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Southborough Board of Health approves budget and appointments, hears housing enforcement and measles SOP updates
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Summary
The Board approved minutes and the FY27 budget, changed Greater Burrows representatives, heard that court enforcement continues for a noncompliant 88 Turnpike property, reviewed a near‑final measles SOP with a March tabletop exercise, and received plan‑review updates for two restaurants.
The Southborough Board of Health on Feb. 10 approved routine business items, heard several operational updates and set near‑term follow up actions.
The Board approved the Dec. 23, 2025 minutes and then approved its FY27 budget after staff explained a minor FY26 number correction that does not change FY27. Members present voiced their support and the motions passed. The Board also voted to change its Greater Burrows Partnership representation so that Taylor will serve as primary, Chelsea Malinowski as secondary and Zafdar Medina as an alternate to improve coverage for intermunicipal meetings.
Health department staff Chris provided an enforcement update on a housing case at 88 Turnpike. "We had a hearing ... the board voted to pursue court action against this owner due to noncompliance," Chris said, and told the Board that court sessions have continued monthly. Chris said a judge previously ordered corrections to be made and, as of the most recent court date, staff had heard nothing from the owner and the alleged lack of heat remained uncorrected; the department will continue to pursue compliance through the court process and staff will notify the Board after today's court appearance.
The Board reviewed a near‑final measles standard operating procedure developed with Northborough's Health and Human Services director and with input from the Department of Public Health. Staff said the plan will be tested in a tabletop exercise with school nurses on a professional development day in March. Board members asked whether broader vaccination outreach (for under‑vaccinated children) should include a mailer; staff said town vaccination rates are high (the presenter said rates are over 94 percent) and their current plan is targeted outreach and partnering with a neighboring health department that has a vaccine grant to run clinics for children who need doses.
Staff also reported on two incoming food establishments. A proposed smoothie restaurant at 118 Turnpike Road (operating under the name Fresh Monkey) hopes to open this spring and will submit a plan review and apply for permits; health inspectors will do pre‑operational inspections before opening. Separately, Lalos Mexican (a third location for the owners) has submitted plan and license paperwork and — after pre‑operational inspection — will move toward opening; the Select Board has already granted a liquor license.
No members of the public offered comment. The Board set meeting dates for March 10, April 7 and May 5 and adjourned at 9:38 a.m.
Next steps: staff will email the Board with the outcome of today's court appearance for the 88 Turnpike matter, circulate measles SOP materials and schedule the HRIA kickoff and related deliverables.
