Board of Health Meeting Minutes

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

Jean Nilsson

Mr. Thomas FitzGerald, Health Director, was also in attendance.

Mrs. Nilsson made a motion to accept the minutes of 03/02/17.  Dr. Azia seconded the motion.  The vote of the Board was unanimous in favor.

38 Lakeview Street  Mr. FitzGerald updated the Board on this ongoing issue.  The Housing Court judge ordered the occupant to pay the amount of $50.00 every two weeks as back restitution for the $838.32 water bill in arrears.  The judge also ordered the Town of Southwick not to shut off the water.

425 North Loomis Street  Mr. FitzGerald stated that the property owner will make repairs to the dwelling.

16D Depot Court  Mr. FitzGerald was granted access to inspect the property through Housing Court.  Once again, the occupant made derogatory comments to Mr. FitzGerald.  Animals were found on the bed, and debris was extensive inclusive of the bathroom area to the extent that the occupant would not be able to bathe.  Mr. FitzGerald will continue to monitor the issue.  

224 Vining Hill Road  Mr. FitzGerald reported that the Attorney General’s Office issued a letter to the property owner.  The property owner did respond to state that a real estate attorney was being consulted.

9 Foster Road  Mr. FitzGerald stated that once the Housing Court Judge appointed a receivership, he was able to access the property.    There were several issues on the interior including mold and debris due to the dwelling being vacant for an extended period of time.  

18 Eagle Street  Mr. FitzGerald reported that taxes on the property were being paid, and the dwelling is structurally sound.  However, there has been no maintenance on the property for several years.  Mr. FitzGerald will petition Housing Court for a potential receivership.

26 Point Grove Road  Mr. FitzGerald reported that the excessive debris on the property has been removed and the tenant has vacated the dwelling.

383 College Highway  Mr. FitzGerald reported that the property owner complained of water being pumped  from a neighbor’s basement and flooding his property.  Mr. FitzGerald brought the issue to the attention of Mr. Lawler to take corrective action.

Mr. FitzGerald received a call concerning a dog bite of a Southwick resident from the Westfield Health Department.  As the dog could not be found, the resident is in the process of being treated for rabies.

Ms. Nilsson made a motion to enter into an executive session at 7:30 p.m. in accordance with Chapter 39, S.23B, discussing collective bargaining.  Dr. Azia seconded the motion.  None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Nilsson made a motion to return to the regular scheduled meeting at 7:40 p.m.  Dr. Azia seconded the motion.  None opposed, the motion passed unanimously.   

 TITLE 5 FINAL INSPECTIONS

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.