Board of Health

Office of the Board of Health City Hall 166 Boulder Drive – Suite 108 Fitchburg, Massachusetts 01420 978-829-1870 An organizational meeting was held on April 4, 2019 at 5:00 pm. Present: Stephen Curry, Director; Sandra Knipe, R.N.B.S.N.; John Bogdasarian, M.D., Chairman; Dina Vazquez, Shade & Light Custom Tattoo Studio. Hearing: Body Art Regulations Micro Blading/Permanent Makeup: Dina Vazquez, Shade & Light Custom Tattoo Studio: Ms. Vazquez stated she is a licensed Tattoo Artist in Fitchburg with over 6 years’ experience in the industry and would like to expand her portfolio by adding Micro Blading to her services. Ms. Vazquez stated she feels Micro blading/Permanent Cosmetics should fall into the same guidelines as Tattooing. It was brought to her attention that the BOH feels that Micro Blading/Permanent makeup falls under a separate category from Tattooing and therefore under different licensing. Ms. Vazquez stated that Micro Blading is Tattooing. Micro blading is opening the skin and placing pigment beneath it just like a traditional tattoo and only penetrates the dermis, the top layer of the skin surface The definition of Tattooing is any method of placing ink or other pigment into or under the skin by the aid of needles or any other instrument used to puncture the skin, resulting in permanent coloration of the skin or mucosa. This term includes all forms of cosmetic tattooing. In traditional tattooing a machine either a coil or rotary machine holds the needles. In Micro Blading there is NO blade being used, it’s a manual instrument which holds the needle configuration at its tips. These pens are available as a metal pen where the needle is screwed into the top and then thrown away after use and the pen can be sterilized. There is also a one use disposable pen/needle combo available. Ms. Vazquez said there is no greater or less chance of infection. Any time the skin is opened there is a risk of infection. The chances are not greater of infection with micro blading then with a traditional tattoo, they are the same. While lengthy discussion with the Board of Health members asked numerous questions to Ms. Vazquez. Dr. Bogdasarian made a motion to approve Ms. Vazquez application for Micro Blading. Motion was 2nd by Ms. Knipe. All were in favor. Motion carries. Approve Meeting Minutes: Sandra Knipe made a motion to approve the March 7, 2019 meeting minutes. Motion was 2nd by Dr. Bogdasarian. All were in favor. Motion carries. Fitchburg/Sanitary Landfill – Residential Permit Review & Commercial Permit Review: Mr. Curry stated Fitchburg residents who own a home can obtain an annual residential sticker for $35.00 that allows them to bring regular household trash and recycle to the landfill as well as two barrels of construction debris. In 2013, the BOH expanded this program and allowed home owners who own multiple units in Fitchburg to get a landfill sticker and pay an additional $20.00 per unit. Residents can also obtain a free Recycling sticker to drop off recycle only. Mr. Curry stated currently residents who are tenants in Fitchburg have to pay $50.00 to receive a one day pass to bring trash to the landfill. Mr. Curry stated he would like to revise the regulation to give tenants an opportunity to purchase a permit to use at the landfill for an annual fee. Dr. Bogdasarian made a motion to adopt a program allowing Fitchburg tenants the ability to purchase a yearly landfill permit for $50.00 effective July 1, 2019. Motion was 2nd by Ms. Knipe. All were in favor. Motion carries. FY 20 Budget and CDBG update: Mr. Curry stated there is no change. The final review will go before the Mayor and a vote by the Council will be in June. Tobacco Permittee update: Mr. Curry stated Johnny’s Service Station will be back in for a hearing. A.L. Prime at 267 Mechanic St may be in for a hearing as well. Staff Reports: Mr. Curry presented the Nurse, Sanitary Inspectors, Food & Milk Inspector, Sanitary Inspector’s & Substance Abuse Coordinator reports. Ms. Knipe made a motion to accept the Substance Abuse Coordinator report for March 2019. Motion was 2nd by Dr. Bogdasarian. All were in favor. Motion carries. Ms. Knipe made a motion to accept the Nurse’s report for March 2019. Motion was 2nd by Dr. Bogdasarian. All were in favor. Motion carries. Dr. Bogdasarian made a motion to accept the Housing Inspectors reports for January thru March, 2019. Motion was 2nd by Ms. Knipe. All were in favor. Motion carries. Next meeting scheduled for May 2, 2019. Sandra Knipe made a motion to adjourn. Motion was 2nd by Dr. Bogdasarian. All were in favor, meeting adjourned at 6:30 PM.