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, December 4, 2013
Chilmark Town Hall
5:00 pm
Present: Katie Carroll, Matt Poole
Absent: Jan Buhrman
Also Present: Kent Healy, Chris Alley (Schofield, Barbini & Hoehn), John Clarke (Island Water Source), Lenny Jason (Chilmark Building Inspector)
Minutes of November 20, 2013 adopted.
Holst-Knudsen, (25-12.2) The Board approved a septic system construction permit application submitted by Chris Alley.
Larsen, 13 Wampum Way (11-74) Kent Healy presented a septic system upgrade permit application along with soil evaluation results. The Board asked that the water level in the well be measured, and approved the permit contingent on receiving well level results.
Bussink, 27 Bijah's Way (7-93) John Clarke presented a well construction permit application for a replacement well for 7-93 which will be located (as is the existing, failing well) on A.P. 7-97. The Board approved the well construction permit application contingent on receipt of a legally valid easement for the well.
Perc Season: The Board considered whether to open the perc season at this time, and concluded that the water table is still very low, so the opening of the perc season will be reconsidered at the next meeting of the Board. The Board noted, however, that direct visualization of the water table at high-water levels is only relevant in certain locations in Chilmark: the Board suggested that engineers be advised to contact the BOH office with out-of-season perc test requests. In those cases which do not require direct visualization of a high water table, the Board Chair can approve out-of-season percs between meetings. More sensitive out-of-season perc requests can be reviewed by the Board and approved on a case-by-case basis.
Food Establishments and Zoning issues: The Board held a discussion with Chilmark Building Inspector Lenny Jason regarding a few instances where food events or potential food establishments also appear to involve zoning issues. The Board discussed the hoop house dinners at the Beetlebung Farm and at the Tea Lane Farm, and the Chill Billy Revue music events.
Regarding the hoop house dinners, Lenny Jason pointed out that, once they become ongoing, regular occurrences, they are subject to zoning review for proper and safe egress, lighting, and fire-safety of the structure involved. The Board asked Marina Lent to write a letter to Beetlebung and Tea Lane Farms, informing them that the Board will not issue Temporary Food Event permits for hoop house dinners until the zoning issues have been cleared up. Katie Carroll stressed the importance of initiating discussion on these issues with the farms well before the start of the season.
The Board noted that a letter has been sent to Phil DaRosa, one of the promoters of the Chill Billy Revue, informing him that events serving food to the public must be permitted by the Board of Health; Marina Lent has been unable to ensure delivery of a letter to event organizer Heather Gude.
Farm Stands and Food Establishments: The Board discussed the importance of reviewing practices at farm stands to determine at what point a farm stand becomes a food establishment. It is critical that, when products such as meat and milk are offered, the storage temperature is reliably and continuously monitored. The Board asked Marina Lent to gather information about existing farmstands in Chilmark and to begin to develop criteria for their food-safe operation. The Board noted that they had carefully reviewed the farm stand at The Native Earth Teaching Farm, and advised Marina Lent to read through the file and minutes of those discussions. The Board also noted that zoning issues might arise in connection with farm stands which bring in products from off-farm producers. Matt
will look for an opportunity to check with Lenny on this issue. The discussion will be continued.
Robinson, 4 Hammett Lane (8-57) as-built letter received, Certificate of Compliance issued.
Grey Barn and Mermaid Dairy The Board noted that the farms have both been cleared for resumed sale of raw milk (MDAR).
Invoices: The following invoices were approved for payment:
- MWWA 2014 Membership Dues $75
- MV Times advertising for Flu Clinic (1/6 share of $1,120.50) $186.75
The meeting adjourned at 18:20 hours.
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________
Katherine L. Carroll, Chair Matthew Poole 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.
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