Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-20-BOH-minLEXINGTON BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, May 201, 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.; Susan Wolf -Fordham, J.D., MPA; David Geller, M.D. Vice Chair Absent Board of Health Members: Shoolah Escott, MS, 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: March 18`h,2025 BOH meeting minutes Camp Swiftie Public Hearing Notice Robo Hub Camp Public Hearing Notice Pedalheads Camp Hearing Notice Formosa Taipei timeline Tobacco Coordinator Report Environmental Health Reports Public Health Nurse Report Reappointment of Board of Health Member memo Message from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Commissioner Measles FAQ Meeting Called to Order: The Board of Health meeting on May 20, 2025, was called to order by Dr. Heiger-Bernays at 6:30 PM. Minutes Approval: The March 18, 2025, Board of Health meeting minutes were reviewed. Dr. Geller made a motion to accept minutes as amended. Dr. Tung seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Dana Varga for Camp Swiftie (camp located at Follen Church, 755 Massachusetts Ave). Public Hearing in accordance with M.G.L.c. 140, & 32B Dana Varga from Swiftie Camp introduced the camp and its mission, which focuses on celebrating the life and music of Taylor Swift. Participants can look forward to a variety of activities, including group voice lessons, dance choreography, arts and crafts, recess, lunch, and a flexible period for additional exploration. The camp operates from 9 AM to 3 PM, with an aftercare option available from 3 PM to 5 PM for children ages 6 to 12. Dr. Geller made a motion to permit Camp Swiftie for operation pending Health inspection and appropriate paperwork. Dr. Tung seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Rick Martin for The Robo Hub Camp (camp located at Lexington Christian Academy, 48 Bartlett Ave). Public Hearing in accordance with M.G.L.c. 140, & 32B. Ms. McCartin introduced Robo Hub, a robotics and tech camp for kids. It offers hands-on STEM education in a camp environment. The camp will operate from July 7, 2025, through August 15, 2025, from 9 AM to 4 PM. The program is designed for children aged 6 to 12 years old. Rick Martin, the Director of Robo Hub based out of Cambridge, MA, attended the meeting late at 6:56 pm. Dr. Tung suggested that future camp announcements should list the staff and their job titles, especially the Director. Dr. Geller made a motion that the Lexington Board of Health approve The Robo Hub camp to operate a summer camp, pending appropriate permitting and application procedures. Ms. Wolf -Fordham seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Ben Hall for Pedalheads Camp (camp located at Grace Chapel, 59 Worthen Rd). Public Hearing in accordance with M.G.L.c. 140, � 32B. Ben Hall, the Director of Operations for PedalHeads Camp, introduced the camp as a cycling education program for children. It focuses on teaching kids aged 3 to 12 how to ride two -wheeled bikes for the first time, along with bike safety, maintenance, and group riding skills. The camp operates from 9 AM to 4 PM for full-day sessions and from 9 AM to 12 PM for half-day sessions. The Camp provides early drop- off and late pickup options. The Board of Health had several questions and concerns for Mr. Hall, all of which he addressed thoroughly. Dr. Geller made a motion that the Lexington Board of Health approve the PedalHeads Camp, which will be located at The Grace Chapel, 59 Worthen Rd. Pending the appropriate permitting and application procedure for the summer camp. Dr. Heiger-Bernays seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Formosa Taipei 315 Marrett Rd Ms. McCartin reported to the Board of Health about recent inspections at Formosa Taipei. On May 6th, a routine inspection was done where several observations were made regarding improper food handling. These included personal items being stored next to food preparation areas, raw beef being placed on top of shrimp, and improper storage practices within the refrigerators. Items were found in uncovered containers, exposing them to other food products and debris. Food thermometers were improperly stored inside containers of food, and utensils were placed between units. Additionally, several food items were missing proper labeling and date markings. Due to these violations, a reinspection needed to be scheduled. Following the May 6t1i inspection, there was a report of foodborne illness, and there was a laboratory -confirmed case linked to a person whose food history indicated they had eaten at Formosa Taipei. In response to this complaint, food code regulations mandated that the Board of Health conduct an inspection. During this inspection, multiple critical violations were noted, some of which were repeats from the previous inspection. These included raw chicken stored above beef and improper cooking temperatures—specifically, chicken was cooked to only 146°F, whereas it should reach at least 165°F. Improper storage practices persisted, as containers still lacked covers and proper labeling. A reinspection was conducted on May 16th, during which additional repeat violations were observed. Some food items were found to be out of temperature and were discarded on-site. Because these repeated violations had not been corrected, Ms. McCartin requested that they attend a Board of Health meeting for retraining on food handling procedures and also encouraged them to hire a consultant to assist with compliance. Jiren (Gary) Zang, owner of Formosa Taipei, attended the meeting along with his translator, Jackson. Ms. Wolf -Fordham inquired about Lexington's food regulations related to the Allergen Awareness requirement, specifically noting that the report indicated no one with Allergen Awareness was present during the inspection. Ms. Wolf -Fordham questioned if there was anyone in the business who had the certifications present and if the town of Lexington's food regulations require that an individual with Allergen Awareness be on site at all times. Ms. McCartin explained that while it is not specifically detailed in the Lexington Board of Health Regulations, the state code requires that a person with Allergen Awareness must be present whenever food is being cooked and prepared. Ms. Wolf -Fordham then asked whether the restaurant has such a person on staff and whether their absence was due to stepping out during the inspection. Ms. McCartin responded affirmatively, confirming that the restaurant does employ someone with an Allergen Awareness certificate. However, that individual was not present at the time of the inspection. Dr. Tung inquired about the requirements for ServSafe certification. Specifically, which staff members are required to hold this certification, and how many must be certified for the restaurant to operate at any given time? Ms. McCartin explained that there is no specific requirement for which staff members must be certified; typically, it is the person in charge. Sometimes, either the cook or the manager should possess the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification. In this instance, the general manager has the ServSafe certificate, and there are at least two other employees who are also certified. Dr. Heiger-Bernays mentioned that there should be someone with ServSafe certification on duty. This requirement aims to prevent the documented violations, some of which have occurred multiple times, which is why we are meeting today. Dr. Heiger-Bernays recommended that the Board of Health adopt a strategy to ensure that Formosa implements the food code effectively, preventing the types of violations that have been recorded. Ms. McCartin clarified the Lexington regulations that there needs to be a person in charge at all times who has ServSafe certification. Ms. Wolf -Fordham made a motion that the Lexington Board of Health order the owner of Formosa Taipei to take the following action: 1) Immediately hire an approved independent food safety consultant. The contract with the food consultant must be sent to the Health Department by the end of the business day on May 30t1i 2025, and Formosa Taipei staff must complete a mandatory food safety training conducted by the consultant within one month, and at least one routine inspection shall be conducted by the consultant within one month. 2) The approved consultant shall train all staff on required food safety principles and regulatory requirements under 105 CMR 590.000. A copy of the attendance sheet for this training must be sent to the Health Department. The consultant shall conduct routine food safety inspections for a minimum of 6 months. A copy of the inspection reports shall be provided to the Lexington Health Department. 3) The Board of Health will review to determine the status in 6 months." Dr. Tung seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Mr. Zang has requested that the Health Department provide us with a copy of all violations that need to be corrected, ensuring that nothing is overlooked. Dr. Heiger-Bernays has asked Ms. McCartin to follow up with you, either after this meeting or tomorrow morning, regarding all the requirements. Dr. Heiger-Bernays emphasized that it is crucial to hire a food consultant immediately, and Mr. Zang needs to have a contract signed and sent to the Lexington Health Department by May 30, 2025. The approved consultant must train Formosa Taipei within that month and pass inspection during that time as well. Tobacco Control Update Ms. Soto's report was provided. Ms. McCartin gave a brief update on Ms. Soto's report, informing the Board of Health that for the past month, Ms. Soto did 5 compliance checks, and they all passed. Ms. Soto attended the Mass Tobacco Control and Prevention monthly meeting, as well as the Department of Public Health meeting, which also discussed tobacco. In addition to training and seminars Ms. Soto attended the Tri -Ton strategic planning meeting, tobacco inspections. Ms. Soto does inspections for Burlington, Lexington, and Wilmington. Dr. Heiger-Bernays asked Ms. McCartin what the status of the Tobacco Regulations is across the three other Towns. Ms. McCartin stated that the Town of Burlington was recently updated within the past year. Lexington was recently updated, and Wilmington hasn't been updated recently. Health Staff Reports: The staff submitted their monthly reports. Ms. McCartin provided an update on her report. She attended the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) Preparedness Summit in late April, where various topics related to emergency preparedness, including wildfires and hurricanes, and Measles, were discussed. A brief update was provided by the CDC about next year's funding, but details were limited. Dr. Heiger-Bernays inquired about collective efforts to reprioritize funding due to federal budget cuts. Ms. McCartin explained that the discussions primarily focused on current fiscal concerns and potential funding reductions for the upcoming year. Ms. McCartin noted the difference in fiscal years: the federal fiscal year ends in October, while local fiscal years conclude in June. Directors Report: No Directors' report provided. Board of Health Members- Committee Liaison Reports Dr. Tung provided an update on the Ad Hoc Crematory 2 Study Committee, which recently held its first in-person meeting led by acting chair Joe Pato, the liaison to the Select Board. The committee is revisiting the feasibility of operating a crematorium at Westview, as previously studied by the first Crematory Study Committee in 2018, and is tasked with examining any changes since that time that would justify reconsideration for a crematory. New/Old Business Ms. McCartin provided an update on the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner, who discussed the recent funding cuts. Dr. Goldstein also shared insights on the specific cuts being made, which align with the announcement from the Commissioner. He elaborated on the implications of these cuts for the State's operations. Although some of the items being cut may not immediately affect local health services, he expected that they will eventually impact the Public Health Department. Dr. Tung reported to the Board of Health that Maggie Peard, the town's Sustainability Officer, is leading an initiative to introduce reusable materials at Harrington School. Ms. Peard secured funding for a dishwasher and additional grants for purchasing necessary hardware and utensils. This program is projected to reduce 5,000 pounds of waste and save $17,000 annually. Ms. Peard plans to apply lessons from this initiative to implement similar programs in other schools. The Lexington Community Center aims to transition from single -use containers to reusables, informed by this pilot program. Dr. Tung believes this work is significant. Dr. Heiger-Bernays informed the Board of Health about a preschool director seeking educational resources on measles for their staff. Ms. Coleman, the Public Health Nurse, found a measles and rubella flyer containing useful information. Ms. Coleman clarified that the Board of Health can decide whether they want the flyers mailed or emailed to preschools, or if they require specific information to be compiled. The flyer included in the packet has been noted for its resources and clear descriptions compared to others. Ms. Wolf -Fordham asked if Ms. McCartin or Ms. Coleman could reach out to the preschool Director, to coordinate a visit for someone to speak with their staff about Measles and address any questions they may have. Dr. Heiger-Bernays inquired whether the Health Department had posted information about vaccinations and Measles, and if that information might need updating in light of the current situation. Dr. Heiger-Bernays emphasized the importance of making these materials accessible to everyone. She suggested that if the preschool would like someone to answer questions, an in-person opportunity would be invaluable. This could serve as a trial or pilot program, and if successful, other preschools might benefit from it as well. Ms. McCartin responded to the Board of Health's concerns, stating that the information posted a couple of months ago is the latest available. Ms. McCartin confirmed that there has not been any new information released since then. Both Ms. Coleman and Ms. McCartin conducted research when they attempted to find material for the packet. The Health Department can certainly work on updating and posting additional information on the website. Adjournment Dr. Geller made a motion to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. Dr. Heiger-Bernays seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.