Public Meeting Notice  Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters Meeting - 7.1.26

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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 July 1, 2026 at 9:00 am

The topics shown below were discussed at the aforementioned meeting: 9:00 am, 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. Michael Auerbach, Board Executive Director
• Mr. Michael Guida, Board Plumbing & Gas Code Consultant 
• Ms. Caitlyn Berry, Licensing Coordinator 
• Ms. Carrie Matheson, Office Support Specialist
• 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

• June 3, 2026, Regular Session  
  • Motion: JC moved to approve; HK seconded
  • Vote Results: Adopted unanimously
• June 3, 2026, Executive Session
  • Motion:  WT moved to approve, HK seconded
  • Vote Results:  Adopted unanimously
• Executive Director Report: Michael Auerbach, Executive Director
• Staff reviewed 6,370 products during the June 3-30, 2026 period
• Licenses issued during the June 3-30, 2026 period:
  • Gas Fitter Apprentice - 4
  • Gas Fitter Journeyman - 4 
  • Gas Fitter Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) - 0 
  • Gas Fitter Master - 7
  • Limited Liquified Petroleum (LTD LP) Installer - 0 
  • Liquified Petroleum (LP) Installer - 20
  • Plumbing and Gas Fitter Inspector - 2 
  • Plumbing Apprentice - 76
  • Plumbing Corporation or Professional Corporation (PC) - 29 
  • Plumbing Journeyman - 74
  • Plumbing Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) - 37
  • Plumbing Master - 56
• All Board decisions will be sent through the eLIPSE Portal
• Mr. Auerbach commended the plumbing and gas fitters staff for all of their hard work during this year’s license renewal season.
• Point of Privilege:  Chair McNamee
  • Chair McNamee paid tribute to Darren DeBartolomeo, the assistant inspector from Revere, who died unexpectedly on June 12.  He was a childhood cancer survivor.  He was the owner of Impressive Plumbing in Revere.  He was also pastor of a small church that grew to two institutions (MA and NH).  He offered marriage counseling and resources to parishioners who struggled with addiction and other challenges.  On behalf of the Board, the Chair offered his condolences to Mr. DeBartolomeo’s family.
  • Chair McNamee also recognized Mr. Peter DeFreitas of IAPMO, who will be retiring from IAPMO.  Mr. DeFreitas owned a small plumbing business on the Cape and was the Yarmouth plumbing inspector.  Chair McNamee stated his appreciation for Mr. DeFreitas’s knowledge of the plumbing trade. On behalf of the Board, the Chair wished Mr. DeFreitas good health, happiness and the best on his retirement

Legal Report – Charles Kilb, Board Counsel

• CK – Nothing to report

Discussion

• Plumbing Board Subcommittee update -- Michael Guida 

  • Updated the Board on the progress of the Plumbing Subcommittee. 

    The Subcommittee met on June 17, 2026, and reviewed various sections of 248 CMR 10.12. The next meeting will be on July 15, 2026, at 1pm. This will be held virtually through Microsoft Teams.

• Gas Fitters Subcommittee update – Michael Guida reported that the Gas Fitters Subcommittee will be convening soon.
• Unoccupied Structures code update – Charles Kilb
  • Mr. Kilb provided a brief background on issues surrounding unoccupied structures in the Commonwealth.
  • Mr. Kilb provided a proposed update of delegated authority.  Proposal included as Attachment #1.
  • Motion:  WT moved to approve.  HK seconded.
  • Vote Results:  Unanimous

Products

• None

Vocational Commercial Applications 

• 26-VSP-160591- 416 Great Rd, Acton. Chris Ryan of Nashoba Valley Technical HS is requesting permission for students to perform the plumbing installation for a single‑family residence. In addition to the residential work, the students will install plumbing for an office located at the same address. 
  • Mr. Ryan provided a brief description of the project and proposal.
  • Motion: WT moved to accept.  JC seconded.
  • Vote Results: Unanimous
• 26-VSP-160974- 565 Maple St, Danvers. Jarred Shennett of Essex North Shore Vocational High School is requesting permission for students to install plumbing for a new service kitchen at Smith Hall.
  • Mr. Shennett provided a brief overview of the proposal.
  • Motion: HK moved to approve.  WT seconded. 
  • Vote Results: Unanimous

Variances

• 26-PV-160438- Klevis Qyrasi, 791 Broadway Revere. The petitioner seeks relief from 248 CMR 10.06(2)(g) to allow the continued use of the existing PVC building drain and vent system within a mixed‑use building. The proposed use of the space is an approximately 1,000‑square‑foot coffee shop with an occupancy under 20 individuals. The Board of Health and the Local Inspector have been notified.

  • Mr. Qyrasi provided a brief overview of the requested variance.
    • Members indicated it might be reasonable for the Board to allow for the PVC venting system to be used in the building and that iron and copper be used underground going out to the interceptor and under the espresso bar.
    • There was a discussion about the location of the outdoor interceptor and the need for the underground piping to be cast iron.  Inspector Mark Locke indicated concern with a waiver of all material requirements. 
    • Motion:  HK moved to approve but require cast iron for everything underground up to 10 feet from the structure and that the bathroom remain PVC.  WT seconded. 
    • Vote Results: Unanimous
  • 26-PV-160541- Michael Moran, 560 Main St, Hudson. 

  The petitioner seeks relief from 248 CMR 10.09, Interceptors, Separators, and Holding Tanks, and 248 CMR 10.10, Table 1 Minimum Facilities, not to install the required separation system and plumbing fixtures for an unheated and unoccupied 1,800 square foot storage garage. The Board of Health and the local inspector have been notified.

• Mr. Mike Moran gave a brief overview of the project and petition. He answered questions from the Board members.  Upon questioning, he agreed that bollards could be installed. 
• Motion: WT moved to approve with the inclusion of bollards.  RA seconded.
• Vote Results: Unanimous

• 26-PV-160741- Kristine Trierweiler, 1 Ice House Rd, Medfield. The petitioner seeks relief from 248 CMR 10.09, Interceptors, Separators, and Holding Tanks, and 248 CMR 10.10, Table 1 Minimum Facilities, not to install the required separation system and plumbing fixtures for a garage. The applicant proposes utilizing an existing bathroom located in a separate building less than 100 feet away. The Board of Health and the Local Inspector have been notified.

  • Ms. Trierweiler and Ben Jachowicz gave a brief overview of the project and variance request. Mr. Jachowicz explained that there is an issue with the existing gas and electrical utilities.  Chair McNamee suggested the use of a tight tank as a solution.
    • Motion:  WT moved to approve with the use of the tank in the bathroom.  HK seconded.
    • Vote Results: Unanimous
  • 26-PV-160955-Lee Rubenstein, 245 Plain St, Millis. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.13(1), Piping and Treatment of Special Waste, to not install neutralization for the sinks that will be installed in the science laboratories of a new high school. The Board of Health and the Local Inspector have been notified. Mr. Guida indicated that the petition has been withdrawn.

Appeal of Inspector Decision-

26-AID-2025- Tom Defronzo, 11 East Dexter Rd, Woburn. 

• The Chair announced that the Board will now commence a formal hearing pursuant to MGL Chapter 38 and Chapter 142, Section 13 and 801 CMR 1.02 for an appeal of the decision of an Inspector of Plumbing and Gas.

The parties to the matter were each allowed to present evidence and their positions.  Upon hearing the party’s presentation, the Board indicated a decision would be made in quasi-judicial session (see below).   

The Board reported the final decision for the record which was determined after the closed quasi-judicial session: 

WT made motion to find in favor of the appellant and reverse the Inspector’s decision, HK seconded.  This motion was approved unanimously.  A written decision will be issued. 

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 – The chair then indicated the remaining parts of the meeting would be in closed session. 

Quasi-Judicial Session  (Disciplinary decisions - Closed per M.G.L c. 30A, §18) 

HK moved to go into quasi-judicial session to deliberate the Inspector Appeal, WT seconded, motion passed unanimously.  (the result of this session was reported above)

Executive Session

The Chair called for the Board to enter Executive Session per M.G.L. c. 30A, s. 21 to discuss applicants’ character rather than competence.

Motion:  WT moved to go into Executive Session; JC seconded

Vote Results: Unanimous. The meeting went into Executive Session at 10:30 am.

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

See separate minutes

Items relied upon during the open meeting

• Agenda
• Draft minutes
• Unoccupied Structures delegation draft language
• Vocational project applications
• Variance Applications
• Inspector Appeal filings

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 
  • Roll Call by Chair for Quorum
  • In memoriam of Darren DiBartolomeo
  • Retirement of Peter DeFreitas

• Approval of Meeting Minutes
  • June 3, 2026, Regular Session 
  • June 3, 2026, Executive Session 
• Executive Director Report
  • Staff reviewed and accepted 6,370 Products.
  • Other comments
• Legal / Board Counsel Report – Charles Kilb
• Discussion/Votes
  • Plumbing Board Code Sub-committee update.
  • Unoccupied structures – delegated authority. 
• Product Matters
  • None
• Vocational School Projects
  • 26-VSP-160591- 416 Great Rd, Acton. Chris Ryan of Nashoba Valley Technical HS is requesting permission for students to perform the plumbing installation for a single‑family residence. In addition to the residential work, the students will install plumbing for an office located at the same address. 
  • 26-VSP-160974- 565 Maple St, Danvers. Jarred Shennett of Essex North Shore Vocational High School is requesting permission for students to install plumbing for a new service kitchen at Smith Hall.
• Variances
  • 26-PV-160438- Klevis Qyrasi, 791 Broadway Revere. The petitioner seeks relief from 248 CMR 10.06(2)(g) to allow the continued use of the existing PVC building drain and vent system within a mixed‑use building. The proposed use of the space is an approximately 1,000‑square‑foot coffee shop with an occupancy under 20 individuals. The Board of Health and the Local Inspector have been notified.

  • 26-PV-160541- Michael Moran, 560 Main St, Hudson. 

    The petitioner seeks relief from 248 CMR 10.09, Interceptors, Separators, and Holding Tanks, and 248 CMR 10.10, Table 1 Minimum Facilities, not to install the required separation system and plumbing fixtures for an unheated and unoccupied 1,800 square foot storage garage. The Board of Health and the local inspector have been notified.

  • 26-PV-160741- Kristine Trierweiler, 1 Ice House Rd, Medfield. The petitioner seeks relief from 248 CMR 10.09, Interceptors, Separators, and Holding Tanks, and 248 CMR 10.10, Table 1 Minimum Facilities, not to install the required separation system and plumbing fixtures for a garage. The applicant proposes utilizing an existing bathroom located in a separate building less than 100 feet away. The Board of Health and the Local Inspector have been notified.

  • 26-PV-160955-Lee Rubenstein, 245 Plain St, Millis. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.13(1), Piping and Treatment of Special Waste, to not install neutralization for the sinks that will be installed in the science laboratories of a new high school. The Board of Health and the Local Inspector have been notified.
• Appeal Of Inspector Decision 

•  26-AID-2025- Tom Defronzo, 11 East Dexter Rd, Woburn.

   Note: Per M.G.L. c. 30A, s. 18, post-hearing deliberations will be in a closed session

• Board Delegated Staff Approvals – Special Permission – None
• Board Delegated Staff Approvals (FYI) – Board Vote Not required – 
• Martin Richard P.E- Full Operation Letter-25-DAGV-90644- 323 Lockhouse Rd, Westfield.
• Dino D’Angelo-Full Operation Letter 26-DAGV-100849-126 West St, Northampton.
• Sean Reilly-Full Operation Letter-26-DAGV-100937-Grafton
• Thomas Donohue P.E.-Full Operation Letter-26-DAGV-101006- 99 Kings Highway, Rochester.
• Scott Taft 26-DAPV-160780- 35 Whipple Rd, Lexington.

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
  • AR
  • CD
  • CT
  • CC
  • CN
  • FS
  • KX
  • RS
  • RV
• Investigative Conference - Closed per M.G.L. c. 112, § 65C

Adjournment: Next monthly board meeting is August 5, 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.