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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-06-08-BOH-min Lexington Board of Health Meeting, June 8, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Cary Hall, Estabrook Hall 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA Attendees: Wendy Heiger-Bernays, Chair; Sharon MacKenzie; Burt Perlmutter; Judith Feldman Health Department Attendee: Gerard F. Cody, Health Director; Ann Belliveau, Health Clerk Heiger-Bernays called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Community Health Updates/Reports H1N1 Update – Cody informed the Board of limited testing being done for H1N1 at this time. These decisions are being made by the Dept. of Public Health. Usually if someone is hospitalized, they will be tested. If someone is experiencing usual flu like symptoms, they are told to stay home for 7 days. Cody also mentioned that with the upcoming Camp openings, they will be advised of the same requirements as the schools. As a result, there th will be a mandatory informational meeting on June 30 for all camp managers and directors. Judith Chevarley, the Health Educator from Region 4a will speak about H1N1 and neighboring cities and towns will also be invited as well as the Medical Reserve Corps. Environmental Health Update Lemon Grass – Cody updated the Board concerning Lemon Grass. Maureen Lee is still working with the owner to gather the final specs for the food plan review. Cody advised Lee that they should plan to attend the July Board of Health meeting to have a final plan in place especially with the new condos opening next door. Teppanyaki – Sam Wong updated the Board about an inspection conducted today. The inspection only had one critical violation which turned out to be a misunderstanding because the chef understands that the garlic and oil needs to be refrigerated at all times but during the lunch rush hour it was left out and then the chef put it back in the refrigerator when he saw it. According to Wong there are no issues with the sushi. Wong will be coming in for two more months according to the Board of Health’s request. Denian’s – Cody advised the Board that Ms. Denian Zhuang has been working with the Health Dept. since February to have a new food service up and running. Ms. Zhuang informed the Board that she is preparing take-out steamed dumplings. Cody asked Ms. Zhuang to attend the next Person-in-Charge training conducted by the Health Dept. when it is scheduled. Perlmutter motioned that the Lexington Board of Health grants an annual permit to operate a food establishment at Denian’s at 315 Marrett Rd. MacKenzie seconded. All approved. Emergency Preparedness Update Medical Reserve Corp. - Cody stated that 15 attended a Medical Reserve Corp. meeting, award ceremony and incident command training. Liisa Jackson from the Regional Medical Reserve Corp. gave the presentation and awards. Seasonal Pools – Cody advised the Board that there have been 17 pool inspections conducted. Cody did two inspections and one reinspection. Kathy Fox has been working with David Neylon for the rest of the inspections. Recently, Neylon received a CPO certificate. MEHA Annual Meeting – Cody updated the Board concerning the annual MEHA meeting held recently focusing on sheltering. A representative from the CDC who worked on Katrinia gave a presentation on what worked and what did not work. A representative from the American Red Cross was also present to describe what type of support they are capable of providing. The MEHA Annual Board meeting also took place and Cody was elected to continue serving as Vice President. Cody advised the Board that the Camp Directors would be here on June 30, 2009 for an H1N1 Educational Program. On June 3, 2009, there was another medical waste day with 25 participants and 160 lbs. of medical waste was collected including syringes and prescription/non-prescription medications. Lexington was the host for a Household Hazardous Waste Day on May 16, 2009. Health education information, food care information and H1N1 information was distributed to participants while waiting in line. 825 gallons of flammable liquids was collected. 237 vehicles came through the facility. Cody said the Old Res is up and running and two tests have been taken so far indicating results less than 10. Cody asked if the Board would like to keep the same closing policy in effect as last year and just change the date. The Board agreed. Housing Code Update – Cody informed the Board about a new program under the Attorney General’s Office that is targeted to assist the cities and towns to go after the derelict houses in town. The program should be opened up to all communities in the fall. Michael D. Morrissey of 15 Clelland Road came before the Board because his son attends the Clarke Middle School and Mr. Morrissey is concerned about the mercury thermostats at the school and the potential for the release of mercury because the covers are not locked. Mr. Morrissey informed the Board that last summer the HVAC system at the Clarke Middle School was rebuilt and installed 16 of those type of controls on the wall exposed which is a code violation. Mr. Morrissey said this is a health concern because these contain about 1 oz. of mercury. Honeywell the manufacturer of these controls has instructions to have these installed with a locked cover. Morrissey stated that 14 of the 16 thermostats were broken off the wall. According to Morrissey these were uncovered from when school opened until January 2009. A thermostat was broken off and thrown at his son in November 2008. The thermostats are now covered. Heiger- Bernays said the matter will be looked into and must look into prevention for the future and get back to Mr. Morrissey with the findings. MacKenzie motioned to adjourn. Perlmutter seconded. All approved.