MINUTES OF MEETING
SHARON BOARD OF HEALTH
August 9, 2010
A meeting of the Sharon Board of Health was held on Monday, August 9, 2010, beginning at 7:34 PM at the Sharon Town Office Building. In attendance were Andy Stead, Chair; Suzi Peck; and Jay Schwab.
Animal Hearing:
Mr and Mrs. Rothberg were present to request a permit for 6-8 chickens at their property at 635 Massapoag Avenue. Ed Little, Animal Inspector, was present to comment. He walked through the property - corner of Knob Hill and Massapoag Avenue...sees no problem with 6-8 chickens. Board reviewed plans for chicken coop, etc. Manure to be used for compost pile and garden. Several abutters were present with questions and concerns.
(Stan Rosen, vice-chair, arrived at 7:45 PM.)
VOTED: (Stead/Schwab) unanimously to approve the permit for 6-8 chickens for 635 Massapoag Avenue....provided the 50 foot setbacks are met). Ed Little issued the permit.
VOTED: (Stead/Schwab) unanimously to accept the minutes of the meeting of July 26, 2010.
Spring Valley Country Club request to waive the requirement for a lifeguard
The Board reviewed a request by Spring Valley Country Club to waive the requirements for a lifeguard when fewer than 25 swimmers are present. Jay Schwab expressed concerns about granting this at this time: children will be home from camp shortly...only 3 weeks left in the season before school starts. Stan Rosen suggested that the BOH review the lifeguard situation at all semi-public pools and hold off on making a decision until next spring. Suzi Peck suggested we ask each pool operator for a daily count of the maximum number of people there for the remainder of the season.
VOTED: (Rosen/Schwab) unanimously to not approve the request at this time; to notify Spring Valley that they’re welcome to re-submit their request and provide additional information well in advance of swimming season next year; also that all semi public pools provide count of the daily maximum occupancy of the pool to us before September 15.
Continued Variance Hearing: 75A B C Beach St.
Nelson Brenner, homeowner; Richard Kramer-abutter;
Jim Miller, P.E.,presented revised plans...2 variances requested now: reduce distance from street from 25' to 13' (article 7 only); Reduce side set back from 20' to 3' (both Article 7 and Title 5).
Jim Andrews noted that a third variance is required by this plan. Richard Kramer, immediate abutter, spoke in favor of the revised request and urged the board to agree to the 3' sideline. Board members expressed concerns about the parcel...number of bedrooms...etc. Stan Rosen asked for more information on the American Perc-Rite Drip leaching system, which would be the first system of this type in Sharon. The hearing was continued to Sept. 13 at 7:35 PM.
168 Massapoag Avenue
Roberta Saphire presented information on the background of the Saphire Manor and Inn, as well as on the neighboring 4 acre Brookfield property, which is currently up for sale. Saphire Manor is looking to possibly purchase this property and extend their licenses to include the property. Before entering an offer for the property, the Saphires are looking for an opinion of the Board as to what they might be able to do with the (Brookfield) property.
Suzi Peck stated that the Saphires might have to install a new septic system at the new property. Using the carriage house as a function hall, e.g., would trigger upgrading the septic system due to the change in use. Changing to a bed and breakfast would require a new septic system. New licenses would be required for the new location. It was noted that this was simply a discussion of possibilities....no guarantees were made.
54 Mountain Street
Chana Schafer was present re renovating her garage to create additional living space....for a bedroom, a library, or office. She proposed changing existing living space doors to open arches. Suzi Peck stated that installing an arch doesn’t remove the possibility of a bedroom in the future. Jim Andrews stated this would be a change in use - if an inlaw apartment or office. Inlaw apartments are allowed by ZBA under certain conditions. This is in the surface water protection district; has been taxed as a 3 bedroom house. The applicant agreed to remove the walls instead of creating arches...and would maintain the existing 3 bedrooms. Discussion was continued to September 13th at 8 PM.....Architecturally drawn floor plans will be required by the BOH.
Region 4A
Andy Stead reported that there is a Region 4A meeting this week; Sheila Miller is required to
bring an initial form stating that the BOH has agreed to meet the initial requirements for the grant; i.e.,to make a commitment. Communities will not receive additional grant funding unless they agree to participate. It is not yet known how much funding is to be received....or who is to receive it, i.e., the communities or the overall region. Stan Rosen expressed concern about some of the items received through grant funds. He questioned whether or not the BOH would ever purchase these items if grant funds were not available. Andy Stead stated that Civil Defense has benefited greatly from BOH grant funds. Suzi Peck stated that the federal government has determined town should be prepared for emergencies....and and how to prepare. Andy Stead suggested that the BOH set the same guidelines for
expenditures for grant $ as are in place for any expenditures made by the town.
VOTED: (Rosen/Stead) unanimously that the Board of Health must pre-approve any expenditure over $500 - whether paid via grant funds or town funds - before the expenditure is made.
VOTED: (Stead/Rosen) unanimously to commit to continued participation in Region 4A.
Andy Stead reported that Sheila Miller has agreed to continue as representative to Region 4A. Discussion on providing an alternate to Region 4A for times when Sheila cannot attend...was tabled to the next meeting.
Linda Rosen will ask the Water Department to again begin forwarding water quality reports to the BOH.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 P.M.
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