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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-11-18-BOH-min.pdf LEXINGTON BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, November 18th, 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 (Late 7:39 p.m.); Shoolah Escott, M.S.; Susan Wolf-Fordham, J.D., M.P.A.; Jillian Tung, M.D., M.P.H. Health Department Staff Attendees: Alicia McCartin, Public Health Director Absent: Select Board Liaison: Mark Sandeen (Absent) Documents: October 21st, 2025, Board of Health meeting minutes Formosa Taipei Update 2025 Influenza & COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Update Environmental Health Report Public Health Nurse Report Select Board drafted letter - Referring to the Crematory Committee Select Board drafted letter - Crematory Committee context and identifying potential issues Meeting Called to Order: The Board of Health meeting, held on November 18th, 2025, was called to order by Dr. Heiger- Bernays at 6:30 p.m. Minutes Approval: The October 21st, 2025, Board of Health meeting minutes were reviewed. Ms. Escott made a motion to accept the minutes as edited. Dr. Tung 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 Update Ms. McCartin provided an update on Formosa Taipei’s progress since the October 21, 2025, Board of Health meeting. The restaurant was originally required to complete four unannounced audits before November 7 and to undergo a Health Department inspection on November 4, with any critical issues to be corrected immediately. Formosa Taipei hired a new food safety consultant who conducted staff training on October 25 and completed the required four unannounced audits. Both the food consultant and the Health Department reported significant improvements in sanitation, food storage, and food handling practices. Ms. McCartin recommended that Formosa Taipei have two unannounced inspections per month for the next three months (a total of six audits), ending February 28, 2026. Results will be reviewed at the March 17, 2026, Board of Health meeting to assess continued compliance. The owners of Formosa Taipei, along with food consultant Wai Kwan, attended the Board of Health meeting. The food consultant for Formosa Taipei, Wai Kwan, confirmed understanding of the new requirements to provide reports within 48 hours of each inspection. The Board expressed concerns that it was crucial to comply with the food code, following the foodborne illness incident on May 9th, 2025, which prompted closer monitoring by the Health Department to protect the public’s health. The Board also recommended that the Health Department conduct more unannounced inspections to ensure these safety rules are followed. Ms. Wolf-Fordham made a motion that Formosa Taipei retain a food safety consultant to perform two unannounced inspections per month for the next three months prior to February 28, 2026. The Health Department will conduct unannounced inspections between now and February 28, 2026. If critical violations and noncompliance 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. A copy of the signed contract with the food safety consultant will be provided to the Lexington Health Department. Assessment reports and audit findings will be submitted to the Lexington Health Department within 48 business hours of each completed visit. Failure to comply with any of the directives or continued noncompliance 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. Finally, Formosa Taipei and its consultant will attend the Board of Health meeting on March 17, 2026, to provide an update and discuss the status of their food safety program. Ms. Escott seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Flu Clinic / COVID vaccine update Ms. McCartin provided an update on the vaccine clinic based on a summary from the Public Health Nurse Kelliann Coleman, noting that 1,413 vaccines were administered between September and November. Of these, 749 were influenza vaccines and 664 were COVID-19 vaccines. Ms. McCartin noted that these numbers continue to increase due to additional homebound visits and drop-in clinics at the Community Center and during wellness clinic hours. Ms. McCartin stated that the report also included age distribution data and outlined potential areas for improvement in planning for next year. Dr. Heiger-Bernays inquired about the status of communication with LABBB, which was not included in the packet. Ms. McCartin stated that she would follow up with Ms. Coleman to obtain the information. Ms. Wolf-Fordham asked whether it was too late in the season to expand social media outreach for vaccinations and whether early planning could be added to next year’s calendar. Ms. McCartin confirmed that additional outreach is still possible this season and that the current vaccine supply is sufficient to support further drop-in opportunities. Ms. McCartin reported that efforts continue regarding measles-related outreach to preschools. Ms. McCartin also noted that Ms. Coleman is exploring grant opportunities to expand the availability of other adult vaccines and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Dr. Tung questioned whether the Health Department tracks how Lexington residents receive health information from social media, websites, or printed materials. Ms. McCartin stated that, to her knowledge, such metrics are not currently collected, and she plans to consult with the Director of Communications regarding this. Dr. Heiger-Bernays emphasized the importance of understanding how residents receive and process health information and suggested that this topic be added to a future agenda as a priority area for discussion. Ms. McCartin stated that recent vaccine clinic information was posted on the Town website, social media platforms, and through outreach at the Farmers’ Market. Ms. Escott questioned whether there has been any pushback regarding childhood vaccinations. Ms. McCartin stated that she has not received reports of resistance but will follow up with Ms. Coleman for confirmation. Dr. Tung shared her recent experience speaking on a panel in which the audience was receptive to vaccine advocacy, with no pushback observed. Tobacco Control Update A verbal report was provided by Ms. Soto. Ms. Soto updated the Board on recent tobacco compliance inspections. Ms. Soto conducted multiple rounds of inspections, and all retailers were in compliance. Ms. Soto noted continued improvements in regulatory compliance, including proper paperwork organization, required signage, and correct product permitting. Retailers are also increasingly proactive in seeking clarification on compliance requirements. Ms. Soto clarified that this compliance relates to documentation and product requirements; no sales violations occurred during this inspection cycle. Dr. Heiger-Bernays thanked Ms. Soto for her work and asked for clarification regarding the “progress” noted. Ms. Soto explained that all regulatory and operational requirements are currently being met. Dr. Heiger-Bernays requested an update on Nicotine-Free Generation (NFG) regulations. Ms. McCartin reported that the legislation remains under consideration at the state level, with no recent movement, and noted that this is separate from local regulatory action. Ms. McCartin stated that approximately 19 cities and towns have implemented NFG policies. Two additional communities have recently adopted regulations, and the number continues to increase. Health Staff Reports: Ms. McCartin reported that Ms. Shah is progressing through the state’s Tier 3 food safety inspection certification, which is part of Massachusetts’ updated public health performance and training plan stemming from the SAFE 2.0 initiative. The tiered system includes online training (Tier 1), more in-depth instruction (Tier 2), and hands-on inspections with a state lead trainer (Tier 3). Ms. Shah has completed her first Tier 3 inspection and must complete four additional (five in total) under the supervision of a lead trainer to fulfill the requirement. There is no strict deadline, as scheduling depends on coordination with the trainer. Ms. McCartin stated that the Health Department staff attended the Massachusetts Health Officers Association conference, which provided valuable training and networking opportunities across public health disciplines. Ms. McCartin stated that the Farmers’ Market concluded at the end of October, with plans already in motion for the Fall Farmers’ Market ahead of Thanksgiving. The Department is also preparing for the permit renewal period, with tobacco renewals set to start next month and food permit renewals launching in January. Director’s Report: Ms. McCartin gave a brief overview of her schedule for the past couple of weeks and the meetings she attended. Board of Health Member - Committee Liaison Reports Dr. Tung provided an update regarding the scheduling of next year’s Patriots’ Day activities and noted that, as previously voted, the events will be moved from Monday to Saturday. This decision was influenced by a report indicating that crowds in April 2026 might reach the same size or even exceed those from April 2025. Dr. Tung shared two draft letters for the Board to review. The first (1) is addressed to the Select Board and the Ad Hoc Crematory Committee and outlines health, safety, and regulatory concerns regarding a proposed crematory at Westview. The second (2) is addressed to the Select Board and requests an independent community needs assessment. Dr. Tung explained that the purpose of the letters is to formally document public health and regulatory issues that would require further investigation should the Town proceed with the crematory construction and operation at Westview. The letters are intended to provide clear communication with the Select Board, Crematory Committee, and Town Meeting that these issues will need to be addressed. Dr. Tung stated that the Board of Health has statutory authority over the management of deceased persons and emphasized that, in coordination with MassDEP and subject to DEP approval, new regulations may be required if the crematory project moves forward. The Board felt it is only right to remain involved throughout the process, including conducting inspections and participating in the development of policies to protect workers’ safety. Dr. Heiger-Bernays emphasized that the letters highlight essential concerns and ensure decision- makers are aware that a MassDEP permit would be required due to air emissions. The Board discussed how to make the first letter clearer. Their suggestions included: adding specific details about emissions and exposures during operation, emphasizing the Board of Health’s authority, the need for outside experts, MassDEP permitting, and necessary funding. They agreed on revisions to enhance clarity and precision. Dr. Heiger-Bernays made a motion to accept the first (1) letter as amended. Dr. Tung seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Dr. Tung made a motion to accept the second (2) letter as amended to broaden the assessment beyond health and safety. Dr. Geller seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Adjournment Dr. Heiger-Bernays made a motion to adjourn at 7:48 p.m. Ms. Escott seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.