Minutes 4-20 City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Board of Health
Subcommittee:
Date: April 20, 2022
Place: Beverly Council on Aging Building, 90 Colon Street, Suites A & B
Board Members Present: Dr. Justin Jordan,MD. and Susan Higgins. William J. Alpine Jr.
Esq. remote participation by telephone call in.
Board Members Absent:
Others Present: William Burke, Director of Public Health and Teresa Kirsch, Public
Health Nurse
Recorder: Karen Alpine
Dr. Jordan called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The Chair announced William Alpine would
be participating remotely, therefore all votes would be by roll call vote. The Board reviewed the
minutes of the last meeting. They voted to change the wording to reflect that Dr. Jordan will be
the new Chairman in September. They then voted to accept the minutes as amended.
There were several applicants for Keeping of Animals Permits. Mr. Ambrose of 18 Judson St.
has applied for two Runner ducks. He spoke about acquiring them and their characteristics.
There were no abutter objections. Mr. Alpine moved to approve. Ms. Higgins seconded. Vote
by roll call was taken. All approved.
The applicant for chickens at 2 Longham Road was represented by his Mother in Law. Mr.
Burke read from the application. Mr. Alpine moved to approve. Ms. Higgins seconded. Vote by
roll call was taken. All voted yes.
Mr. Burke read from the application and the Animal Control Officer's notes for 11 Sylvan Rd.
The ACO wants the setbacks checked after the coop is installed. Dr. Jordan noted the Board had
received feedback from the neighbors. Ms. Latouf, the applicant, spoke about coop and run
placement.
Several abutters spoke about concerns for smells and asthma due to chickens in a neighborhood
with small yards. They also mentioned the applicant's dog barks a lot and they are frequently
away for the weekend. The applicant claims she is getting chickens that don't smell. They will
use Black Earth compost for waste, and there is a six foot fence.
Ms. Higgins mentioned that, historically, permits were given to applicants with small yards and
opposing abutters that worked out well. Mr. Burke said a conditional, short term permit can be
used. The ACO and the Health Department will perform checks. There ensued a discussion of
changing the guidance. Ms. Higgins moved to approve a 2 month probationary period, subject to
two visits. Mr. Alpine seconded, but wants to discuss automatically revoking permit if ACO
finds against the applicant. Abutters can comment again. At the May meeting there should be a
report about the setbacks and coop management undertaken. Vote taken by roll call. All in favor
of probationary two month permit.
Joyce Redford, Director, North Shore Cape Ann Tobacco Control, was present to speak about a
change to State Law in June, 2020 regulating flavored products and imposing higher fines. She is
seeking that all cities and towns have a consistent suspension structure. Beverly needs to add in a
3 day suspension. Local regulations should be updated to reflect a breakdown of State vs. Local
violations and fines to be enacted by July 1. Mr. Alpine recommended the Solicitor looking at
the new regulations and to have a quick hearing on the matter. Ms. Higgins motioned to add a 3
day suspension, have the solicitor look at it, and present it the public. Mr. Alpine seconded. All
in favor by roll call vote.
Joyce also spoke about hemp products, Delta 8, 9, and 10 out in the market. Even though hemp
is no longer a controlled substances, these items are actually a concentrated, synthetic THC,
marketed as hemp. Flavored vape-able products banned by North Shore Tobacco are appearing
on shelves, as well as edibles that look commercial candy.
Mr. Burke had updates for the Board. The Household Hazardous Waste collection contract was
signed by Clean Harbors and the event will be held on this coming Saturday, April 23.
The budget has been presented to the Mayor. Mr. Burke is hoping to hire one full time inspector
and use 3 part time inspectors to do the work equaling another inspector.
Teresa Kirsch said there are increasing probable and confirmed Covid cases. Since at home tests
can't be accounted for, it's hard to be accurate. The hospital census remains stable. Influenza,
however, is increasing with only 1 case reported in January. Now there are 33 cases.
Ms. Higgins motioned to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Alpine seconded.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
The next scheduled meeting is May 18, 2022.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Alpine