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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-21-BOH-min.pdf LEXINGTON BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, October 21st, 2025, 6:30 pm Conducted by Remote Participation Board of Health Members in Attendance: Wendy Heiger-Bernays, Ph.D., Chair; David Geller, M.D., Vice Chair; Shoolah Escott, MS; Susan Wolf-Fordham, J.D., MPA Health Department Staff Attendees: Alicia McCartin, Public Health Director Absent: Jillian Tung, M.D., M.P.H. Select Board Liaison: Mark Sandeen Documents: August 19th,2025 BOH meeting minutes September 16th, 2025, BOH meeting minutes Formosa Taipei Update 2026 Board of Health Meeting Schedule Facts about Vaccines Environmental Health Report Public Health Nurse Report Meeting Called to Order: The Board of Health meeting, held on October 21, 2025, was called to order by Dr. Heiger-Bernays at 6:30 p.m. Minutes Approval: The August 19th, 2025, Board of Health meeting minutes were reviewed. Dr. Geller made a motion to accept minutes as written with the noted corrections. Ms. Wolf-Fordham seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. The September 16th, 2025, Board of Health meeting minutes were reviewed. Ms. Wolf-Fordham made a motion to accept minutes as edited. Dr. Geller seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Open Forum (2 minutes per person, state your name and address) None Formosa Taipei- 315 Marrett Rd- Food Consultant Update Ms. McCartin introduced Formosa Taipei to the Board of Health. Ms. McCartin stated that the reason they are coming before the Board of Health is due to repeated health code violations observed by both the Lexington Health Department and Mojin Solutions, Formosa Taipei’s food safety consultant. Ms. McCartin reminded the Board that Formosa Taipei was first brought to their attention at the Board of Health meeting on May 20th, after a confirmed foodborne illness case was traced back to the restaurant through MAVEN. As a result, the Board required Formosa Taipei to hire a food safety consultant, conduct on-site staff food safety training, submit a list of trained employees and training dates to the Health Department, and undergo six months of audits. Mojin Solutions was contracted as the consultant, and staff training was completed on June 2, 2025. Both the Health Department and Mojin Solutions continued to document repeated critical violations, including raw chicken stored above ready-to-eat foods in the walk-in units, improper cleaning and storage of equipment and utensils, cooking temperatures below required standards, and cold-holding violations where food was kept above required temperature. Due to the recurrence of critical violations on numerous inspections, the Health Department recommended bringing Formosa Taipei before the Board prior to completion of the 6-month monitoring period, which would be in November. Dr. Heiger-Bernays expressed the seriousness of the situation and the risk to public health, noting that the BOH's prior intervention followed a confirmed case of foodborne illness. Dr. Heiger-Bernays expressed the concern that critical violations continue despite training and consultant oversight. The owners of Formosa Taipei were present during the BOH meeting. The owners acknowledged the violations and reported that corrective measures had been implemented and are working with staff on proper food handling and storage procedures. Ms. Wolf-Fordham expressed deep concern that new violations were occurring in addition to repeated violations. Ms. Wolf-Fordham requested specific corrective actions and timelines, including identification of who is responsible for the daily compliance checks, details of staff training, and any procedural changes. Ms. Escott voiced concerns regarding staff acknowledgment for food training and suggested additional training. Dr. Heiger-Bernays made a motion that Formosa Taipei is required to comply with the following: 1. Formosa Taipei shall retain the Food Safety Consultant to perform a comprehensive assessment of the establishment’s food safety practices, deliver staff training, and conduct four (4) unannounced inspections (audits) prior to November 7, 2025. 2. Assessment reports and audit findings must be submitted to the Lexington Health Department within forty-eight (48) business hours of each completed visit. 3. A copy of the signed contract with the food safety consultant must be provided to the Lexington Health Department. 4. Formosa Taipei and the food safety consultant shall appear before the Board of Health at the scheduled meeting on November 18, 2025, to provide an update and discuss the status of the food safety program. 5. The Health Department will conduct unannounced inspections between now and November 4th. If critical violations and non-compliance are documented, the Board of Health will issue an emergency closure. The emergency closure shall remain in effect until conditions cited in the order of closure are corrected and the corrections are confirmed by the Board of Health or its authorized agent. Failure to comply with any of the above directives, or continued non-compliance with food code requirements, will result in a Board of Health hearing to consider further enforcement actions, including additional suspension of Formosa Taipei’s Permit to Operate a Food Establishment until full compliance is demonstrated. Dr. Geller seconded the motions. The motion was approved unanimously. 2026 Board of Health Meeting Schedule The Board reviewed the 2026 meeting schedule. Flu Clinic / COVID vaccine update Ms. McCartin reported that three vaccination clinics remain. The community clinic at Hastings School is scheduled for Saturday, October 25th, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by another community clinic on Thursday, October 30, 2025, 4:00–7:00 PM, and a clinic at Greeley on Tuesday, October 28th. To date, approximately 400 vaccines have been administered across staff and community sites, including the Community Center and senior housing villages. Ms. McCartin stated that the Public Health Nurse Kelliann Coleman prepared a “Facts About Vaccines” handout, covering information on flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumonia. Ms. Wolf- Fordham referenced the “Get the Facts on Vaccines” handout and asked for an update on outreach to LABB Collaborative. Ms. Wolf-Fordham noted that the Health Department had been waiting to hear back from LABB and requested that Ms. McCartin provide an update on whether any response has been received. Ms. McCartin reported that Ms. Coleman contacted LABB, providing information for families to schedule vaccination appointments. Ms. Coleman also offered homebound vaccination services as an option for LABB families. Ms. Coleman spoke directly with the LABB director and shared her contact details, but no responses or appointment requests have been received as of today. Vaccine education and information (State & Local efforts) Ms. McCartin reported that Ms. Coleman can order a range of vaccines beyond COVID-19 and flu, including MMR and other childhood vaccines, through Lexington’s participation in the state Childhood Vaccine Program. The Lexington Health Department is seeking grants and funding opportunities to support other vaccines. Dr. Heiger-Bernays emphasized the importance of vaccine accessibility and program expansion, requesting updates on the status, potential growth of the childhood vaccine program, and any barriers to implementation. Ms. McCartin stated that Lexington’s participation in the state program involves annual enrollment, inspections, and compliance with vaccine storage, reporting, and inventory standards. The program allows the Health Department to provide vaccines year-round. Dr. Heiger-Bernays also highlighted the need for public education to address vaccine hesitancy, seeking information on how the state is tackling misinformation and how the Board can support local vaccination outreach. Dr. Geller noted a growing divide in public attitudes toward vaccination, observing both increased eagerness and stronger hesitancy among families in his practice. This has resulted in more discussions, education, and reassurance efforts. Safety on the road: scooter & motorized bikes- discussion Jonathan Bernays, a town resident at 67 Grant St, and a long-time bicyclist and a member of the Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee, attended as an observer for the Bicycle Advisory Committee, which focuses on road safety and education for interactions among motorists, cyclists, and other powered vehicles. Dr. Geller expressed concern over the increasing presence of electric scooters and motorized dirt bikes on Lexington roads, noting that many riders appear underage and may not comply with Massachusetts law. Dr. Geller highlighted unsafe practices, including riders exceeding speed limits, and stressed that helmet use alone does not eliminate injury risks. Ms. McCartin stated that the Lexington Police Department is developing a safety campaign aimed at educating parents, children, and the community about state laws, speed limits, and where these vehicles can be legally operated. Dr. Geller recommended expanding the campaign through schools, local media, and social media to raise awareness and prevent injuries. Dr. Heiger-Bernays emphasized the need for community education, supporting the proposed educational campaign. Mr. Sandeen provided background on the 3 different types of e-bike tiers (classes) and broader road safety concerns, noting the risks posed by larger vehicles and emphasizing the need for a wider discussion on overall road safety. Dr. Geller reiterated the need for targeted attention to electric scooters and dirt bikes and offered to attend Bicycle Advisory Committee meetings to stay involved. Health Staff Reports: The staff submitted their monthly reports for inclusion in the Board of Health meeting packet. Ms. McCartin reported that there was no tobacco report, and tobacco compliance checks are being conducted. Directors Report: Ms. McCartin noted that over the past month, she has been helping coordinate vaccine clinics with Ms. Shah, the Health Agent, and Ms. Coleman, as well as attending the MHOA quarterly meeting, and preparing for the upcoming annual conference in early November. Ms. McCartin has attended several opioid settlement training sessions and webinars and has been reviewing departmental procedures in preparation for the upcoming permit renewal season, which begins in December. Tobacco Control Update No tobacco report provided. Board of Health Member- Committee Liaison Reports Dr. Heiger-Bernays reported that the Turf Working Group has not met recently. The semiquincentennial Commission continues its planning efforts. Ms. McCartin provided an update from the Select Board meeting on November 6, noting that the Board voted to hold the 2026 Patriots Day celebration on Saturday instead of Monday, applying only to that year. Ms. Wolf-Fordham raised the status of the draft Excessive Heat Plan, suggesting it be placed on a future agenda around February or March for review before the warm season. Dr. Heiger-Bernays also requested that the Board receive a spreadsheet of heat measurements taken on athletic fields, detailing what was measured, how, where, and the results, for Board review. Adjournment Dr. Geller made a motion to adjourn at 7:59 p.m. Dr. Heiger-Bernays seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.