included classes at the Community Center, a presentation from the Flores Brothers on addictions, followed by a Narcan training, Medical Waste Day, and a Hazardous Waste Day. Tobacco Control Update Ms. Soto provided the Board with her report. Ms. McCartin informed the Board that the tobacco regulation has been implemented, and Ms. Soto has had discussions with the Tobacco retailers in town. Health Staff Reports: The staff provided their monthly reports. Ms. McCartin provided an update on her report. Directors Report: No Directors' report provided. Board of Health Members- Committee Liaison Reports Dr. Tung provided a brief update on the upcoming Lex 250th festivities, scheduled for April 19th, 2025. The celebration will kick off with a press conference and the film "The American Revolution" by Ken Burns. Melissa Battite and Cindy Arens both updated the Board on Lincoln's fields 2 and 3, and the future work to be done on the Center Fields in 2030. There was discussion on the type of materials that will be used to complete the projects. The Board had a few questions and concerns regarding some comments and statements that both Ms. Battite and Ms. Arens have made. Both Ms. Battite and Ms. Arens addressed the Board's concerns. New/Old Business Ms. McCartin informed the Board that on Saturday, April 19, 2025, the Lex250th Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) will assist at the medical tents alongside the Lexington Paramedics. Adiournment Dr. Heiger-Bernays made a motion to adjourn at 8:10 p.m. Dr. Tung seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.