0:00A major topic of discussion was the comprehensive review of the town’s tobacco and vape product sale regulations. The Board scrutinized the proposed 2025 sample regulations, which aim to refine existing rules and eliminate redundancies. Members highlighted the need to remove a duplicated paragraph and to introduce new definitions with clearer language. The conversation also delved into whether provisions related to smoking bars and adult retail tobacco stores were necessary, given that the town prohibits on-site tobacco consumption. Despite the current prohibition, members suggested retaining certain language in the regulations for future reference.

19:49The Board emphasized the importance of defining a “bona fide purchaser” to prevent businesses from transferring ownership to evade fines and suspensions. This definition would empower the Board to assess the legitimacy of business transactions by examining asset purchase agreements and payment records. Such measures are intended to ensure compliance and prevent exploitation of regulatory loopholes.

Additionally, the Board proposed restricting the sale of oral nicotine pouches, limiting nicotine content to no more than six milligrams per pouch. This proposal reflects concerns about the potential health risks associated with higher nicotine levels. Given the absence of adult-only retail stores in the area, the Board decided to maintain the proposed regulation as it stands.

Attention was also given to self-service displays for tobacco products. The Board noted that “Blue Collar,” the town’s only adult-only retail establishment, does not employ self-service displays, rendering this a non-issue locally. Nonetheless, the Board considered keeping the regulation language as a precautionary measure.

In addition to tobacco regulations, the Board addressed the Deer Park recycling facility’s permit application process. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) requires a site assignment process for all waste disposal facilities. The facility, intended for recycling construction debris and demolition materials, has received an administrative completeness letter from the DEP. An announcement regarding the application will soon trigger a 20-day public comment period, inviting residents to voice their concerns or suggestions.

40:15Potential issues like noise, dust, and traffic were discussed, though these were not viewed as critical by the DEP representative. The Board expressed a commitment to overseeing the recycling initiative’s progress.

Public health updates featured prominently in the meeting, with the Board addressing the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza affecting geese in areas such as UMass and Plymouth. The Board urged residents to report sightings of dead birds and advised caution when handling backyard chickens. Recommendations included keeping pets, particularly cats, indoors to mitigate the risk of disease transmission.

The Board also discussed Earth Day events planned for April, focusing on public health and environmental awareness. Concerns about goose droppings on children’s baseball fields were raised, prompting a call for preventive measures to safeguard young athletes.

The Board provided updates on shared services and mosquito control efforts. Plans to utilize state mosquito control services, especially in wetland areas where West Nile virus has been detected, were outlined.