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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-08-18-BOH-min.pdf LEXINGTON BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, August 18th, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Conducted by Remote Participation Board of Health Members in Attendance: Wendy Heiger-Bernays, Ph.D., Chair; Susan Wolf-Fordham, J.D., MPA; Jillian Tung, M.D., M.P.H.; Shoolah Escott, MS; Dr. David Geller, M.D., Vice Chair (Late 6:39 pm) Health Department Staff Attendees: Alicia McCartin, Public Health Director Select Board Liaison: Mark Sandeen Documents: June 16, 2026, Meeting Minutes Lexington Community Health Assessment: Health Priorities for the Town NACCHO Statement of Policy Community Health Needs Assessment Environmental Health Report Public Health Nurse Report Assistant Health Director Report Governor Healey Takes Action to Protect Young People and Residents from Dangerous Kratom Products Letter to Select Board and Ad Hoc Crematory Study Committee II from Lexington Board of Health dated November 18, 2025 Draft Minority Dissent Report of July 31, 2026 Meeting Called to Order: The Board of Health meeting, held on August 18th, 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 June 16th, 2026, meeting. Ms. Wolf-Fordham made a motion to accept the minutes with edits. Dr. Tung seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Recreational Camps for Children- updates Ms. McCartin provided an update on the 2026 recreational camp season, noting that there were 25 camps. The Health Department reviews camp applications, provides information regarding Board of Health and State requirements, and conducts on-site inspections. Outdoor camps are required to have contingency plans for extreme heat and severe weather, and Lexington requires separate camp director and healthcare supervisor positions. The Board discussed compliance during the 2026 season. One issue involving the absence of a healthcare supervisor during an inspection was resolved on site, and no camps were closed. Ms. McCartin noted that the Health Department is considering requiring camp directors to verify that they have reviewed the camp requirements prior to the start of the season to improve compliance. The Board also discussed differences between State and Lexington requirements, including immunizations, permits, inspections, and submission timelines. No changes in immunization compliance were observed during the 2026 season. Extreme heat/Air quality- updates on planning, communication, and to-dos for next year Ms. McCartin provided an update on the Health Department’s communication and planning for extreme heat events. The Health Department forwards State heat advisories to the Town communications team for posting on the Town website and coordinates with the Community Center, Library, and Recreation Department regarding available cooling locations and hours. The Board discussed the need for an indoor location for residents during extreme heat events on Sundays and during nighttime hours. Ms. McCartin stated that the Health Department is considering a Sunday plan for next year in coordination with the Fire Department and Town communications team. Dr. Tung recommended providing information in one location on the Town website regarding cooling locations, hours, transportation, safety information, air quality, and other climate-related health concerns, as well as increased outreach to organizations serving vulnerable residents. Ms. Wolf-Fordham asked about the Town’s heat plan and the need for a generator at either the Library or Community Center. Ms. McCartin confirmed that the heat plan has been finalized. Ms. Escott also asked whether the Town’s CodeRED system is used for extreme heat notifications. Dr. Tung recommended confirming the criteria for extreme heat alerts with the Public Information Officer, and Ms. McCartin agreed to follow up. Community Health Assessment and Improvement Planning Update Ms. McCartin provided an overview of a potential Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan, including the Town’s 2001 assessment and information from the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). She explained that a community health assessment uses data and community input to identify and prioritize health needs and develop strategies to address them. The Board discussed the scope, timeline, and potential cost of the assessment. Ms. McCartin noted that some initial work could be completed internally and that interns or practicum students could assist with portions of the assessment. She estimated that a complete assessment could take approximately one year and plans to begin reviewing available State data in September. The Board agreed that a general timeline and identification of the major elements of the assessment would be useful for the September meeting. The Chair emphasized that objectives and scope should be established before determining budget needs or considering outside assistance. Health Staff Reports Ms. McCartin reviewed highlights from the Health Staff Reports. The Community Health report included one case of cyclospora, with the individual recovering, as well as preparation for school immunization requirements and scheduling of fall vaccine clinics. The Environmental Health report noted that Bruegger's Bagels had been closed earlier in the month due to repeat critical violations and was subsequently reopened. Health staff have continued working with the establishment to address the violations and maintain safe operations. Staff also participated in several training courses and conducted inspections related to temporary food events and the July carnival. Ms. McCartin also reported on the State's emergency order regarding kratom, which is scheduled to take effect August 28, 2026. The Health Department sent information to food and tobacco permit holders advising them of the upcoming change and the requirement to remove affected products. Staff attended a State training course and planned to participate in additional office hours prior to the effective date. Correspondence/Information The Board discussed the kratom emergency order and confirmed that the product has been identified in Lexington stores. Permit holders have been notified. The order is scheduled to take effect August 28, 2026, and will remain in effect for one year, after which it could become permanent. Ms. Escott asked about the cyclospora case and whether it was associated with travel. Ms. McCartin confirmed that the individual had traveled during the relevant period. She noted that the source of the illness has been difficult to determine and that the case may be isolated rather than connected to the larger outbreak. Committee Updates Crematory Committee Response to Minority Report Dr. Tung provided an update on the Crematory Study Committee’s consideration of whether the Town should establish and operate a crematory at Westview Cemetery. The current committee, reconvened in 2024, has studied the issue for more than a year. Five of the seven committee members recommend that the Town not proceed with a crematory currently, citing increased costs, sufficient existing cremation capacity, and stringent regulatory requirements. Dr. Tung explained that two committee members supported construction of a crematory and prepared a minority report. She expressed concern that portions of the report inaccurately characterize the Board of Health’s November 18, 2025, letter and the studies referenced in that letter. The Board discussed the proposed response to the minority report, including environmental and health standards, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection permitting, site-specific requirements, occupational exposures, and potential risks associated with cremation. The Board also discussed the Lexington Board of Health’s authority to further regulate a facility based on known emissions and other health considerations. Ms. Wolf-Fordham suggested revisions to clarify the language of the response and reduce ambiguity. The Board agreed to revise the letter to clarify that crematory facilities are required to receive permits and that there are currently no health-based standards for crematory emissions. Dr. Tung agreed to incorporate the edits and send the final response to the committee. Ms. McCartin was asked to place the letter on Health Department letterhead. Dr. Heiger-Bernays made a motion to accept the letter with edits. Dr. Geller seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Turf Working Group Update The Chair provided an update on the Turf Working Group. The working group has concluded its work, and the Town is currently using synthetic turf at Lincoln Field. The Chair reported on preliminary research from Mount Sinai involving temperature measurements of synthetic turf fields in New York City. The research found significantly elevated surface temperatures compared with ambient temperatures, including field temperatures ranging from approximately 120 to 140 degrees when the ambient temperature was approximately 80 degrees. The research also examined the effects of different infill materials and found that infill had less influence on overall field temperature than previously anticipated. The Chair stated that the Board should consider conducting its own temperature measurements of local fields using a consistent protocol and making the resulting data publicly available. She proposed placing this work on the January calendar and noted that students could potentially assist with the data collection. New/Old Business Ms. McCartin reported that the Health Department is preparing for the fall season, including coordinating with the Public Health Nurse regarding upcoming vaccination information. The Chair welcomed Ms. Boulé to her first Board meeting and thanked her for her work and participation. Adjournment Dr. Geller made a motion to adjourn at 8:02 pm. Dr Tung seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.