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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-16-BOH-min.pdfLEXINGTON BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Conducted by Remote Participation Board of Health Members in Attendance: Wendy Heiger-Bernays, Ph.D., Chair; Shoolah Escott, MS; Susan Wolf -Fordham, J.D., MPA; Jillian Tung, M.D., M.P.H.; Dr. David Geller, M.D. Vice Chair Health Department Staff Attendees: Alicia McCartin, Public Health Director; Danetza Yachachin, Assistant Public Health Director Select Board Liaison: Mark Sandeen Documents: May 12, 2026, Meeting Minutes rDNA Inspection Program Annual Report 65 Sherburne Rd South FY 2027 Board of Health Delegation Environmental Health Report Public Health Nurse Report Meeting Called to Order: The Board of Health meeting, held on June 16, 2026, was called to order by Dr. Heiger-Bernays at 6:30 p.m. Open Forum (2 minutes per person, state your name and address) None Minutes Approval: The Board of Health reviewed the minutes of the May 12, 2026, meeting. Dr. Geller made a motion to accept the minutes with edits. Ms. Escott seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. rDNA Inspection Program Annual Report Rebecca Caruso of Grace Biosafety Services presented the rDNA annual report. Ms. Caruso provided an overview of the inspection process, and nine permits had closed since the prior year's inspection. Inspections included a review of permit files, on-site laboratory visits, interviews with laboratory and safety personnel, and use of an inspection checklist. Ms. Caruso stated that four companies were identified as needing improvement in documenting and conducting Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) meetings. The Board discussed the role of Health Department/Board representatives on IBCs. Ms. McCartin confirmed that she currently attends IBC meetings, along with a community member. Ms. Caruso will continue working with Ms. McCartin to review inspection trends and consider improvements to guidance for permitted facilities in the coming year. The Board thanked Ms. Caruso for the thorough report and continued work with the Town. Boston Bolts LLC Dr. Heiger-Bernays stated that the camp did not get their materials in on time and that health staff will be working with the camp. 65 Sherburne Rd South Ms. McCartin reported that the Town was contacted by the buyer's attorney regarding Lot 34, 65 Sherburne Road South. A 1959 Planning Board document requires Board of Health approval for any new building or structure on the property. Following a review by staff, the attorneys, and Town Counsel, no records were found documenting prior Board of Health approval. Ms. McCartin noted that a similar situation occurred with another property in the subdivision that came before the Board of Health in 2024. After consultation with Town Counsel, Ms. McCartin proposed following the same process used previously, in which the Board of Health would authorize Ms. McCartin to certify on behalf of the Board that the Board has no objection to the presence of the structure on the property. The certificate would be notarized and provided to the buyer, who would also record it with the Registry of Deeds. Board members discussed the historical requirement and noted that it may have related to septic, well, or groundwater considerations which were common to properties developed during that period. Dr. Tung requested correction of a date typo in the certificate. Dr. Tung made a motion that the Lexington Board of Health authorize Ms. McCartin to certify, on behalf of the Board, that the Board has no objection to the presence of a structure on Lot 34, 65 Sherburne Road South, Lexington. Ms. Wolf -Fordham seconded the motion. The motion approved unanimously. Lexington Hazard Mitigation Plan Discussion The Board reviewed the draft Lexington Hazard Mitigation Plan and discussed recommended changes related to public health and emergency preparedness. The Board discussed expanding terminology and planning for populations with access and functional needs, addressing coordination during a public health emergency occurring alongside a natural disaster, and specifically identifying the Health Department and Medical Reserve Corps as emergency resources. Ms. Wolf -Fordham will provide her written comments to Ms. McCartin. Ms. McCartin will follow up on the Board's questions and coordinate revisions before the plan is finalized. Annual Board Reorganization and Staff Appointments Ms. McCartin reviewed the annual request to appoint staff as agents for the Board. Dr. Heiger- Bernays made a motion that "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, 2026, through June 30, 2027, 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 Director of Public Health, Danetza Yachachin as Assistant Health Director, Kelliann Coleman as Public Health Nurse, Jessica Shah as Health Agent, Michael Leskouski as Animal Control Officer, Mary de Aldrete (Town Clerk) as Burial Agent, and Lisa Maguire (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, Paridhi Patel as Epidemiologist - Tri -Ton PHE SSA Coalition." Dr. Tung seconded the motion The motion was approved unanimously Director's Report Ms. McCartin reviewed the staff's reports. Staff has reviewed 23 camp applications. The Health Department received grants from the Dana Home Foundation and the Community Endowment of Lexington to support the Vaccine in Place program. A medical waste collection event was held on June 3 in coordination with the Lions Club, with approximately 20 participants. Ms. McCartin provided an update on the FIFA World Cup watch party, which will be held June 16 -26th at the Visitor Center lawn. Health staff has been coordinating food vendors, emergency preparedness efforts, and public health supplies, including sunscreen, insect -repellent wipes, sanitizer, and water. The Fire Department is also operating a medical tent at the event. Staff inspected the pools and the Old Reservoir. Board of Health Member- Committee Liaison Reports Semi-Quincentennial Commission (LEX250): Dr. Tung provided an update on the Horses Riding Through History public art project. The Select Board approved the disposition plan for the seven horses. Four horses will remain in Lexington, while three will be removed or rehomed. The horse with the lantern, called Illumi-neigh-ted, currently on Massachusetts Avenue, will be relocated to a more protected spot near the Community Center entrance. The horses are expected to be moved sometime after July 4 and before the fall, when the current Historic District Commission permits expire. Dr. Tung offered to provide a walking tour of the horses before they are removed. Dr. Tung also provided additional background on Illumi-neigh-ted, explaining that its lantern contains glass panels representing different aspects of Lexington's history, including Indigenous culture. The artwork uses themes of light and darkness to reflect on historical decisions and the ongoing pursuit of independence. Metallic elements allow viewers to see their reflections, symbolizing their place within the story. Board members expressed appreciation for the project and its contribution to public art. Crematory Committee: None. New/ Old Business Climate Change Mitigation Plan Mr. Sandeen reported that, after reviewing the Climate Change Mitigation Plan, he confirmed that the report identifies Lexington's primary climate change hazards as flooding, precipitation, extreme temperatures, and wind. He noted that extreme temperatures receive considerably more attention in the report but confirmed that the other hazards are also identified. Meeting Schedule The Board discussed whether to take a summer break in July or August. The Board agreed to cancel the July meeting and meet on August 18. Adjournment Dr. Heiger-Bernays made a motion to adjourn at 7:54 p.m. Dr. Tung seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.