Public Meeting Notice  Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters Meeting - 9.2.26

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join: Join Meeting

Meeting ID: 214 211 069 647 781

Passcode: Wb3ua2HV

Dial in by phone

+1 857-327-9245,,129357040# United States, Boston

Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 129 357 040#

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.

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, September 2, 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. 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

Point of Privilege

Chair McNamee honored Paul Pecoraro, chief plumbing inspector for the city of Quincy.  On behalf of the Board and staff, the Chair offered his condolences to Mr. Pecoraro’s family.

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

• July 1, 2026, Executive Session  
  • Motion: JC moved to approve; HK seconded
  • Vote Results: Adopted unanimously
• August 5, 2026 Public Board Meeting Minutes
  • Motion:  WT moved to approve, JC seconded.
  • Vote Results:  Adopted unanimously
• August 5, 2026 Executive Session
  • Motion:  WT moved to adopt; HK seconded
  • Vote Results:  Adopted unanimously
• Executive Director Report: Michael Auerbach, Executive Director
  • From August 2-August 29, 2026, staff reviewed and accepted 6,189 Products.
  • Staff reviewed and approved the following licenses during that period:
  • Staff reviewed and accepted 6,189 Products.
    • 1 Gas Fitter Apprentice
    • 1 Gas Fitter Journeyman
    • 3 Gas Fitter Master
    • 2 Plumbing/Gas Fitter Inspector
    • 62 Plumbing Apprentice
    • 9 Plumbing Corporation/Professional Corporation
    • 28 Plumbing Journeyman
    • 7 Plumbing LLC
    • 12 Plumbing Master

Legal Report – Charles Kilb, Board Counsel

CK – Nothing to report

Discussion

• Plumbing Board Subcommittee update -- Michael Guida 
  • Mr. Guida updated the Board on the progress of the Plumbing Subcommittee, which last met on August 19. 
  • He added that for members of the public interested in making suggestions, those must be in writing via code modification forms available on the Board’s website and can be emailed to him or plumbingboard@mass.gov.
  • Gas Fitters Code Sub-committee:  Mr. Kilb said that the last time this Sub-committee convened, there was more work to be done and that the applicable model codes may have been updated since the last review.  He suggested that the Board discuss reinvigorating this Sub-committee after its two-year hiatus.

Products

• Shawn Manisto – RUPPAIR Heating & Cooling. The applicant is seeking approval of a gas train for a direct gas‑fired make‑up air heater that is not in compliance with code. This product was previously accepted on June 1, 2016.
• Representing Mr. Manisto was Mr. John Zulkowski.  Mr. Guida said that there were some concerns by Inspector Padden about the product not being in compliance with sections 7 and 86 of the Code (specifically, the regulator and cast-iron fitting of the shutoff valve).  Mr. Zulkowski said that the fitting is copper-lined.  There was a brief discussion on whether the product as presented is Code-compliant and what the manufacturer is willing to do to ensure compliance among the product models.  The manufacturer indicated that they have altered the product to be code compliant, however some old units may need correction.  Mr. Zulkowski said he is willing to work with the Board on this issue and raised no objection to removing the older products from the accepted list. 
• Motion:  JC moved to rescind the initial product acceptance until such time as the manufacturer can demonstrate compliance in the products in a new application.  DK seconded. 
• Discussion:  Staff provided a reminder on what the manufacturer will need to do in order for the product to be Code-compliant. 
• Vote:  Motion carried unanimously.

• JP Mella- ComStar products. The applicant is seeking approval of a product used as a joining method for copper pipe and fittings. This product was originally accepted on April 4, 2007, and its permitted use has been modified since that time.
  • Mr. Guida provided background on the issue.  He indicated that the product in question was only approved for a limited use but was apparently be used in a manner that exceeded the original Board perrmission.  Steve Vella and JP Mella (ComStar International) provided a brief overview of their updated product information as well as test results for 1-, 2- and 3 inch pipe.  Mr. Guida confirmed that ComStar was approved only for 1.5-inch pipe in a residential setting and had not applied for an expanded use.  Legal counsel advised the Board that they did not have to take any action, the product was accepted for a limited use and if the manufacturer wants to use it in an extended way, they would need to apply for it in the normal course.  In the meantime, the original conditions must apply.  The manufacturer indicated they would review the matter and may submit a new application once they have the appropriate materials.  No formal action taken. 

Vocational Commercial Applications

None

Change in Meeting Chair

At 9:51 am, Chair McNamee recused himself, relinquishing the Chair to Mr. Knight.

Variances

• 26-PV-161757-Robert Medeiros- 358 Boston Post Rd, Weston. - The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.10(15), Table 1 – Minimum Facilities, requesting not to install an additional bathroom for a 4,584‑square‑foot restaurant with a total occupancy of 252, including patrons and staff. The Board of Health and the local inspector have been notified.

  • JC moved to table the matter until Mr. Medeiros could join the meeting.  WT seconded.  The motion was adopted unanimously.
• 26-PV-356187- Raymond Vincent-16 Tower Lane, Bourne. The petitioner seeks relief from 248 CMR 10.10(15), Table 1 – Minimum Facilities, requesting not to install the required plumbing fixtures for a 2,372‑square‑foot four‑bay garage that will house EMS vehicles only. The applicant proposes utilizing an existing bathroom located in a separate building less than 400 feet away. This is a state project and does not require Board of Health notification. State Inspector Zade has been notified.
  • Mr. Vincent explained his hardship, which is that any bathroom that can be installed must be 9 feet above the flood zone in Buzzard’s Bay.  Sela Baily, the project’s architect, explained that the project is in a flood zone, requiring a bathroom to be constructed at 9.5 feet.  Mr. Zade said he is not opposed to the variance.
  • Motion:  DK moved to approve.  JC seconded. No discussion.
  • Vote:  Motion carried unanimously.

Change in Meeting Chair

At 9:56 am, Chair McNamee resumed as Chair.

• 26-PV-161757-Robert Medeiros- 358 Boston Post Rd, Weston (matter tabled earlier in the meeting). - The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.10(15), Table 1 – Minimum Facilities, requesting not to install an additional bathroom for a 4,584‑square‑foot restaurant with a total occupancy of 252, including patrons and staff. The Board of Health and the local inspector have been notified.
  • Mr. Medeiros of Upland Architects in Norton described the project in Weston.  Mr. Guida indicated that the project is code compliant as is and no variance would be required. 
  • JC moved to take no action.  HK seconded. 
  • Vote:  Motion carried unanimously
• 26-PV-356187- John Milligan- 181 Fearing St, Amherst. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 3.04, Products, Design and Standards, to allow the installation pipe‑lining material within an existing vertical sanitary soil stack that will include branch connections. This is a state project and does not require Board of Health notification. State Inspector Mark Zade has been notified.
  • Mr. Milligan, Master Plumber at UMASS-Amherst, described the project.  Mr. Marc Watson of Royal Flush Pipelining in Providence, RI, provided further information about the lining project.  Mr. Zade indicated his support of the project for a test site due to hardships if not permitted as repairs would otherwise require extensive demolition. 
  • DK moved that the proposal be approved as a test site with a one-year window to report. WT seconded. 
  • Vote:  By a vote of 7-1, the motion carried.  JM opposed, all other members voted yes. 
• 26-PV-356425- Wellington Farias- 647 Cambridge St, Cambridge. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.10(15)(c)4 to allow a 900‑square‑foot restaurant with a capacity of fewer than 20 individuals to utilize an exterior entrance for access to the required bathroom facilities. This is a Post Installation Variance. The Board of Health and the local inspector have been notified.
  • Mr. Farias provided a brief overview of the proposal.  There was a brief discussion wherein Board members learned more about the project and the property. The Cambridge inspector clarified that the proposal focuses on the bathroom and not the overall building project but was confused as to whether this was a pre or post installation variance.  Mr. Kilb clarified that the proposal is post-installation as the initial building had been approved in error without the code required facilities.
  • Motion:  DK moved to approve.  JC seconded.
  • Vote:  By a vote of 6-2, the motion carried.  JM and WT opposed, all other members voted yes. 

• 26-PV-356433- Stephen Ricciardi- 275 Dan Rd, Canton- The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.10(15), Table 1 – Minimum Facilities, requesting not to install the required showers for a warehouse. Instead of the two showers required per tenant space, the applicant proposes to install one gender‑neutral shower in each space. The Board of Health and the local inspector have been notified.
  • Mr. Quentin Ricciardi explained the proposal. 
  • Motion: WT moved to approve.  DK seconded.
  • Vote:  By unanimous vote, the motion carried.

Meeting paused at 10:37 am for a brief break. 

Meeting resumed at 10:41 am. 

Appeal of Inspector Decision-

26-AID-2028- Timothy Brogan, 67 Pleasant Valley St, Methuen. 

The Board did not deliberate in open session.  Upon hearing the parties presentation, the Board indicated a decision would be made in quasi-judicial session (see below). 

The Board reported the final decision for the record: 

Vote: DK to reverse the inspector’s decision, JC seconded

Results: Unanimously in favor of the appellant

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) 

Vote: HK to enter Quasi-Judicial Session per M.G.L c. 30A, §18 to deliberate the Inspector Appeal, JC seconded 

Results: Unanimously approved.

                The chair indicated that after quasi-judicial session, the Board would enter Executive Session and would thereafter adjourn. 

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:  DK moved to go into Executive Session; HK seconded.

Vote Results: Unanimous. The meeting went into Executive Session at 11:14 am.

Separate minutes were created for Executive Session

 Items relied upon during the open meeting

• Agenda
• Draft minutes
• Variance Applications
• Appeal Documents

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

• Approval of Meeting Minutes
  • July 1, 2026, Executive Session
  • August 5, 2026, Regular Session 
  • August 5, 2026, Executive Session 
• Executive Director Report
  • Staff reviewed and accepted 6,189 Products.
    • 1 Gas Fitter Apprentice
    • 1 Gas Fitter Journeyman
    • 3 Gas Fitter Master
    • 2 Plumbing/Gas Fitter Inspector
    • 62 Plumbing Apprentice
    • 9 Plumbing Corporation/Professional Corporation
    • 28 Plumbing Journeyman
    • 7 Plumbing LLC
    • 12 Plumbing Master
• Legal / Board Counsel Report – Charles Kilb
• Discussion
  • Plumbing Board Code Sub-committee update.
• Product Matters
• Shawn Manisto – RUPPAIR Heating & Cooling. The applicant is seeking approval of a gas train for a direct gas‑fired make‑up air heater that is not in compliance with code. This product was previously accepted on June 1, 2016.
• JP Mella- ComStar products. The applicant is seeking approval of a product used as a joining method for copper pipe and fittings. This product was originally accepted on April 4, 2007, and its permitted use has been modified since that time.
• Vocational School Projects
  • None
• Variances
• 26-PV-161757-Robert Medeiros- 358 Boston Post Rd, Weston. - The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.10(15), Table 1 – Minimum Facilities, requesting not to install an additional bathroom for a 4,584‑square‑foot restaurant with a total occupancy of 252, including patrons and staff. The Board of Health and the local inspector have been notified.
• 26-PV-356187- Raymond Vincent-16 Tower Lane, Bourne. The petitioner seeks relief from 248 CMR 10.10(15), Table 1 – Minimum Facilities, requesting not to install the required plumbing fixtures for a 2,372‑square‑foot four‑bay garage that will house EMS vehicles only. The applicant proposes utilizing an existing bathroom located in a separate building less than 400 feet away. This is a state project and does not require Board of Health notification. State Inspector Zade has been notified.
• 26-PV-356187- John Milligan- 181 Fearing St, Amherst. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 3.04, Products, Design and Standards, to allow the installation pipe‑lining material within an existing vertical sanitary soil stack that will include branch connections. This is a state project and does not require Board of Health notification. State Inspector Zade has been notified.
• 26-PV-356425- Wellington Farias- 647 Cambridge St, Cambridge. The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.10(15)(c)4 to allow a 900‑square‑foot restaurant with a capacity of fewer than 20 individuals to utilize an exterior entrance for access to the required bathroom facilities. This is a Post Installation Variance. The Board of Health and the local inspector have been notified.
• 26-PV-356433- Stephen Ricciardi- 275 Dan Rd, Canton- The petitioner is seeking relief from 248 CMR 10.10(15), Table 1 – Minimum Facilities, requesting not to install the required showers for a warehouse. Instead of the two showers required per tenant space, the applicant proposes to install one gender‑neutral shower in each space. The Board of Health and the local inspector have been notified.
• Appeal of Inspector Decision
  • 26-AID-2028- Timothy Brogan, 67 Pleasant Valley St, Methuen. 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.
• 26-DAPV-356353- Gregory Sereni-43 Polpis Rd, Nantucket.
• 26-DAPV-356625- Daniel McIntyre- 431 Wendell Depot Rd, Wendell. 
• 26-DAPV-356656- Daniel McIntyre- 55 Graff St, Millbury.
• 26-DAPV-356657- Daniel McIntyre- 365 South St, Marlborough

Delegated Vocational School Project Approvals – None

• 26-VSP-161786- Upper Cape Cod VTHS- 220 Sandwich Rd, Bourne. Commercial Vocational Project on school property.
• Items not reasonably anticipated by the Chair
• Quasi-Judicial Session - Disciplinary decisions - Closed per M.G.L c. 30A, §18
• Executive Session – Character Reviews
• J.C.
• Investigative Conference - Closed per M.G.L. c. 112, § 65C
• None

Adjournment: Next monthly board meeting is October 7, 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.