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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-09-22-BOH-min.pdfLEXINGTON BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026, 6:3o p.m. Conducted by Remote Participation Board of Health Members in Attendance: Wendy Heiger-Bernays, Ph.D., Chair; Shoolah Escott, MS; 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: August 18, 2026, Meeting Minutes Food Establishment Inspection Report — KIN.DEE Thai & pho 186 Bedford Street Potable Well Variance Request 9.2.2026 — 790 Waltham Street Lexington Community Health Needs Assessment Timeframe 2022 Food Code Adoption FIGHTING THE FLU STARTS WITH YOU —flyer Vaccines -In -Place -flyer Environmental Health Report Public Health Nurse Report West Nile Virus (WNV) Positive Mosquito Sample Notification — Lexington, Waltham, and Provincetown Meeting Called to Order: The Board of Health meeting, held on September 22nd, 2026, was called to order by Dr. Heiger-Bernays at 6:3o 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 August 18th, 2026, meeting. Dr. Heiger-Bernays made a motion to accept the minutes. Dr. Geller seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Kin Dee Thai & Pho, 182 Bedford Street The Board heard from Health Department staff and the owners of Kin Dee Thai & Pho regarding repeated Food Code violations identified during a routine inspection and two re -inspections, most recently on September 17, 2026. Violations included improper food temperatures and cooling, unsafe food handling and thawing, improper food storage, and sanitation concerns. Staff reported similar violations over approximately two years, with cold -holding violations documented during nine of the last twelve inspections. Fines had been issued beginning in February 2024. The owners stated that most violations had been corrected and cited delays in receiving inspection reports and language barriers as challenges. Repairs were still needed for a refrigerator that was not maintaining proper temperature. Staff clarified that the stair violation concerned debris and soiling and that grip material could be used if the surface remained readily cleanable. The Health Department recommended that the establishment immediately retain an approved independent food safety consultant. The consultant must provide staff training, conduct monthly inspections for at least six months, and submit reports to the Health Department within 48 hours. The contract must be submitted by September 30, 2026. The Health Department will conduct unannounced inspections through January 31, 2027. Continued critical violations or non-compliance may result in emergency closure and further enforcement, including suspension of the food establishment permit. The Board will review compliance in four months. The owners agreed to the requirements and requested a list of approved consultants, including those able to provide training in the necessary languages. Ms. Escott motioned to approve the Health Department's recommended directives. Dr. Geller seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. The Board encouraged the owners to maintain communication with the Health Department regarding compliance. Community Health Assessment and Improvement Planning Update The Board received an update on the Community Health Assessment timeline. The framework and data needs will be developed in September and October, data will be gathered in November and December, community engagement will take place in January and February, and the data will be analyzed and incorporated into a final report from March through June. The goal is to present the final report by June. The assessment will identify current community needs and areas requiring greater focus. 2022 FDA Food Code Update The Board received an overview of proposed adoption of the 2022 FDA Food Code, including changes from the current 2013 code. Changes include additional responsibilities for food employees, active managerial control, temperature monitoring, and expanded requirements for identifying major food allergens, including the addition of sesame. Staff noted that several requirements are already addressed through Lexington's local regulations. The Health Department would provide training and allow establishments time to prepare for the changes before implementation. The state continues to use the 2013 Food Code, while several Massachusetts municipalities have adopted the 2022 code. The Board supported continuing to pursue adoption, with sufficient time for training and implementation. Staff will bring additional information, including department impacts, training plans, and an implementation timeline, to the Board in October. Staff indicated that a minimum six-month implementation period would be requested following adoption. Community Vaccination Clinics Update Staff reported that the first community vaccination clinic was held at the Brookhaven Wellness Fair, providing approximately 200 vaccines, including COVID and flu vaccines. Eleven clinics are scheduled, with additional clinics planned at the Community Center, Senior Villages, and larger community events in October. Clinics are filling. The Health Department has the updated COVID vaccine for seniors. COVID vaccine for children had been ordered but had not yet been received from the state. The Board also discussed monitoring statewide measles vaccination rates and continuing communication and education efforts regarding individual and community protection. Updates on Planning for Extreme Weather Events for 2027 The Board discussed ongoing planning for extreme weather events, including both extreme heat and cold. Staff will work with other Town departments to identify locations that could serve as heating or cooling centers, including facilities with generators that could remain operational if other buildings are closed. Communication planning will also be included. Health Staff Reports Environmental Health reported two food inspections, two re -inspections, and two plan reviews during August, along with 8 pool compliance check -ins, one housing inspection, one re -inspection, one Certificate of Fitness inspection, and two Nuisance re - inspections. Staff also participated in interdepartmental meetings, a farming and nuisance webinar, Farmers Market outreach, and the Lions Club carnival debriefing. Staff reopened Bruegger's Bagels following its August emergency closure and continued building project permit reviews. Community Health reported that the vaccine clinic flyer was developed through grant funding from the Dana Home Foundation and Community Endowment of Lexington. A medical waste collection event on September 9 had approximately 33 participants. Staff also continued preparations for vaccination clinics and school outreach. The Board was notified that a mosquito pool in Lexington tested positive for West Nile virus; the public was notified and provided with prevention information. Staff also clarified that a reported salmonella case involved a Lexington resident who did not consume food in Lexington. Director McCartin reported on preparations for the FDA Retail Standards Grant, participation in a mentor/mentee program, budget work, and support for upcoming vaccination clinics. Correspondence/Information The Board discussed the 790 Waltham Street variance request, which had been tabled until the October meeting at the applicant's request. Staff explained that the applicant is requesting a variance from the requirement to connect to public water when a property is within 500 feet of a public water connection. The applicant will provide additional information for the Board prior to the October 20 meeting. Committee Updates Crematory Committee Response to Minority Report Crematory Committee: Staff reported that the committee's final report is being submitted to the Select Board and that the committee's work is complete. Turf Working Group Update Turf Working Group: The group remains on hold pending additional data and proposals. The Chair also raised the possibility of establishing a plan to measure and publicly report surface temperatures during periods of extreme heat. New/Old Business No additional new or old business was raised. Adjournment Dr. Heiger-Bernays made a motion to adjourn at 7:4o pm. Dr. Geller seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.