Minutes of Meeting
September 23, 2002
A meeting of the Sharon Board of Health was called to order at 7:45 P.M. on Monday evening, September 23, 2002, in the Sharon Town Offices with the following members in attendance: Chairman Andrew Stead, Vice-Chair Susan Peck, Elizabeth Barnett, M.D., Jonathan Goldberg, and Mary Tobin.
Middle School Septic System Plan Review
Peter Collins, Manny Garcia, and Ken Wertz were present to review preliminary septic plans for the Middle School tie-in to the high school septic facility. Current average for high school during school year is 1693 gpd, with a higher average during the summer (due to the beach tie-in). Susan Peck asked if this project will go forward only in the case of a Middle School renovation; Ken Wertz responded that that is a question for the Building Committee. Mr. Garcia responded that it would be in the town’s best interest to proceed with this project regardless, due to the presence of the portable classrooms. The wetlands delineation contract was just awarded. The plan is for a tight tank for industrial waste at the Middle School. Various options for tieing in from the center of town were suggested by board members. No
formal submissions have yet been made. Mary Tobin requested an estimated cost for a septic system for the Middle School alone. Mr. Garcia noted that a variance from DEP is by no means a sure thing.
Continuation of Variance Hearing – 12 Huntington Avenue
Mike Jones, Can-Four Corp., as well as homeowners Mrs. Hosmer and her son, and neighbor Wayne Bradley, as well as Eleanor Herburger, were present for the continued hearing requesting a variance from section 7.02.11 (construction in fill). A letter from Assistant Town Engineer Peter O’Cain was presented granting permission to connect a catch basin to the existing drainage on North Main St....requiring crossing Mr. Bradley’s property. Mr. Bradley has agreed to granting the easement. Andrew Stead stated that, based on his review of Title V, the construction in fill provision does not apply in this instance, since the fill was placed there at least one hundred years ago. Susan Peck expressed concerns that this might serve to set a precedent, i.e., the possibility of filling land, waiting several years, then
proposing refilling the land and building a system. She further stated that manifest injustice has not been shown. Mary Tobin stated that her review of the provision clearly indicates this request is not permissible, and she also was concerned about setting a precedent. Andy Stead stated that, in order to build, all the fill material must be dug out and replaced with “Title V sand”. Elizabeth Barnett stated that it is her interpretation that this proposal would not violate the provision in Article 7.
VOTED: (Stead/Barnett)Stead and Barnett voted affirmatively to approve the plan as proposed; Peck, Tobin, and Goldberg voted negatively, for up to a 4 bedroom house, conditionally, upon a review of the test pit in the proposed leaching field area. Conditions include: annual pumping and low-flow plumbing fixtures. The motion was denied.
Variance Hearing – 149 Pond Street
Henry Munson, P.E., was present on behalf of property owner Alan Shapiro to continue the hearing regarding the use of a JET-enhanced treatment system for 149 Pond Street. Mary Tobin mentioned that it would be critical to have a contractor familiar with this new system handle the maintenance contract. Jim Andrews recommended use of this system, and comparing with Bioclere and FAST.
VOTED: (Peck/Goldberg) unanimously to approve the variance as requested. Standard conditions for alternative systems apply. (Water conservation devices, including low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads; a signed O&M agreement is required with the following testing requirements: BOD, TSS, pH, TKN, Ammonia, and Nitrites; any new owner must be provided with a copy of the variance and its conditions.)
Minutes of Meeting - September 9, 2002
VOTED: (Stead/Barnett ) unanimously to accept the minutes of September 9, 2002, as amended.
Meeting Schedules
Future meeting dates were set for November 4, 18, and December 16.
Reorganization of the Board
The Board discussed reorganizing the positions of Chair and Vice-Chair. A vote will take place at the October 21st meeting.
Personnel Board Request re Interim Nurse Position Description
Jonathan Goldberg will attend the meeting, along with Sheila Miller, to review the position description and answer questions.
Revolving Fund for flu shots
The Board reviewed a 1994 bulletin from the Mass. Dept. Of Revenue Division of Local Services, regarding the establishment of revolving funds in instances where a new revenue source becomes available. It was decided to make a request to the Town Accountant to establish a revolving fund for health promotion clinics, since the Health Department will soon begin requesting reimbursement from Medicare and other insurances for administration of flu vaccine. Since the state is decreasing supplies of flu vaccine, this would help the department to purchase vaccine and other supplies in future years.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 P.M.
| 
