MINUTES
BOARD OF HEALTH
May 15, 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
Sue Brzoska
Mr. Tom FitzGerald, Health Agent, was also in attendance.
MINUTES
1. Ms. Brzoska made a motion to accept the minutes of 05/01/08. Dr. Azia seconded the motion, thus the vote of the Board was unanimous in favor.
ATTENDANCE
1. Mr. Bob Fox and Ms. Ellen Miles, representing the Rotary Club, attended the meeting to discuss a proposed BBQ cook-off. The event is being planned for July 27th, with the application from participants submitted no later than July 20th. Mr. Fox presented a sample of an application relating how each participant will store and prepare food. The Board presented a list of various health concerns relative to the event inclusive of a menu, estimated number of participants, location of bathroom facilities, type of cooking equipment, implements of service, and a method of sanitizing equipment. Mr. Fox stated that the event is still in its planning stage. He and all the members of the Rotary Club are concerned with safety, and are insured. The Board agreed that
a certified food handler could oversee the preparation. Mr. Fox envisions the function as a family event with the Rotary Club selling non-alcohol beverages. The event will be open to the public at noon with a specific time for judging the food, then close at approximately 6:00 PM. Mr. Fox will return to the Board with an update next month, and will continue to gather pertinent information relative to how the participants will prepare, store and serve the food.
MR. FITZGERALD'S REPORT
1. Mr. FitzGerald stated that the American Inn was in the process of installing a large capacity septic system. DEP is now involved with the installation to determine if a ground water discharge permit will be required. The total amount of discharge would warrant a permit, but the American Inn is treating each segment separately. Mr. FitzGerald noted that Mr. Kazimierz Zawauzki, who was installing the system, was not permitted in Southwick. Mr. Zawauzki subsequently did take and fail the test. Mr. FitzGerald is aware that some individuals have problems taking written test, and received a letter from Saloomey Construction stating that Mr. Zawauzki was a reputable installer. The Board agreed that Mr. FitzGerald should issue a letter to the American Inn
stating that they have serious reservations for Mr. Zawauzki being contracted to construct the septic system due to its size and type. The technalogy of the system is relatively new to MA. Ms. Brzoska made a motion to issue a temporary permit to Mr. Zawauski, require a certification from Mr. Zawauzki stating that he is familiar with the design, and also require that the engineer and Mr. FitzGerald continuously monitor the installation. Dr. Azia seconded the motion. The vote of the Board was unanimous in favor.
2. Mr. FitzGerald was notified of a back up in one of the units at Wynnfield Condominiums. The Association was advised to pump the septic tanks. No definitive plan to repair or replace the septic systems has been submitted as of this meeting.
3. Mr. FitzGerald conducted a food service inspection at the Notch Deli.
4. Mr. FitzGerald stated that a meeting for the proposed CVS would be held on Monday May 19th at 10:30 AM.
5. Mr. FitzGerald received information from Priscilla Fickett concerning her working environment at Interstate Building Supply. Mr. FitzGerald forwarded the information to the DOS and OSHA, as the matter was work related.
6. Mr. FitzGerald received a complaint of sewage surfacing at Luna Bella, Gillette Corners. Mr. FitzGerald confirmed the complaint and determined that the effluent could be coming from the upper units at the complex. Mr. FitzGerald did contact the property owner who stated that issue would be rectified. However, a week later Mr. FitzGerald noted the effluent was surfacing again. The Board agreed to advise the owner that the issue must be rectified immediately. Mr. Fitzgerald will continue to monitor the area.
7. Mr. FitzGerald stated that a traffic control officer and the fire department have been contracted for the Household Hazardous Waste collection day. Notices have also been posted.
8. The Board of Health will issue a letter of intent concerning Mr. FitzGerald to Karl Stinehart.
9. Mr. FitzGerald issued violation notices for 3 Brookview Terrace and 31 Hillside Road for septic system failures.
10. Mr. FitzGerald received a complaint for 55 Tannary Road. The complaint was for a zoning violation, therefore was passed on to the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
11. Mr. FitzGerald stated that Town Counsel has reviewed the OWFF Regulations. However, the State is in process of adopting regulations.
12. Mr. FitzGerald received excavation and trench safety guidelines. Mr. FitzGerald will review the guidelines in detail to determine if or how they apply to percolation testing.
13. Mr. FitzGerald stated that testing birds for potential West Nile Virus will begin on June 2nd for blue jays and crows.
14. Mr. FitzGerald received a request from Mr. Stinehart for donations of free cash from department to help pay for legal bills. Ms. Brzoska made a motion to transfer $500.00 from the Board of Health minor equipment line item, and any funds remain at the end of the fiscal year in the consulting line item budget. Dr. Azia seconded the motion and the vote of the Board was unanimous in favor.
15. Mr. FitzGerald received an update on the Moccio property.
16. Mr. FitzGerald issued copies of a letter from Carolyn White requesting a letter of support for an unfunded mandate relative to nurses. The Board members will review the information for the next scheduled meeting.
17. Mr. FitzGerald gave the information relative to the Board of Health for Connect City.
18. Mr. FitzGerald attended a HCHC meeting. There will be a 22% decrease in funding for the next fiscal year.
19. Mr. FitzGerald conducted a percolation test at 21 Congamond Road, and Lot A Hudson Drive.
20. Mr. FitzGerald conducted soil testing at Hickory Lane.
21. Mr. FitzGerald conducted a final inspection of the septic system at 12 S. Loomis Street.
22. Mr. FitzGerald signed a Disposal Works Construction permit for 44 Tannery Road.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Nilsson, secretary
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