BOH minutes 9-27-23 amended City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Board of Health
Date: September 27,2023
Place: Beverly Council on Aging Building Suites A& B
Board members present:Dr.Justin Jordan,Rachel Morse,Dr. Sheryl Silva
Others present: Laura DelleChiaie,Director, Teresa Kirsch,Public Health Nurse,Matt Lipinski,
Animal Control Officer
Recorder: Lynne DePiero,Administrative Assistant
Dr. Jordan called the meeting to order at 6:OOp.m.
The minutes from the June 21, 2023 and July 19, 2023 were approved.
Mr. Moriarty of 12 Elnew was present to discuss his application for 5 chickens,no roosters. Mr.
Lipinski confirmed that the coop size is in compliance and he has discussed the waste removal
with the resident. The resident plans on disposing waste in the trash and if it becomes a problem
will change over to composting. Dr. Silva motioned to approve the permit,Ms. Morse seconded
— all in favor.
The resident for 106 Standley Street was not present. Mr. Lipinski explained that they already
have a permit for chickens and this application is a second request to add 2 goats. The goats are
already in place and the resident has made several changes to his enclosure to ensure the goats
can't jump over the fence. Mr. Lipinski stated that there is sufficient space for the 2 goats. Ms.
Morse motioned to approve the permit, Dr. Silva seconded— all in favor.
Elliott Beer& Wine Market had requested a hearing contending a violation fine of$2,000. and a
7-Day suspension, but did not show up to contest the violation. Ms. Morse stated that if they
failed to show up then they forfeit their hearing. Ms. Morse moved to deny the appeal and keep
the violation in place. Dr. Silva seconded—all in favor.
The Board discussed that there have been some administrative issues with the information
relayed to the Board of Health on compliance violations. Ms. DelleChiaie suggested that on the
days that Ms. Redford will be doing compliance checks in Beverly that they have a quick
conversation to solidify the facts on any violations to try to reduce any future errors. The Board
also suggested for the Health Department to have a tobacco permit spreadsheet to keep track of
any violations that establishments may have.
Ms. DelleChiaie asked the Board members to vote on nominating the Board Chair as signatory
on behalf of the Board for any official documents pertaining to the Board of Health/Health
Department. The members asked how they would be informed if any official documents needed
to be signed off. Ms. DelleChiaie said she would send an email to members detailing what she
would need. If the members had any concerns than they would hold it until the next meeting to
discuss in person. Dr. Silva motioned to approve—Ms. Morse seconded— all in favor.
Board of Health Annual Report—Ms. DelleChiaie reviewed the Health Department's
accomplishments over the last fiscal year. Ms. DelleChiaie reported that she is going to
investigate more of the Biological companies in Beverly and make sure they are permitted; also
informing more landlords that occupancy inspections are needed before any new tenants move in.
The Board has recommended when we mail our tobacco renewal applications for 2024 to include
a packet reinforcing the regulation revisions and the signage establishments need to display. Dr.
Silva asked if the Board could also review any initial tanning, body art practitioner and
establishment applications before they are approved. Dr. Silva motioned to approve reviewing
the new applications—Ms. Morse seconded—all in favor.
The Board thanked the health department and staff for all of their hard work.
Dr. Jordan inquired about the Medical Director, Dr. Demetrious Rizos. Ms. Kirsch will
investigate and report more details at the next Board meeting.
Outreach to underserved communities—Dr. Jordan has reached out to Beverly Bootstraps
regarding food desert communities in the area. They informed him that Apple Village is a good
starting place as there is no easy way in or out, and may have some opportunities we could assist
with in their neighborhood. Anchor Bay Church is having a Health fair in October and he
suggested if we could partner with Apple Village's neighbor, Cell Signaling, and ask if they
would help with transportation needs.
Ms. DelleChiaie will check with Councilor Rotondo to see if there are any identifiable gaps with
residents that do not have healthcare insurance.
Dr. Silva suggested partnering with the Beverly Schools in regards to childhood obesity. If we
could invite the school dietician and food services director to a meeting to discuss healthy
choices for lunches.
Opioid Settlement funds update—Ms. DelleChiaie informed the Board about her pitch to allocate
the funds for a Social Services Navigator Position that would be out in the community. If
approved, she hopes to hire someone multilingual that reflects the languages spoken in the
community. She has discussed the position with Be Healthy Beverly and all City Councilors.
Eight out of the nine Councilors responded and support the proposal. Ms. DelleChiaie will
discuss with the Mayor and Finance Director on how this position would be supported. Dr.
Jordan asked how he could assist Ms. DelleChiaie with this idea and she proposed that he join
the meeting with the Mayor and herself to discuss the position.
Laura DelleChiaie, Director, updates for the Board:
Ms. DelleChiaie reported that the beach season has ended—lots of rainfall this summer with high
bacteria counts. She handed out a packet with data from 2018-2023 about enterococci (bacteria)
levels.
She has been appointed as a member of the Beth Israel Lahey Community Benefits Advisory
Committee (Beverly Hospital).
She will continue to work on updating the regulations for keeping of animals, body art&
establishments, dumpsters and a new fee schedule for discussions later in November and into
January. We will start our permit renewal process in November. Ms. DelleChiaie will look into
getting our new regulations updated on E-Code.
Teresa Kirsch, Public Health Nurse, Updates for the Board:
Ms. Kirsch completed the 2023 camp season with issuing 25 camp permits.
Preparation for the fall flu clinics with our regional partners,Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody,
Salem and Swampscott are scheduled:
Peabody 9/13/23
Marblehead 9/26/23
Salem 9/27/23
Swampscott 9/28/23
Danvers 10/5/23
Beverly 10/10/23
There is also a first responder flu clinic on 9/28/23 at the Beverly Police Department.
She has handed out several outreach bags that were funded by a Public Health Excellence (PHE)
Grant, which included, a blanket, water bottle, first aid kit, winter hat, wipes, snacks and
sunscreen. In addition,narcan kits and covid kits were available at the community events she
attended.
She continues to work with body artist Ms. Tavares to permit her beauty school which will offer
micropigmentation training.
Based on limited testing, covid cases appear to be on the rise in the region.
Four free covid home tests are now available to every household through the Federal
Government at CovidTests.gov or call 1-800-232-0233.
She continues to follow-up on animal bites and reportable diseases.
Dr. Silva motioned to adjoin the meeting—Ms. Morse seconded—All in favor.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:50p.m.
The next meeting will be scheduled for October 18, 2023 at 6:30p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynne DePiero
Administrative Assistant