Chair Lorenzo Pizarro opened the November 19, 2025, meeting of the Plymouth Board of Health by addressing a series of urgent residential septic variance requests. Brad Berollo of JC Engineering presented a project for 20 Blueberry Road involving a house rebuild and the replacement of a cesspool with a Title 5 compliant system. The front yard will be elevated to provide at least 5 feet of separation from groundwater, Berollo explained. Following a recommendation for approval from the public health division, Motion Made by Teri Reid to approve the variance. Vote Passed 5-0. Similarly, Lucas Amato of Bracken Engineering sought variances for 22 Cranberry Road, noting that we are looking to upgrade that system with a compliant title 5 septic system on an exceptionally small lot. Board member Amy Palmer noted she had no questions before Motion Made by Amy Palmer to grant the variance. Vote Passed 5-0. Finally, Mark Flity represented a homeowner on Crest Street, explaining that Title 5 requires that pump chambers and septic tanks be a minimum of 50 feet from a well, necessitating an ejector pump for the project. Motion Made by Amy Palmer to grant the variance. Vote Passed 5-0.

During the Director’s Report, Karen Keane reminded the community and local business owners of a significant regulatory shift approaching on the calendar. There was a styrofoam ban placed in Plymouth effective January 1st, Keane stated, adding that the division sent out 1,031 permit renewals that include an acknowledgment of the new ban. Addressing the workload of the department, Barry Potvin commented, I would hope that the department would be given some extra personnel to handle such a crushing workload. Teri Reid turned the focus toward seasonal wellness, stating, I just want to put a plug in for going and getting your flu shots. Board member Meg Payne also participated in the session, asking, I was wondering if you had any links of literature that you could share with us regarding emerging health data. Motion Made by Teri Reid to adjourn. Vote Passed 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 5:55 pm.

The board immediately transitioned into a public forum regarding the sale of Kratom, where epidemiologist Devon Donovan presented limited but concerning clinical data. Kratom is more of a threat when used in tandem with other substances and using it on its own is rarely reported, Donovan noted. Allison Smith of the Global Kratom Coalition advocated for age-gating rather than a ban, arguing that natural kratom is a botanical from Southeast Asia that has quite a long history of safe traditional use. Local retailer Sachin Patel explained that his shop already treats the product with caution, stating, We do not promote these products or advertise them; they are kept behind the counter in only the 21-year-old section. However, the tone shifted as families who lost children to the substance shared their trauma. Holly Trouville, who lost her son Terrell, pleaded with the board, saying, My son's already dead... my goal is to just prevent another constituent in your town from succumbing to this. Local nurse Katherine Marini added, We have been through an epidemic already, referring to the opioid crisis and the dangers of selling addictive substances in gas stations.

Advocates for the plant medicine argued that a total ban would remove a vital tool for chronic pain management. Laura Romney, a patient advocate, urged the board to regulate and protect and let the adults have responsible access to this plant medicine. This was countered by Sue Epard, who shared the story of her son's death from what was marketed as safe leaf powder: My 22-year-old son, Matthew, died from whole leaf kratom powder. John Shinhozer, a veteran and recovery advocate, suggested a middle ground by targeting synthetic variants, telling the board, If you do anything tonight, ban 7-OH emergency, get it out of your communities. Wendy Chamberlain warned that the industry would simply pivot to new derivatives, noting, My son's life is worth more than someone's kratom profits. Dan Gibbs concluded the emotional testimony by stating, Recovery should involve medical providers, not gas station powders. The board took no votes during the forum but committed to reviewing the testimony for future regulatory action.