2004-02-19City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Board of Health
Subcommittee:
Date: February 19, 2004
Place: Beverly Council on Aging, Arts & Crafts Room
Board members present: Frank S. Carbone Jr., MD, and Joseph W. Walsh, Jr.
Board members absent: William J. Alpine, Jr.
Others present: William Burke, Director of Public Health and Pat Zingarieilo, Public Health Nurse.
Recorder: Pat Zingariello and William Burke
Chairman Carbone called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m.
The Board reviewed and accepted the minutes of January 15, 2004.
Mr. Burke introduced Mr. William Jack, a senior scientist from New England Biolabs. New
England Biolabs has applied to the Board of Health for a permit to conduct an experiment
requiring over a Biosafety Level 1 containment. Board of Health regulations requires anyone
conducting these experiments to get permit from Board of Health. Mr. Burke said it is more of a
concern to the technician or scientist doing experiment rather than the general public or other
occupants of the building. It's more of a worker-protection issue.
It will be necessary to put together an independent bio-hazard committee of three members to
review the company's proposal and inspect the laboratory to make sure safety standards are met.
The Board of Health will be the governing body. Mr. Jack submitted names of three individuals
who have served in the past. The Board voted to grant the permit pending the concurrence of the
Biohazard Committee.
Mr. Jack will speak at the Regional meeting March 18th at the Senior Center. Dr. Carbone asked
him to explain the industry in layman's terms. Chairman Carbone thanked Mr. Jack for coming
and will look forward to next meeting.
Mr. Burke informed the Board that Curtis Ersing, 299 Essex St. whose conditional permit to
house chickens expired in January, has applied for permit. Jim Lindley, Animal Control Inspector
has inspected property, has no complaints and sees no problem. Mr. Walsh moved to extend
permit from 4 to 6 chickens. Board approved. ·
Mr. Burke had some updates; he has been instructed to prepare a level funded budget. Discussion
will take place at next meeting.
Sue Pelletier, RDH of the Dental Clinic has organized a 4th grade song contest in recognition of
February's Dental Health Month. This year's American Dental Association's slogan is "A
Healthy Smile is Always in Style". Each participant will receive a prize. The winner will
receive a gift certificate to be presented on Community Wellness Day.
As part of the Regional Emergency Preparedness Coalition, Beverly & Peabody along with
fifteen other communities have been moving ahead with proposed plans for funding to be for
next three years and earmarked for public health. Beverly finished MDPH & ODP (Office of
Domestic Prep) surveys. The surveys are required to obtain emergency preparedness funding.
The GIS program is progressing. Roland Adams has new maps of the community detailing septic
system & private wells. They will be accessible on the computer within a few months. Mr. Burke
has been looking at software for permitting. This will save time in administration, labor and
paperwork.
Regarding Community Wellness Day, donations have been requested and a few have come in. A
banner will be hung across Cabot Street downtown and at Cummings Center.
The next Regional Boards of Health meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2004 @ 7pm at the
Council on Aging.
The next regular Board of Health meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2004 at 6pm.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 am.