Minutes of Meeting
January 5, 2004
A meeting of the Sharon Board of Health was called to order at 7:15 P.M. on Monday evening, January 5, 2004, in the Sharon Town Offices, with the following members in attendance: Chairman Anne Bingham, Vice-Chair Elizabeth Barnett, M.D., Jonathan Goldberg, Suzi Peck, and Sherwin Goodblatt. Also in attendance was Jim Andrews, Health Agent for Engineering.
Health Agent for Engineering: discussion re attendance at BOH meetings
The Board discussed the Importance of Jim Andrews’ attendance at Board of Health meetings in his role as Health Agent for Engineering. The Board will continue to work with Jim Andrews and Eric Hooper on this issue.
Request for Variance - 48 Highland Street
Jim Andrews remained for the variance hearing regarding 48 Highland Street. William Woofenden, homeowner, and John Glossa, P.E., of Glossa Engineering, Inc., were present to request variances from Article 7 with installation of an alternative system, per the letter dated November 26, 2003. Mr. Glossa noted high groundwater – sump pumps were running on the street. Jim Andrews presented an opinion that a conventional system could not be designed without very extensive retaining walls adding great expense. Suzi Peck questioned the cost of additional 6" or 12" depth to groundwater (above the requested 2') to help protect against viruses. Mr. Glossa’s response was that a FAST + additional pump system would be required.; also, there would be additional cost for retaining
wall. Gravity could be used in this design; with additional feet that would not be possible. Suzi Peckreviewed prior variances issued and noted that, in a few instances, a 2' depth to groundwater had been allowed. Mr. Woofenden stated there had been no breakout and agreed to a restriction to 4 bedrooms in perpetuity via a deed notification.
VOTED: (Bingham/Barnett)unanimously to approve a FAST system at 48 Highland street per the request dated November 26, 2003, with all standard conditions (deed restriction/O&M agreement with annual report; water conservation devices required; no mercury switches, etc.)
In addition, the Board recommended that a low-flow dishwasher be installed as replacement is necessary.
Article 7:
Anne Bingham reviewed proposed changes, including a possible new definition for “New construction”.
Suzi Peck responded that she would not be comfortable with such a major change at this point, .and would rather tackle that issue separately at a future date.
The Board reviewed a number of technical changes proposed and agreed to hold a hearing on January 26 on these changes.
Stipend for Compliance checks
VOTED: (Barnett/Goldberg) unanimously to approve of providing a stipend in the form of a gift certificate ($15-$20) for the teenagers who will conduct compliance checks for the Health Department. However, it was asked that Linda Rosen first check with Ben Puritz to rule out any issue of nepotism. The Board members agreed to pay the stipend out of pocket if nepotism is deemed to be an issue. It was further asked that , following the compliance checks, Linda Rosen send a letter of recommendation to the students for their college application files.
Tobacco Regulations
VOTED: (Bingham/Goldberg) unanimously to revise the tobacco regulations per Linda Rosen’s suggestions, including: making the Sharon regulation consistent with the Attorney General requirements re sales to minors; clarifying that no two for one promotions are allowed; and , including recommendations by DPH, regarding tobacco paraphernalia. Jonathan Goldberg asked that Linda Rosen, in addition to the required publicity, send copies of the changes to all tobacco merchants.
Policies and procedures
Anne Bingham suggested considering changes in #10 of the Board’s “Policies and Procedures”. Suzi Peck stated that this should be a collaborative process and should be discussed with both Jim and Eric. It was agreed to invite Eric to the next BOH meeting to discuss these issues relative to the Health Agent for Engineering.
Complaint - Heller - 1545 Bay Road
Anne Bingham stated that she was unsure whether or not this a Title V/Article 7 issue....but a general public health issue. Sherwin Goodblatt noted that, when the town approved the new septic system, such approval should have included appropriate closeout of the system. It was agreed that Linda Rosen will send letters from the BOH to both the plumber and the contractor involved asking them to address this issue and get back to us.
Anne: Letter from BOH to Simpson and Morse
It has come to our attention that a problem/issue remains at l545 bay road...don’t know cause...does need resolution...respectively request that you address the situation as quickly as possible and get back to the BOH with the resolution.
Minutes of Meeting
VOTED: (Bingham/Goodblatt) unanimously to accept the minutes of November 24, 2003, as amended.
VOTED: (Bingham/Goodblatt) Bingham,Goodblatt,Goldberg,Barnett voted to accept the minutes of the meeting of December 15, 2003. Suzi Peck abstained.
Town Report.
The Board approved the article prepared by Linda Rosen for the 2003 Town Report, agreeing to provide additional comments, if any, by January 12th.
Kindercare.....
The Board reviewed a memo from Kindercare dated January 5, 2004, asking for guidance on preparation of a notice.
Suzi Peck will draft a letter.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 PM.
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