MINUTES

BOARD OF HEALTH

May 24, 2007

OPENING: The regular scheduled meeting of the Board of Health opened at 7:00 p.m. The following members were in attendance:

Dr. Jerome Azia

Sue Brzoska

Casimir Tryba

Mr. FitzGerald, Health Agent was also in attendance.

Ms. Brzoska made a motion to elect Dr. Azia as Chairman of the Board of Health. Mr. Tryba seconded the motion and the vote of the Board was unanimous in favor.

MINUTES

1. The minutes of May 3, 2007 were tabled until the next scheduled meeting.

ATTENDANCE

1. Mr. Jeff Neece, DPW Director, Mr. Luther Hosmer, and Mr. Ed Johnson, Water Department, attended the meeting to discuss a floor drain regulation. The Town of Southwick is in the process of opening a second well, however, DEP requires the Town to adopt either a Board of Health regulation or a Town by-law for floor drains. Dr. Azia noted that a previous inspection in 2000 of eighteen (18) floor drains resulted in two (2) buildings being in non-compliance, one of which is a DPW building. The Board members agreed that the best course of action would be to adopt a Town by-law. Mr. Neece encouraged the Board of Health to adopt a regulation, which would be more expedient than a by-law, and that Mr. FitzGerald can gain access to properties without notification. Dr. Azia reviewed documentation as far back as 1993, which addresses the issue without any resolution. Mr. FitzGerald stated that he, as a Health Agent, does not have the power to enter onto any property against the wishes of the property owner. The Board did receive a copy of a model floor drain regulation that could be adopted at a Town meeting. In the event the proposed by-law is voted down, the Board of Health will revisit the possibility of a regulation. A draft of the proposed by-law with the DPW as an enforcing agent will be forwarded to Mr. Neece for his review.

MR. FITZGERALD’S REPORT

1. Mr. FitzGerald reported that the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day was a great success. One hundred sixty (160) cars attended the event. The Board of Health will transfer $200.00 to the Fire Department in appreciation of their assistance.

2. Mr. FitzGerald may be in attendance for the spot treatment of the lake for weed control on May 29^th.

3. Mr. FitzGerald attended asbestos awareness training. It is not mandated to remove asbestos that is in good condition, however, it must be removed if conditions such as peeling and cracking are evident.

4. Mr. FitzGerald will seek assistance from Lisa Jones, DEP, concerning the current Board of Health water testing near the former Valley Gauge. The water testing on Reservoir Road is no longer necessary. A letter will be issued to the property owners so the deed restriction can be rescinded, they also have the option of removing the water filtration system.

5. Mr. FitzGerald stated that the season for West Nile Virus had begun on May 15^th. Mrs. Frazier will assist in the collection of dead birds.

6. Mr. FitzGerald attended an LEPC meeting concerning the reverse 911 program that can be used as public alert system. The Town will need to enter into a contract for the service, and there will be a per-household charge.

7. Mr. FitzGerald conducted a housing inspection at 32 Ed Holcomb Road. The septic system is in failure and Mr. Horkun is pumping the tank to keep the sewage underground. Mr. FitzGerald issued a violation notice to the property owner.

8. Mr. FitzGerald responded to a re-complaint concerning the Larson property on Summer Street. The dwelling is deteriorating and will not meet current codes. Mr. FitzGerald stated the options are 1) board and secure, 2) have the property owner bring the dwelling up to code, or 3) issue a condemnation notice. The property owner is not readily available. Mr. FitzGerald will contact the owner’s attorney. Because of the condition of the dwelling and the hazards it poses, the Board members did agree that the best course of action is to condemn the dwelling. Once a dwelling is condemned, the Town can raise the dwelling after a period of one year.

9. Mr. FitzGerald conducted a pool inspection at Lakewood Village.

10. Mr. FitzGerald has scheduled a Housing Court date on June 19^th for the debris at 787 College Highway. There does not appear to be any progress by the property owner to remove the debris.

11. Mr. FitzGerald stated that the State is considering revising their hunting season for coyotes from Nov 1 through February 28^th to October 13^th through March 8^th. The reason for extending the season is an increase in coyotes causing nuisances, the population has increased, and to accommodate the desires of hunters.

12. Mr. FitzGerald stated that the Town would receive $750.00 to complete the COOP plan.

13. Mr. FitzGerald witnessed percolation tests at lots # 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 18 Noble Steed.

14. Mr. FitzGerald signed Disposal Works Construction Permits for the following locations:

1) 9 Rising Corner Road

2) Lot #1 Davis Road

3) 39 South Loomis Street

4) 6 Shaggbark Drive

5) 31 Pine Knoll

6) 112 Granville Road

7) Lots # 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D South Longyard Road

8) 5 Tammy Lane

15. Mr. FitzGerald conducted the final inspection of septic system installations at the following locations:

1) 185 Feeding Hills Road

2) 6 Shaggbark Drive

As there was no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Nilsson, secretary

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Dr. Jerome Azia Sue Brzoska

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Casimir Tryba Tom FitzGerald, Health Agent

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