Minutes of Meeting
July 9, 2007
A meeting of the Sharon Board of Health was called to order on July 9, 2007, at 7:35.M., in the Sharon Town Office Building, with the following members in attendance: Anne Bingham, Chair, Jay Schwab, and Elizabeth Barnett. Stan Rosen arrived late. Jim Andrews, Health Agent for Engineering, was also present.
Lake Testing:
Anne Bingham reported that she has been taking all the lake samples this season. She stated that 4 sample locations across the main beach twice weekly are too many. She recommended reducing the samples to 2 locations twice/week.
VOTED: (Bingham/Barnett) Bingham, Barnett, and Schwab....to reduce the number of samples taken at Memorial Beach to 2 locations twice/week effective immediately. (The sampling locations to be the swimming docks and at the fence separating the swimming beach area from the boat docks.)
Policy re recusal
The Board reviewed the draft policy. It was suggested that the wording be revised to state that a member should
leave the discussion if conflict is significant as determined by rest of BOH. Linda Rosen will revise the draft policy....and will provide comments./documents from State Ethics Commission.
Proposed bylaw re Feeding Waterfowl
VOTED: (Bingham/Barnett): Bingham, Barnett, and Schwab to adopt a new Article 27...BOH Regulation on feeding waterfowl because of the public health concerns of the waterfowl feces. It was agreed to present the regulation to the Selectmen as a proposed town bylaw (under non-criminal disposition) for the 2008 Annual Town Meeting.
Stan Rosen returned to the meeting at this point.
Health Agent for Sanitary Inspections and Enforcement
Bill Iannucci was unable to attend the meeting due to health issues.
Jack Lapuck was present to present a review of his background. Jay Schwab noted that state law reads that the BOH must accept the best–priced quotation from a responsible vendor for the quality (of service) required.
Elizabeth Barnett stated that it is good to note how highly qualified Jack is.
Jay Schwab disclosed that his wife, Karen Schwab, is owner of Sweethearts Three and, therefore, is inspected by the Health Agent for Sanitary Inspections and Enforcement.
VOTED: (Bingham/Barnett) unanimously to appoint Jack Lapuck as Health Agent for Sanitary Inspections and Enforcement for the period from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008.
6 Glenview Road- request for animal permit
Ed Little was present for this hearing. A number of neighbors/abutters were also present. Anne Bingham noted that the idea of using goats to eat poison ivy is interesting.
Mrs. Ek stated that she cannot tolerate cow’s milk. She would like to have farm-raised eggs, goats to eat the brush as well as poison ivy. Ed Little noted that he had inspected the property.....there is a dropoff behind the house. He personally would not have a problem issuing a permit as long as the neighbors don’t have a problem.
It is in a residential area; setbacks not in compliance with regulation.
Jay Schwab asked if Mrs. Ek has any prior experience with animals. Mrs. Ek stated “just cats”. She has researched online and in books. Anne Bingham suggested possibly paring down the request for this year.
Elizabeth Barnett suggested the Eks visit the 4H organization in town to learn about caring for the goats.
Stan Rosen asked about the possibility/probability of odor/noise from the goats. Ed Little stated they should not produce a lot of noise; if property is maintained there should be no odor problem. He added that the proximity to neighbors is a concern; the property is heavily overgrown. Mrs. Ek stated she plans to install an electrical fence.
Neighbors expressed concerns, including: years ago there were chickens, ducks, etc., but there was more land between property then. Back area of 6 Glenview is very densely overgrown. Sheep Pasture in Easton abandoned mini-goats because they couldn’t contain them. Neighbors expressed past concerns about maintenance of property, as well as current upkeep. Neighbors have built fences to keep the brush off their property. Concerns were expressed about odor/water pollution. Neighbors expressed concern about current wildlife...containment of animals is important. Anne Bingham asked to see the file on prior complaint on this property.
Anne Bingham asked that Mrs. Ek consider staging her request; need more carefully drawn plans; specific manure/waste handling plan to be written out; larger picture of her lot in reference to others; Board members reiterated neighbors’ concern about containing the goats...there are many small children and animals in the neighborhood; concern about upkeep...and about odor of chickens;
Ed Little explained the annual inspection process. Current regulations do not show minimum lot size - but setbacks. A permit would need variance from BOH.
The hearing was continued to August 27th at 8 PM.
Massage proposal
VOTED: (Barnett/Bingham_ unanimously to allow Jonathan Goldberg to expand his license to include the possibility of providing massage to volunteers at Moose Hill Farm CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)...for summer and fall of 2007. There would be no charge for the work. Individuals receiving massage would be fully clothed.
Minutes of June 25, 2007
VOTED: (Bingham/Schwab) Bingham, Rosen, and Schwab voted to accept the minutes of the meeting of
June 25, 2007. Barnett abstained.
Great Cedar Swamp
The Board reviewed a request from Aimlee Laderman. Linda Rosen will request more information for the next meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 9 PM.
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