The Fall River Board of Health held a virtual meeting on June 29, 2026, chaired by Thomas Corey. The board approved the minutes from the May 18, 2026 meeting and then reviewed five applications for the keeping of animals. All applications were approved unanimously via roll call vote, with standard conditions including no roosters, a rodent extermination contract, and adherence to the specified number of animals. The approved applicants were Jose Padza Melendez for 10 hens at 175 Sprag Street; Michael St. Pierre for 25 hens at 377 Quinsey Street, who exceeded his previous limit due to taking in chicks from a school program; Russell Haskell for 20 chickens and 6 rabbits at 66 Merit Street, despite a letter of objection; Manuel Aruda for 6 chickens, 1 miniature goat, and 6 rabbits at 266 Glasgow Street, contingent on a follow-up inspection to confirm cleanup; and Linder and Richard Sylvia for 4 chickens at 2123 Highland Avenue, which was a re-hearing due to a prior failure to notify abutters. A neighbor, Holly Donovan, voiced concerns about rodents regarding the Sylvia application.
The main agenda item was a public hearing to amend local tobacco regulations to align with state law, specifically mandating a suspension for a first-time sale to a minor, in addition to the existing $1,000 fine. The board discussed that while the suspension would be mandatory, its length (up to 30 days) would be at the board’s discretion on a case-by-case basis. Several local business owners, including A Jaz Hassan, Malik Sagir, and Ati Rahman, spoke in opposition, citing the financial burden on small businesses and the possibility of honest mistakes by employees. Another business owner, Ali Aar, spoke in support of stricter enforcement against stores illegally selling flavored vapes and menthol cigarettes. After public comment, the board voted unanimously to approve the new regulations. The meeting concluded with a director’s report from Tess Curran about a successful legislative breakfast and the scheduling of the next meeting for July 27th.
Topics discussed
- 0:59 · Roll Call
A roll call was conducted to establish a quorum for the meeting. - 1:24 · Approval of Minutes
The minutes for the meeting of Monday, May 18, 2026, were approved unanimously. - 1:38 · Approval of the minutes of the meeting of Monday, May 18th, 2026. — passed
Approval of the minutes of the meeting of Monday, May 18th, 2026. - 2:07 · Animal Keeping Application: Jose Padza Melendez
The application for 10 hens at 175 Sprag Street was approved with conditions of no roosters, a rodent contract, and adherence to the number limit. - 3:58 · Approval of the application for keeping of animals for Jose Padza Melendez of 175 Sprag Street. — approved
Approval of the application for keeping of animals for Jose Padza Melendez of 175 Sprag Street. - 4:15 · Approval of the application for keeping of animals for Michael St. Pierre of 377 Quinsey Street. — approved
Approval of the application for keeping of animals for Michael St. Pierre of 377 Quinsey Street. - 4:19 · Animal Keeping Application: Michael St. Pierre
The application for 25 hens at 377 Quinsey Street was approved after discussion about exceeding a previous limit to rescue chicks from a school program. - 9:01 · Motion to accept the new tobacco regulations. — passed
Motion to accept the new tobacco regulations. - 10:03 · Approval of the application for keeping of animals for Russell Haskell of 66 Merit Street. — approved
Approval of the application for keeping of animals for Russell Haskell of 66 Merit Street. - 10:06 · Animal Keeping Application: Russell Haskell
The application for 20 chickens and 6 rabbits at 66 Merit Street was approved. The board noted a letter of objection was received. - 12:28 · Approval of the application for keeping of animals for Manuel Aruda of 266 Glasgow Street, with the condition of a follow-up inspection. — approved
Approval of the application for keeping of animals for Manuel Aruda of 266 Glasgow Street, with the condition of a follow-up inspection. - 12:31 · Animal Keeping Application: Manuel Aruda
The application for 6 chickens, 1 miniature goat, and 6 rabbits at 266 Glasgow Street was approved with the condition of a re-inspection to confirm cleanup of car parts and tires. - 15:34 · Approval of the application for keeping of animals for Linder and Richard Sylvia of 2123 Highland Avenue. — approved
Approval of the application for keeping of animals for Linder and Richard Sylvia of 2123 Highland Avenue. - 15:40 · Animal Keeping Application: Linder and Richard Sylvia
The application for 4 chickens at 2123 Highland Avenue was approved. A neighbor, Holly Donovan, raised concerns about rats. - 21:09 · Public Hearing: Tobacco Sales Regulations
A public hearing was held to amend regulations to mandate a suspension for a first-time tobacco sale to a minor, aligning with state law. Several business owners spoke in opposition, while one spoke in favor of stricter enforcement. - 21:09 · Motion to close the public hearing regarding tobacco regulations. — passed
Motion to close the public hearing regarding tobacco regulations. - 21:23 · Motion to open the public hearing regarding tobacco regulations. — passed
Motion to open the public hearing regarding tobacco regulations. - 50:50 · Director’s Report
Tess Curran reported on a successful legislative breakfast for the Public Health Excellence (PHE) grant and a vacant part-time Mass in Motion position. - 53:54 · Scheduling Next Meeting
The board agreed to schedule its next meeting for July 27th. - 54:13 · Motion to adjourn the meeting. — passed
Motion to adjourn the meeting.