MINUTES

BOARD OF HEALTH

October 04, 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

 

Mr. Tom FitzGerald, Health Agent, was also in attendance.

 

MINUTES

 

1.             Ms. Brzoska made a motion to accept the minutes of 09/20/07.  Dr. Azia seconded the motion and the vote of the Board was unanimous in favor.

 

ATTENDANCE

 

1.            Mr. Jeff Sheltra attended the meeting to discuss assisting in witnessing percolation tests.  Mr. FitzGerald has an increase in his workload and is in need of assistance.  Mr. Sheltra does have a flexible work schedule and does not design septic systems in the Town of Southwick.  Mr. FitzGerald had previously worked with Mr. Sheltra, and both have similar educational backgrounds.  Ms. Brzoska made a motion to have Mr. Sheltra appointed as a Special Agent for the Board of Health at a compensation rate of $32.50 per hour working under the discretion of Mr. FitzGerald and members of the Board of Health.  Dr. Azia seconded the motion, thus making the vote of the Board unanimous in favor.  A memorandum of understanding will be composed for Mr. Sheltra, who will submit invoices relative to hours worked.

 

2.            Mr. Richard Taylor, 234 Hillside Road, attended the meeting to discuss a septic system repair.  Mr. Pranka conducted an initial Title 5 inspection on the property on July 16, 2005 and concluded that work had been done to the system during a second inspection.  Mr. Taylor, originally from Connecticut, stated that he was not aware of the regulations in Massachusetts and did the repair himself, which included six infiltrators.  There has also been an additional bedroom constructed.  Mr. FitzGerald stated that there were no records at the Board of Health relative to the property location.  Dr. Azia suggested that Mr. Taylor contract a Professional Engineer to evaluate the septic system and its current function, and then submit a design plan to the Board of Health.  Mr. Taylor will be provided a list of Sanitarian/Engineers licensed in the Town of Southwick.



MR. FITZGERALD’S REPORT

 

1.      Mr. FitzGerald received signs for use with the emergency dispensing sites providing instructions on what to do or where to go in the event of an emergency.

 

2.      Mr. FitzGerald reviewed the draft Accessory Apartment By-Law from Marcus Phelps.  There were several segments that need addressing inclusive of septic system capacity ability.  Mr. FitzGerald will attend the scheduled Planning Board meeting to express the views of the Board of Health.

 

3.      Mr. FitzGerald stated that the septic system repair on King Yen Too is in process.

 

4.      Mr. FitzGerald received a drainage complaint at 146 Berkshire Avenue.  The issue is being resolved.

 

5.      Mr. FitzGerald conducted a housing inspection at 14 Hunters Ridge.  Minor issues were noted.

 

6.      Mr. FitzGerald conducted a food service inspection at Chas Amy Inc., the former site of Fernando’s.

 

7.      Mr. FitzGerald will attend a training seminar on November 7th given by Mike Pease relative to tobacco issues.  Mr. FitzGerald did inspect businesses in Town that sell tobacco products.  Three of them did not have permits as required.  The Board members agreed to issue letters stating that the businesses had forty-eight (48) hours, or two (2) business days, to obtain the permit, or face a possible fine of up to $100.00 per day of violation retroactive to January 1, 2007. 

 

8.      Mr. FitzGerald witnessed percolation tests at the following location:

1)     204 Vining Hill Road

2)     37 Pineywood Road

 

9.      Mr. FitzGerald witnessed deep holes at 157 Vining Hill Road.

 

10. Mr. FitzGerald conducted a final inspection of the septic system installation at the following locations:

1)     9 Rising Corner

2)     17 Sheep Pasture Road

 

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

1)     10 Reservoir Road

2)     6 Mockingbird Lane

3)     37 Pineywood Road

 

DISCUSSION

 

1.         The members of the Board of Health issued a letter to the Board of Selectmen stating an increase in fines relative to Board of Health issues.

2.         The Board members will review the Well Regulations to specifically address gallons per minute rate that may be included in the regulations.

 

3.         The Board of Health will conduct a flu vaccine clinic on October 29th.  The cost per vaccine will be $13.00 per person to cover the cost.  There is no reported shortage of the vaccine.

 

4.         Town Counsel is reviewing the draft Floor Drain By-law.  The Board of Health members agreed to compose the By-law, but enforcement will be under the purview of the DPW Department.

 

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

 

 

 

______________________________                 ____________________________________

Dr. Jerome Azia                                                        Sue Brzoska

 

 

______________________________                

Tom FitzGerald, Health Agent                                                        

 

 

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