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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-19-BOH-min LEXINGTON BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, August 19th, 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: Health Department Staff Attendees: Alicia McCartin, Assistant Health Director Absent: Shoolah Escott, MS, Select Board Liaison: Mark Sandeen Documents: July 15th,2025 BOH meeting minutes Berman’s Wine and Spirit Variance Request Health Department Process for Extreme Heat and Airflow& Turf Temps Heat-Related Illness FAQ Extreme Heat Safety Tips FAQ Prevent and treat heat-related illness FAQ Directors Report Environmental Health Report Public Health Nurse Report Meeting Called to Order: The Board of Health meeting, held on August 19, 2025, was called to order by Dr. Heiger-Bernays at 6:30 p.m. Minutes Approval: The July 15th, 2025, Board of Health meeting minutes were reviewed. Dr. Geller made a motion to accept minutes as amended. Dr. Heiger-Bernays seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Open Forum (2 minutes per person, state your name and address) None Berman’s Wine & Spirit: Variance request- Food Code 4-301.12 Number and Capacities for Manual Warewashing (3 Bay sink) Ms. McCartin introduced Berman’s Wine and Spirits, who is requesting a variance to substitute a mechanical dishwasher from the requirement of a three- bay sink. Alex Bluhm, the owner of Berman's Wine and Spirits attended the meeting and, introduced their plan to repackage low- risk bulk items into smaller containers as such olives and cornichons, and to create a specialty foods fridge with prepackaged cheeses and cured meats, without on-site preparation. They do not have a 3-bay sink and plan to use a dishwasher. Dr. Geller made a motion that the Board of Health approve the request for a variance from the requirements to install a 3-bay sink at Berman’s Wine and Spirit, located at 55 Massachusetts Ave in Lexington, Massachusetts, with the use of a portable high-temperature dish washer. Ms. Wolf-Fordham seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Health Department Processes for Extreme Heat (including Airflow & turf Temps) Ms. McCartin shared an updated flyer on heat-related illnesses. The flyer includes information from the CDC and DPH. An internal Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for extreme heat has been developed to improve communication among town departments, with plans for annual updates to ensure its accuracy. Dr. Heiger-Bernays emphasized the importance of the Board of Health reviewing the SOP and involving Ms. Wolf-Fordham in policy discussions. Dr. Tung recommending using the heat related flier from the Massachusetts DPH. Ms. McCartin updated the process for issuing Code Red alerts and how information about cooling centers and safety measures is disseminated through news alerts. Ms. Battite from the Recreation Department reported that safety measures regarding heat have been integrated into outdoor policies, including daily surface testing during heat alerts and clear communication with stakeholders about safety protocols. Activities may be adjusted or canceled as necessary. Crematory Committee Update Dr. Tung provided an update on the Ad Hoc Crematory II study committee, which is exploring the feasibility of a crematory at Westview Cemetery. This initiative was reignited in 2024 due to a citizen petition from the local Hindu community highlighting the need for timely cremation services. The committee, consisting of seven members, is focusing on health, environmental, regulatory, financial, and socio-economic issues. Dr. Tung’s discussions addressed concerns regarding health and safety training for crematory staff, emphasizing the necessity for appropriate equipment and established protocols. Additionally, the talks highlighted regulatory issues, particularly those related to air pollutants and environmental justice, which had not been covered in previous reports. Dr. Tung suggested exploring alternative solutions to assist families with cremation costs and emphasized the importance of community support options. Additionally, the need for health department involvement in monitoring emissions and pollutant levels was mentioned, along with a case in Oakland highlighting the challenges of affording pollution control measures for crematories. Fuel Cell Discussion Dr. Heiger-Bernays introduced Bloom Energy, which is applying for a permit to generate power at the Verizon building in Lexington. Ms. McCartin explained to the Board of Health that the Building Department denied the permit. They rejected it because the noise from the fuel cell would be louder than allowed by the Lexington Noise By-law. This decision was made on August 14th. The Building Department has not received further information about the denial, but Bloom Energy can still appeal the Building Commissioner's decision. If they decide to do so, they will need to submit a completely new plan. Dr. Heiger-Bernays and Mr. Sandeen discussed the topic further and provided more clarity on the questions and concerns that were raised by the Board members. Tobacco Control Update No tobacco report provided. Health Staff Reports: The staff submitted their monthly reports for inclusion in the Board of Health meeting packet. Ms. McCartin updated the Board of Health on Ms. Coleman's report, noting that the Health Department is preparing flu clinics and has ordered vaccines. Dr. Heiger-Bernays asked about the state's alternative approaches to obtaining and administering vaccinations and requested updates from the Department of Public Health (DPH) regarding discussions at the governor's level. Ms. McCartin explained that there has been discussion on COVID-19 vaccine eligibility. Individuals aged 65 and over and those who are immunocompromised are now eligible. Ms. McCartin offered to check with Ms. Coleman for more information. Dr. Heiger-Bernays discussed the focus on childhood and adult vaccines, highlighting a coordinated effort among state officials and the Department of Public Health regarding vaccination administration. Dr. Heiger-Bernays asked Ms. McCartin to provide updates on immunizations for Lexington Public School students. Ms. McCartin confirmed that there have been no changes since last year and that the school will continue to offer multiple community-wide vaccination clinics for children aged 4 and older, with a company handling the vaccinations as in previous years. School year. Directors Report: Ms. McCartin updated the Board of Health on the town's hazardous mitigation plan, which hasn't been reviewed since 2019. Ms. McCartin stated the plan is to combine the Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness 2.0 and the Hazardous Mitigation Plan into one document, targeted for completion by June 2026. A pre-planning meeting is set for later that week to discuss questions and review previous reports to determine updates needed in the report, with input from other town departments during the meeting. Mr. Sandeen asked Ms. McCartin about incorporating health considerations into an upcoming report. Ms. McCartin mentioned a pre-planning meeting scheduled for Friday, where various staff would review previous reports and assess current goals, especially regarding vulnerable populations. Mr. Sandeen inquired about including feedback from outside town staff, similar to the original planning process in 2018. Ms. McCartin confirmed that gathering public input is part of the consultant's process, which just began, and updates are expected by early September. Tobacco Control Update No tobacco report provided. Board of Health Member- Committee Liaison Reports Dr. Heiger-Bernays requested data on turf measurements related to health concerns, which the recreational department is collecting. Ms. Battite updated the Board of Health on the outdoor field use policy for recreation facilities based on data from last summer's surface testing (turf, grass, track, asphalt, and concrete) during heat alerts, as well as provided documents in the packet. Testing was conducted two to three times a day in extreme heat, with alerts issued when safety thresholds were exceeded. Permit holders received notifications encouraging breaks, hydration, and the use of shaded areas or indoor facilities. No events were canceled due to heat, thanks to the implemented safety measures. The Board of Health asked questions. Ms. Battite answered and addressed the Board of Health questions Adjournment Dr. Geller made a motion to adjourn at 8:11 p.m. Ms. Wolf-Fordham seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.