C h i l m a r k B o a r d o f H e a l t h
M i n u t e s
Wednesday, September 2nd 2009
Chilmark Town Hall
5pm
Present: Katie Carroll (Chair), Mike Renahan, Jan Buhrman
Also Present: Marina Lent (Secretary), Reid Silva (Vineyard Land Surveying and Engineering), George Sourati (Sourati Engineering), Stanley Startzell (27.1-33)
Startzell (27.1-33) George Sourati presented plans to replace the existing four-bedroom house with a slightly larger four-bedroom dwelling, on a slab foundation, no walk-in basement. To the extent possible, he would like to preserve the existing septic system, after replacing the current 1,000 gallon tank with a 1,500 gallon tank. He noted that the Conservation Commission has already approved the proposal to replace the dwelling, and that it seems a waste to destroy a perfectly good trench when any new leaching system will have to be built in the same area. The existing trench is 20’ from the building, and will be 14’ from the foundation slab of the new proposed building, which is over the 10’ separation required by Title 5.
Mike Renahan stated that it is standard practice to require a new, current-Title 5 compliant system for new construction, and that, moreover, as a builder he doubts very much that construction on the site would not end up damaging the existing trench. He also noted that there is no information on file from the soil evaluation and deep observation hole done at the time of original construction, and that we do not know where the water table is. Katie Carroll said she would need assurances re: damage to the existing trench, and water table information before approving the proposal.
Before proceeding, a soil evaluation observation hole will be required, and high level water table ascertained. Once this has been completed, the Board could consider the following conditions for approving this proposal:
- Existing well to be capped; (well is not in use; property uses Menemsha Water Company);
- Existing trench to be securely protected from construction damage (steel plate)
- Existing 1,000 gallon tank to be replaced by a 1,500 gallon tank;
- Letter from neighbor acknowledging the proposed changes.
Broscheit (14-14) The property had a failed septic system at the time of sale, and was sold in 2007 as a lot, not a dwelling, on the understanding that a new system was to be built. A new septic system plan was drawn up by VLS, and approved by the Board on 6/20/2007, with the construction permit awaiting VLS stamp prior to release.
However, the proposed septic system was never completed. The leachfield was built but not put in service. The proposed addition to the house was never built, and it appears that the house is still occasionally occupied, presumably using its failed septic system.
The Board asked Marina Lent to send a letter to the owners, ordering that the septic system be completed and duly inspected within 30 days or the premises fully vacated.
Levy (20-74) Reid Silva stated that a tank/pit system on this property has failed and will need to be replaced. He described the tank as having been located in a “jungle” 100’ distant from the house. An out-of-season perc test will have to be undertaken.
Wiggins (31-2) The Board considered proposed amendments to the Deed Restriction limiting the property to four bedrooms. The Board accepted the proposed amendments.
Fifield (18-108) Reid Silva presented proposed revisions to the plan approved by the Board on 5/20/2009. The Board acknowledged the changes.
Harrison (33-114) Marina Lent reported that, per bedroom count on August 25, 2009, the house has seven bedrooms.
Miscellaneous
Clivus Inspection Reports received for the Chilmark Store (30-85), Walker (27.1-224) and Bramhall (8-49.1). It was noted in all three reports that more regular addition of pine shavings would be beneficial. The notice for the Chilmark Store re: adding shavings was in bold and used “must” rather than “should”.
Marina Lent was asked to write letter to all the above Clivus System owners informing them that the Board notes the recommendations for maintenance provided by the company.
Upcoming Flu Season: Marina Lent reported on preparations of the All-Island Health Agents for a Seasonal Flu Clinic, to be held at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School on September 26th, and a Flu Clinics to deliver H1N1 vaccines as soon as they are available. Marina has been asked to focus on public education and public information, acting as deputy to the Public Information Officer, Ron MacLaren, Director of the Wampanoag Health Program. Mike Renahan emphasized that Marina should make sure to fully inform the Board of Health prior to making public information statements, and should speak on behalf of the All-Island Health Agents, not on behalf of the Chilmark Board of Health. Marina also noted that Island Agents will be updating the Boards of Selectmen on their
preparations for the flu season, and she offered to do the same in Chilmark.
Walsh (25-11) The Board reviewed a letter, dated July 2009, from the attorney for the Walsh property. The Board indicated that it wishes to proceed in court, and requested Marina Lent to convey this response to BOH attorney Michael Goldsmith.
Installer’s Permit Application, DECA, Inc. The Board approved the Installer’s Permit application submitted by DECA, Inc.
Waste and Recycling Costs The Board reviewed revenue from the LDO and costs associated with waste disposal and recycling. Mike Renahan noted that, in the past, the LDO had always generated a positive flow; now, we are in the red. In part, this is due to new charges for transportation. He noted that the BOH will have to take these changes into consideration in formulating recommendations for the FY’11 budget.
Squibnocket Pond Jan Buhrman reported on proposals put forward by the Squibnocket Pond Advisory Committee to apply sufficient amounts of the broad-spectrum aquatic herbicide “Rodeo” to the area to kill Phragmites. She noted that no application of such substances can proceed without Board of Health approval.
Invoices
The Board approved the following invoice for payment: MVRD $ 4,355.80
The Board then discussed the cost associated with transport of recycling, and noted that the volume of trash being generated by Town buildings seems to be excessive. Jan Buhrman agreed to look into this matter.
The meeting adjourned at 6:23pm.
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________
Katherine L. Carroll, Chair Michael A. Renahan Janet L. Buhrman
Chilmark Board of Health Chilmark Board of Health Chilmark Board of Health
A recording of this meeting is on file at the Board of Health office and available for on-site review.
| 
