The Cohasset Board of Health tackled a packed agenda Tuesday night, approving a multifaceted septic system plan for the town's new Public Safety Building and levying fines and suspensions against two local businesses for tobacco violations. The board also reviewed two residential septic upgrades and heard positive updates on the town's rental inspection program.

The most complex item of the evening was the proposal for the new police and fire facility at 135 King Street. William Murray of Places Associates, representing the project, outlined a four-part request necessitated by poor soil conditions on the site. The plan involves reusing the property's existing septic system, which passed a Title 5 inspection, and designating a required reserve area on a separate, town-owned parcel across Route 3A. Mr. Murray described the off-site reserve area as a necessary formality to meet state code. "I really don't think that this expansion area will ever be built," he told the board. "I think it's a paper chase." After discussion, the board approved the plan's components, including the reuse of the existing system and the off-site reserve area. Chair Paul Schubert celebrated the project's progress, stating, "This is a big project for the town... I think this will be a a nice addition to the town."

The board also addressed recent compliance checks that found two establishments, Mary Lou's and The Barrel, had sold tobacco products to a minor. Kathleen Mahoney, the town’s tobacco inspector, explained that state law requires a fine and a suspension of one to 30 days for a first offense. "What I definitely suggest is once you make a decision on one place, it has to be consistent with every other one so you don't open up the town of Cohasset for a possible lawsuit," Mahoney advised. Board members agreed on a penalty that balanced punishment with precedent. "I agree with the one to three [days]. Probably three days is reasonable for the first defense," said member Mary Goodwin. Following the discussion, a motion was made by Marcia Lewis to suspend the tobacco permits for Mary Lou's and The Barrel for three consecutive business days beginning September 3rd and ending September 5th of this year. The motion passed 3-0. The establishments also face an automatic $1,000 fine each.

In other business, the board unanimously approved septic system plans for homes at 261 Beachwood Street and 460 King Street, the latter requiring several variances for setbacks from wetlands and property lines. The Public Health Director reported that the new rental housing inspection program has been a success, particularly at The Preserve, where proactive maintenance has led to a significant drop in resident complaints. The Public Health Nurse also noted that mosquito spraying for public areas has been requested and that the first shipment of flu vaccines is expected by the end of August. The meeting was adjourned after scheduling the next meeting for September 9.