MINUTES
BOARD OF HEALTH
January 03, 2008
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
Casimir Tryba
Mr. Tom FitzGerald, Health Agent, was also in attendance.
MINUTES
1. Mr. Tryba made a motion to approve the minutes of 12/20/07. Dr. Azia seconded the motion and the vote of the Board was unanimous in favor.
ATTENDANCE
1. Mr. Jeff Neece, DPW Director, Mr. Luther Hosmer, and Mr. Eddie Johnson, Water Department, attended the meeting to discuss the floor drain issue. Mr. Neece explained that the new well would need DEP approval before being activated and that time was of the essence. The issue was first brought to the attention of the Town in 1993 due to the discovery of floor drains in the area of the Town well. The DEP requires regulations relative to floor drains, among other issues, before they will issue a permit for the well. Mr. Neece received a letter from DEP suggesting that the Board of Health enact a regulation for floor drains, or a by-law be adopted by the Town relative to floor drains. Mr. Neece, Mr. Hosmer and Mr. Johnson did attend a meeting in May 2007 requesting Board of Health assistance. At
that time, the Board members agreed to compose a by-law and forward it to Mr. Neece as the members agreed that additional floor drain regulations should come under the purview of either the DPW Department, or/and Plumbing Inspector as floor drains are not allowed in private septic systems according to Title 5. Any septic system plans submitted to the Board of Health showing a floor drain would be rejected. Mr. FitzGerald stated that floor drains depositing grease and oils damage a septic system in a very short period of time. Mr. FitzGerald would not be aware of a floor drain installation after his final inspection of a septic system, and is not allowed onto a property to investigate the existence of floor drains without the permission of a property owner. Mr. Tryba stated that he would like to move forward with satisfying the DEP requirements, but would like to explore options before making a decision. Mr. Neece does want the Board of Health to
pass regulations, and investigate existing floor drains to determine their disposition. Mr. FitzGerald will contact DEP for a clarification of what they specifically require. Mr. Neece will contact Town Counsel to determine the status of the draft Floor Drain By-law.
2. On a related water issue, Mr. FitzGerald stated that he had been contacted by Michelle Hill concerning water shut-off for non-payment. Mr. FitzGerald stated that water could not be shut off if it is used as a means of heat. In the event a shut-off does occur, the dwelling cannot be occupied. In the event of a rental property, the owner will need to be taken to Housing Court, a lack of water is a Housing Code violation.
MR. FITZGERALD'S REPORT
1. Mr. FitzGerald conducted a food service inspection at Nora's and at 42 Southview Estates, a residential property.
2. Mr. FitzGerald re-visited the Whynnfield condominiums complex with members of DEP. Mr. FitzGerald suggested that the septic systems be pumped, and an independent engineer be hired to determine the reason for the failures.
3. Mr. FitzGerald noted that the Board of Health budget hearing is scheduled for February 9th, at 10:00 am.
4. Mr. FitzGerald conducted a final inspection of the septic system installations at the following locations:
1) 6 Mocking Bird Lane
2) 134 Feeding Hills Road
MAIL
1. The Board received a letter from Mr. Morris, Fire Chief concerning the OWFF regulations. Mr. Morris made some suggestions for review before a final draft is approved.
As there was no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Nilsson, secretary
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