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

Sue Brzoska

Jean Nilsson

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

Mrs. Nilsson made a motion to accept the minutes of 1/19/17.  Dr. Azia seconded the motion.  The vote of the Board was unanimous in favor.

Mr. FitzGerald, Dr. Azia and Mrs. Nilsson will attend the Finance Committee meeting at 8:35 on March 4th.

38 Lakeview Street  Mr. FitzGerald stated that the property owner did not have water and canceled and rescheduled a Housing Court meeting.  At the meeting, the Housing Court Judge stated that the dwelling would be condemned.  The property owner, who does not live at the location was mandated to pay the past due amount of $838.32 in $200.00 monthly installments.  The DPW Department did turn the water back on.

425 North Loomis Street  Mr. FitzGerald issued a letter to the owner for rubbish and debris.  The property has been cleared.

16D Depot Court  Mr. FitzGerald attempted a site visit, but the resident refused to allow his admittance and accused him of stealing money.  Housing Court has mitigated the issue and assigned a guardian ad litem.  An appointment was sent for Mr. FitzGerald to gain access to the apartment on March 13^th.  

16 Congamond Road  Mr. FitzGerald stated that debris was confirmed at this Southwick Housing Authority owned property.  The tenants who occupied the dwelling moved and left the debris.

9 Foster Road  Mr. FitzGerald stated that a Housing Court Judge appointed a receivership.  A site visit will be conducted to determine the amount of violations and the estimated cost to repair/rehabilitate the dwelling.  Once the property is repaired, the Town will receive the amount of back taxes owned, the receivership will then auction the property for reimbursement, and the owner will have the option to buy back the property at the auction.

18 Eagle Street  Mr. FitzGerald stated that this will be the next property for the Attorney General to file in Housing Court for a receivership.

26 Two States Avenue  Mr. FitzGerald reported that a new owner is attempting to reconstruct a dwelling that was destroyed by fire.  The Title 5 inspection passed, but is only 82 feet from the well.  New well samples had been submitted.

Mr. FitzGerald presented a draft of the Annual Town Report.

Mr. FitzGerald was informed of a case of TB in Southwick.  The information was forwarded to Dr. Kate Johnson, Health Nurse.   Mr. FitzGerald informed the Board that official notices are sent in the event of a positive TB resident through MAVEN.

The Board of Health received a request from the Planning Board requesting a volunteer to participate in the Marihvana subcommittee.  Dr. Azia volunteered to represent the Board of Health.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,