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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOH 05/14/2026Town of Mansfield Board of Health May 14, 2026 Minutes Mission Statement: The mission of the Mansfield Board of Health is to protect, preserve and improve the public health, environment, and wellbeing of our citizens through the enforce I. rrentof federal, state, and local statutes and regulations, education and promotion of sanitary living and working conditions, and protection of the environment from disease and pollution. Present: Emily Beura, Acting Chair, John McGarry, Chris West, Amy Donovan -Palmer. Absent: Graham Wilson Guests: Girish Patel, Dinesh Patel, Paul Gilpin, 5 other guests attended but did not sign the attendance sheet. Ms. Emily Beura will be acting chairwoman for this evening's Board of Health meeting. Ms. Beura called the meeting to order at 7:00pm on May 14, 2026. None. Motion to approve the consent agenda made by Mr. McGarry, seconded by Ms. West. Passed unanimously 4-0. Motion to approve the March 14, 2026 meeting minutes made by Mr. McGarry, seconded by Ms. West. Passed unanimously 4-0. iVF[D 01 -ICE Ms. Donovan -Palmer informed the Board that this was the third violation committed by Town News within the past two years. She explained that the first violation involved the sale of tobacco products to a minor, the second involved cigar pricing violations, and this was now the third violation. Paul Gilpin, Regional Health Inspector for Bristol Norfolk Public Health Partners, was called to the podium to explain the circumstances surrounding the violation. Mr. Gilpin stated that on April 7, 2026, he conducted a routine retail food inspection at Town News. During the inspection, he observed a customer enter the store, walk behind the counter where the cigar humidors are A 10: 20 L 0_ �77-- JEiIJ located, open an unlocked humidor, remove three cigars, and proceed to the cashier. According to Mr. Gilpin, the cashier did not request identification from the customer before completing the transaction. Since this establishment is not 21 plus, there is no self service that should ever occur, and all humidors need to remain locked at all times. Paul did a re -inspection on May 5, 2026 and stated that he did notice locks on the humidors. Mr. Patel approached the podium owner of Mansfield, Ma. And explained that he admits to making the mistake and has paid all the fines that have been issued to him. Ms. Donovan -Palmer stated that after we conducted our routine tobacco inspection that the tobacco permit holders asked if we could provide more training, so we offered two online educational trainings and no one attended. Ms. Donovan -Palmer emphasized that the State does not make it easy to sell tobacco in this State. Ms. Beura stated that she would like to have a problem -solving conversation and revisit this issue as a future agenda item to better understand how the Board can assist with the educational process. Ms. Beura then asked the Board for its thoughts regarding the 90-day suspension. Mr. McGarry suggested reducing the suspension to two days. Ms. Frenette made a motion to fine Town News $5,000 and to suspend their tobacco permit for 2 days, seconded by Ms. West. Passed unanimously 4-0. 1CM 1Mnorr�c#d PIF'f1 S��drl�rzla#i�rnnyreAi #r T°a Nevys l ` Dinesh Patel approached the podium and explained that when deliveries are received at the store, he must review the products and check expiration dates to ensure that no expired items are available for sale. Ms. Frenette suggested implementing a policy requiring employees to regularly inspect products and monitor expiration dates to identify and remove any expired food items. In the health departments old regulations; it states that each body art practitioner may supervise only one apprentice at a time. In the new body art regulations, it says there shall be a 1:1 ratio for direct supervision of an apprentice during any and all body art procedures. This new regulation is saying you can't have an overlap of supervising. Ms. Donovan -Palmer asked the Board if they want one apprentice per practitioner or 1 on 1 direct supervision? Ms. Donovan -Palmer added language that said, each licensed tattoo and piercing body art practitioner can only have one apprentice at a time. Ms. Donovan -Palmer mentioned that she has been working on the apprentice agreement. We recently had an apprentice complete an application to work under Boston Johns Tattoo. After reviewing the previous form, which only required the supervisor's signature, it was determined that the updated form will require the supervisor to highlight and initial the applicable responsibilities, or next steps once the application is completed. This change is intended to provide clearer direction and accountability throughout the approval process. Ms. Donovan -Palmer will send the regulations to a couple body art establishments to get their feedback. The next monthly meeting, a vote will be taken on the regulations. No updates this month. Free Health Screenings including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, Hands only CPR and associated prevention information • 2"d Tuesday at the COA, 255 Hope Street, 9am-12pm • 3rd Wednesday at Town Hall, 6 Park Row, 9am-12pm Public Health Discussion at the COA, 255 Hope Street, 311 Thursday of each month, 2pm-3pm • May Topic: Sun Safety • The Elks will be hosting a Narcan Saturday afternoon from 12pm to 2pm on August 8,2026. Our Regional nurse and Epidemiologist will be attending. • Permitting — Xfinity Center • Bristol -Norfolk Public Health Partners Coalition Grants Update • PFAS • Website/ Social Media Update • Housing Inspections • FOG • Grants None. Ms. Donovan -Palmer explained that, in February, the Board voted to enforce the FDA regulations governing the sale of products that have received granted marketing orders. As a result, the number of nicotine pouch products that may be sold by local retailers is limited. Although a small number of approved brands are available, Mansfield's regulation limiting nicotine strength to 6 mg or less further restricts the products eligible for sale. In addition, Massachusetts law prohibits flavored nicotine products, further limiting the nicotine pouches that retailers may carry. Mr. Girish Patel addressed the Board and requested permission to sell his remaining inventory of tobacco products. Ms. Donovan -Palmer confirmed that an email had been sent to all tobacco retailers on February 18, 2026, providing a three-month period to sell any remaining non -compliant inventory. She stated that she is responsible for enforcing the Board's regulations, which require compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Ms. Beura informed Mr. Patel that the Board would not be granting his request. XU} dJoriyntt7en# Motion to adjourn at 8:30pm made by Mr. McGarry, seconded by Ms. West. Approved 4-0. Clerk Date