2003-01-23City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Board of Health
Subcommittee:
Date: January 23, 2003
Place: Beverly Council on Aging, Arts & Crafts Room
Board members present: Frank S. Carbone Jr., MD, Joseph W. Walsh Jr., and William J.
Alpine Jr.
Board members absent:
Others present: William Burke, Director of Public Health, Tom Scully, Director of
Community Services.
Recorder:Judith Balboni
Chairman Carbone opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
The minutes of the regular monthly meeting on December 19, 2002 were accepted as mailed.
First on the agenda was William Lupini, Superintendent of Schools who gave latest update on the
McKay School mold testing. He stated that a letter was sent out January 17, 2003 to parents and
staff at McKay updating them and informing them that a public meeting will be scheduled when
they have more detailed information. Mr. Lupini spoke of a preliminary verbal report from
Gordon Mycology consultant who said there are no current levels of mold in indoor air, in
occupied areas, at levels that would be of health concern. No specific information regarding dust
samples was provided with the report. MDPH was also informed. He is waiting for a written
report of results that should be including more detailed information and levels measured for bulk
and dust samples. He will keep us informed. The Board thanked him for coming.
The next agenda item, American Petroleum, 596 Cabot Street, regarding a third violation within
12 months of Board of Health Regulation, Chapter 9A Regulations Affecting Youth Access to
Tobacco. Owner Walid Geha was not present at meeting but he had called Mr. Burke and took
responsibility for sales and would accept Board’s decision.
Board member William Alpine asked to be excused from voting due to a possible conflict of
interest.
After further discussion, with agents of Coastal North Shore Boards of Health Tobacco Control
Collaborative, the Board voted 2-0 to fine the store $200.00 and suspend its license for two days.
Three other stores were caught selling tobacco to minors. They were Crossing Corner Market,
Getty Mart, both on Cabot Street and J&J’s Engine Stop on Hale Street. They were all first time
violators or one that had not failed a compliance check within the previous twenty-four month
period and will receive warnings.
Some discussion took place regarding language changes in ‘Youth Access to Tobacco’ and what
the criteria might be in decision about changing regulations?
Things to consider may be: frequency of violation, attitude of management to improve education
of new employees, intention of business to eliminate sale of smoking products.
Vending machines were also discussed.
The future is uncertain for Tobacco Control Program with the recent budget cuts. Representatives
think they will be okay until June but are not sure of the programs existence come July 2003. We
won’t know then how often compliance checks will be carried out or by who. Mr. Burke to work
with Tobacco Control Program to draft propose changes and report back to the Board at its
February meeting for further discussion.
Pat Zingariello gave an update on Community Wellness Day. She and Mr. Burke have worked out
a floor plan, letters have been sent inviting vendors and letters requesting support mailed. So far,
she is getting good response.
An internship/rotation program has been setup for seven Endicott College student nurses to each
spend three days in the Health Department observing the department’s community involvement.
Mr. Burke reminded the Board that Swampscott Board Member Dr. Block was hosting a forum
later this evening regarding pesticides and its affect on the community. All are welcome to attend.
Beverly will be hosting the next Regional Boards of Health Meeting at the Senior Center on
February 27, 2003.
A Choke-saving class was recently held at the Beverly Golf & Tennis Club for restaurant
employees of establishments having 25 or more seats. The session was organized by Joseph Reale
and given by Greater Beverly American Red Cross. About 45 persons participated.
Mr. Burke and Mr. Scully spoke of the recent budget cuts by the state to local cities and towns
and how it has affected municipal budgets. A 1% reduction was requested and forwarded to the
administration. A budget projection for FY2004 is scheduled to be provided to each department
at the beginning of February. If projection is available, a budget discussion will be added to
February meeting agenda.
Mr. Burke informed the Board that he filed a court complaint against Folly Hill regarding the
outstanding correction order at 55 Folly Pond Road.
The next scheduled board meeting is February 20, 2003.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judith Balboni