Public Meeting Notice  Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters Meeting - 5.6.26

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In accordance with the provisions of G.L. c. 30A § 20, the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters convened a regular monthly meeting: 

Microsoft Teams Meeting Wednesday May 6, 2026 at 9:00 am

The topics shown below were discussed at the aforementioned meeting: 9:01 am the Chair Joseph McNamee called the open meeting to order. 

Informational note: All votes were taken by roll call. Where each member voted in favor, the vote will be reported as unanimous.

Board members present: 

• Mr. Joseph McNamee, Chairman, Master Gas Fitter
• Mr. Harold Knight, Vice-Chairman, Journeyman Plumber
• Mr. John Cruz, Member, LP Installer
• Mr. Bahig A. Kaldas, P.E., Member, plumbing Engineer
• Ms. Ruth Alfasso, Member, Department of Public Health
• Ms. Sarah Badway, Public Member
• Mr. Dan Kilburn, Member, DOL Designee
• Ms. Kimberly Garside, Member, Master Plumber

Board members absent:

• Mr. Wayne Thomas, Member, Journeyman Gas Fitter

DOL Staff present:

• Mr. Bruce Johnson, Associate Deputy Commissioner 
• Mr. Michael Guida, Board Plumbing & Gas Code Consultant 
• Ms. Caitlyn Berry, Licensing Coordinator 
• Mr. Charles Kilb, Board Legal Counsel
• Mr. Scott Padden, State Plumbing and Gas Inspector
• Mr. James O’Reilly, State Plumbing and Gas Inspector

Approval of previous Meeting Minutes

• March 7, 2026, PHCC Trade Show
• Vote: HK to approve, JC second
• In favor, HK, JC, BK, SB, KG 
• Result: 5, 0 against, JM, DK, RA abstained from voting. Motion passes.
• April 1, 2026, Regular Session 
  • Vote: HK to approve, JC second 
  • Results: 7, 0 against, DK Abstained from voting. Motion passes.
• April 1, 2026, Executive Session
  • Vote: JC to approve HK second
  • Results: 7, 0 against, DK Abstained from voting. Motion passes.
• Executive Director Report: Bruce Johnson
• New Licenses Issued (April 2026) 210
  • GF Apprentice 7
  • GF Journeyman 6
  • GF Master 7
  • Liquid Petroleum installer 2
  • PL/GF inspector 3
  • PL Apprentice 74
  • PL Journeyman 74
  • PL Master 31
  • PL LLC 6
• Renewals Completed through April 30, 2026 – 18,716
• Staff reviewed and accepted 2506 Products.
• Since the window opened on 1 February, we have processed 6471 license renewals (as of March 25, 2026).
• Board Staff reviewed and accepted 5,617 products within the last month.
• All Board decisions will be sent through the eLIPSE Portal

Legal Report – Charles Kilb, Board Counsel

• CK – Nothing to report

Discussion

• Plumbing Board Sub-committee update. Michael Guida 
  • Updated the Board on the progress of the Plumbing subcommittee. 
  • The subcommittee met on April 15, 2026, and reviewed various sections of 248 CMR 10.00.
  • The next meeting will be on May 13, 2026, at 10 am. This will be a Hybrid meeting at Essex Technical Vocational High School in Danvers, MA.
• The Peterson School is requesting permission to teach Gas Tiers 1 through 3 with a maximum of 49 students.
• Chris Faucher of The Peterson School discussed offering gas tiers 1 through 3 in a virtual format. 
• Vote: HN to approve, JC second
• Results: unanimously
• Update on DuraTrac product recall.
• Associate Deputy Commissioner Johnson reviewed the steps that Board staff took when they were notified of the gas connector recall.
• Vito Mancini addressed Board members regarding their recent self-imposed recall of 705 gas connectors. Mr. Mancini stated there was a quality control issue at the manufacturing plant in Thailand regarding the annealing process of the flare connection. He further explained that the company took steps to remove the affected products from being sold and have begun contacting customers who purchased the connectors on the recall list. Mr. Mancini stated that they will no longer be using the manufacturing plant in China and is asking to have the 705 products restored to the product acceptance list.
• Discussion: JM asked Mr. Mancini when they knew about the failures of the connector. VM stated they became aware of the failure in September 2025 through quality control. JM asked VM if the affected gas connectors have been taken off the market and destroyed. VM explained that the CPSC, the Consumer Protection Agency, wanted to review the products prior to them being melted.
• JC asked if they had notified suppliers regarding the installation of connectors that have not been recalled. VM stated they have notified all required parties. And stated the consumer may contact DuraTrac for a refund or replacement of the connector.
• ADC Bruce Johnson asked the Board to clarify what DuraTrac would need to do to get their products back on the accepted list. JM recommended that DuraTrac go back to the third part testing agency for further testing and deem it safe. VM asked for additional clarification on what would be needed.
• JC stated that all 705 products should be tested by a third party, and that DuraTrac should apply for initial product acceptance due to safety concerns.
• DK stated his opinion that the products should be added back to the accepted list.  The affected products have been recalled, and the remaining installed products are being addressed. 
• VM stated to the Board that the model numbers are the same from both manufacturers, and the current manufacturing plant has not been part of the recall. 
• Board counsel addressed the board regarding past recalls through either a design defect or a manufacturing defect, and this would be more of a manufacturing defect. Counsel did explain options to the Board regarding how to identify defective products.
• DK stated the products should be added back to the accepted list unconditionally based on his view that the affected products have been recalled, and the remaining installed products are being addressed.
• MOTION: DK motion to return the products to the accepted products list.

Motion fails due to lack of a second

• JC asked VM if they contacted the Board about the recall. VM stated yes, he was contacted by Michael Guida regarding the connector recall. JC asked if the connector would leak if the appliance moved or was used to reconnect the appliance. VM stated it would leak upon installation if it were a defective product.

• HK addressed the Board if they received all the information from the third party 

  agency, Board staff can review and possibly add reinstated products. Board counsel stated for the Board should be clear on what they are asking and for the Board to review, not staff.

• VM stated all products will be retested by DuraTrac before selling the connectors in question.
• DK reviewed why the product failed and reiterated his opinion that they should be added back to the acceptance list.
• Board Counsel asked VM to clarify if every product that had been made at the factory was in question. VM stated they sent letters and called suppliers to retrieve the defective products. Board Counsel asked if they received all the defective connectors. VM stated there may be connectors that have not been recalled, and they continue to retrieve all the defective products.
• MOTION: DK motion to return the products, only the ones made in China, to the accepted products list.

Motion fails due to lack of a second

• KG stated the Board needs something in writing regarding the products.
• Board Counsel asked the Board to be clear on what is going to be required from the manufacturer. Michael Guida reiterated Board's counsel's remarks to the Board so that staff could ensure they adhere to the Board’s wishes. Board Counsel asked the Board if they felt a need to address the products installed. JM stated these products need to be addressed by a third party.
• Vote: HK made a motion for the manufacturer to have all recalled products tested by a third-party agency as required for all initial product acceptance. DK second,
• Results: unanimously

Products

• None

Vocational Commercial Applications

• 26-VSP-121823- Keith Sousa, Diamen Vocational HS, 3245 County Rd, Somerset. Instructor Keith Sousa is seeking permission to replace an existing roof drain at the Somerset Water Department.
• Vote HK approve, KG second.
  • Result- unanimously
• Variances
• 26-PV-121048- Shane Wise, 50 Park Plaza, Boston. The petitioner seeks relief from 248 CMR 10.10(4)(d)1a exceptions, which requires a minimum 30”x 48" shower base. The applicant proposes installing a 21"x 37" shower base for 800 units. The Board of Health and Boston ISD have been notified.
  • JM recused himself and did not participate in this matter. 
  • This matter was deemed tabled, no discussion or action taken.   
• 26-GV-121151- Gregory Gauthier, 100 Campanelli Drive, Uxbridge. The petitioner seeks relief from 248 CMR3.04 (1) Products, Design, and Standards and NFPA54-2012 Section 12.4 Design and Construction to allow the installation of a CO2 Enrichment System in the exhaust flue from a new gas-fired heating boiler. The boiler is Product Accepted, but the installation instructions do not show the addition of the CO2 Enrichment System. As this is a gas variance, no Board of Health petition is required. The local inspector has been notified.
• The petitioner seeks relief to install a CO2 system that is not listed in the manufacturer's instructions.
• Hardship: The use of an alternative method of venting
• JM-Asked if there was CO protection in the room. 
• Applicant: Confirmed yes, there will be CO2 protection.
• Michael Guida explained to the Board that this was previously approved with the condition that the manufacturer of the boiler stated they would take full responsibility for the installation.
• DK to approve with the condition that the manufacturer writes a letter that takes responsibility for the installation, HK second.
• All members voted in favor of the motion to approve with the condition, approved unanimously
• 26-PV-121209- David Hogan, 700 Atlantic Ave, Boston. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.10 (15) Table 1, Minimum Facilities, not to install temporary restrooms for South Station for approximately 10 weeks during construction. State Inspector Padden has been notified.
  • Applicant is seeking relief not to install the required plumbing fixtures as required by code.
  • Hardship: The applicant stated that there is limited space for a bathroom trailer and would like to use Portable toilets. They also stated they had concerns about the misuse of these fixtures.
  • Discussion: State Inspector Padden relayed a concern from State Inspector Myette that he was not in favor of the use of porta-potties.
  • Board Counsel stated the Board could grant this variance but should be mindful that it has not allowed the use of porta-potties in prior variances and may be setting a precedent.
  • The applicant stated he has reviewed the site and, due to the limited space, could not use plumbed portable toilet facilities.
  • State Inspector Padden stated that in his opinion a trailer would take up the same footprint as porta-potties would.
  • Vote: DK to deny HK second
• Result: Motion to deny approved unanimously
• 26-PV-121371- Michael Shneer, 16 Salem St, Andover. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.09 (1)(b)2f, Interceptors, Separators and Holding Tanks, to install a grease interceptor approximately 120’ from the furthest fixture requiring separation. The Board of Health and the local inspector have been notified.
• Hardship: The applicant states the school is in operation day and night, and it is difficult to install point-of-use separators. The applicant would like to install a larger interceptor before leaving the building
• Discussion: JM asked the applicant if they could add point-of-use separators on some of the fixtures to limit the discharge of grease.
• The applicant stated they are not opposed to this.
• JM suggested installing separators at all three bay sinks and installing a larger separator before leaving the building.
• Vote: HK to deny JC second.
• 2^nd Vote: HK made a motion to approve with the condition of installing a point of use separator at all three bay sinks and installing a larger separator before leaving the building. JC second
  • Result: all members voted in favor of the motion to approve, approved unanimously
• 26-PV-121682-Antonio DeRienzo, 111 Coolidge St, Sherborn. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.10 (1) Table 1, not to install the required fixtures for a 5,400 square foot horse stable. The Board of Health and the local inspector have been notified. 
• Hardship: The applicant states the town will not allow tight tanks, public sewer, or septic.
• Discussion: The Building Commissioner explained to the Board that it is possible that in the future the town may provide a public sewer. He also explained they need bathrooms to meet the occupancy of the use.
• Michael Guida explained to the Board that this is only for the relief of a mop sink and drinking water station. Bathrooms will be provided, but because of the limitations, they can’t install the mop sink and drinking water station. 
• Vote: JC to approve the variance not to install the required mop sink and drinking water station HK second.
  • Results: all members voted in favor of the motion to approve, approved unanimously
• 26-PV-121686- Lee Rubenstein, 245 Plain St, Millis. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.10 (15) Minimum Facilities. The applicant is seeking a reduction in required fixtures for a school auditorium and gymnasium. The Board of Health and the local inspector have been notified.
  • JM recused himself and did not participate in this matter.  HK chaired
• Hardship: Adding additional facilities for simultaneous use is not practical for the use of the school and requests a reduction in fixtures. They would not like to add the use of the cafeteria as it will not be used simultaneously 
• Discussion: Michael Guida explained to the Board based on the overlap of fixtures in the school, there are adequate bathrooms for the auditorium and gym at full capacity.
• DK asked Michael Guida if one of the users was at full capacity, do they meet the fixture requirement. Based on the submission yes, there would be sufficient bathrooms.
  • Vote: DK to approve JC second. JM did not participate in this variance. HK was acting Chair
• Result: all members voted in favor of the motion to approve, approved unanimously
• 26-PV-121464- Jeffrey Cohen, 1 Harborside Drive, East Boston. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.10 (15) Table 1, Minimum Facilities, not to have the required fixtures for an office construction trailer. The applicant would like to utilize the bathroom facilities in the terminal that is within 400 feet. State Inspector O’Reilly has been notified.
• JM recused himself and did not participate in this matter.  HK chaired
  • Hardship: The applicant stated that the trailer is temporary and not permanent.
  • The applicant indicated that the bathrooms would be over 400 feet away in all accessible directions.
  • State inspector Padden confirmed the use of the trailer and was in favor of this variance.
  • Vote: JC to approve KG second 
• Result: all members voted in favor of the motion to approve, approved unanimously

Appeal of Inspector Decision-

None

Board Delegated Staff Approvals

• None

For Your Information–board delegated staff approvals – board vote not required.

• 26-DAPV-101643- Keith Eskander, 680 Centre St, Brockton.  248 CMR 3.04 (1) Product, Design, and Standards to allow 2 sinks at the above address that is not on the product acceptance list.
• 26-DAPV-102020- Andrew Kotleski, 13 Pinecrest Hill Cross, Egremont. 248 CMR 3.04 (1) Product, Designs, and Standards Grants the use of 6 stone sinks that are not on the product acceptance list.
• 26-DAPV-102072- Jenna Gormley, 90 Pleasant St, Upton. 248 CMR 10.10 (15) Table 1 Minimum Facilities Grants the use of the previous code for determining the required lavatory count.
• 26-DAPV-102173- Sean Arone, 793 Iyannough Rd, Barnstable. 248 CMR 3.04 (1) Product, Designs, and Standards Grants the use of a IVIGA Automatic Sensor Touchless Faucet that is not on the product acceptance list.
• 26-DAPV-121105, 365 East Street, Tewksbury. 248 CMR 10.10 (15) Table 1, Minimum Facilities. The Variance was for a pump station under 200 square feet, relief not to install the required toilet room facilities.
• 26-DAPV-121344- Nathan Meersman, 365 East Street, Tewksbury. 248 CMR 10.10 (15) Table 1, Minimum Facilities. The Variance was for a pump station under 200 square feet, relief not to install the required toilet room facilities.

Delegated vocational school project approvals

• 26-VSP-121364- Randy Dimitropolis, Pathfinder RVTHS, 473 South St, Belchertown. Installation of a new residential washing machine connection.

Board will consider any matters not reasonably anticipated by the Chair

• None

Executive Session

At 11:29 a.m., the chair called for the Board to enter Executive Session per M.G.L. c. 30A, s. 21 to discuss applicant’s character rather than competence

Vote: Motion made to go into Executive Session by HK, JC second

Results: Unanimous

The Chair noted that upon conclusion of the Executive Session, the meeting would adjourn. 

See separate minutes

Quasi-Judicial Session

(Closed per M.G.L c. 30A, §18)

None

Adjournment

Vote: Motion made by HK, KG second

Results: Unanimous

12:59 AM

Items relied upon during the open meeting

• Agenda
• Draft minutes
• DuraTrac Product Information
• Variance Applications,

In accordance with the provisions of G.L. c. 30A § 20, notice is hereby given that the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters will be convening their monthly meeting.

• 09:00 a.m. Open Meeting Called to Order
  • Note Meeting Recording 
  • Role Call by Chair for Quorum

• Approval of Meeting Minutes
  • March 7, 2026, PHCC Trade Show
  • April 1, 2026, Regular Session 
  • April 1, 2026, Executive Session 
• Executive Director Report
  • New Licenses Issued (April 2026) 210
    • GF Apprentice 7
    • GF Journeyman 6
    • GF Master 7
    • Liquid Petroleum installer 2
    • PL/GF inspector 3
    • PL Apprentice 74
    • PL Journeyman 74
    • PL Master 31
    • PL LLC 6
  • Renewals Completed through April 30, 2026 – 18,716
  • Staff reviewed and accepted 2506 Products.
• Legal / Board Counsel Report – Charles Kilb
• Discussion
  • Plumbing Board Code Sub-committee update.
  • The Peterson School is requesting permission to teach Gas Tiers 1 through 3, virtually, with a maximum of 49 students.
  • DuraTrac product recall.
• Vocational School Projects
  • 26-VSP-121823- Keith Sousa, Diamen Vocational HS, 3245 County Rd, Somerset. Instructor Keith Sousa is seeking permission to replace an existing roof drain at the Somerset Water Department.
• Variances
  • 26-PV-121048- Shane Wise, 50 Park Plaza, Boston. The petitioner seeks relief from 248 CMR 10.10(4)(d)1a exceptions, which requires a minimum 30”x 48" shower base. The applicant proposes installing a 21"x 37" shower base for 800 units. The Board of Health and Boston ISD have been notified.
  • 26-GV-121151- Gregory Gauthier, 100 Campanelli Drive, Uxbridge. The petitioner seeks relief from 248 CMR3.04 (1) Products, Design, and Standards and NFPA54-2012 Section 12.4 Design and Construction to allow the installation of a CO2 Enrichment System in the exhaust flue from a new gas-fired heating boiler. The boiler is Product Accepted, but the installation instructions do not show the addition of the CO2 Enrichment System. As this is a gas variance, no Board of Health petition is required. The local inspector has been notified.
  • 26-PV-121209- David Hogan, 700 Atlantic Ave, Boston. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.10 (15) Table 1, Minimum Facilities, not to install temporary restrooms for South Station for approximately 10 weeks during construction. State Inspector Padden has been notified.
  • 26-PV-121371- Michael Shneer, 16 Salem St, Andover. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.09 (1)(b)2f, Interceptors, Separators and Holding Tanks, to install a grease interceptor approximately 120’ from the furthest fixture requiring separation. The Board of Health and the local inspector have been notified.
  • 26-PV-121682-Antonio DeRienzo, 111 Coolidge St, Sherborn. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.10 (1) Table 1, not to install the required fixtures for a 5,400 square foot horse stable. The Board of Health and the local inspector have been notified. 
  • 26-PV-121686- Lee Rubenstein, 245 Plain St, Millis. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.10 (15) Minimum Facilities. The applicant is seeking a reduction in required fixtures for a school auditorium and gymnasium The Board of Health and the local inspector have been notified.
  • 26-PV-121464- Jeffrey Cohen, 1 Harborside Drive, East Boston. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.10 (15) Table 1, Minimum Facilities, not to have the required fixtures for an office construction trailer. The applicant would like to utilize the bathroom facilities in the terminal that is within 400 feet. State Inspector O’Reilly has been notified.
• Appeal Of Inspector Decision – None
• Board Delegated Staff Approvals – Special Permission – None
• Board Delegated Staff Approvals (FYI) – Board Vote Not required
  • 26-DAPV-101643- Keith Eskander, 680 Centre St, Brockton.  248 CMR 3.04 (1) Product, Design, and Standards to allow 2 sinks at the above address that is not on the product acceptance list.
  • 26-DAPV-102020- Andrew Kotleski, 13 Pinecrest Hill Cross, Egremont. 248 CMR 3.04 (1) Product, Designs, and Standards Grants the use of 6 stone sinks that are not on the product acceptance list.
  • 26-DAPV-102072- Jenna Gormley, 90 Pleasant St, Upton. 248 CMR 10.10 (15) Table 1 Minimum Facilities Grants the use of the previous code for determining the required lavatory count.
  • 26-DAPV-102173- Sean Arone, 793 Iyannough Rd, Barnstable. 248 CMR 3.04 (1) Product, Designs, and Standards Grants the use of a IVIGA Automatic Sensor Touchless Faucet that is not on the product acceptance list.
  • 26-DAPV-121105, 365 East Street, Tewksbury. 248 CMR 10.10 (15) Table 1, Minimum Facilities. The Variance was for a pump station under 200 square feet, relief not to install the required toilet room facilities.
  • 26-DAPV-121344- Nathan Meersman, 365 East Street, Tewksbury. 248 CMR 10.10 (15) Table 1, Minimum Facilities. The Variance was for a pump station under 200 square feet, relief not to install the required toilet room facilities.
• Delegated Vocational School Project Approvals
  • 26-VSP-121364- Randy Dimitropolis, Pathfinder RVTHS, 473 South St, Belchertown. Installation of a new residential washing machine connection.
• Items not reasonably anticipated by the Chair
• Quasi-Judicial Session - Disciplinary decisions - Closed per M.G.L c. 30A, §18
• Executive Session – Character Reviews
  • NT
  • KX
  • MH
  • DB
  • OB
  • KM
  • DD
  • JB
  • SB
  • SD
  • FK
• Investigative Conference - Closed per M.G.L. c. 112, § 65C

Adjournment: Next monthly board meeting is June 3, 2026

Note: If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in the meeting, please reach out to Cheryl Yebba at 617- 701-8711. The Agency will make best efforts to accommodate requests received in a timely manner.