1999-06-16City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Board of Health
Subcommittee:
Date: June 16, 1999
Place: Beverly Public Library, Program Koom
Board members present: Dr. Frank Carbone, Jr., M.D, Peter Hersee, and Norman Spector
Board members absent:
Others present: William Burke, Director of Health, and Thomas Scully, Director of Community
Services.
Recorder: William Burke
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 a.m.
The Board reviewed and accepted the minutes of the May 10, 1999 meeting.
Director's Updates
The following updates were presented to the Board by Mr. Burke:
- Mr. Burke attended a meeting hosted by Salem Sound 2000 to kickoff publication of their
'Clean Beaches and Streams Report' which will be published monthly during the summer
months. The report will contain results of SS 2000 testing data of various storm drain
effluent from communities throughout the North Shore. Area health departments will submit
their bathing beach data for inclusion in the report. Beverly conducted the first beach testing
on June 3, 1999 and results were within acceptable parameters. The next sampling to be
done on June 16, 1999.
Mr. Burke discussed posting caution signs at the drain pipes in question, similar to ones
posted in Marblehead. A motion was made to post caution sign at beaches where data
demonstrates a possible public health concern. Vote unanimous.
- Health and Education Services Inc. has been awarded a grant to provide Nicotine
Keplacement Therapy in addition to their other cessation programs. Beverly residents
would have access. Dr. Carbone requests staff from the program be invited to the next
Board meeting.
The Health Department participated in a Health & Wellness Fair held on May 26, 1999,
along with the Council on Aging and the Cabot Street YMCA. The Department did
blood pressure readings and disseminated a wide variety of Public Health publications.
- On June 9, 1999, the Housing Court issued an order of conditions with strict time frames to
Mr. Lane Chase of 63 Ober Street. Failure to comply with the conditions will result in an
order to vacate the dwelling.
Soil testing has been scheduled for June 24, 1999.
The staff of the department is in the process of conducting numerous seasonal
inspections of swimming pools, recreational camps for children, bathing beaches and mobile
and temporary food operations.
- Mr. Burke and Mr. Reale will present a food safety informational seminar to seniors on
July 27, 1999.
- Dr. Martinez has completed the flu vaccination survey and would like to present the
findings to the Board at a future meeting.
- Mr. Burke will begin process of advertising the vacant hygienist position.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke Regulation
The members discussed the proposed regulation and discussed a one hundred percent ban versus
a regulation that would allow smoking in "pure bars" and/or bar areas within food establishments
with enclosures and separate ventilation.
Mr. Spector stated he has struggled with the issue concerning employees, patron choice,
workplace & worker health and the financial aspect. Dr. Carbone stated that he did not want to
hun businesses but feels the health of the employees and non-smokers shall take precedence.
Mr~ Scully urged the Board to keep in mind evidence including the actual evidence from other
communities who have enacted regulations with 100% non-smoking He referred to a Boston
Globe story about four bars in Brookline that feared going out of business due to a ban. They are
still in business five years later.
Mr. Burke was asked for his opinion regarding a regulation allowing enclosures similar to the
Saugus regulation. He replied that some food establishments may be constructed in such a way
that it may be architecturally and economically feasible but for many it may not be, thus requiring
a substantial investment. The Mass. Restaurant Association information provided at the June 3,
1999 public hearing concurs.
The Board clarified a couple of questions brought up at the public hearing; 1) private clubs would
be included as regulation stands now, 2) smoking would not be regulated on exterior patios,
decks or other exterior dining areas of a food establishment.
The Board asked Mr. Burke to draft some alternative language regarding excluding "pure bars"
and bars within food establishments for the next meeting.
A motion was made at 8:25 to adjourn. Vote unanimous. Next meeting tentatively scheduled for
July 28, 1999.
William T. Burke IH, R.S., C.H.O
Clerk/Director of Public Health