Chilmark Board of Health Minutes
June 18, 2008
Attendees: Jan Buhrman, Katie Carroll, Mike Renahan, Sylvia Yeomans, Reid Silva, Juleann VanBelle, Doug Cooper, Jane Wilkie, Jonathan Lipnick, Joan Safford, Fran Demers, Margaret Robinson, Emily B. Gadd, Max McCreery, Tom Sheehy, Richard Wilkie, Hans Solmssen, Sandie Corr-Dolby, Robert Tonti, Nicole Barlett, Frank Daly, Chris Alley, John Clarke
Juleann VanBelle – Nursing Contract Presentation. Mike asked about insurance covering maternal visits. The Board expressed how professional Juleann’s proposal was. Juleann explained how her proposal differed from past proposals. Mike asked about the vaccine depot. Is the hospital going to handle it? Juleann seems to think that the hospital will store the vaccine. It is still unclear how the vaccine will be stored. The entry on the contract for the flu clinic, is actually time spent at the regional clinic and the local clinic for the town. Katie asked what Juleann was going to use for a back-up plan. She plans on using Emily Wetherall if necessary. Juleann expressed the fact that she is flexible and willing to change the schedule if needed. Sylvia
asked what the health education included. Juleann said it could be a support group or an educational piece.
Robert Nixon (21-79) – The engineer is proposing one septic system to serve three houses, with a total bedroom count of 10. This application requires a hearing. A hearing is scheduled for July 2, 2008 at 6:00PM.
Robert Nixon (21-64) – The Board approved this well permit application. The existing wells must be properly abandoned.
Gertrude & Roland Shea (8-46) – This disposal works hearing opened at 5:33 PM. The Board approved this septic application with the following variances and condition; Variances: 1) A reduction in separation between leaching area and well from 150 feet to 101 feet, 2) A reduction in separation between leaching area and property line from 30 feet to 10 feet, 3) and a reduction in separation between leaching area and wetlands from 150 feet to 104 feet. Condition: The owner must submit a letter acknowledging that the separation between leaching area and well is less than the required 150 feet. Katie made a motion to approve and Mike seconded the motion. It was approved unanimously.
Katie Carroll abstained from the Thompson vote due to the “Mullin Rule”
Maryanne Thompson (24-213) – This hearing opened at 6:05 PM. Jonathan Lipnick read a letter dated
June 2, 2008 and Jane Wilkie spoke about research she did on Bioclere systems. Joan Safford gave her opinion of what she was interpreting as zero pollution. It appears that several of the abutters have interpreted the phrase “prove to the Board’s satisfaction that there will be no pollution to the ground or surface water” as meaning zero pollution. Reid Silva addressed and answered the concerns of the abutters. Margaret Robinson also gave an explanation regarding zero pollution. Mike Renahan explained that Title 5 states the guideline for pollution. Jonathan Lipnick expressed his opinion that the separation between septic and septic should remain at 300 feet and a variance to 200 feet should not be granted. Hans Solmssen asked Reid if the effluent took a month to get to
the pond. Reid explained that the affluent went into the ground water table and then traveled to the pond, and it took about a month. Reid also explained that he felt the amount of nitrate that went into the pond would not affect it. Richard Wilkie expressed his belief that there is a nitrogen overload in the area. Margaret Robinson explained that she did not feel that not granting the variance would be manifestly unjust. [Pursuant to Title 5 310 CMR 15.410 (2)]. Reid again addressed the issues of “manifest injustice” and separation of septic leaching areas. Mike explained that he felt the owner was trying to minimize the pollution by using an alternative septic system and by mounding the system.
Mike continued to explain that many of the abutter concerns are governed by the ZBA and Conservation Commission, not the Health Department. Jonathan Lipnick asked if any mounded systems had been granted in the coastal zone. Mike said many had been approved in the coastal zone and that it was not unusual.
Jan Buhrman made a motion to deny this application because she feels it will damage the pond, Mike Renahan explained that he was not comfortable granting three variances with this design, he seconded the motion and it was voted and denied. The hearing closed at 6:40 PM.
Nursing Bid presentation from Vineyard Nursing Associates (VNA) – Bob Tonti gave an overview of the agency. He explained the recent changes, their increase in size, and that they have been in business for 25 years. He explained that they excel in education, much of which is used in training staff. Their nurses are certified in pain management, some in hospice. They train home health aides also and train them to be certified nurses’ aids. Mr. Tonti explained that they are financially secure and continue to look for new ways to save money and consolidate staff. The first two years he was CEO, he did not feel they had the financial stability to expand. They have become financially stable and the circumstances for public health on the island have changed dramatically.
They have become more aggressive in expanding their services and now provide home health care. The reason for this expansion was because they recognized a growing need for this service. Sandy Corr-Dolby discussed the team approach they use and how they intend to handle the public health contracts. Nicole Barlett will be the Board of Health public health nurse, while at the same time, working with a team of nurses and supervisors. Sandy explained that Nicole has an extensive background in post partum, adult health, health promotion, disease prevention, healthy lifestyles and alternative therapies. She also has lactation specialist certification. Nicole worked for Spalding Rehab prior to coming to the Vineyard. Sandy went on to explain that their agency nurses have experience and training in the following areas; mental illness, osteoporoses, orthopedics, cardiac care, high risk pregnancies, substance abuse,
pain management, and hydrotherapy. Sandy explained that they have researched how other agencies off island manage their Board of Health programs.
Mike asked what contracts VNA has been awarded for this year. Bob Tonti told him they have been awarded Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and West Tisbury. Edgartown has told them that they will be awarded the Edgartown contract, they have no other bidders. The Edgartown patient records have been released to VNA. Mike also asked if VNA ever charges to an insurance agency. Sandy explained that sometimes a patient should be covered with their insurance program and not be in the public health program. In such a case, VNA would arrange this for the patient, but not be paid by the insurance company. If however, VNA is providing the care, then they would charge the insurance company, not the town. The maternal/child visit will count as one visit, not two. VNA is also willing to
participate in the regional flu clinic and a local flu clinic if the local Board of Health chooses to do that. Mike also brought up the vaccine depot service. Sandy explained that the state is handling this differently this year. Vaccine will be sent directly to the doctors’ offices and the hospital. Sandy said that they are able to handle the vaccine for us, pick up and storage is available.
June Tabor (20-95) – The Board is not sure that Mrs. Tabor needs to replace her existing septic system. A letter will be sent to her explaining this and requesting that she have a qualified person perform a septic inspection prior to approving the new septic design. Mike asked that Frank Daly examine the garage to determine if it is a detached bedroom and if there is any plumbing in that building.
Nancy Farrelly (30-117) – The Board approved this six (6) bedroom residential disposal works application.
Meadow Wood Farms (19-53) – The Board approved this well permit application.
Meadow Wood Farms (19-56) – The Board approved this well permit application.
R.I. Smith (33-83) – The Board approved this well permit application.
Susan Davidson (34-1.2) – The Board approved this well permit application.
Susan Davidson (34-1.1) -- The Board approved this well permit application. The well application that was approved on 8-1-07 permit #7-15 was never drilled.
Susan Davidson (34-1.2 & 34-1.1) – This disposal works application needs a hearing date. A hearing will be scheduled for July 23, 2008 at 5:45 PM.
East House, LLC (32-64) – This disposal works application needs a hearing date. A hearing will be scheduled for July 23, 2008 at 5:15 PM.
MV Refuse District Representative -- Katie Carroll made a motion to reappoint Alex Preston as the Board of Health Representative for Chilmark. Mike seconded and the Board voted unanimously in favor.
Robert Thorpe (19-50) – The Board approved a tent permit for this location pending receipt of a porta potty contract.
Mike asked that a letter be sent to Emily Wetherall to thank her for her nursing services over the years and copy it to Community Services.
Mike made a motion to accept the VNA Nursing contract. Katie seconded and it was voted in favor unanimously.
High Meadow Realty Trust (7-21.34) – The Board approved a revised disposal works application for this parcel.
The following invoices were approved:
MV Refuse Disposal & Resource (tipping fees) $ 1,963.05
MV Community Services Nursing Service 760.75
Martha’s Vineyard Times (ad for nursing contract bids) 25.60
The Board approved minutes for May 5, 2008, May 7, 2008, May 21, 2008 and June 4, 2008.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sylvia Yeomans
Administrator/Inspector
_________________________ ______________________ ______________________
Katherine L. Carroll, Chairperson Michael A. Renahan Janet L. Buhrman
Chilmark Board of Health Chilmark Board of Health Chilmark Board of Health
These minutes have been transcribed from a tape. The tape is on file and available for perusal
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