Minutes of Meeting January 26, 2009
A meeting of the Sharon Board of Health was called to order on January 26, 2009 at 7 PM, in the Sharon Town Office Building, with the following members in attendance: Stanley Rosen, Chair, Ed Welch, and new Board member Andrew Stead. Also present was Jim Andrews, Health Agent for Engineering.
FY2010 Board of Health budget and Uncontrollables budget
Linda Rosen presented the various options for the FY10 budget....to be presented to the Fincom for their review. Due to the continually deteriorating economic situation, the Finance Committee requested 2 budgets for the year beginning July 1st, 2009: a level-funded budget and a minus 5% budget. The level-funded budget must absorb approximately $1800 in contractual step increases; therefore, other line items have to be reduced...resulting in difficulty of operations. The Minus 5% budget reduces or removes many line items and would make operating the department extremely challenging...requiring curtailing of services.
The Uncontrollables budget was presented as a level-funded budget.
VOTED: (Welch/Stead) unanimously to approve the budgets as presented...and to forward to the Finance Committee immediately.
Donations
VOTED: (Rosen/Welch) unanimously to accept donations of $117 to defray costs of future health promotions and to deposit into the donations account.
Annual Town Report
VOTED: (Welch/Stead) unanimously to accept the report for the Board of Health for the 2008 Annual Town Report as prepared by Linda Rosen.
Tracy Sharkey - Guaranteed Builders – re 25 Meadow Road
Ms. Sharkey was present for an informal discussion on a proposal by the homeowner to demolish the existing home and rebuild, utilizing the existing septic system. The proposal would require varying Article 7 for a 20 foot distance. Jim Andrews would not approve the use of a septic system installed in 1966 for a new home...and suggested the builder come to the BOH. A required hearing is scheduled before the ZBA on January 28th. This system preceded the 1978 code (1st Title 5) and subsequent Title 5's. Stan Rosen asked why this is not considered new construction. Tracy Sharkey responded that the proposed increase in number of rooms does not include bedrooms, but additional rooms for other purposes, e.g., media room...and all open areas. Stan Rosen expressed concern that
these additional rooms could potentially become bedrooms....and expressed concern about potential for increased water flow into a 43 year old septic system. Jim Andrews noted that there is a substantial change in the footprint. Stan Rosen noted that the 1st floor current living area = 1200 square feet; proposed to double in square feet.
Stan Rosen stated he would be disinclined to vary Article 7 for a 20 foot distance given the above-mentioned concerns.
Ed Welch stated the system should be brought up to code; Andrew Stead: septic system is 43 years old; was concerned about the structural integrity of the system (a pumpout would be required to determine this); he was also concerned that the leaching field was constructed with a type of piping which degrades over time — probably not much left of that piping at this point. He stated that, for a major reconstruction, the homeowner should really spend the extra required for a new system.
Stan Rosen noted that the Board would not necessarily be in favor of the proposal even if the septic system were replaced.
The Board members agreed they would be disinclined to approve the proposal. Stan Rosen suggested the homeowner rethink the approach on this project.
Residences at Sharon Commons
Marie Cannon (Board’s consultant) was present, along with Michael Intoccia, Bob Shelmerdine, and Jesse Moreno of Coler and Colantonio for an informal presentation of the first townhouses to be constructed as part of the 40R proposal for the Residences at Sharon Commons. There are to be a total of 168 residences, including townhouses, condominiums, and apartments. The applicant hopes to be through the ZBA on February 25th. The ZBA is the granting authority for a 40R...but the applicant would also need approval of the Board of Health....would need to be in compliance with local and state regulations.
Jesse Moreno provided a review of the overall proposal, including retail and residential. In November 2008 a 40R district was approved by Town Meeting - smart growth overlay district - north and south residential components - total of 168 units (apartments townhouses, and condos). The proposal meets all standards of the town. Town receives additional funds if 40R approved; 20% affordables required in 40R; but applicant is keeping project at 25% affordables (as if in 40B).
An interim road is to be built off South Main St to the residences....to be kept for several months as a temporary access...later to provide fire access only. The main road is to be off Old Post Road...to have all the utilities for the shopping center. Discussed proposal for interim sewerage treatment plant for the first 14 townhouse units...would meet all local and state requirements, but would just be used until large system is built....future treatment for all units to be at north end of the site. Applicant expects to begin construction at end of summer for the treatment plant for the retail component; to begin in April to build the roads with underground utilities. The goal is to be in the ground for phase one - the 14 front residences - this spring. Anticipates retail openings by
spring 2010; anticipated completion of 14 units (most duplexes) by end of this summer.
Stan Rosen asked if any of these changes need to be discussed with MEPA. He
also noted that DEP changes are forthcoming in regards to small wastewater plants. Jesse Moreno : under MEPA document quantified the total number of 168 units - doesn’t require any notice of project change. Overall impacts are the same; He further stated that this is a Title 5 system - can meet all increased local requirements. Marie Cannon stated that all requirements can be met - wouldn’t classify this as a Treatment Works. Jim Andrews stated it is a septic system....similar to the systems at Hunter’s Ridge. Under I/A regulations, this is a sand filter - no special provisions.
The applicant is to provide the following documents to the Board:
As soon as possible....
A copy of the MOU on the 40R
A copy of the submission to the ZBA
An outline (few pages) of the plans and the rationale
Explanation of why no variances are required from Article 7
By one week prior to the next meeting with the BOH - on February 23rd....
6 copies of the proposal
In addition, Ed Welch suggested a time limit on building the septic system.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:05 PM.
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