Minutes of Meeting
September 8, 2008
A meeting of the Sharon Board of Health was called to order on September 8, 2008 at 7:30 PM, in the Sharon Town Office Building, with the following members in attendance: Stanley Rosen, Chair, Ed Welch, Vice-Chair, and Jay Schwab. Also present was Jim Andrews, Health Agent for Engineering.
Jessica Pisano - 27 Essex Road - Animal Hearing
One abutter was present to express her concerns/objections regarding the application for 3-5 chickens at 27 Essex Road. Mrs. Pisano reviewed her reasons for applying for a permit. She discussed her plans for housing the chickens. She plans to use a childrens’ playhouse to enclose the chickens...which can be easily cleaned...and is portable. Ed Little, Animal Inspector, discussed the proposal. The back of the property abuts the Cedar Swamp. The property is in a congested area of Sharon Heights. He stated he had no problem issuing a permit for 3-5 chickens for this location. Due to complaints received by neighbors, he suggested issuing a permit on a six month trial basis. Mrs. Pisano had no problem with this proposal. She suggested that, since winter is coming, perhaps giving a
trial permit of 6 months followed by 3 months. Ed Little stated that the applicant is probably not in compliance with the 50' requirement in all areas....but is within 50' from each of the abutting properties.
Margaret Sabag, next door neighbor, strongly objected to the proposal...she had previously sent in a letter listing her concerns. Ed Little responded to her letter....stated 3-4 chickens will not cause a rodent problem; odors can be controlled; does not anticipate noise from a few chickens. Mrs. Sabag expressed concerns that she already has animals in the back yard and worries that the chickens will attract more animals. Ed Little stated that her worries are unwarranted...noted that she lives right near the Cedar Swamp....and urged her to give the applicant a chance. Jay Schwab noted that the license is reviewed on an annual basis..and any neighbor may voice concerns at any time. Frank Nagle, another abutter, was in agreement with the proposal and stated that, due to proximity to the swamp, there are
already predatory animals present.
VOTED: (Schwab/Welch) unanimously to provide approval for 3-5 chickens. Ed Little will review in 9 months to see if any problems have been noted and verified.
Sharon Square
Stan Rosen asked Jim Andrews to comment on the French Café proposed for the soon-to-be-vacated Starbucks location. He noted that sandwiches are expected to be prepared on premises or elsewhere; questioned any expanded seating.
Jim Andrews stated Starbucks is considered strictly a takeout establishment; a sitdown restaurant would require different flow. Thus, the applicant would need to come to BOH if sit down restaurant. Excess capacity over Starbucks would be dictated by the number of seats (including outdoor seating).
Jonathan Goldberg request
The Board reviewed Jonathan Goldberg’s request for a refund of fees paid for his massage establishment for 2008. They reviewed prior correspondence which indicated that these fees/licenses were properly charged effective January 1, 2008. As of now the state has not begun licensing massage establishments or charging fees. It was noted that the Board will not be licensing establishments for 2009.
VOTED: (Rosen/Welch) unanimously that no refunds for massage establishment licenses properly issued for 2008 are in order, noting that, since the state has not yet licensed establishments, the town has jurisdiction at this time.
Miscellaneous items
The Board reviewed and discussed the most recent information from the Massachusetts Cancer Registry.
Ed Welch questioned the BOH policies regarding posting of beaches when e-coli counts are elevated.
The Board is still waiting for input from Anne Bingham and Suzi Peck on proposed changes to animal regulations.
Discussion on the recusal issue was deferred. Ed Welch asked if Anne Bingham had received a written decision from the State Ethics Commission.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 P.M
| 
