2000-10-19City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Board of Health
Subcommittee:
Date: October 19, 2000
Place: Council on Aging, Conference Room
Board members present: Frank S.Carbone, Jr., MD., Norman Spector and Peter Hersee
Board members absent:
Others present: William Burke, Director of Public Health, Thomas Scully, Director of
Community Services, Lydia Doherty, RDH, Dental Clinic Coordinator, Marshall Handly, City
Solicitor and Mayor William Scanlon.
Recorder: Judith A. Balboni
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 a.m.
The Board reviewed, approved and accepted the minutes of the September 24, 2000 meeting.
In the first order of business, Kitty O'Shea's owners requested a modification of their variance
due to business concerns. Specifically, they are requesting that smoking be allowed from 4 p.m. to
closing versus the current 9 p.m. to closing. The full menu would be eliminated to an
appetizer/pub fare menu from 4 p.m. on. The establishment would continue to be 100% smoke-
free during the lunch from opening to 4 p.m. Board took the matter under advisement. After some
discussion, the Board voted unanimously to grant the variance.
Mr. Burke presented update on the tobacco compliance. Two establishments were fined $100.00
for repeat offenders. They were Gloria Chain and Walgreens. Both establishments have paid fines.
The Flu Clinic has been set for November 18, 2000 at the First Baptist Church. Plans are being
made to provide another successful clinic to the citizens of Beverly in light of vaccine delays and
shortages. Press releases will urge healthy people under 65 years of age to wait until later.
The Health Dept. has now received results that a second crow tested positive for West Nile
Virus. Dr. Carbone and the Board both stress that in the spring an active approach must be taken
to educating the public and enhancing mosquito control. Mr. Burke will keep the Board informed.
In new business, Mayor William Scanlon, concerned with the oncoming winter months and the
homeless people in Beverly, presented a plan to the Board for leasing a building on River Street to
serve as a seasonal homeless shelter. Last year, the old McDonald's on Water St. was used as a
temporary shelter. The Mayor in his quest to find an alternative spot, suggested the former Union
Hall building moved from Rantoul St. to present site on River St. It is not in residential area, does
need renovations but he feels it could be the answer. Much preparation is still needed to
implement plan and bring building into code.
The building lease would be subject to annual funding by the city, and could be paid using federal
Community Development Grant money. The lease would technically be between Health Dept. and
the building's owners. The Board supports the Mayor's efforts in this matter.
Mr. Burke discussed with Board the tobacco regulations and private clubs. Clubs open to public,
selling tickets & serving food are same as restaurant. A policy reminder should be sent
to private clubs. The Board wants to educate not police establishments. Regarding tobacco
control coalition, the Board inquired as to what amount of money is provided for Beverly.
Lydia Doherty, Dental Clinic Coordinator, brought the Board up to date on her recent award of
two Grants from Delta Dental. The first is through Northeast Health Systems for $34,200. To hire
part-time hygienists to conduct screenings at High School and Gloucester schools. The second
was a sealant grant valued at $4,000.
Lydia discussed with the Board, the fact that she is not receiving the same benefits (vacation-time)
as new employees, and hasn't been for 12 years. She wants to be brought up to present and has
filed a grievance with the Union, Human Resources, etc. She is looking for department and Board
support to follow this through. The Board assured her of their support. Mr. Burke has sent a
letter to Tom L'Italien regarding this issue. Mr. Scully and Mr. Burke will follow-up.
Mr. Burke attended a meeting sponsored by the Mass. Dept. of Public Health, Bureau of
Environmental Health Assessment regarding proposed soil sampling in several North Shore
communities relative PG & E, Salem Harbor Generating Station.
Mr. Burke informed the Board that six resumes have been received for Public Health Nurse
position. Copies were handed to members for review. Tom Scully and Mr. Burke will review,
narrow down for review and approval from Chairman, Dr. Carbone.
Next scheduled meeting is November 16, 2000 at the Senior Center Conference Room.
Meeting adjourned at 9 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judith Balboni