[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6228992,"mediaKeyId","3465355-0ff5da87e22695673912ad7820dd3fd9","parentId",3465355,"title","Board reauthorizes staff as agents to act on urgent public‑health matters","audioSeconds",130,"startMs",4330000,"endMs",4460000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3465355-0ff5da87e22695673912ad7820dd3fd9&start=4330&end=4460","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3465355-0ff5da87e22695673912ad7820dd3fd9/thumbnail_4330000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6228992/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Board-reauthorizes-staff-as-agents-to-act-on-urgent-publichealth-matters","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228992-6c963ebeca338216ad0ace8a68eee288/orig.mp4?Expires=1771210782&Signature=kGRgzSLQaihnreZEoKDf3~hZPPPC-HtTTbnQH0t5a2Z8p1B1-k6thqwAuOp94TuEHOcWUl9vZe2EQmUc6~LCanhORHaBTkYW5fenjSMgOatjSuisb8D96VMVkrZmROXrduT8ZCeyJdHMyXyoEg1CB1JI8GbIzyaQ9A8OSol4g4BuyEsiTBtrUuhAU04VDVmojU8lj1HbN348XoKp8SuXtmC63MXAC0B1SLsAK3N06APfSooTdoB-m5SEK73uVtdElpxs4EJtwcs8Vt-lcBihGhDogcb4I~Y~Jrdz2odhg2Lcnzy6f3yoA23ey~ERcdB-UBWdOAjxjT-X44Dqw3GwnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Needham, MA","date","2025-05-23T16:29:20.38Z","article","The Town of Needham Board of Health renewed its annual designation of agents, authorizing public health staff to take immediate action on urgent public‑health hazards on behalf of the board.

Tim (public health staff) explained the designation lets staff act in time‑sensitive situations — for example, to close a food service establishment during an acute foodborne‑illness outbreak or to secure an unfit dwelling — while preserving the right of affected parties to request a board hearing or appeal. The board historically renews the delegation annually to allow staff to respond promptly without waiting for the board to convene.

A motion to adopt the designation of agents as written in the meeting packet was moved and seconded; the board voted by show of hands and approved the designation unanimously. The designation remains in effect until the next annual renewal unless the board alters it.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Health 05/20/2025","oneSentenceSummary","By unanimous voice/visual vote the Needham Board of Health renewed its annual designation of staff as authorized agents to take immediate action on behalf of the board for urgent public‑health hazards.","taxTitle","Town of Needham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts","taxId",54445,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6228998,"Needham Board of Health elects chair, vice chair and clerk",133,1003000,1136000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3465355-0ff5da87e22695673912ad7820dd3fd9&start=1003&end=1136","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3465355-0ff5da87e22695673912ad7820dd3fd9/thumbnail_1003000.jpg","/articles/6228998/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Needham-Board-of-Health-elects-chair-vice-chair-and-clerk","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228998-ad62cc739687db499d7268cec7a7c144/orig.mp4?Expires=1771210782&Signature=B3n26qZe3wf8svfFyYDJLDXIoFCrOxtNsorZPH6rCO15ryfGa~tKv4qPEuWPMGahh1LM16pJ0YohNVEYT5YwSGDFdb6Xv~Dt5FRvJEKFPs35xlmKkk6QoXApO-KiVw0PWzaSgvQG4PKdWcikv--to2mbSIlkjn68UQ2pDW-tl-laqno-3U-NDXJmqZAFmrko6zHrVgZ5lU9feGgnDU2Xlu2EEhAKKlGBuyaXJTqfQi0Y0BDnVpYKJ8cuh8ZcwMV9cADzCnE7T2rNsh-VzyZL7Dk~z0pkPWFB7vihnmWasSKv~ot8KqcGm-RT-prL1wHLccTPQm25JcuFJFVmZcva5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Needham Board of Health completed its annual reorganization and elected officers for the coming year.

At the start of the meeting, the board addressed reorganization after waiting for all members to arrive. A board member nominated Ed to serve as chair; Ed accepted. Artie was nominated and accepted the vice‑chair role, and Rob accepted nomination to serve as secretary/clerk. A motion to move the slate was made and seconded and the board approved the slate by voice/visual roll call.

Board members then handed operational duties to the newly nominated chair for the remainder of the meeting. The reorganization was an administrative housekeeping action and did not change any policy at the meeting.","With all members present the board completed its annual reorganization: Ed accepted the nomination for chair, Artie as vice chair and Rob as clerk; the slate was moved, seconded and approved by voice roll call.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6229003,"Needham staff to refine fee schedule and propose risk‑based food inspection fees after review",0,5681000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3465355-0ff5da87e22695673912ad7820dd3fd9&start=5681&end=5681","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3465355-0ff5da87e22695673912ad7820dd3fd9/thumbnail_5681000.jpg","/articles/6229003/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Needham-staff-to-refine-fee-schedule-and-propose-riskbased-food-inspection-fees-after-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229003-04eb3e06b66f89ce4e6838149e504c9e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771210782&Signature=T5aYyLzOd~ruIFf01dDxVRlgcYLCVrqdDAGtCuQtB33SjQ4oOyVUBtr2GywoakF6COQbyXnvH-dI5iXdEseSpum9wpII5EduFdlRxFLaWv9BVMZDJKONaeqtKP3cK~E5q70ajzUIFj5QBqOqNUpfjXlIAveEp3EskZ-YpYsAF3530cOLsi4WFgwudoCrPB7ej7qyvHo1U22FXJZDIoDszlHxhFi7H5BNX8AUcaDIPsFLvxDb-o9TFeViYWjXaUhBXGkXiwOUjLjUuUcmcGn4IUuE1u-gpVSHI~-mWHF5qw-s6rtP9sXLgesCdjB3qqJyuMjgMjxyqijDdfI3xSDujw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town public health staff reported a fee‑review that found some permit categories undercharged and others overcharged, and the Board of Health asked staff to produce a consolidated, risk‑based fee schedule and a phased implementation plan for adoption.

Tim (public health staff) said the division and a consultant modeled staff time and full costs for permitting and inspections and found the proposed changes would increase projected annual revenue from roughly $35,000 to about $37,000 (an increase of about $1,800). The review showed food service establishments generally are undercharged relative to staff time, while certain septic and pool categories appeared overcharged.

Staff and board members discussed moving to a risk‑based fee schedule tied to inspection frequency and public‑health risk. Sai (public health staff) explained that FDA retail standards and the department’s adoption of Standard 9 support categorizing establishments by risk level — for example, higher‑risk facilities that serve vulnerable populations get more frequent inspections and higher fees. Board members asked for a transparent method for assigning risk levels and requested consistent procedures for reassessing risk.

Board members expressed concern about small food businesses that operate on thin margins. Members suggested immediately reducing fees for categories that are currently overcharged and phasing in increases for categories that would see higher fees. One board member suggested a two‑year phase‑in for increases and immediate relief for those whose fees would fall.

Staff committed to return at the June meeting with: (1) a consolidated fee table that shows current and proposed fees with risk levels, (2) a proposal for phasing increases and immediate reductions where appropriate, and (3) comparative data from neighboring communities that use risk‑based schedules. No fee changes were voted on at the meeting.","Board discussed a consultant analysis showing some food permits are underpriced and others overcharged; staff will present a consolidated, risk‑based fee schedule and a phased implementation plan at the June meeting.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6229008,"Needham board weighs limits on nicotine pouches after student testimony and local testing",5512,110000,5622000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3465355-0ff5da87e22695673912ad7820dd3fd9&start=110&end=5622","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3465355-0ff5da87e22695673912ad7820dd3fd9/thumbnail_110000.jpg","/articles/6229008/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Needham-board-weighs-limits-on-nicotine-pouches-after-student-testimony-and-local-testing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229008-f70d2d85a4613126db7294c06003c133/orig.mp4?Expires=1771210782&Signature=ZdRVesgElvR-uoCt6418xBVMUsU2BSCz8wvuIgv3xmKmFM3HGrzB71gaaslOIK5oC8irZ1fPfh78R-WGjOBhOQT6LbKxoQpIuAfpgh7YVevTiDz5j0fgQDNFYGblTHTzO01iIxpuUOLxVwn37YFv2VtI0rRrVnMmSXGPN2rHHJLGlgDvySZjypBwS-VSryllI3yoMxzWb4ezYKUKqGIrWbpH806ryfXDbuR9ybzqbYRE1lU-Up45ZaX0NqZch1TRxTlblvRz6BWjDC1xbkw~r5f7g~W~YjZAGcqw80yH-ARlqyKOhrjHDZD0rlZrr6xua6-hnlQdBKcn3JQPTqDnlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several Needham High School students urged the Town of Needham Board of Health on public comment to restrict or ban the sale of nicotine pouches, and public health staff reported local product testing that found a mint odor in some pouch products. The board directed staff to prepare draft regulatory language, a written testing protocol, and to advertise a public hearing in June.

Grace Tetro, a 16‑year‑old junior at Needham High School and a member of SALSA (Student Advocates for Life Without Substance Abuse), told the board she sees nicotine pouches “littered all over the high school” and urged the board “to ban the sale of nicotine pouches in Needham.” Fellow SALSA leader Kalina Mujova, also a Needham High junior, said marketing and flavored packaging draw youth to brands such as Zen and that local 2023 MetroWest survey data show 3.3 percent of Needham high schoolers report using nicotine pouches.

Isabel Tashi, a Needham resident and SALSA member, emphasized industry tactics and ownership, saying “Zen pouches, like Kalina and Grace mentioned, are constantly littered throughout the school.” Opposing public comment came from Stephen Helfer, representing Cambridge Citizens for Smokers’ Rights, who cited federal actions and argued for adult access; Jonathan, a volunteer with the same group, also spoke against further restrictions.

Public health staff reported enforcement activity and product testing. Tara (public health staff) said staff purchased three products from two Needham establishments, opened the packaging, and detected a minty odor; one sample was left in a sealed bag for several days and retained a mint smell. Tara said the division has sent letters to the retailers and will follow up at the June meeting. Sai (public health staff) said additional products remain in a gray area and that the department has not yet enforced against all brands.

Board members discussed policy options that staff presented as draft edits to Article 1 of the town’s tobacco regulation: (1) limit allowable nicotine pouches to products containing 6 milligrams of nicotine or less; (2) require that products be FDA‑authorized for sale; (3) permit sales only in adult‑only tobacco stores; or (4) prohibit sales outright. Board members also discussed requiring products labeled “unflavored” and adopting a consistent local testing protocol to determine whether a product has a characterizing flavor or odor.

Members asked staff to coordinate the next steps with the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards (MAHB) and with town counsel. Tim (public health staff) said the division will draft a policy and procedure for how the department will test products and make determinations about “characterizing flavor,” and will provide a redline of the regulation for the board to review. The board asked staff to share what surrounding communities are doing and to consult Cheryl Sabara at MAHB. The board instructed staff to advertise a public hearing (targeted for June) on the proposed regulation language.

The discussion separated public comment and staff enforcement activity from board direction: students and local prevention advocates urged a ban; some outside commenters opposed new restrictions; staff reported site visits, sample testing, and letters to retailers; and the board directed staff to prepare regulation text, a written, documented testing protocol, and outreach for a public hearing.

The board did not adopt new regulatory language at the meeting. Staff will return with the draft redline, the written protocol for product testing, a summary of practices from neighboring communities, and legal review in advance of the public hearing.","Needham Board of Health heard public pleas from high school students to ban nicotine pouches, reviewed staff testing that found mint‑scented pouches, and directed staff to draft regulation edits and a testing protocol ahead of a June public hearing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board reauthorizes staff as agents to act on urgent public‑health matters

Needham Board of Health elects chair, vice chair and clerk

Needham staff to refine fee schedule and propose risk‑based food inspection fees after review

Needham board weighs limits on nicotine pouches after student testimony and local testing