HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-03-03-BOH-min
Lexington Board of Health Meeting, March 9, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Cary Hall, Estabrook Hall
1605 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA
Attendees: Sharon MacKenzie, Chair; Deborah Thompson; Burt Perlmutter; Judith
Feldman
Health Department Attendee: Gerard F. Cody, Health Director; Ann Belliveau, Health
Clerk
MacKenzie called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
The Board reviewed the minutes of February 9, 2009. Perlmutter motioned to accept the
minutes with corrections. Thompson seconded. All approved.
The Board reviewed the Community Health Updates prepared by the Public Health
Nurse, David Neylon. Cody explained that Neylon is attending a 2009 Strategic National
Stockpile Training Summit in Atlanta, GA from March 10-12, 2009.
Food Code Compliance Program – Teppanyaki Update – Sam Wong informed the Board
that during the second inspection last weekend, he observed considerable improvement.
There were no critical violations but there were some non-critical violations from
probably bad habits. Wong said the staff seems eager to do the best they can. Cody
recommended continuing with a few more inspections and work on the HACCP Plan
which needs to be reviewed and approved by the Board of Health. Wong said the Sushi
Chef is doing what he needs to do so now is the time to revise the HACCP Plan which
will be easier to do. MacKenzie asked if the reports are being faxed to Cody. Cody has
received one report so far and the others will be faxed to him. Cody asked Wong if he
has noticed any physical problems with establishment, such as stained ceiling tiles
because of water coming in from the roof. Mr. Wong had no comment at this time.
The Board reviewed the February food inspections.
Housing Code Compliance Program Update – 437 Waltham Street
Since no one is living at the house, Cody cannot enter the house to conduct an inspection.
Cody said he was given permission from the neighbor next door to make observations
from their property. Since a dead raccoon was visible, Cody hired a contractor to remove
the animal and the invoice amount will be attached as a lien on the property. A neighbor,
Mr. Kachadoorian has keys to the property and wishes to make all the repairs at no
charge. He probably will be attending the April meeting. He stores some of his property
in the garage and has assumed a custodial role. Cody said the home could be condemned
at this meeting or next month based on outside observations. Cody feels Mr.
Kachadoorian will plead not to condemn but he has no legal entity to the property.
Critter Control has provided a quote to do further boarding up of the building and Cody is
waiting on two other quotes.
Cody advised the Board of a recent dumpster complaint behind 1734 Massachusetts
Avenue. The snow had been plowed around the dumpster causing the debris around the
dumpster to be frozen. An order letter was sent to the owner of the property along with a
fine. The owner of the property left a message that he received the letter.
While Cody was away, Fox received a housing complaint at 9 Hibbert Street. Fox
conducted an inspection at this location and an order to correct letter was sent to the
owner of the property.
The Board reviewed the Environmental Health Report. Neylon and Fox attended an EPI
refresher course on communicable diseases and a certified pool operator training class.
Fox needed to get recertified and Neylon needed to get certified.
The Board had a fee schedule discussion. Cody had prepared charts to indicating the
estimated cost to issue the permits based on the hourly rates of the Health Clerk, Health
Agent and Health Director as well as the current fees. The Board reviewed a fee
comparison for other cities and towns. Before the Board institutes new fees, a legal
notice will need to be placed in the newspaper for two weeks indicating the fee hearing.
MacKenzie would like to see the fee schedule review at the May meeting.
The Board discussed a revision to Article IV to include hazardous materials. A draft
revision was presented to the Board for their review. Cody said it would go along with
the existing Article IX, Groundwater and Water Supply Protection. Cody said it would
be for research laboratories, swimming pools, funeral homes, dry cleaners, retail
businesses, commercial painting businesses, paint supply shops to mention a few.
Further discussions will take place at upcoming meetings.
Emergency Preparedness – Region 4A has hired a company to consult on the revising the
existing emergency plans in the cities and towns in Region 4A to come up with a more
universal plan which would be interchangeable within the various cities and towns.
Feldman motioned to adjourn. Perlmutter seconded. All approved.