5-13-2021 emerg. meeting (Mosquito) City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Special Meeting of the Board of Health
Board: Board of Health
Subcommittee:
Date: May 13, 2020
Place: Teleconference Participation via Google Meet
Board members present: William J. Alpine Jr. Esq., Susan Higgins PE
Board Members Absent:
Others present: Stephanie Bilotti, Jesse Dole, Mike Collins, Bruce Doig, and Wayne Miller
Recorder: Karen Alpine
A meeting was held by the Board of Health to address the need to decide whether to opt out of
the change to M.G.L. Chapter 252, Section 2A(b)(2) which allows a municipality to opt out of
mosquito control spraying conducted by the SRMCB (The State Reclamation and Mosquito
Control Board) under M.G.L. c. 252, Section 2A(a). The Board of Health had arranged for the
public to listen to the meeting via remote participation required by the Open Meeting Law, G.L.
c. 30A, 18.
Acting Chairman William Alpine called the meeting to order at 6:05 pm.
Stephanie Bilotti, Chief of Staff, shared the agenda for the meeting.
The (SRMCB), oversees mosquito control in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including
Northeast Mass Mosquito Control (NEMMC), of which Beverly is a part. The change to CH.252
requires that municipalities opt out of aerial spraying by May 15.
Mike Collins, Commissioner of Public Services and Engineering, believes that Beverly doesn't
need aerial spraying, as we will continue to receive the services of NEMMC. Beverly hasn't had
aerial spraying since 1971.
Ms. Higgins expressed concern that in the event of a greater health risk, that aerial spraying may
be needed. Wayne Miller read two emails he sent to the Mayor expressing why he thought
Beverly should opt out.
Also deliberated was the concern of lack of control and inadequate time to investigate the issue
in greater depth, as well as the requirements of opting out. Mr. Collins said Beverly can
coordinate its own aerial spraying if needed. Public outreach and education was discussed.
Ms. Higgins motioned to adopt the Opt Out order. Mr. Alpine seconded the vote. The vote was
unanimous.
A letter indicating the Board's support of the City's plan to opt out will be sent to the City
Council.
Ms. Higgins motioned to adjourn at 6:38 pm, Mr. Alpine seconded the motion.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Alpine