Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-15-BOH-min.pdfLEXINGTON BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, July 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.; Susan Wolf-Fordham, J.D., MPA; David Geller, M.D. Vice Chair: Shoolah Escott, MS, Health Department Staff Attendees: Alicia McCartin, Assistant Health Director Absent: None Select Board Liaison: Mark Sandeen Documents: April 15th,2025 BOH meeting minutes May 20th,2025 BOH meeting minutes Annual Board Reorganization and Staff Appointment Heat-Related Illness FAQ 137 Reed St- Condemnation letter Environmental Health Reports Public Health Nurse Report Meeting Called to Order: The Board of Health meeting, held on July 15, 2025, was called to order by Dr. Heiger-Bernays at 6:30 p.m. Minutes Approval: The April 15 th, 2025, Board of Health meeting minutes were reviewed. Ms. Wolf-Fordham made a motion to accept minutes as amended. Dr. Geller seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. The May 20th, 2025, Board of Health meeting minutes were reviewed. Dr. Geller made a motion to accept the May minutes as amended. Dr. Tung seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Open Forum (2 minutes per person, state your name and address) None Annual Board Reorganization and Staff Appointments Ms. McCartin reviewed with the Board the annual request to appoint staff as agents for the Board. A letter of explanation and a slate of delegates was submitted for approval. ´The Board of Health delegates its legal authority to enforce State statutes and State and local regulations to the Board's agents as listed below in Section A. This delegation is for the fiscal period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, and beyond, as the Board deems it necessary set appointment is for regulatory legal authority only and does not guarantee any salary or fee. Alicia McCartin as Assistant Director of Public Health, Kelliann Coleman as Public Health Nurse, Jessica Shaw as Health Agent, Akeem McDougal as Office Manager in the Health Department, Michael Leskouski Animal Control Officer, Mary de Aldrete (Town Clerk) as Burial Agent, and Diane Sperber (Assistant Town Clerk) as Burial Agent. Tri-Ton Coalition (Burlington, Lexington, Wilmington) Tahycha Soto: as Health Agent and Tobacco Control Coordinator – Tri-Ton PHE SSA Coalition, Rebecca Marion: as Public Health Nurse - Tri-Ton PHE SSA Coalition, Katy Doughty: as Epidemiologist - Tri-Ton PHE SSA Coalition. Dr. Geller made a motion to accept the delegation for appointment. Dr. Tung seconded the motion The motion was approved unanimously Health Department Processes for Extreme Heat Ms. Wolf-Fordham emphasized the need for a structured emergency plan that incorporates Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) into Lexington's overall emergency plan. She highlighted the importance of regular reviews and effective communication, particularly regarding cooling centers. Ms. Wolf-Fordham expressed concerns about misconceptions surrounding air conditioning access in Lexington, pointing out that not everyone has it and that some individuals may need cooling for health reasons. Ms. Wolf- Fordham recommended a solid plan that involves collaboration among the health department, emergency management, and public works. This type of emergency should be treated with the same seriousness as others. Ms. Wolf-Fordham also stressed the importance of conducting an after-action report to learn from these events. The priority should be to provide accurate information to the public and designate cooling centers, especially since power outages can hinder access to air conditioning. She concluded by expressing her willingness to assist in these efforts. The Board of Health discussed strategies to address extreme heat in Lexington, focusing particularly on vulnerable populations. Ms. McCartin stated that the health department is working on a standard operating procedure (SOP) for heat emergencies, which includes website alerts, extended pool hours, and improved communication methods. The Board of Health reviewed an infographic provided by the Health Department about heat-related illnesses, and Dr. Tung provided feedback to improve medical accuracy and clarity. Tobacco Control Update Ms. McCartin provided the tobacco control update and noted that Ms. Soto conducted 12 inspections in June for compliance checks, and all of them passed. Additionally, Ms. Soto has been attending several meetings, including monthly gatherings focused on tobacco control updates and various training sessions. Health Staff Reports: The staff submitted their monthly reports for inclusion in the Board of Health meeting packet. Ms. McCartin provided an update on recent activities, including the 4th of July carnival and food safety efforts related to Formosa Taipei. The Health Department inspected the housing units of carnival workers, which were located in the high school parking lot, and performed food inspections for the eight vendors. After the fireworks display, Ms. Shah, the Health Agent, inspected the town pool to ensure it was ready to open on July 3rd. Ms. McCartin reported that MoJin Solutions is the food consultant for Formosa Taipei and conducted staff training on June 2nd and submitted an audit report for June, noting that seven staff members had been trained. Ms. McCartin updated the Board that the Director Joanne Belanger retired beginning of June. The Board expressed its thanks to Ms. Belanger, recognizing her professionalism, kindness, and commitment to public Health. Directors Report: No Directors' report provided. Board of Health Members- Committee Liaison Reports Mr. Sandeen mentioned that there was a public hearing at the State House yesterday regarding a bill known as the Act to Create a Nicotine-Free Generation. The bill defines tobacco products and specifies that sales of tobacco will be prohibited to anyone born on or after January 1, 2006. The hearing lasted four hours and many people were still waiting in line to speak. Dr. Heiger-Bernays noted that there has been ongoing discussion about creating a tobacco-free generation in Lexington. There is a joint bill currently before both the House and Senate, and it remains uncertain where it will lead. The Board plans to revisit this issue at a later date. This proposal was introduced by Representative Tommy Vitolo, who represents Brookline. Dr. Heiger-Bernays opened the discussion with the Board of Health members regarding the community liaison reports. Dr. Heiger-Bernays mentioned Lincoln Field No. 3 and the use of Brock fill, noting that the Town has moved away from crumb rubber infill. This shift was prompted in part due to the well-documented heat effects associated with crumb rubber infill and its environmental impact. Dr. Tung reported that the Semi-Quintennial Commission is currently reviewing all the events and projects undertaken as part of its committee work. They are compiling a comprehensive report for the Select Board to consider. Feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Also, the Commission is contemplating potential changes to the timing of Patriots’ Day activities in the future and is looking for ways to incorporate elements that were especially well-received to enhance community enjoyment and benefit. The Commission's work will continue at least through next summer as they assess their capacity to organize more public events and determine what the community would like to see. Their planning is focused on the next six months to a year. This summarizes the current status of the Commission’s efforts. Dr. Tung informed the Board of Health that the Crematory Committee had met twice and formed three subgroups to address various questions and concerns. The group's focus is on Environmental and Health, Financial Implications, and Sociocultural Aspects. The subgroup will gather information, primarily comparing the health and environmental impacts of cremation versus traditional burial, per a request from our Select Board Liaison, Joe Pato. The subcommittee will investigate the state mandate for municipalities to operate cemeteries. Dr. Tung reached out to Cheryl Sparra, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards, who offered helpful insights. The first formal meeting is scheduled for August 5, 2025, and will report back to the full committee by early September. Correspondence // Information 137-Reed St- Condemnation Letter Ms. McCartin provided an update to the Board of Health regarding 137 Reed Street. The fire department conducted a wellness check on the home for a resident. The fire department reported that the conditions inside the home were not up to code. The violations were critical and posed a danger to the housing code, leading to the house being condemned. No one is currently living there, and it has been unoccupied for some time. New/Old Business Dr. Heiger-Bernays mentioned that the sustainability working group is currently reviewing a proposal for a hydrogen fuel cell project. This project seeks permission to operate at the Verizon Building on Waltham Street and is associated with a company called Bloom Energy. While this hydrogen fuel cell is designed to deliver continuous power 24/7, it uses natural gas as its fuel, which is converted on-site to hydrogen. The project has already received permits in Brookline, Needham, and Natick. Mr. Sandeen explained that although the fuel cell uses hydrogen, the initial fuel is natural gas. During this process, hazardous chemicals that could harm the fuel cell, such as benzene and hexavalent chromium, are filtered out from the natural gas. According to SEC disclosures from Bloom Energy, these hazardous materials are sealed within a filtered containment system. Mr. Sandeen also stated, the sustainability group in Lexington expressed interest in having an expert from a health perspective evaluate the possibility of benzene and hexavalent chromium being stored on-site. Bloom Energy has indicated that it aims to maintain exposure levels below California's minimum standards. Adjournment Ms. Wolf-Fordham made a motion to adjourn at 7:55 p.m. Dr. Geller seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.