Members Present: Sarah Scheinfein, John Wentzell
Members Absent: Tina Shenko
Others Present: Dennis Costello (Sanitation Agent)
Recorder: Melanie Rich
GENERAL BUSINESS
Vouchers were approved.
John made a motion to approve the August 27, 2012 Meeting Minutes with changes noted; Sarah seconded the motion; all agreed.
October 22nd was confirmed as the date for the next BOH meeting.
AGENT’S REPORT
Mini Grant Update (Feedback) – Sarah said she received only two feedback responses. She will put it on the BOH Facebook page and email Mike Kane of the Banner.
Mosquito Control/EEE – Because a mosquito in town tested positive for the West Nile Virus, and EEE was found in Berlin, the Board of Health put out a statement to close the fields from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Residents were notified by reverse 911 as well as on the website and in the Banner. There is a 30% death rate associated with EEE. Of the remaining 70%, 90% of those infected are debilitated, and there is no vaccine. In the future, reverse 911 messages will need to indicate at the beginning and end of the message that it is the Board of Health sending the message.
On the topic of reverse 911, Dennis said that it is going to be discontinued. It is currently being paid by Homeland Security with the Sheriff’s Department paying a portion. That will end with the next fiscal year. The towns will then have to pay to keep it. The Fire Chief is exploring “Code Red” as a notification program option. Dennis will check with Region 2 about funding.
Flu Season – There is a very low allotment (approximately 110 doses). Dennis said that last year we contracted with UMass. He has emailed them, but has not heard back regarding any money coming back to the town and the amount. When the town holds a clinic, we can be reimbursed for the cost of administering the vaccine (nurses, janitor, etc.) which he believes is $17.00 this year per vaccine. With the revolving account, we can purchase additional doses.
The seniors would like to be vaccinated on Election Day (November 6th). Dennis will contact Maureen Sendrowski for her availability.
Health Fairs were discussed as a possibility in the future. They could be coordinated with the Council on Aging and include the VNA, podiatrists, dentists, fire, police, and elder legal care. If available, grants could be used.
Farmer’s Market (May Permit) – Dennis spoke with Michael May, but has not visited the farm as yet. He will work on that and bring a draft permit to the next meeting for review by the board. It will be effective from January 1st forward.
Sharps Disposal – Dennis has several prices, but wants to get information from the company the town of Sutton contracted with. That company provides a large container. It is estimated that it will cost $50-$100 per pick-up, and the town will require 2-3 pick-ups per year.
Beaver Permit – Two calls were received from Linden Street about beavers causing substantial damage. It is the responsibility of the Board of Health to grant or deny a beaver permit. It is based on either a public health issue or safety issue. Public safety includes trees being dropped in a public way, street or private driveway. Bob Svenconis (59 Linden Street) qualifies for a public safety issue. He sent an email with photos for the board to view. Beavers have destroyed 50-100 trees with some of those landing very close to the house. DCR has walked the property and agreed there is a problem. Trapping begins on November 1st. Mr. Svenconis is requesting a permit before then in order to attract more trappers to help him before the season begins. The board agrees that he meets the criteria and it will be approved once an application is received. Dennis will contact Mr. Svenconis.
Tahanto – Dennis is concerned with erosion going up the lines because it has been left open for so long. He showed photos to the board. It needs to be addressed. He needs to meet with the engineer.
The application for the MHOA conference October 24-26 was submitted. Sarah and Dennis will be attending one day.
PLAN REVIEW
690 Linden Street (Summer Star Wildlife Sanctuary) – It is a commercial system. They will be using composting toilets. Dennis would like an Operation & Maintenance Plan from all parties. The plan was approved subject to the Operation & Maintenance Plan being received.
695 Main Street (Boylston Public Library – The plans are for a repair. The plans were previously approved and designed with a retaining wall and leech field when an addition was planned. The decision was made not to put the addition on and they applied to the state for actual usage of water. Dennis contacted the state. It came out to be 300+/- gallons per day. The Presby system is designed for a capacity of 700 gallons per day. It can now be installed on a slope, there is no need for the retaining wall, and it meets all the requirements of Title 5. They will have to provide the state the water usage meter readings for a period of one or two years. Approved.
A first responder’s kit was received from Region 2.
The need for a filing cabinet was discussed. Sarah will contact the Board of Selectmen to see if there is one available before purchasing one.
Dennis would like to have a working meeting in the future.
John made a motion to adjourn; Sarah seconded; the meeting was adjourned at 7:18 p.m.
| 
