2000-07-27City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Board of Health
Subcommittee:
Date: July 27, 2000
Place: Beverly Public Library, Program Room
Board members present: Norman Spector and Peter Hersee
Board member absent: Frank S. Carbone, Jr., M.D.
Others present: William Burke, Director of Public Health, Thomas Scully, Director of
Community Services, and Joseph A. Reale, Environmental Analyst.
Recorder: Judith A. Balboni
The meeting was called to order at 7:45 a.m. by Vice-Chairman Norman Spector, who apologized
for the delay and excused Dr. Frank Carbone, Jr. due to a work-related emergency.
The Board reviewed and accepted the minutes of the June 22, 2000 meeting.
The first order of business was John Morin from Thomas Neve Asociates, seeking variance from
Board of Health Septic System Regulations & Title V, minimum setbacks for leaching fields,
regarding property at 1012 Hale Street. Mr. Burke asked opinion of Mr. Joseph Reale, Title V
Inspector. Mr. Reale stated the DEP would be having the final say but he saw no problem
recommending approval. Peter Hersee motion to approve, Norman Spector, second. Vote in
favor.
Wild Horse Cafe owner, Milissa Oraibi chose to wait for the August 24th meeting to discuss her
variance request before the entire Board. Vice-Chairman Spector suggested that Mr. Burke and
Tim Brennan, Building Commissioner, get together with owners, prior to next meeting to discuss
the handicap accessibility laws.
The Brew House Cafe was seeking to shift its smoking area from upstairs to downstairs;
however, that is in compliance with the smoking regulations and doesn't require a variance.
Harry's 240 request for variance had been held over from June meeting. It was in the Board's
opinion that full meals were being served in the bar, however, Mr. Burke during conversation with
restaurant owners learned that they do and always have had a separate bar menu. Seating also was
questionable. After some discussion, Norman Spector and Peter Hersee granted variance allowing
the restaurant to go over 25% bar seating, holding at 30% and keeping a separate bar menu.
Freddie's Restaurant. owner Al Temkin requests a variance from seating requirement. Thirty-five
percent of seating is in bar area. After agreeing to remove 5 seats from bar and reducing seating
to 30%, the Board voted 2-0 to grant variance.
Mr. Burke discussed with the Board the authorization of Tobacco Control staff to issue violation
tickets for non-compliance with Youth Access Regulations. Both Mr. Spector and Mr. Hersee
were reluctant to give authority to someone else. It was suggested that they continue to give a
letter to owner making them aware of the violation and that they would be hearing from Board of
Health.
Mr. Burke informed the Board that Ms. Doherty had heard that two grant applications submitted
on behalf of the Dental Clinic have been preliminary approved. Mr. Burke will provide greater
detail once formal notification of the award is received. The combined potential award is for
approximately $38,000.
The soon to be vacant position of Public Health Nurse was discussed. It is strongly felt that the
new position be that of Public Health Nurse/Educator. Mr. Burke informed the Board that in
Joanne LeClerc's absence/vacation time we have been fortunate to have a nurse from Salem with
public health nursing experience, filling in on a part time basis. Mr. Burke informed the Board that
he would finalize a job description with a health educator component, thus minimizing the school
nursing component to a consulting role and assistance with several types of screenings.
Mr. Burke gave update on 330 Hale Street, the Robert Trodella issue.
Mr. Spector had questions regarding the telephone system and call coverage. Mr. Scully and Mr.
Burke informed the Board that the current system is antiquated and cannot be equipped with a
voice mail and/or answering machine. Due to this fact, coupled with limited staff coverage, there
are calls that are missed. Mr. Scully, on behalf of the Health Department and Council on Aging,
has brought this matter to the attention of the Finance Director, John Dunn, to see if the system
can be upgraded or replaced.
With the recent media coverage associated with the quality of bathing beach waters throughout
the State and anticipated passage of the "Beaches Bill", Mr. Burke and Mr. Reale have began
increased water sampling of the city's eleven beaches to a weekly basis to further assure the
public of the safety of bathing at the city's beaches. Mr. Burke informed the Board that, to date,
no beaches have had to be closed for swimming.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,