Handles public health rules — food safety inspections, septic system permits, and local health regulations.
169 items across 20 meetings.
June 23, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening.
📋 Proposed
Approve prior meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Open public comment period.
• Status unclear
Chairman's report to the board.
💬 Discussed
Subcommittee update on proposed local kratom (herbal stimulant) regulations affecting retailers.
📋 Proposed
Board reviews a site plan and special permit application for a Chick-fil-A restaurant at 2 Wall Street.
📍 2 Wall Street, Burlington
📋 Proposed
Seventy closed-loop geothermal well permits sought for Fox Hill Elementary School at 252 Fox Hill Road.
📍 252 Fox Hill Road, Fox Hill Elementary School
📋 Proposed
Biological safety permit application for MBX Biosciences at 5 Burlington Woods Drive.
📍 5 Burlington Woods Drive, Burlington
💬 Discussed
Health Inspector Tahycha Soto presents a Tri-Ton Coalition public health update.
💬 Discussed
Board of Health intern Chase Jackman introduced.
💬 Discussed
Reports from Environmental Engineer, Associate Director, and Director of Public Health.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjourned.
May 12, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
April 14, 2026 minutes approved 5-0.
💬 Discussed
BOH unanimously concluded it lacks jurisdiction, data, and purview over student health standards the Wellness Committee requested; Chair DaMore will formally decline to the school.
💬 Discussed
State legislation regulating Kratom is in its third reading before the Judiciary Committee; State Rep. Ken Gordon expects action before end of the legislative session.
✅ Approved
Chicken coop at 8 Jefferson Avenue found compliant on inspection; permit approved with conditions 5-0.
📍 8 Jefferson Avenue
✅ Approved
Permit for 6 backyard chickens at 1 Holly Street approved with conditions 5-0 after coop passed inspection.
📍 1 Holly Street
✅ Approved
188-unit residential building across from Bancroft at Third Ave approved 5-0 with 17 conditions, including a vapor migration mitigation system and monitoring well management plan for a downgradient groundwater plume more than 20 feet below surface.
📍 129 & 131 Middlesex Turnpike
🔄 Postponed
Geothermal well permit application continued to May 26, 2026 because the applicant failed to notify abutters as required.
📍 Fox Hill Elementary School, 252 Fox Hill Road
💬 Discussed
Free drop-off event Saturday, 8:30 am–12 pm, at Francis Wyman Elementary School.
📍 Francis Wyman Elementary School
✅ Approved
BOH received a $5,000 FDA/National Environmental Health Association grant for retail food program standards; preoperational inspections of outdoor pools underway throughout May.
💰 $5,000 grant received
✅ Approved
Report approved 5-0; no additional details recorded.
💬 Discussed
Town AEDs are functional but slated for replacement; Supervisory Nurse is identifying funding sources; a BOH Facebook page is in development under the new Communications Director.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 6:53 pm.
April 14, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
March 24 minutes approved 4-0-1.
💬 Discussed
Orysia Hanushevsky joined the board, filling the seat vacated by Maribeth Welch after 12 years of service.
💬 Discussed
Dr. Weiner gave an informational overview of AI's growing role in diagnostics, imaging, and administrative tasks in healthcare.
💬 Discussed
The Wellness Subcommittee is reviewing K-12 health and PE curriculum standards; next meeting is the last week of April.
✅ Approved
Permit to keep up to 6 hens approved 5-0 after a second inspection confirmed the coop met BOH standards; a neighbor at 74 Muller Road raised concerns about noise and allergies.
📍 1 Eugene Road
💬 Discussed
Kratom (an unregulated stimulant/analgesic) is sold at 7+ Burlington establishments with no age restrictions; the board formed a subcommittee — DaMore and Hanushevsky — to develop local regulations.
💬 Discussed
Burlington schools are updating health standards last revised in 1999 and seeking BOH feedback; parents may opt children out of uncomfortable topics.
💬 Discussed
All Burlington homeowners urged to test for radon — a proven carcinogen and the second-leading cause of lung cancer — with 90 lung-cancer cases attributed locally from 2016–2020; winter is the best testing time.
✅ Approved
Gayle DaMore re-elected Chair and Andrea Sheehan re-elected Vice Chair, both 5-0.
✅ Approved
Household Hazardous Waste drop-off is May 16 at Francis Wyman School (not Fox Hill School as previously noted).
📍 Francis Wyman School
✅ Approved
Tobacco stores received correction orders during routine inspections; a free public food-safety presentation is scheduled May 13, 5:30–6:30 pm at Grand View Farm (RSVP: boh@burlington.org).
📍 Grand View Farm
✅ Approved
A workplace violence and active shooter training was held April 15, 5–7 pm at Grand View Farm.
📍 Grand View Farm
✅ Approved
Community Engagement Day drew ~30 participants; 11 signed up for the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC).
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 8:54 pm.
April 14, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening of the meeting.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of prior meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Open public comment period.
• Status unclear
Board chair provides updates.
📋 Proposed
Board will consider a permit to keep hens at 1 Eugene Rd.
💬 Discussed
Director of Public Health Susan Lumenello will present on potential local regulation of kratom, a botanical supplement with addiction and safety concerns.
💬 Discussed
Assistant Superintendent Lisa Chen and Health & PE Director Amy Doughty will update the board on the schools' wellness program.
💬 Discussed
Board of Health intern David Lewis and Environmental Engineer Christine Mathis will present on radon education for residents.
📋 Proposed
Board will reorganize, likely electing new officers or adjusting committee assignments.
• Status unclear
Reports from Environmental Engineer, Health Agent, Associate Director, and Director of Public Health.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjournment.
March 24, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Prior meeting minutes approved 4-0.
💬 Discussed
Board of Health has one vacancy that should be filled by April; currently five elected seats with one open.
💬 Discussed
Dr. El-Sabbahy presented updated blood pressure guidelines: under 130/80 is the new target, with diet and home monitoring recommended.
💬 Discussed
Wellness Committee will continue evaluating K–12 Health and Physical Education curriculum standards.
✅ Approved
Two new 1,500-sq-ft buildings added to existing plaza (one parallel to Wilmington Road, one to Prouty Road), with a new underground stormwater infiltration system to reduce wetland runoff; approved 4-0.
📍 85 Wilmington Road
✅ Approved
Sebastians granted a variance with conditions allowing operation without a person-in-charge on site at all times; approved 4-0.
📍 1 Van de Graaff Dr.
✅ Approved
Game Show Battle Rooms allowed to use an internal grease interceptor with a maintenance log instead of an external one; approved 4-0.
📍 75 Middlesex Tpk.
✅ Approved
Waffles and Bagels allowed to use an internal grease interceptor with a maintenance log instead of an external one; approved 4-0.
📍 75 Middlesex Tpk.
✅ Approved
New adult day health program (Mon–Fri, age 18+) at 12 A Street approved for internal grease interceptor with conditions; DPH license required before opening; approved 4-0.
📍 12 A Street
✅ Approved
New nutrition coaching and flash-frozen meal retail store at Staples Plaza approved for under-sink internal grease interceptor with conditions; approved 4-0.
📍 101 Middlesex Tpk., Unit 320
💬 Discussed
Isabelle Rennert presented work on the Tri-Ton coalition annual report, website, and Health Fair PSAs.
💬 Discussed
Paridhi Patel presented a Demographic Dashboard comparing Burlington flu and RSV trends to state benchmarks.
✅ Approved
Board recommended purchasing 240 standard-dose flu vaccines ($4,281.60) and 200 high-dose vaccines for residents 65+ ($13,298), totaling $17,579.60; one large-scale and six smaller clinics planned.
💰 $17,579.60 total: $4,281.60 standard, $13,298 high-dose
✅ Approved
Household Hazardous Waste drop-off set for May 16 at Francis Wyman School; vapor barrier at 10 Fourth Avenue confirmed properly installed; hazmat storage permit renewals due April 15 for 110 businesses.
📍 Francis Wyman School; 10 Fourth Avenue
✅ Approved
Food Safety First public presentation planned for May 13; fall Food Safety Forum announced; rodent control and allergen notification at restaurants discussed.
✅ Approved
Burlington Community Health Fair is April 25 at Burlington High School; a free 8-week 'Matter of Balance' fall-prevention class starts April 6 at Board of Health (Mondays and Wednesdays).
📍 Burlington High School; Board of Health
✅ Approved
Annual BVRC meeting held; panel discussion on clinical research participation presented.
💬 Discussed
Board of Health budget passed the Ways and Means Committee; Director will bring a Kratom regulation proposal (synthetic opioid-like substance sold in stores) to the next meeting.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 8:06 pm.
March 24, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening.
📋 Proposed
Vote to approve prior meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Public comment period.
• Status unclear
Board chair updates.
📋 Proposed
Board reviews a health-department site plan application for 85 Wilmington Road.
📋 Proposed
Variance request to operate an unattended food establishment at 1 Van de Graaff Dr.
📋 Proposed
Variance from the requirement for an external grease interceptor at 75 Middlesex Tpk.
📋 Proposed
Variance from external grease interceptor requirement at 75 Middlesex Tpk.
📋 Proposed
Variance from external grease interceptor requirement at 22 A Street.
📋 Proposed
Variance from external grease interceptor requirement at 101 Middlesex Tpk., Unit 320.
• Status unclear
Staff update on the regional shared public health services program.
• Status unclear
Epidemiologist update on shared public health services.
📋 Proposed
Board considers a recommendation for purchasing the town's flu vaccine supply for 2026-2027.
• Status unclear
Updates from Environmental Engineer, Health Agent, Supervisory Nurse, Associate Director, and Director of Public Health.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjournment.
February 24, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Prior meeting minutes approved as amended, 4-0-0.
💬 Discussed
Annual Household Hazardous Waste drop-off event (May 16) moves from Fox Hill to Francis Wyman Elementary for the next 3–4 events due to Fox Hill construction.
📍 Francis Wyman Elementary School
💬 Discussed
DPW cannot confirm zero lead service lines due to incomplete installation history; required notices are going to targeted addresses, with new updates planned once sampling plans are approved.
💬 Discussed
Test pits at Overlook Park revealed a septic tank connected to a sink that must be decommissioned; infiltration systems and a rain garden will be installed.
📍 Overlook Park
✅ Approved
Lahey UMass community engagement day set for April 8; intern and shadowing programs are active; Busy Bee Bakery food-service application approved; warming center activation rests with the Fire Chief/Emergency Management, not the Board.
💬 Discussed
Dr. Weiner urged residents living alone to keep health care proxies, wills, and funeral pre-plans current, and to notify the Fire Department about emergency-access concerns.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 7:25 pm, 4-0-0.
January 27, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Prior meeting minutes approved 4-0.
💬 Discussed
Orysia Hanushevsky announced she is seeking nomination for the open Board of Health seat.
💬 Discussed
Member Maribeth Welch resigned; Chair DaMore noted the board will hold a future send-off and reminded residents to help neighbors during severe weather.
💬 Discussed
Flu season is at peak with 112 MA deaths so far; vaccination rates are below prior seasons — high-risk groups (65+) urged to get flu shots; measles outbreaks noted nationally.
💬 Discussed
Committee is continuing evaluation of Burlington school health and PE curriculum standards, moving from lower elementary to upper elementary, middle, and high school levels.
✅ Approved
Permit approved 4-0 with conditions for resident Bevin Nichols to keep 6 rehomed hens; inspection will be conducted.
📍 6 Luther Road
✅ Approved
Variance approved 4-0 with conditions for new Middle Eastern restaurant Naya to use an external grease interceptor; grand opening targeted for June 2026.
📍 112 Burlington Mall Road
🔄 Postponed
Item withdrawn before discussion.
📍 75 Middlesex Turnpike, Suite 1545
🗳️ Voted on
Board voted 4-0 to operate as a 4-member board until April when an election or appointment can fill Maribeth Welch's vacant seat; Andrea Sheehan confirmed as Vice Chair.
💬 Discussed
Health Agent Johnson presented the board's process for investigating foodborne illness complaints, including inspections, HACCP flow-of-foods risk assessment, and required Food Safety Manager presence at all Burlington food establishments.
✅ Approved
Biological safety permit renewals are underway; Household Hazardous Waste Event scheduled for May 16, 2026.
✅ Approved
Criminal fine issued to Town Pantry for selling a flavored tobacco product; non-compliant items removed from shelves and establishment is working with Tobacco Control Inspector.
✅ Approved
Active shooter training set for February 11, 5:30–7 pm at Grand View; warming centers are Fire Department-activated during significant power outages.
📍 Grand View
✅ Approved
Flu A is the dominant strain; 112 MA deaths this season vs. 470 last year; all high-dose vaccines distributed; Health Fair scheduled April 25, 2026.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 7:51 pm.
January 27, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of prior meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Open public comment period.
• Status unclear
Routine chairman's update.
📋 Proposed
Permit request to keep backyard hens at 6 Luther Road is up for board review.
📍 6 Luther Road, Burlington, MA
📋 Proposed
Restaurant Naya is seeking a variance to place its grease interceptor externally at 112 Burlington Mall Road.
📍 112 Burlington Mall Road, Burlington, MA
📋 Proposed
Board will discuss a plumbing variance recommendation for the tenant at 75 Middlesex Turnpike, Suite 1545.
📍 75 Middlesex Turnpike, Suite 1545, Burlington, MA
📋 Proposed
A sitting board member has resigned; the board will reorganize, likely changing officer roles.
📋 Proposed
Health Agent Marlene Johnson will present findings from recent foodborne illness investigations in Burlington.
• Status unclear
Routine updates from the Environmental Engineer, Health Agent, Associate Director, and Director of Public Health.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjournment.
January 21, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Prior meeting minutes approved without issue.
💬 Discussed
Nurse Rebecca Marion outlined her work: 35 blood pressure clinics, CPR classes, fall prevention assessments, 'A Matter of Balance' classes, and a new Maternal and Child Family Health Resource Guide.
💬 Discussed
Coalition staff are building a website workplan and newsletter for all three health departments; May 20 Advisory Board meeting shifted to 12:00 PM; communication protocols clarified so staff copy town directors before contacting municipal staff.
💬 Discussed
Inspector Tahycha completed tobacco compliance checks in Burlington and possibly Wilmington; documentation challenges noted around flavored tobacco products.
💬 Discussed
Resumes for an open inspector position will be forwarded to Alicia and Marlene for interview consideration.
💬 Discussed
Coalition is considering buying a backup laptop for staff IT contingencies; Lexington IT will be consulted before proceeding.
💬 Discussed
All additional budget spending requests must be submitted by early the following week to meet the state DPH allocation deadline.