HomeMy Public PortalAbout2. Draft Board of Health Minutes -05-23-2018BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING
May 23, 2018
Watertown Administration Building, Third Floor Conference Room
PRESENT: Dr. John Straus, Chairperson; Dr. Barbara Beck, Secretary; Richard Arnold, Board
Member
Staff: Deborah Rosati, Director of Public Health; Kristel Bennett, Chief Environmental Health
Officer (CEHO);
CALL TO ORDER: Dr. John Straus called the meeting to order at 7:13 pm.
Public Comment: There were none present for comment.
Minutes
The minutes of the April 25, 2018 meeting were approved as amended (Motion- R. Arnold,
Second- Dr. Beck, 3-0).
Ginger Exchange, 92-98 Main St.
In consideration of Variance Request to Allow Acidification of Rice under 105 CMR 590.000 of
the State Sanitary Code
Present: Christine Chan
Ms. Chan presented her request for a variance to acidify rice to use for sushi. She and her
husband are involved in this business as well as several other managers. The main sushi chef
visits all of their restaurants. He has been with them for 6 or 7 years, and he is multilingual thus
he is able to communicate with staff. Ms. Chan keeps the sushi rice for only one day; it is
prepared daily.
K. Bennett indicated that she has conducted a Sushi Plan Review and has found all to be in
compliance.
Following further discussion, Dr. Beck offered the following motion: To grant a variance to
105 CMR 590.000, Food Code Section 3-502.11 under the provisions of Food Code 3-
502.11, to allow for the modification of a potentially hazardous food, acidifying rice to use
for sushi, to render it non -potentially hazardous. Motion was seconded by R. Arnold, and
voted unanimously.
Tobacco Control Regulations
D. Rosati reported that the Department has had two pending Tobacco Control applications for
Cugini's and East Coast Gas, that were not considered during the last modification of the
Tobacco Control Regulations. K. Bennett indicated that this brings the number of total Tobacco
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Control Permits to 36, which is the number that should have been used for the cap in Section
F.12.a. of the "Regulation Regarding Smoking and the Sale and Use of Tobacco Products."
Following discussion, Dr. Beck offered a motion to modify Section F.12.a. of the "Regulation
Regarding Smoking and the Sale and Use of Tobacco Products" from 34 permits to 36 permits to
allow for two applications that were pending prior to the adoption of the regulations on
December 22, 2017.
Department Updates
44 Katherine Road — K. Bennett reported that the handrail was installed in compliance with the
timeframe. The office will continue to inspect to ensure compliance with the condemnation
order. D. Rosati reported that Sean Canty has just emailed a letter to the department indicating
several concerns with this case and the Board's decision. This may be taken up at the next
posted meeting.
Health Officer Vacancy — D. Rosati reported that the pool of candidates for the vacant position
offered several good prospective employees. Interviews have been conducted and an offer is
being made to one of the candidates.
Marijuana Update
D. Rosati reported on a recently attended conference in Canton that featured speakers on the
impacts of recreational marijuana. She will share the link to the presentations when it is
available.
The next Board meeting is proposed for June 20tH
Meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm (Motion — Richard Arnold, Second- Dr. Beck, 3-0)
Respectfully submitted: Deborah M. Rosati, Director of Public Health
Approved:
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