7.27.2026 Board of Health

Meeting summary The Fall River Board of Health held a virtual meeting on July 27, 2026, with members Thomas Cory and Michael J. Coughlin present. The board began by approving the minutes from their May 18, 2026 meeting. They then approved tattoo practitioner applications for Aaron Gerard and Lawrence Ford. Three applications for the keeping of animals were also approved: Jessica Perez for up to 8 hens, Jose Calheta for an amended request of 18 chickens and 5 ducks, and Raymond Leboy for 8 hens, despite letters of opposition from neighbors concerned about vermin. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a tobacco violation hearing for Farm Market at 223 Durfee Street. This was the store's second offense, involving the sale of flavored vapes. The owner, Tanvir Sajib, claimed the items were leftover from a previous owner. The board found the offense credible, upheld a mandatory $2,000 fine, and imposed a 7-day suspension of their tobacco license. The board also heard from Paul Furlan, Administrator of Community Utilities, regarding beaver activity causing flooding and potential road damage near Mill Pond and Bell Rock Road. The board voted to issue an emergency letter to the Conservation Commission to allow for the installation of "beaver deceiver" solutions. Furlan also provided a brief update, stating that water fluoridation could resume within a few months after a multi-year hiatus.The meeting concluded with a director's report from Tess Curran on departmental activities, including the Mass in Motion program, and the scheduling of the next meeting for August 31, 2026. Topics discussed Meeting Opening and Roll CallThe meeting was called to order by Thomas Cory, and a roll call was conducted, establishing a quorum with Michael J. Coughlin also present. Approval of MinutesThe board voted to approve the minutes from the May 18, 2026 meeting as presented. Approval of the minutes from the meeting of May 18, 2026. — passedApproval of the minutes from the meeting of May 18, 2026. Tattoo Practitioner Application: Aaron GerardThe board approved a tattoo practitioner application for Aaron Gerard to work at Up in Flames, noting all his paperwork was in order. Approval of the tattoo practitioner application for Aaron Gerard. — approvedApproval of the tattoo practitioner application for Aaron Gerard. Tattoo Practitioner Application: Lawrence FordThe board approved a tattoo practitioner application for Lawrence Ford to work at Painted Savage Tattoo after he successfully completed his apprenticeship. Approval of the tattoo practitioner application for Lawrence Ford. — approvedApproval of the tattoo practitioner application for Lawrence Ford. Animal Keeping Permit: Jessica PerezThe board approved an application for Jessica Perez to keep up to 8 hens at 37 Smith Street, with conditions including no roosters and a rodent control contract. Approval of the application for the keeping of animals for Jessica Perez. — approvedApproval of the application for the keeping of animals for Jessica Perez. Approval of the amended application for the keeping of animals for Jose Calheta (18 chickens, 5 ducks). — approvedApproval of the amended application for the keeping of animals for Jose Calheta (18 chickens, 5 ducks). Animal Keeping Permit: Jose CalhetaThe board approved an amended application for Jose Calheta at 36 Forestry Way to increase his animal count from 12 chickens to 18 chickens and 5 ducks, with a neighbor speaking in support. Animal Keeping Permit: Raymond LeboyThe board approved an application for Raymond Leboy to keep 8 hens at 578 Penn Street after reading two letters of opposition from neighbors concerned about vermin. Approval of the application for the keeping of animals for Raymond Leboy. — approvedApproval of the application for the keeping of animals for Raymond Leboy. Motion to close the tobacco violation hearing. — passedMotion to close the tobacco violation hearing. Tobacco Violation Hearing: Farm MarketThe board conducted a hearing for Farm Market's second tobacco violation, which involved possessing flavored vapes. The board imposed a $2,000 fine and a 7-day license suspension. Motion to open the tobacco violation hearing. — passedMotion to open the tobacco violation hearing. Motion to uphold the mandatory fine and impose a 7-day suspension for Farm Market's tobacco violation. — passedMotion to uphold the mandatory fine and impose a 7-day suspension for Farm Market's tobacco violation. Beaver Management at Mill PondPaul Furlan of Community Utilities requested and received approval for an emergency letter to install 'beaver deceiver' solutions to mitigate flooding and potential road damage caused by beaver dams. Motion to provide the Department of Community Utilities with an emergency letter to install beaver solutions. — passedMotion to provide the Department of Community Utilities with an emergency letter to install beaver solutions. Scheduling Next MeetingThe board set its next meeting date for August 31, 2026. Water Fluoridation UpdatePaul Furlan provided an update on water fluoridation, stating a new product has been sourced and the system could be operational again within a couple of months after a long hiatus. Director's ReportTess Curran reported on departmental activities, including filling a Mass in Motion position, community outreach on tick-borne diseases, and a successful youth bike safety event. Motion to adjourn the meeting. — passedMotion to adjourn the meeting. Links Re...