Board of Health Meeting Minutes
Meeting date:
Thursday, November 3, 2016
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.
MINUTES
Mrs. Nilsson made a motion to accept the minutes of 10/20/16. Dr. Azia seconded the motion. The vote of the Board was unanimous in favor.
HEARING
ATTENDANCE
Mr. James Dent, Property Owner, 32 Ed Holcomb Road
Mr. Gary Delcamp
Ms. Katie Hilliard, Tenant, 32 Ed Holcomb Road
Mr. Anthony Rhodes, Tenant, 32 Ed Holcomb Road
The Board of Health opened a hearing at 7:30 p.m. regarding 32 Ed Holcomb Road. A Notice of Violation, for condemnation violations, was sent by the Board of Health, by certified mail on October 25, 2016 to James and Mary Dent, property owners. Mr. James Dent, property owner, Mr. Anthony Rhodes and Ms. Katie Hilliard, tenants, attended the hearing. The occupant of the illegal basement apartment did not attend. Mr. Dent stated that the occupant is in the process of vacating the premises and will be moved out by November 12, 2016. Mr. Dent also agreed to a re-inspection of the property on November 14, 2016. Ms. Hilliard stated that there is a business being run in a building at the rear of the property. Ms. Hilliard also commented that trucks enter and leave the premises several times a day. Mr. Gary Delcamp, owner of the truck(s), was present at the meeting, and stated that he uses the building as storage, has for many years, and that its use is minimal. Mr. FitzGerald reminded Mr. Dent that this is a zoning issue, per the Building Inspector, and because he does not reside at the property, he is not able to conduct a business at that property. Mr. FitzGerald also stated that the debris surrounding the storage building needs to be cleaned up. The hearing closed at 7:36 p.m.
MR. FITZGERALD’S REPORT
151 Sheep Pasture Road Mr. FitzGerald had previously received a complaint that there is a person living in a trailer on the property. Mr. FitzGerald has re-inspected the property and found the trailer closed, without electric hook-up, and no evidence of occupancy.
9 Foster Road Mr. FitzGerald stated that the dwelling on this property is unoccupied. This property may be going into receivership. Mr. FitzGerald will continue to monitor as a demand letter was sent from the Attorney General’s office.
71 Buckingham Drive Mr. FitzGerald received a complaint from the tenant of this property. Mr. FitzGerald met with the tenant. The property did not receive a Title 5 inspection at the time of transfer to the new owner. It was noted that a transfer of the property to the bank is exempt from the Title 5 Inspection requirement. A foreclosed property is exempt from the owner (the bank) performing a Title 5, but the new owner is responsible for the Title 5.
26 Point Grove Road Mr. FitzGerald received a complaint regarding a large amount of debris in the yard of this rental property. Mr. FitzGerald, the Building Inspector, and Assessor, inspected the property. There is a significant amount of materials on the property, including cars. Mr. FitzGerald will send a letter to the owners ordering them to clean up the yard.
TITLE 5 SIGN OFFS
- 30 Powder Mill Road
- 5 Kline Road
- 8 Concord Road
- 296 South Longyard Road (d-box only)
TITLE 5 FINAL INSPECTIONS
- 56 Tannery Road
- 10 Nicholson Hill Road
TITLE 5 SOILS EVALUATIONS
- 174 South Loomis Street
TITLE 5 INSPECTION
- 143 Pont Grove Road – Failed Title 5 inspection, the property will be returned to the bank. The bank has been notified, by letter, of the failed inspection. The system will need to be further inspected. Mr. FitzGerald will continue to monitor ensuring that the property is not transferred without a clean Title 5 Inspection.
FOOD SERVICE INSPECTIONS
- Bruschetta’s
ENVIRONMENTAL
- 58 Hastings Road - Mr. FitzGerald received a call from homeowner concerning a beaver dam on a neighbor’s property. The owner states that his property contains wetlands that were previously dry due to the dam. Mr. FitzGerald inspected and found the water level was encroaching towards the rear of the property. Mr. FitzGerald acquired an aerial photo showing what appears to be a dam affecting the property. The owner will contact the abutter to determine if they will allow a site visit to confirm if the cause is the dam on the property.
IRRIGATION WELLS
Mr. FitzGerald has continued to investigate the regulations regarding private irrigation wells stating that Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP) should have a Well Driller Completion Report for any property with a drilled well. Southwick Well Permits do not include irrigation wells, only potable water wells. The Board is looking into revising the well regulations to rectify this problem. Mr. FitzGerald has drafted a letter requesting Well Completion Reports from (6) homeowners. Mr. FitzGerald is working with the Water Department in an effort to identify additional properties with similar issues.
WATER SHUTOFFS
Letters, sent by Certified Mail, were mailed to 2 property owners requiring compliance in having their water restored. Mr. FitzGerald will check for occupancy and continue to monitor.
MEETINGS/TRAININGS/SEMINARS
- MHOA – Mr. FitzGerald attended the MHOA Conference October 26th-28th
- HCHC – There will be a meeting in February or April to discuss Emergency Dispensing Sites (aka) Point of Distribution Sites (PODS). PODS are used in the event of a federal emergency for local distribution of medications. Mr. FitzGerald will request the participation as PODs from approximately five large local companies to allow medicine to be quickly distributed to employees, families and citizens.
MAIL
It was noted that the schools drinking water has been tested for lead and copper contaminates. Stagnant water was found in little-used fixtures. The drinking water fixtures will be flushed more often to maintain clean water standards.
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Melissa Bridges, Secretary