Minutes of Meeting
February 23, 2009
A meeting of the Sharon Board of Health was called to order on February 23, 2009 at 7:30 PM, in the Sharon Town Office Building, with the following members in attendance: Stanley Rosen, Chair, Ed Welch Vice-Chair, Suzi Peck, Jay Schwab, and Andrew Stead. Also present was Jim Andrews, Health Agent for Engineering.
Minutes of Meeting
VOTED: (Schwab /Welch) Schwab, Welch, and Rosen voted in favor of accepting the minutes of the meeting of December 15, 2008 as presented. Peck and Stead abstained since they were not present for the meeting.
VOTED: (Rosen/Stead) Rosen, Stead, and Welch voted in favor of accepting the minutes of the meeting of January 26, 2009 as presented. Peck and Schwab abstained since they were not present for the meeting.
Sharon Open Space and Recreation Planning Committee plan....
VOTED: (Rosen/Welch) unanimously to send a letter to the Open Space Committee thanking them for the opportunity to comment on the plan; and letting them know that the Board agrees, in general, with the document as provided.
Horizons for Youth Beach - Lake Sampling
The Board reviewed a memo from Linda Rosen requesting that the sampling of Lake Massapoag, including the cost, be shared by any/all camps using the Horizons for Youth Beach .... to avoid duplication of efforts and cost.
This issue was deferred until May or June, when the number/names of camps to be present should be known.
Public Hearing: Animal Regulations
Ed Little, Animal Inspector, was present for the hearing. Stan Rosen opened the hearing on the draft changes to the animal regulations. There were a number of attendees. He stated that written public comments will be accepted until March 9th. Copies of both the draft regulations, as well as the existing regulations, were made available.
Public comments: Concern of many neighbors re potential application by a Spring Lane resident.... allowing one animal unit on properties of 30000 square feet or less. Concern re odors, noise, predators; affecting the quiet enjoyment of property...also concerned about value of property; notification of neighbors for hearings, etc. It was noted that the current policy of notifying abutters of upcoming hearings is strictly policy.....the draft would incorporate this into the regulations.
Laura Nelson asked for the rationale behind making the regulations more restrictive; Stan Rosen responded that he did not agree the draft is more restrictive. He noted that the regulations were written in the 1950's....town has changed considerably and is not a farming community any longer...that the Board felt it is time to update regulations. Jay Schwab noted that the draft has clearly defined definitions, e.g., animal units, , as well as a more concise, sensible order. The draft delineates the criteria for housing of animals. He stated that he didn’t find the draft to be more restrictive.
Some residents were concerned about the proposed new setback for chickens; .i.e., 25' instead of 50' (13.10A) .in addition to allowing any number of chickens on properties less than 30,000 square feet (13.9F). Suzi Peck stated that this change was for fewer than 10 chickens only - that it would be 50' for 10 or more chickens and that greater than 10 chickens would require a minimum of 30,000 square feet. A resident expressed concern that this change would allow chickens as a matter of right. The Board will review this issue.
Another resident expressed concern that the (draft) requirement (Page 7 - 13.11C) that manure be removed every 2 weeks is unrealistic and too restrictive. Ed Little responded that the regulations act as a guide.....and would give BOH authority if this became a problem; The resident also expressed
concern about the proposal re hosing down the stables (Pg. 6-13.10 E2)....suggested simply adding
the phrase “as needed” The Board of Health will review these issues. Ed Little reiterated that the
department and the Animal Inspector need to have general rules and regulations as a guide. Stan Rosen suggested incorporating some wording re reasonability into the regulations.
Suzi Peck suggested adding that there are minimum standards OR a method approved by the BOH. Suggestion: add phrase as needed to horses being hosed down.
Ellen Fredberg expressed concern about the 50' setback being changed to 25' for fewer than 10 chickens. She asked what would be the harm in leaving the 50' setback for chickens, rather than placing the burden on the neighbors to complain. Susan Peck asked Mrs. Sobol of Spring Lane if she would object to her neighbor having chickens if she (Mrs. Sobol) could not see, hear, or smell them. Mrs. Sobol responded that she would object.
Stan Rosen noted that the proposed change in licensing fee (from $20) is $30 for all animals licensed by the BOH on the property under the regulation.
Stan Rosen closed the hearing by thanking all attendees.....and stating that the BOH will work on the draft over the next several meetings......will accept written comments until March 9th..... may or may not hold another hearing.
Christine Turnbull — Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary
Ms. Turnbull came to the Board to discuss Moose Hill’s proposal for a shelter-type structure for their farmstand. She met with Joe Kent and Jim Andrews last week to discuss the proposal. Joe Kent had no problem with the structure; Jim Andrews saw no problem, but suggested she present to the BOH since the location is in the groundwater protection district, and Zone II.. This will be their 5th season with a tent at the corner of North Main and Moose Hill St. When there is a concern they need to move all the produce to nature center. They want to build a 24x42 basic barn building....no electricity/no plumbing....no proposed change to use of the site. At some point in future would like to have water and electricity. She asked if they could put the fittings in, leaving them
sealed off—since it would be cheaper in the long run to do this now. Stan Rosen stated that the inclusion of pipes now does not mean that BOH would approve of this in the future. Jim Andrews stated that they were interested in using composting toilet and small greywater system in future. He stated that they could meet the requirements for a septic system in the future.
The BOH was in concurrence with the proposal for a structure....saw no problem.
Sharon Commons 40R
Michael Intoccia, Jesse Moreno of Coler and Colantonio, and Bob Shelmerdine.
Jesse Moreno provided a brief recap of the south residential site proposal...29 unit complex..to build 14 units now; to build [temporary-but fully compliant] septic system at location where future 15 units will be constructed at some point in the future.
In response to questions: Proponents explained MOU ....210 units noted in MOU included the additional units over 168 ...which were withdrawn from proposal just prior to the last Town Meeting.
(Subzone C [Article 5 of warrant of Nov. 08 STM] ).....was withdrawn and indefinitely postponed.
The proponents responded to questions on Subzones A and B (totaling 168 units) from Suzi Peck and Jay Schwab, who were not present for the last presentation,
Jim Andrews stated that the Advantex system under consideration is a pressure-dosed system...not an I/A system...requires no variances.
Consultant Marie Cannon is on vacation....the BOH will review her report on the proposal prior to the hearing to be held March 9th at 8 P.M.
Andy Stead was concerned that the development plans show possibilities for three bedrooms. The applicants agreed to further open up the area....eliminate walls and doors. They stated they would have to return both to Town Meeting and to MEPA IF they want to have more than 168 units (noting the parcel purchased from Frank Gobbi).
Andrew Stead asked for a full set of plans at the next meeting (hearing). Suzi Peck requested an operations and management plan....as well as language (similar to that required of other developments, e.g., Old Post Road condos) re what should not go into the septic systems.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM.
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