One notable matter addressed during the meeting was the tobacco violation hearing concerning the Farm Market on Derby Street. The establishment faced scrutiny following a complaint about the sale of flavored vapes, leading to an inspection that confirmed the presence of flavored products. This was the second violation for the market, with the first occurring in November 2025 for selling to a minor. The Board decided on a $2,000 fine and a seven-day suspension of the store’s license. The owner of the market, Tanvir Sajib, attributed the presence of flavored vapes to leftover stock from the previous owner and expressed regret for the oversight, stating, “It’s my mistake that I need to clean this up real quick.” The Board emphasized the need for thorough inventory checks and compliance, noting that all products found in the store were subject to regulation. A unanimous roll call confirmed the decision to penalize the market, urging the owner to remove all flavored vapes and conduct staff retraining to prevent future violations.

In another discussion, the Board considered emergency solutions to manage beaver activity at Mill Pond and Bell Rock Road. Paul Furlong, the administrator responsible for water and sewer management in Fall River, presented the challenges posed by beaver dams, which were raising water levels and obstructing hiking trails and footbridges. The beavers’ activities were blocking culverts on Bell Rock Road, posing a potential flooding risk that could affect emergency access and damage the roadway. To address these issues, Furlong proposed utilizing Beaver Solutions, a company specializing in beaver management. The company suggested installing a fence to prevent beavers from accessing culverts and placing a pipe through existing dams to regulate water levels. The Board was asked to declare the situation a public health hazard, enabling the department to secure a permit for emergency measures from the Conservation Commission. The urgency of the situation was underscored by a targeted implementation date of August 11th. The Board expressed unanimous support for the proposed measures, approving a draft letter to facilitate the required permit.

The meeting also included updates on the city’s water fluoridation efforts. After a prolonged hiatus of about five years, the necessary product for fluoridation had been located, and a test run was planned for the near future.

Several applications for tattoo practitioner licenses were reviewed, starting with Aaron Gerard’s application for Up in Flames, which was approved without questions, given his prior experience and complete paperwork. Similarly, Lawrence Ford’s application for Painted Savage Tattoo received unanimous approval, with commendations for his hard work during his apprenticeship.

The Board also considered applications for keeping animals. Jessica Perez received approval to keep eight hens at her residence on Smith Street, contingent upon her understanding of regulations, including the prohibition of roosters and the need for a rodent extermination contract. Despite a brief interruption regarding a neighbor’s concern about the extermination process, the Board approved her application. Jose Calheta’s request to increase his chicken count and add ducks was also approved after amending his application to allow for 18 chickens and five ducks, with noted community support. Raymond Laboy’s application to keep eight chickens on Penn Street was approved despite opposition letters, as he confirmed adherence to regulations, and his coop was found to be in good condition.

Other agenda items included departmental updates, with the Board informed about the recruitment of a part-time Mass in Motion Associate and the search for a senior aide position at the senior center. A recent community event focused on safe biking practices for youth was highlighted as a positive initiative. The department continues educational outreach on public health issues like tick-borne diseases and mosquito control.