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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOH 08/13/2026Town of Mansfield Board of Health 0 August 13, 2026 Minutes 1U4 -,, n ''k. lea 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 enforcement of 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, Graham Wilson, Amy Donovan - Palmer. Absent: Kasia Frenette Guests: RAA Abdulla The meeting was called to order by Ms. Beura at 7:03pm on August 13, 2026. The Health Department received two letters from individuals representing Cambridge Citizens for Smokers' Rights, urging the Board of Health, Select Board, and Town Manager not to impose a Generational Tobacco and Nicotine Prohibition. Motion to approve the consent agenda made by Mr. McGarry, seconded by Mr. Wilson. Passed unanimously 4-0. Motion to approve the June 11, 2026 meeting minutes made by Mr. McGarry, seconded by Ms. West. Passed unanimously 4-0. Ms. Donovan -Palmer explained to the Board that Dollar General had dented cans that were not removed from the shelves. As a result, the establishment's risk category will be changed to Risk Category 2. Honey Dew was also discussed due to a sink that was blocked. Employees have continued to overlook the issue. No representative from either establishment attended the meeting; therefore, the Board will postpone discussion of this matter until the September meeting. UL ;Request for extensfon of Housing order to.co'rr"act 12 Pratt Street According to the Housing Code, property owners have 30 days to correct cited violations. All violations at 12 Pratt Street, with the exception of the front and back door locking devices, were corrected immediately or as soon as possible. The property at 12 Pratt Street consists of retail space on the first floor, with residential apartments located above. There is an existing door that cannot be used in accordance with requirements from the local Fire and Building Departments; however, this information was not communicated to the new owners. The new owners are requesting an extension to correct the remaining violation. Ms. Donovan -Palmer suggested that the Board grant an extension only until the September meeting and require documentation demonstrating the steps taken to correct the violation. The Board requested that a representative attend the September 10th meeting. Mr. Abdullah, owner of 12 Pratt Street, approached the podium and explained that he has been attempting to install an intercom system since approximately 2022-2023. He stated that multiple contractors have visited the property and provided estimates; however, when he attempted to move forward with the work, he did not receive responses. Mr. Abdullah stated that he is making a stronger effort to move the project forward and hopes to have additional information by the following week in order to expedite the installation. Mr. McGarry made a motion to allow 12 Pratt Street until the next scheduled September Board of Health meeting to correct the remaining housing violations. If the work is not complete by that time, the owner must provide the Board with documentation indicating the anticipated completion date. Town Council stated that the Smoke -Free Workplace Law prohibits the smoking of tobacco products, as defined in G.L. c.270, sec. 22, in locations prohibited by the law and its related regulation, 105 CMR 661. However, the state law and regulation do not prohibit smoking in open- air seating areas, such as the lawn. Smoking would also not be prohibited on the concourse, provided that smoke is not migrating back into enclosed buildings, such as restrooms or food and beverage facilities. Based on the description of the areas where smoking is permitted, Xfinity is complying with both state and local requirements regarding the smoking of tobacco products. Regarding Gilbert Street, the proposed development is a condominium complex, (residential compound). The engineer is seeking confirmation that, based on the way the local bylaw is written, the proposed development qualifies as a condominium. Town Council has ruled that it does qualify. Under Title 5, a condominium is not considered a shared system. The septic system will still require approval from the Health Department and must meet all applicable Title 5 requirements and criteria. V#II: Presentakioh on'Hi gh School Heath;Corticalum-Cartey;Deu ue;Sutrimer Intern; .: Ms. Carly Devine, the Health Department's summer `26 intern, approached the podium to share her project with the Board. The project focused on increasing public health education and awareness at Mansfield High School. The Mansfield Health Department collaborated with MHS instructors to give Carley the creative liberty to develop a four -week interactive public health curriculum for upcoming juniors and seniors. The goal of Nicotine Free Generation is Massachusetts permanently bans the commercial sale of tobacco and nicotine products to anyone born after a specific date. Towns set a specific date (such as January 1, 2000, or later). Anyone born after that date can never legally buy tobacco or vapes in that town. Mrs. Beura asked if the State has weighed in on this yet? Ms. Donovan -Palmer explained that, from a legislative perspective, several State Representatives are pursuing legislation that could restrict local Boards of Health from adopting regulations that are more stringent than existing State laws. Mrs. Donovan -Palmer shared with the Board that the Health Department received a small grant related to Tobacco Control. She suggested exploring opportunities to partner with the schools to bring educational programs to students. The Health Department and the Mansfield High School nurse have an excellent working relationship and have successfully collaborated on initiatives such as flu clinics. Mrs. Donovan -Palmer also noted that September is Suicide Prevention Month and suggested partnering with the schools to explore opportunities to provide age -appropriate education and awareness programming for students. X Jpae) ]ul 2U2G Fu6 is Head#fi �iatsmg deport & lrtfeetrous Drsease'Uptlati* None Free Health Screenings including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, Hands only CPR and associated prevention information • 2nd 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, 31 Thursday of each month, 2pm-3pm (revisiting these discussions due to lack of attendance). r XI) Dep�rttrlejn# Updates % / l • Whole Community Planning • Permitting • Bristol -Norfolk Public Health Partners Coalition Grants Update • Website/ Social Media Update • FOG • Grants m 6 UGi Z.(o Clerk Date 13