DRAFT – MINUTES OF MEETING

SHARON BOARD OF HEALTH

MAY 29, 2012

A meeting of the Sharon Board of Health was held on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, beginning at 7:50 PM in the Lower Meeting Room.  In attendance were:  Suzi Peck, Chair, Jay Schwab, Vice Chair, Stanley Rosen, and Andy Stead.

Also in attendance were:  Linda Rosen, Peg Arguimbau, ConCom, Susan Olsen, Cliff Towner, Greg Meister, Conservation Agent, and Alice Cheyer.

Minutes of Meeting of May 29, 2012 Amended as follows:

- Approval of  May 29 meeting minutes:

short discussion about 5/29/12 meeting:

*Should spell out BOS to reflect Board of Selectman

*With respect to Sanitary Lake Study Survey, Suzi owes the Board of Selectman a letter asking to a part of the process.

*Stan questioned Selectman Powell on the $ amount voted at Town meeting.  No one seemed to know anything about, and the only time $ amount appeared anywhere was in the Sharon Advocate.

Minutes should be amended to say the following:

Members of the Board of Health who met with the Board of Selectman (BOS) reported on their discussion with the BOS to discuss a Sanitary Lake Study Survey.  Suzi asked the BOS to allow BOH input and requested that the BOH be part of the selection and scope  process. 

Accept minutes as amended (Schwab/Peck). 4 in favor, Welch abstained.

Sanitary lake study survey

The BOH met with the BOS to discuss a Sanitary Lake Study Survey.  The BOS are in contact with two firms and they will define the scope of the work.  Earlier correspondence recommended testing earlier in the season because of spring boating activities.

Suzi asked for the BOH’s input.  It was agreed that the BOH be part of the selection process and to meet with the company.  Issues discussed were sources of contamination (e.g. fertilizer, septic, bacteria, etc.) and storm drains emptying into the lake.  Lake is second cleanest in MA and the last study was done 30 years ago.  This will establish a baseline.

Alice Cheyer felt a study could determine whether the contamination is dog/geese feces, septic, Camp Wonderland, etc.

MOTION:  (Stan/Andy)

VOTED:  The BOH will send a letter to the BOS indicating that the BOH be substantially involved with choosing the company, the scope of the contract, contract cost, and providing ongoing input.

Article 28 Seasonal Ban on Pets at Veteran’s Memorial Park and the Community Center Beach

Jay is the author of Article 28.  Dog feces on the beach is a health hazard to those utilizing the beach area.  The current policy was established two years ago by the BOS acting as the Park Commissioners.  Prior to that, there was a no animal policy at the lake. It was agreed that the current signage at the three entrances are confusing.

Suzi questioned that the dog ban was voted down at town meeting, so can it be overturned.  Jay stated that no fresh water beach allows dogs during the swimming season.  The BOH discussed having a dog ban Patriots Day – Columbus Day.  The question of enforcement was raised several times. Police will respond when notified.

ConCom explained that the BOH can issue rules/regulations that cannot be overridden by town meeting.

Pubic education re:  the health hazards of dog feces on the beach need to be increased.  The BOH discussed an outreach campaign to the community and information for the gate guards to distribute educational materials.

Alice Cheyer read a statement which is on file advocating for “dog-free” areas in the town.  The BOH felt that the New Friends of the Playground be involved.

Andy requested that voting on this partial ban dog regulation be delayed until 6/4/12.  Linda Rosen will email the BOH the current document for editing and a “clean copy” will be available at the next meeting.

Role call was taken to enter into executive session for the purposes of reviewing resumes received for Health Administrator position.  (Peck/aye, Schwab/aye, Rosen/aye and Stead/aye). 

Regular BOH meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sheila Miller