Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-16-BOH-min LEXINGTON BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, September 16th,2025, 6:30 pm Conducted by Remote Participation Board of Health Members in Attendance: Jillian Tung, M.D., M.P.H.; Susan Wolf-Fordham, J.D., MPA; Shoolah Escott,MS, Health Department Staff Attendees: Alicia McCartin, Health Director Absent: Wendy Heiger-Bernays, Ph.D., Chair; David Geller,M.D. Vice Chair: Select Board Liaison: Mark Sandeen Documents: Year-end report presentation on rDNA Crematory Committee Update Air Quality Forum Flyer Governor Healey Vaccine Announcement Flu& Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic schedule Environmental Health Report Public Health Nurse Report Meetine Called to Order: The Board of Health meeting,held on September 16,2025,was called to order by Dr. Tung at 6:35 p.m. Minutes Approval: No minutes were provided. Open Forum (2 minutes per person, state your name and address) None Year-end report on rDNA facilities and inspection proaram Rebecca Caruso introduced Dr. Karen Soule from Grace Biosafety. Ms. Caruso discussed her work with the Town of Lexington since 2006.When Ms. Caruso began, there were 4 or 5 facilities to be inspections and currently, there are 21 facilities that are inspected.Ms. Caruso provided an overview of the inspection process, contacts companies beforehand, and conducts inspections using a checklist. The Board of Health asked questions about the use of biosafety cabinets, the inspection process, and whether there were any outstanding violations. Ms. Caruso answered and addressed the Board of Health questions. Flu Clinic/Covid-19 Vaccine Update Ms. McCartin informed the Board that the governor's office sent a memo with updates on the COVID vaccine. Ms. McCartin shared information about the upcoming flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics. There are 11 clinics planned,including an employee clinic. The dates for the clinics can be found in the packet and are posted on the town website. Dr. Tung inquired about community concerns regarding vaccine availability and the outreach efforts of the Lexington Health Department. Ms.McCartin mentioned that the Lexington Health Department will offer both the COVID-19 vaccine and the Flu vaccine at our clinics. This information was posted in the SAGE newsletter. The newsletter included a link for more information and contact details for residents who have questions about the vaccines. The Health Department posted the information on the Lexington town website. Ms.McCartin indicated that the Health Department has received more inquiries from the community regarding vaccines, particularly following the news that CVS was not offering the COVID-19 vaccine.However, CVS has since resumed providing the vaccine. Crematory Committee Update: Identification and documentation of Health and safety issues Dr. Tung expressed the importance of formal support from the Board of Health to create a document addressing concerns about emissions and occupational health related to the proposed crematory. This document would be shared with the crematory committee, Select Board, and the public for transparency if the proposal goes to the town meeting. Dr. Tung pointed out several key concerns,including the emissions of mercury,PFAS, organic pollutants, and fine particles (PM 10 and PM2.5). Dr. Tung believes it's important to review current regulations from the Department of Environmental Protection(DEP) and consider stronger local regulations that may need input from experts. Dr. Tung also mentioned the need to address radioactivity from medical devices in deceased individuals and to set guidelines for screening. Dr. Tung expressed concern about a DPW staff member needing to be available 24/7 to receive deceased bodies. Dr. Tung explained importance of transparency,noting that the Select Board and Crematory Committee may face stricter regulations, technological updates, and increased costs. Ms. Wolf-Fordham made a motion that the Board of Health is in support of the need for the Town to consider and address health and safety issues associated with the start-up and operation of the proposed crematory at Westview Cemetery in Lexington, MA. In response to the Crematory Committee's charge to the Lexington Board of Health to identify and consider health and safety issues related to the establishment and operation of a possible crematory at Westview Cemetery, the Lexington Board of Health identifies several concerns,including,but not limited to: release of air emissions during start-up and operation,the facility's location as an Environmental Justice (EJ)population area as defined by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and required to be noted in an air permit application, and occupational health and safety issues for municipal or other workers preparing and operating the facility. Further details will be provided to the Crematory Committee for consideration in their final report. Dr. Tung seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Health Staff Reports: Ms. Wolf-Fordham asked the Health Department if Ms. Coleman reached out to LABB since there wasn't anything listed in report. Ms. McCartin responded that Ms. Coleman has and is waiting for response. The Board of Health had questions regarding Ms. Coleman's reports on what the collaborative learning was referring too.Ms. McCartin clarified that sections includes meetings and trainings Ms. Coleman has attending. Directors Report: Ms. McCartin mentioned that she attended the MEHA Yankee Conference last week,which focused on environmental topics related to food safety and septic systems. Additionally, Ms. McCartin will be attending the Tri-Ton Coalition meetings and participating in the advisory committee for the Tri-Ton Coalition. She will also be involved in various other meetings as part of her new position as the Director of Public Health. Tobacco Control Update Ms. McCartin announced that there is no update regarding compliance checks or inspections for tobacco. Tahycha Soto, the Health Inspector for Tri-Ton Coalition,has been attending tobacco training session. Board of Health Members- Committee Liaison reports Dr. Tung shared updates regarding LEX250, specifically discussing the timing for Patriots Day next year, as the Committee is discussing whether to move it to Saturday, as was done this year, or keep it on Monday. The Select Board will be voting on this decision. Dr. Tung highlighted the success of the Riding Through History program, expressing that the community enjoys the presence of horses in town and exploring future phases for the program. Dr. Tung also mentioned implementing monthly events to engage the public in the lead-up to the larger national celebration next July,which started with events in April. Correspondence/Information-Hanscom Air Quality Study Ms. McCartin updated the Board of Health regarding the document in the packet about an upcoming Air Quality Forum update scheduled for September 30, 2025, at Bedford Town Hall. The forum will be held in person and streamed live. Ms. Escott inquired about a study related to Hanscom mentioned in the agenda, asking if more information would be available at the forum. Ms. McCartin stated that details would be provided during the forum. Adiournment Dr. Tung made a motion to adjourn at 7:37 p.m.Ms. Wolf-Fordham seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.