Minutes of Meeting
May 24, 2004
A meeting of the Sharon Board of Health was called to order at 7:25 P.M. on Monday evening, May 24, 2004,
in the Sharon Town Offices, with the following members in attendance: Vice-Chair Elizabeth Barnett, Jonathan Goldberg, Suzi Peck, and Sherwin Goodblatt. Also in attendance was Jim Andrews, Health Agent for Engineering.
Sanitarian leave
Linda Rosen reported that Dr. Lapuck will be on extended medical leave beginning early June. She further noted that Sheila Miller will be available to fill in for Dr. Lapuck, in her role as Assistant Health Agent for Sanitary Inspections.
Voted:(Peck/Goldberg) Peck/Goldberg/Goodblatt voted unanimously (Barnett was not yet present and Bingham was absent) that, although the Board recognizes and appreciates the lengthy service provided to the town by Dr. Lapuck, the Board regretfully recognizes that contracting rules do not allow the Board to pay Dr. Lapuck during his absence.
Voted: (Peck/Goldberg) Peck/Goldberg/Goodblatt voted unanimously (Barnett was not yet present and Bingham was absent) to pay Sheila Miller at her regular hourly rate for services provided as the Assistant Health Agent for Sanitary Inspections and Enforcement during Dr. Lapuck’s absence.
Variance Hearing - 11 Owl Drive
Jim Miller, P.E., presented a plan for a replacement septic system in order to add an inlaw apartment. Owners, Mr. And Mrs. Singer, have requested a variance from the groundwater protection by-law from the ZBA: the lot area requirement of 1000 square feet of lot area for each 6 gallons/day of septage flow. The property is partially located in a zone II, and totally within the groundwater protection district. Confusion developed since, although the Singers state the house has always been 4 bedrooms (and now they want to expand by adding an inlaw suite–but still maintaining 4 bedrooms), it has been listed with the Engineering Department and the Assessors’ as a 3 bedroom to date.
Mrs. Singer explained that she and her husband purchased the home from his parents, since they wish to live in Sharon and the former owners (Mr. Singer’s parents) wish to remain in Sharon.
Jim Miller reviewed that there is sufficient square footage to comply with 4 bedrooms in accordance with Title V. The problem is complying with ZBA lot area requirement. Jim Andrews needs to comment to the ZBA on whether or not the septic plan is in compliance. Jim Miller provided analysis of the drainage area, counting the total number of bedrooms, showing, in his opinion, that there will be no significant impact on groundwater quality in the area.. Suzi Peck stated that the 1000 square foot rule is not a BOH regulation.....and, furthermore, that the board generally stays away from any variances for new construction. She also noted that any vote of the board is for the life of the house — and future owners. The Board agreed that they will require a deed restriction to require the home remain at 4 bedrooms.
Arnold Kublin, chair of the Council on Aging, commented on the desperate need for housing for senior residents of Sharon. He noted that elderly people living with their family is the best arrangement for seniors. He noted that, according to recent census. 22% of Sharon households = 65+; 2837 residents over 60 live in Sharon as of 5/04. He stressed the need for housing for seniors....thinking “outside of the box”. Suzi Peck agreed that is true, as long as we can also protect the health and safety of the community. Sherwin Goodblatt agreed that, while it would be best for seniors to be able to live with their children, there is a balance between this concern and health and safety concerns. Jonathan Goldberg suggested asking Arnold Kublin to attend a future meeting to discuss this issue at
length.
The Board agreed that a letter will be sent to the ZBA stating that the Board discussed this issue and that the septic system is to be designed for a 4 bedroom home. In addition, the Board will be requiring a deed restriction stating that the home must remain a 4 bedroom home. This system can be built without Board of Health variances.
Gander Realty Trust...
The Board reviewed a request from Gander Realty Trust dated 4/20/04. It was agreed to send a letter notifying Mr. Geller that t is standard practice for DEP and the town of Sharon to require quarterly testing of alternative systems. In addition, the Board urges him to check with other companies for pricing quotes.
7 Robin Road - Variance Request
David Oberlander, P.E., presented variance requests....system has failed. Jim Andrews noted this is currently a 2 bedroom home and that this solution is the best that can be done with this lot. There will be a deed restriction to 2 bedrooms.... although system designed for 3 bedroom - since adding a bedroom would be increasing flow.
The Board decided to vote 2 options and allow the homeowners to take the time to decide which option they prefer. Abutters had no complaints or comments. Mr. Oberlander will report back to the Board on the decision.
VOTED: (Peck/Goodblatt) unanimously to approve either of 2 variances: The plan as approved, with installation of Singulair i/a system....with variance requests as listed in letter from BDO Engineering dated 4/22/04; or with reduction of the leaching field to sizing appropriate for a 2 bedrom home, with reduction of wetland setback from septic system to 30 feet. The “standard” additional requirements to be included in either option. In addition, the recommendation that, when the washing machine needs replacement, a front-loading water-saving washer be considered.
Complaint re Larason Farm Septic system odor
Residents of Larason Farm, as well as a representative of Bay Ridge Condominium Trust, were present — under the impression that a hearing was scheduled to discuss complaints regarding odors from their septic system. The complainant was not present, since no hearing had actually been scheduled. Residents believe odor is not coming from their system, but from the manure at Crescent Ridge Dairy. Suzi Peck questioned whether or not the charcoal filters have been recently inspected and/or replaced. Residents agreed to have this done. However, the residents all complained that the odor is emanating from manure at Crescent Ridge Dairy. One resident noted that the odor has existed for the 10 years they have lived at Larason Farm Road. A complaint was provided in writing and the
Board of Health will follow up by contacting Crescent Ridge Dairy to attend a meeting of the Board to discuss the problem.
Minutes of May 12, 2004
VOTED: (Barnett/Goodblatt) Barnett, Goodblatt, and Goldberg voted in the affirmative; Peck abstained; to accept the minutes of May 12, 2004, with corrections.
Meeting Schedule
The Board agreed on the following meeting schedule: June 7 and 28; July 19; August 9 and 30; Sept. 13 and 27.
Complaint regarding Wind River Environmental
Jim Andrews provided information regarding an anonymous complaint: (1) that Wind River Environmental sent someone to pump a septic system without prior authorization by the homeowner; and (2) that the driver attempted to sell ccls to the resident, explained that it was banned in Sharon and that the homeowner would have to pay in cash. The name of the driver was provided to Jim Andrews.
It was agreed to publicize on cable television, on the internet, and in the Sharon Advocate, that homeowners should beware of such practices. In addition, it was agreed to write to Wind River notifying them of this anonymous complaint and that any further violations may result in suspension of their license to operate in Sharon.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 P.M.
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