HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-03-20 Board Of Health Minutesorq c
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes RECEIVED ^�
TOWN CLERK
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READING. MASS.
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Board of Health 201h FEB 22 P 122
Date: 2014 -03 -20 Time: 5:35 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: General Business
Attendees: Members - Present:
Barbara Meade, David Singer, Andrew Friedmann
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Kalpesh Patel, Sandra Popaja, Anthony Capraro, Dan Dewar, Daniel Muise,
John Holland, David Mattuchio, Matthew Durand, Rick Camuso, Julianne
DeAngelis, Charles Collings, Timothy A. Brooks, Elaine Webb, lames
Bonazoli, Lester Hartman, MD, Maureen Buzby and Ruth Clay, Staff
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Darlene Foley
Topics of Discussion:
Public Hearing - Revision to Regulation Restricting the Sale of Tobacco Products and
Nicotine Delivery Products
The hearing was called to order at 5:36 pm. Mr. Patel stated that raising the age to 21
would affect his business and he did not support the change. Ms. Popaja agreed with Mr.
Patel, to keep the age at 18 as to not Impact businesses. Mr. Capraro also agreed to keep
the age at 18 as to not impact businesses. Mr. Dewar, Reading Quick Stop stated that
penalizing the business owner would not get those ages 18 -20 to stop smoking. He had
read Dr. Hartman's data and felt that it was flawed, that youth smoking was down. He
stated that 20% of his cigarette revenue would be Impacted along with other revenue; feels
it is unreasonable and infringing upon people's rights. He feels that people of Reading
should vote on this. Mr. Mulse agreed that 18 -20 year olds should be able to purchase
cigarettes. Mr. Holland agreed with Mr. Dewar and if 18 -20 year olds are able to serve their
country they should be able to purchase tobacco products. Mr. Mattuchlo introduced
himself as new owner of a business opening on Haven Street selling e- cigarettes and liquid
vapors. He did not support the regulation to increase the age to 21. Mr. Collings supported
the local business owners. Mr. Brooks said if you are old enough to serve your country you
should be able to purchase tobacco products. Ms. Webb, RCASA President, disagreed with
those who oppose the change in regulation. She stated that of the 1400 students in the
high school, 34% of the population smoked. Increasing the age to 21 could greatly Impact
the supply of tobacco getting to students. Soldiers who do not want to smoke are also
being impacted by other soldiers who do. Smoking kills people and she supports waiting
until the age of 21 to purchase tobacco. Matthew Durand, Government Affairs Associate of
Cumberland Farms, read a prepared statement in opposition to proposed increase In
minimum age to purchase tobacco and e- cigarettes (copy attached). Mr. Bonazoli stressed
he is in favor of having a healthy community. He is concerned with the increasing costs to
taxpayers who foot the bill for treatment of smoking caused illnesses of veterans. He
doesn't want to affect local businesses; however increasing the age to purchase tobacco
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products would be of benefit to the younger community. Dr. Hartman stated that he is here
for the kids. 80% of lifetime nicotine addiction occurs by 18 years and 90% by 21 years.
In response to issues raised during the public hearing that businesses would go out of
business, he stated that the total loss of revenue is only 2.12% of their total tobacco
revenue. Owners of restaurants and bars had the same fears when smoking was banned
and it didn't happen. When Needham changed to 21 years in 2005, not a single
convenience store went out of business. When cigarette taxes increased, one convenience
store owner opened a bakery. He stated that unless you are 21 years or older, you cannot
get a license to carry a gun, rent a car, purchase or drink alcohol or rent a hotel room in
various places. In response to those who felt that if you can serve and give your life for
your country at age 18 you should be able to purchase tobacco, what are the rights of the
67% of the military who don't smoke? The US Army Surgeon General says soldiers who
smoke are less combat ready and take longer to heal.
Meade made motion to close the public hearing. Motion seconded by Friedmann.
Clay advised that the local communities of Winchester and Wakefield have voted to increase
the minimum age to 21 to purchase tobacco effective July 1, 2014. Stoneham and Medford
are in the process of updating their tobacco regulations. The Massachusetts Health Officers
Association has also endorsed raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco to 21. Meade
and Singer both stated that they support this change to protect the health of the
community. Friedmann stated the change is necessary to protect the public's health as
nicotine and alcohol are both addictive drugs.
Friedmann made motion to approve the revision to Regulation Restricting the Sale of
Tobacco and Nicotine Delivery Products to age 21. Singer seconded; motion passed 3:0:0.
Health Director's Report
Clay advised that on March 19, 2014 the Reading Health Department participated in an
emergency preparation drill to order supplies through WebEOC.
A recent meeting regarding recreational camps went well. We will not be licensing the
school department summer program as a camp.
The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security issued a 50% matching grant to buy an
AED (Automated External Defibrillator). One has been ordered for the town hail. School
nurses were contacted and all schools have one.
Friedmann asked if any tobacco compliance checks had been performed recently. Clay
stated they had not as yet.
The minutes of January 16, 2014 were presented. Meade made motion to accept, seconded
by Friedmann. Motion passed 3:0:0
The minutes of February 26, 2014 were presented. Singer made motion to accept,
seconded by Singer. Motion passed 3:0:0
Meade made motion to adjourn, seconded by Friedmann. Meeting adjourned at 6:35 pm
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