BOH minutes 6-21-23 n, City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Board of Health
Date: June 21,2023
Place: Beverly Council on Aging Building Suites A& B
Board members present: Dr.Justin Jordan,Rachel Morse
Not present: Dr. Sheryl Silva
Others present: Laura DelleChiaie,Director, Teresa Kirsch,Public Health Nurse,Joyce Redford,
North Shore/Cape Ann Tobacco Policy Program,Beth Oldmixon,Assistant City Solicitor, Stephen
Casey, Sanitarian
Recorder: Lynne DePiero
Dr. Jordan called the meeting to order at 6:34p.m.
The minutes from the May 23, 2023 meeting were approved with the following amendment, to
omit"now have a scanner in place" at The Lobby Shop.
Tony's Grocery was present to contest his violation notice and cease and desist order pursuant to
Board Sale of Tobacco Products Regulations. He stated that there was some confusion with The
Lobby Shops address and his address along with the code section reference. Ms. Redford
explained about the address mix-up and that both establishments had the same violation of
selling to an underage customer, which results in a 3-day suspension and $1,000. fine. It was also
explained that store owners are responsible of knowing the laws and regulations around selling
tobacco products. The Board agreed that the Board of Health can work on sending educational
materials out to their tobacco permit holders. Dr. Jordan motioned to uphold the cease and desist
order—Ms. Morse seconded— all in favor— approved.
The Deeley's of 26 Juniper Street request to reapply for a keeping of animals permit(100
chicken's male/female)was up for review. An application was submitted on May 10, 2023.
Attorney Bill Sheehan, was there to represent the Deeleys. Attorney Sheehan handed to the Board
a packet detailing the Deeley's application, site visit form, diagram of chicken coops, compost
procedures and wetlands with distances,photos of the 26 Juniper property and conservation
restrictions. Surrounding neighbors from Juniper Street, Hale Street, Valley Road and Hart Street
were there to oppose the application. The neighbors cited their concerns regarding the noise from
the roosters, chickens roaming onto other properties, chickens attracting wildlife, smells,
property values decreasing, run-off of wastes into wetlands, and traffic concerns related to
customers coming to 26 Juniper. Attorney Sheehan explained that there is plenty of land to house
the chickens and there has been no evidence or any run-off in the wetlands. Mr. Casey stated that
he went out with Officer Lipinski, Animal Control, for the site inspection and there were no
issues with the property. The Board had inquired of Attorney Sheehan and Mr. Deeley for further
information regarding fencing, insurance, waste tilling, and noise concerns. Mr. Deeley and
Attorney Sheehan addressed each concern and question of the Board. Ms. Oldmixon suggested
conditions imposed on the approval of the permit related to the Board concerns. Proposed
conditions were:
Hens not to exceed 96; roosters not to exceed 4; must maintain compliance with all terms
and conditions included in May 10, 2023, Application and attached Addendum; must
maintain adequate general and umbrella insurance; all hens and roosters must be closed in
coop each night at sunset and may be released from the coop after 7:30 AM; must install
additional fencing to prohibit any animals from leaving the property; must maintain
compliance with all federal and state laws and regulations.
Ms. Morse made a motion to approve the permit with the above conditions —Dr. Jordan
seconded— all in favor— approved.
The discussion from the North Shore Health Project: OneSTOP Harm Reduction Services was
presented by Susan Coviello, Executive Director and Lacey Natti Program Manager. They gave
an overview of their services and what OneStop stands for, outreach, needle exchange, sexual
health testing and overdose prevention. They are fully funded by the Massachusetts Department
of Public Health and they do report everything to the state. They use a mobile van which goes
and visits high risk areas in the community—they do not condone drug use and it is not a space
where people can use substances. They are there to provide information and tools, such as clean
syringe service program (SSP), sexually transmitted disease/infection (STD/STI)testing,
condoms or naloxone. They help make referrals and provide additional support into recovery.
The Board asked how mobile outreach coverage would work in Beverly and they explained they
are familiar with the area. They have also worked with Sargent Brown and depending on need,
they could come to Beverly 1 to 2 days a week currently. Ms. Morse made a motion to approve a
Syringe Service Program/Harm Reduction Service to operate in Beverly—Dr. Jordan seconded—
all in favor—approved.
The noise control discussion for leaf blowers requested from resident Kevin Barry, Mr. Barry had
to leave the meeting early so he was not present for the discussion. His concern is the noise that
comes from gas powered leaf blowers. He would like for the City's noise ordinance to be
amended, requesting that the City of Beverly to use electric leaf blowers. The Board recommends
that Mr. Barry contact his councilor with his concerns and have the City Council propose to
amend the noise ordinance for Beverly. The Board of Health will be happy to enforce what the
City Council amends.
Updates from the Board:
Dumpster regulations —Ms. DelleChiaie is reviewing the language of the City ordinance and
recommends that it needs to be amended. Ms. DelleChiaie will work on a proposed draft for
early fall.
Anti-Racism Efforts— The syringe service program will be helpful with underprivileged
populations. The City Council is having a racial equity presentation on June 26, 2023 which Ms.
DelleChiaie will be attending.
Opioid Settlement Funds and Community Based Mental Health Programs —The Board will
continue to brainstorm on areas that the funds can be used, Dr. Jordan suggested coming up with
two concrete proposals that Ms. DelleChiaie can present to the Mayor.
Ms. DelleChiaie reported that the beach season is underway, housing complaints are being
addressed and the Health Department had received another chicken complaint. She suggested
that the Board review the keeping of animals regulations in the upcoming months.
Teresa Kirsch, Public Health Nurse, Updates for the Board:
As of May 11, 2023 the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency has ended. The top three illnesses
(besides COVID)reported in the last month are Lyme Disease, Influenza and Foodborne Illness.
Ms. Kirsch continues to investigate infectious disease reports through Mass. Virtual
Epidemiologic Network(MAVEN) and by providers.
Direct Observation Therapy (DOT) ended June 9 h after client was cleared.
Camp inspections are on-going. Ms. Kirsch will share with Ms. Oldmixon the application for a
new camp which may be considered "primitive." Ms. Kirsch has offered camp directors naloxone
to have on hand if they need it.
Ms. Kirsch is planning on providing naloxone at community events this summer such as, the
Farmer's Market and Homecoming.
Ms. Morse motioned to adjoin the meeting—Dr. Jordan seconded—All in favor.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:34 P.M.
The next meeting will be scheduled for July 19, 2023.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynne DePiero
Secretary I