Board of Health

Braintree Board of Health Meeting Held Via Zoom Thursday, June 23, 2022, 7:00 p.m. IN ATTENDANCE: Dr. Arthur Bregoli, Chairman Dr. Philip Nedelman, Vice Chairman NOT PRESENT: Juliana Melchionda, Member ALSO PRESENT: Marybeth McGrath, Director of ML & I Kathleen Mahoney, Tobacco Inspection & Compliance Dr. Bregoli called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. by roll call vote: Dr. Bregoli-yes; Dr. Nedelman-yes Approval of Meeting Minutes: May 12, 2022 Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to approve the minutes of May 12, 2022. Second By: Dr. Bregoli Unanimously Voted by roll call: Dr. Bregoli-yes; Dr. Nedelman-yes List of Complaints: The Board reviewed a list of complaints received from May 9-June 17, 2022. Ms. McGrath stated it has been incredibly busy in the office and she was unable to provide a list of complaints. She stated this time of year they are getting complaints about high weeds and grass, rodent activity, housing complaints, and trash complaints. The staff is following up to make sure these things are being addressed. New Business: Request for Variance of Lifeguard Provision, Reservoir Crossing, 614 Pond Street Ms. McGrath stated this is a renewal. When the applicant first opened in 2010 they requested a partial variance to not have lifeguards on duty Monday through Thursday each week. This year they are requesting the same. They provided bather logs from last season. They have two lifeguards on staff. Ms. McGrath recommended approval. Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to approve variance of lifeguard provision, Reservoir Crossing, 614 Pond Street Second By: Dr. Bregoli Dr. Bregoli-yes; Dr. Nedelman-yes Braintree Board of Health, June 23, 2022 Page 2 of 4 Request for Variance of Well Regulation (property line and roadway setbacks), William Sweeney, 27 Fern Road William Sweeney was present before the Board via Zoom. Ms. McGrath stated she visited the property. The applicant can only meet a 14 foot side yard setback and 91 foot roadway setback. Ms. McGrath recommended approval. All abutters have been notified and receipt of notification has been provided. Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to approve variance for well regulation, 27 Fern Road Second By: Dr. Bregoli Dr. Bregoli-yes; Dr. Nedelman-yes Body Art Practitioner Permit Application: Fabiola de Oliveira Araujo Goncalves (Eye Brow Glam) Ms. De Oliveira Araujo Goncalves was present before the Board via Zoom. Ms. McGrath stated the applicant works at Eye Brow Glam at the South Shore Plaza. Jennifer Alves is the business owner, who is also present at this meeting. The applicant has the necessary qualifications. Ms. McGrath recommended approval. Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to approve Body Art Practitioner Permit application, Fabiola de Oliveira Araujo Goncalves Second By: Dr. Bregoli Dr. Bregoli-yes; Dr. Nedelman-yes Barbara Ferreira (Eye Brow Glam) Ms. Ferreira was present before the Board via Zoom. Ms. McGrath stated Ms. Ferreira will be working at Eye Brow Glam at the South Shore Plaza. The applicant has the necessary qualifications. Ms. McGrath recommended approval. Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to approve Body Art Practitioner Permit Application for Barbara Ferreira Second By: Dr. Bregoli Dr. Bregoli-yes; Dr. Nedelman-yes Braintree Board of Health, June 23, 2022 Page 3 of 4 Introduction of Kathleen S. Mahoney, New Tobacco Inspection & Compliance Officer: Ms. McGrath stated for many years they worked with Jerry McLaughlin, however, he is no longer available. Ms. Mahoney works in many other communities and will be doing compliance and inspection for tobacco. She will also be doing general merchant inspections. Ms. Mahoney introduced herself. Dr. Nedelman asked if Braintree ever approves the sales of recreational marijuana will that overlap with tobacco sales. Ms. Mahoney stated that will be completely separate. Ms. Mahoney stated she has been doing this type of work for four years. She is part of a coalition of local towns. The laws are constantly changing and she feels education is essential for the retailers. If she sees something incorrect she lets the retailer know and then goes back to see if they are in compliance. She also handles complaints to local Boards of Health. She will send an inspector and then go in and talk to the retailer. She stated if she sees a new product on the shelves she will notify the Board and do research into the item. Ms. Mahoney stated that the FDA just announced today they want to remove Juul nicotine delivery devices from the market. She stated she thinks the FDA is behind the curve because the sales of Juul is down and other brands have come onto the market. Dr. Nedelman expressed concern that they not go lightly on establishments that have previously been fined, since there has been a gap in inspections due to Covid. Ms. Mahoney stated the state is very clear on this and she has to give a $1000 fine to establishments that sell to individuals under the age of 21. If it is a second offense the fine is $2000 and increases to $5000 for subsequent offenses. Ms. McGrath stated the new state regulations supersede any local regulation and there are strict and severe fines. She stated it is important to get back out there and educate all establishment owners. Dr. Nedelman asked how many vendors are in Braintree. Ms. McGrath stated the number has dropped as businesses have closed and there are now approximately 32. Informational: Ms. McGrath stated she will be having meeting minutes prepared for the Board’s joint meeting with the Town Council Committee on Rules and Ordinances which was held on June 22, 2022. Ms. McGrath stated she has prepared a list of proposed meeting dates for the next six months which she will be sending to the Board members for their review. Effective July 15, unless there is a change at the state level, Zoom meetings will no longer be permitted and they will have to meet in person. Ms. McGrath announced they have begun beach testing. They are keeping a close eye on Sunset Lake because last year they had a blue-green algae problem which shutdown the lake for a month. Braintree Board of Health, June 23, 2022 Page 4 of 4 Ms. McGrath announced the state has provided Covid test kits that can be distributed to all Braintree residents. They received a large shipment this week and will be doing a distribution event on June 28. Notification and public announcements will be going out through the Mayor’s office. Next Meeting: To Be Determined Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to adjourn the meeting at 7:31 p.m. Second By: Dr. Bregoli Unanimously Voted by roll call: Dr. Bregoli-yes; Dr. Nedelman-yes