Public Meeting Notice  Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters Meeting - 6.3.26

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Phone conference ID: 448 753 156#

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 June 3, 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
• Mr. Wayne Thomas, Member, Journeyman Gas Fitter
• 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:

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. James O’Reilly, State Plumbing and Gas Inspector

Approval of previous Meeting Minutes

• May 6, 2026, Regular Session  

  Vote: HK to approve RA second

  Results: Unanimous, WT abstained

• May 6, 2026, Executive Session 

  Vote: JC to approve HK second

  Results: Unanimous, WT abstained

• Executive Director Report: Bruce Johnson
• Licenses issued: May 2026 through 5/26/26 - 208 
• Gas Fitter Apprentice - 9 
• Gas Fitter Journeyman - 2 
• Gas Fitter Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) - 1 
• Gas Fitter Master - 13 
• Limited Liquified Petroleum (LTD LP) Installer - 1 
• Liquified Petroleum (LP) Installer - 2 
• Plumbing and Gas Fitter Inspector - 2 
• Plumbing Apprentice - 98 
• Plumbing Corporation or Professional Corporation (PC) - 2 
• Plumbing Journeyman - 53 
• Plumbing Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) - 6 
• Plumbing Master - 19 
• Staff reviewed and accepted 1,058 Products. 
• 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 May 13, 2026, and reviewed various sections of 248 CMR 10.00. The next meeting will be on June 17, 2026, at 10 am. This will be held virtually through Microsoft Teams.

  • DuraTrac recall- Review/Vote- Reinstatement of impacted products.

  • The Board reviewed the DuraTrac recall and considered reinstatement of impacted products. Mr. Mancini provided the Board with quality control forms and explained the methods used to verify products prior to shipping. He reiterated that the company is no longer using the manufacturer located in Thailand. Board staff and Board Counsel informed the Board that they are satisfied the letter submitted by DuraTrac addresses the issues previously requested by the Board.

  • Vote: WT to approve HK second

    Results: Unanimous

Products

• None

Vocational Commercial Applications 

• None

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, HK as Chair. 
• Claimed Hardship: Space constraints
  • The applicant stated to the Board that 135 rooms would not be compliant to the current code due to space constraints.
  • During discussion it was noted that each of the rooms in question had different configurations, legal counsel noted that the Board needs to be careful as it is being asked to grant hundreds of variances, which has never been done before. 
  • After discussing this matter with the applicant, members suggested trying to redesign the bathrooms and if needed reapply. 
  • This matter was withdrawn by applicant, no discussion or action taken.   

26-PV-122232-Mira Giangregorio Firicano, 393 Hanover St, Boston. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.10 (15) Table 1, Minimum Facilities, not to install the required bathroom facilities for an outdoor dining area that has an additional 38 seats. The Board of Health and Boston ISD have been notified.

• JM recused himself and did not participate in this matter, HK as Chair.
• Claimed Hardship: Space constraints
• The applicant stated to the Board they wish to use an outdoor seasonal dining area and want to use the existing restrooms.
• Members asked how many restrooms the restaurant currently has, the applicant stated they have two ADA restrooms.

• WT to approve with the condition that the current restrooms be designated unisex RA second

  Results: Motion to allow with conditions approved Unanimously

  26-PV-122094- Stephen Kalach, 970 Fellsway, Medford. The petitioner seeks relief from 248 10.10(6)(e)2 Proper Installation and Protection Against Loss of Trap Seal not to install the required trap resealing device for an unheated parking garage. The Board of Health and the local inspector have been notified. 

• Claimed Hardship: The parking structure is unheated. 
• The applicant proposed installing five wall hydrants and using trap barrier devices for the remaining floor drains, referencing 248 CMR 10.10(6)(e)2 as the basis for their request.
• Board staff reviewed the cited code section and advised the Board that the code provided exception cannot be applied in a structure of this type, and therefore is not applicable to the applicant’s situation. 

• It was noted that the Board has never provided this type of relief before. 

• Vote: HK to deny JC second

  Results: Motion to deny approved Unanimously, SB abstained

26-PV-122133- Albert Costa, 110 Clematis Ave Suite 2, Waltham. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.10 (15) Table 1, Minimum Facilities, not to install the required showers for a 10,500 square foot gymnasium that does not have spectator seating. The Board of Health and the local inspector have been notified. 

• Claimed Hardship:   The applicant stated they do not believe their facility falls under the gymnasium classification. 
• The applicant explained that the space should be classified as a business use, which would not require showers under the plumbing code.
• Waltham Plumbing Inspector informed the Board that he is not in favor of granting the variance due to the size of the facility and its intended use.  After discussing this matter with the applicant members questioned if the fixture count for the use is met. The applicant confirmed all fixtures are compliant with the occupancy and code.

Vote: HK to deny WT second

Results: Motion to deny approved Unanimously

26-PV-160313-Brian Wan, 251 Waltham St, Lexington. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.13(1) Piping and Treatment of Special waste, not to install a neutralization system for 154 sinks in the science labs for a new high school. The Board of Health and the local inspector have been notified. 

• Claimed Hardship: Unusual circumstance 
  • The applicant presented to the Board the methods that would be used to neutralize the waste, along with school policies regarding disposal. The applicant explained that the sinks will be on dedicated piping using code‑compliant materials and equipped with a pH monitor.
  • Lexington Plumbing Inspector informed the Board that he had not been made aware of the new design changes prior to the meeting.
  • Board members discussed the specific use of the sinks and the potential danger to the plumbing system in the event of a chemical discharge.
  • Upon questioning, the applicant indicated there was no hardship and the unusual circumstance was only a recently drafted policy. 
  • Vote: JC to deny WT second
  • Results: motion to deny approved unanimously
• 26-PV-160401- Emerson Clauss,392 NE Main St, Douglas. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.10 (15) Table 1, Minimum Facilities, not to install a second bathroom for a 3,000 square foot liquor store. The Board of Health and the local inspector have been notified. 
• Claimed Hardship: The applicant stated that the building does not have adequate space to install a second bathroom.
• The applicant explained that fixed display shelving and the overall layout prevent the installation of an additional bathroom. They also noted that the cost of adding a second bathroom would be significant. Based on the building’s use, they believe the additional bathroom is not necessary.
• The Douglas Plumbing Inspector addressed the Board and confirmed that he cited the applicable plumbing code section to the plumber, which requires a second bathroom for this type of occupancy.

• Upon questioning, the applicant indicated the real hardship was the financial burden associated with the installation, they feel the second bathroom should not be required.

  Vote: HK to deny JC second

  Results: motion to deny approved unanimously

• 26-GV-160380-Kevin Saunders, 165 Weir Rd, Yarmouth. The petitioner is seeking relief from NFPA-54-2012 section 7.1.2 Protection Against Damage and 7.1.2.1 Cover Requirements to allow directional boring for a gas line that will serve a generator. Since this is a gas variance, the Board of Health notice is not required. The local inspector has been notified.
• Claimed Hardship: The applicant stated that due to structural and landscaping concerns, opening the ground to install the required piping could not be done.
• The Yarmouth Gas Inspector addressed the Board and explained that the proposed approach was not compliant with the applicable code. He directed the applicant to appear before the Board to request a variance.
• Board members asked the applicant to provide more detail regarding the hardship. The applicant explained that existing landscaping features and structural walls create significant difficulty in installing the piping through traditional methods.

• During discussion, it was noted that approving this variance could make inspections difficult. Members also noted the Board has never previously allowed this type of relief.;

  Vote: HK to deny JC second

• Results: Motion to deny approved unanimously

Appeal of Inspector Decision-

• None

Board Delegated Staff Approvals

• None

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

• None

Delegated vocational school project approvals

• None

Board will consider any matters not reasonably anticipated by the Chair

• None

Executive Session

At 10:50 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 WT, HK 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: Unanimously approved

11:46 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
  • May 6, 2026, Regular Session 
  • May 6, 2026, Executive Session 
• Executive Director Report
  • Licenses issued: May 2026 through 5/26/26 - 208
    • Gas Fitter Apprentice - 9
    • Gas Fitter Journeyman - 2
    • Gas Fitter Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) - 1
    • Gas Fitter Master - 13
    • Limited Liquified Petroleum (LTD LP) Installer - 1
    • Liquified Petroleum (LP) Installer - 2
    • Plumbing and Gas Fitter Inspector - 2
    • Plumbing Apprentice - 98
    • Plumbing Corporation or Professional Corporation (PC) - 2
    • Plumbing Journeyman - 53
    • Plumbing Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) - 6
    • Plumbing Master - 19
  • Staff reviewed and accepted 1,058 Products.
• Legal / Board Counsel Report – Charles Kilb
• Discussion
  • Plumbing Board Code Sub-committee update.
• Product Matters
  • DuraTrac recall – Review/Vote - Reinstatement of impacted products
• Vocational School Projects
  • None
• 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-PV-122232-Mira Giangregorio Firicano, 393 Hanover St, Boston. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.10 (15) Table 1, Minimum Facilities, not to install the required bathroom facilities for an outdoor dining area that has an additional 38 seats. The Board of Health and Boston ISD have been notified.
•     26-PV-122094- Stephen Kalach, 970 Fellsway, Medford. The petitioner seeks relief from 248 10.10(6)(e)2 Proper Installation and Protection Against Loss of Trap Seal not to install the required trap resealing device for an unheated parking garage. The Board of Health and the local inspector have been notified.
• 26-PV-122133- Albert Costa, 110 Clematis Ave Suite 2, Waltham. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.10 (15) Table 1, Minimum Facilities, not to install the required showers for a 10,500 square foot gymnasium that does not have spectator seating. The Board of Health and the local inspector have been notified.
  • 26-PV-160313-Brian Wan, 251 Waltham St, Lexington. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.13(1) Piping and Treatment of Special waste, not to install a neutralization system for 154 sinks in the science labs for a new high school. The Board of Health and the local inspector have been notified. 
  • 26-PV-160401- Emerson Clauss,392 NE Main St, Douglas. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.10 (15) Table 1, Minimum Facilities, not to install a second bathroom for a 3,000 square foot liquor store. The Board of Health and the local inspector have been notified.
• 26-GV-160380-Kevin Saunders, 165 Weir Rd, Yarmouth. The petitioner is seeking relief from NFPA-54-2012 section 7.1.2 Protection Against Damage and 7.1.2.1 Cover Requirements to allow directional boring for a gas line that will serve a generator. Since this is a gas variance, the Board of Health notice is not required. The local inspector has been notified.
• 26-GV-121763- Justin Wood,15 Westlund Rd, Belmont.The petitioner is seeking relief from NFPA-54-2012 section 9.6.1(8) Connecting Appliances and Equipment to install steel piping through the cabinet of a gas fireplace. Since this is a gas variance, the Board of Health notice is not required. The local inspector has been notified.
• Appeal Of Inspector Decision – None
• Board Delegated Staff Approvals – Special Permission – None
• Board Delegated Staff Approvals (FYI) – Board Vote Not required - None
• Delegated Vocational School Project Approvals - None
• Items not reasonably anticipated by the Chair
• Quasi-Judicial Session - Disciplinary decisions - Closed per M.G.L c. 30A, §18
• Executive Session – Character Reviews
  • JC
  • SD
  • KD
  • RH
  • CN
  • SR
  • RS
  • CT
  • KX
• Investigative Conference - Closed per M.G.L. c. 112, § 65C

Adjournment: Next monthly board meeting is July 1, 2026

Note: If you need a 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.