Minutes of Meeting
March 8, 2004
A meeting of the Sharon Board of Health was called to order at 7:15 P.M. on Monday evening, March 8, 2004, in the Sharon Town Offices, with the following members in attendance: Chairman Anne Bingham, Jonathan Goldberg, Suzi Peck, and Sherwin Goodblatt. Also in attendance was Jim Andrews, Health Agent for Engineering.
216 N. Main St.
The Board reviewed reports on the FAST system at 2l6 N. Main St. This was the first variance granted by the newly established appointed board (in January 1997) and no testing requirements were imposed by the BOH at that time. Subsequent variances granted by this Board have required testing of all I/A systems. In accordance with Title V, 310CMR 11.12, the Board discussed the need to amend the variance to require testing.
VOTED: (Bingham/Peck)Peck, Goodblatt, and Bingham voted affirmatively; Goldberg abstained, to modify the existing variance to include the standard testing requirements and annual report and evidence of contract with a maintenance service. A fee (to be determined by the BOH) will be assessed for monitoring. A letter will be sent to notify the property owner of this decision and provide him with opportunity for a hearing.
Community Needs Assessment
Sheila Miller, RN, was present, along with Umass Boston nursing students Lisa Michael and Janice Serdensky, to provide an overview of a community needs assessment they are undertaking for the Board of Health. There are 8 students participating in this class project, using the GENESIS model ---- looking at data and interviewing people in the community. They plan to report back to BOH with results on May 12th with their completed project. They also plan to do some sort of teaching plan, addressing whatever vulnerable population results. Several issues were suggested by board members; e.g., bullying, teen sexuality and stress issues. It was also suggested that the completed project be highlighted on the web and in the local paper.
MDPH Emergency Preparedness Coalition. Sheila Miller reported that funding is to be distributed to the various regions in this group (we are region 4A) strictly for public health emergency preparedness purposes. The Sharon BOH is scheduled to receive $4247---- funds are to be spent by 6/30. Plus an additional $2000 will be provided for technical equipment for emergency use. Sheila asked for suggestions on how the Board would like the funds to be expended. She suggested replacing the BOH refrigerator, since the current appliance would not be sufficient in case of emergency, and does not maintain proper freezer temperature, e.g., in case we need to stockpile vaccines. Anne Bingham stated she would prefer real capital expenditures; Suzi Peck suggested purchasing emergency generators for those on
respirators; Sherwin Goodblatt suggested communication equipment. Sheila Miller mentioned personal protection equipment, e.g., coveralls.
37 Pond St. Variance Hearing - Continued
Dave Oberlander, P.E., was present, along with an abutter from the Delapa property at 47 Pond Street. Variance requests from both Title 5 and Article 7 were reviewed. Jonathan Goldberg expressed concern about the plan to use one of the tanks as a grease trap....concerned about pipe clogging with grease. Mr. Oberlander explained this will actually act as a non-electrical alarm. Mr. Oberlander stated this is an extremely tight situation, but the best that can be done with the site.
Suzi Peck was concerned about reducing the leaching area size by 25% and questioned why the applicant could not utilize the adjoining properties they own on Pond St. and S. Main St. Anne Bingham agreed and asked that the owners further maximize the leaching area by going onto adjacent properties. She further stated that they would either have to reduce
seating capacity or go over the property line. Mr. Oberlander will review with the owners and return to the Board with a new plan on April l2th at 7:30 P.M.
4 Oakland Road
Mrs. Fletcher was present to request a toilet and sink (no shower) for the 2nd floor of a barn they are renovating into a recording studio. Suzi Peck explained this is actually adding habitable space. Jim Andrews stated that the septic tank is not an issue; the leaching field is more than standard size for the 3 bedroom home. There was discussion of possible approval with a deed restriction. Jonathan Goldberg suggested the use of a composting toilet, e.g., Clivus.
The Board was in agreement that the system was not designed for the addition of a home office (additional habitable space) and that either the leaching field would need to be expanded or a composting toilet could be utilized.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM.
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