Great Barrington Board of Health Meeting - June 30, 2026

The Great Barrington Board of Health met remotely on June 30, 2026, pursuant to Governor Baker's March 2020 order and Governor Healy's March 2023 order extending remote participation. The meeting lasted approximately one hour, from 6:34 PM to 7:34 PM. Key agenda items included a farewell to outgoing Health Agent Rebecca Jerzik, updates on Housatonic Water Works, tick season awareness, a transition plan from the Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative, and a vote on enforcement measures for outstanding food establishment permits.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the May 14, 2026 meeting were unanimously approved by roll call (Peter Stanton, Dr. Ruby Chang, Michael Leneu all voting aye).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Eileen (resident): Asked about testing of Lake Mansfield and Old Maids Pond. Rebecca Jerzik confirmed that testing is contracted with a lab in Leeds (Tonic Basin Testing) and will continue after her departure.

Discussion Items

• Farewell to Health Agent Rebecca Jerzik: Board members expressed gratitude for her years of service, particularly through the COVID-19 pandemic. Jerzik noted her last day is July 6, 2026, and praised the board's support.
• Housatonic Water Works Update (Michael Leneu): Leneu reported he had spoken with DEP's solo dentist and will meet with him and his section chief (virtual) to get answers on the treatment plant status and completion date. He requested a site visit for board members. Residents served by Housatonic Water Works were urged to continue reporting brown water incidents, especially during the summer season.
• Tick Season Awareness (Dr. Ruby Chang): Emphasized daily tick checks due to Lyme disease, Alpha-Gal syndrome, and Powassan virus (which can spread within 15 minutes of a bite). Recommended long sleeves, repellents, and checking children and pets multiple times per day. The collaborative is distributing tick awareness cards with size comparisons and disease information.
• Heat Warning: Liz and Iile disseminated information on cooling centers and heat safety. The board urged residents to stay hydrated and use cooling centers if needed.
• Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative Transition Plan (Jane and Rebecca Jerzik): The collaborative (including Rebecca Clerget, Jason, and Jane) will provide interim support for food, septic, housing, and pool inspections until a new health agent is hired. They plan to hold office hours, forward voicemails and emails, and post notices on the door. The board discussed the need for administrative support from the town manager to avoid burdening the collaborative with clerical tasks. Dr. Chang noted the historical understaffing (previously two to three people) and urged the town to reinstate an inspector position.
• Outstanding Food Establishment Permits: Jane reported that approximately 12 establishments have paid but lack documentation, and another 15 have not applied at all. The collaborative has identified them through the tax collector. The board debated enforcement options including late fees ($30 per week) and cease and desist orders. Rebecca Jerzik cautioned against heavy-handed enforcement for a new health agent, but agreed experienced staff can handle it. The board settled on a two-stage approach.
• Health Department Priority Review (Rebecca Jerzik): Jerzik reviewed the priority spreadsheet from the start of 2026. Key items included: staff hiring/retention, public health inspection services, developing a public health nuisance regulation (e.g., noise), funding opportunities (e.g., $3,000 DEP sustainable materials grant for bear-resistant compost containers), solid waste hauler regulation revisions, establishing a green committee, and understanding PFOS impacts on Housatonic water supply. She noted the spreadsheet will be passed to the new health agent.

Key Outcomes

• Motion on Food Establishment Permits: Unanimously passed (3-0). The motion authorizes the Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative to send a letter to noncompliant establishments with two deadlines: July 15, 2026, after which $30/week late fees will be imposed, and July 31, 2026, after which cease and desist orders will be issued. The letter will also remind establishments that future renewals will face late fees starting December.
• Next Meeting Scheduled: August 6, 2026, likely virtual due to the Great Barrington Car Show. Michael Leneu will coordinate agenda preparation with the town.
• Town Manager Engagement: Leneu will follow up with Town Manager Liz to request administrative support during the transition and reiterate the need for a health inspector position.
• Transition Support: The collaborative will provide interim coverage and office hours; Rebecca Jerzik will leave a