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, July 30, 2014
Chilmark Town Hall
5:00 pm
Present: Katie Carroll, Matt Poole, Jan Buhrman
Also Present: Elana Carlson, Chris Fischer, Jessica Roddy
Minutes of July 16, 2014 were approved
Beach Plum Inn Chris Fischer and Elana Carlson discussed the possibility of licensing the Beach Plum Inn kitchen as a Caterer’s kitchen in addition to its ongoing restaurant operations. The Board is prepared to approve a limited and temporary catering permit as follows: a Temporary Food Event Permit Application and safe-service plan will be submitted to the Board of Health office for review and approval one week prior to each proposed event. Experience with this year’s events will provide a basis for evaluation of permitting the Beach Plum Inn as a caterer during the 2015 season.
The Board also discussed the installation of an outdoor wood oven at the Beach Plum Inn. The Board requested a diagram of the site, showing all food-related activities.
Accessory Apartment Bylaw: Jessica Roddy came before the Board for input on a draft Accessory Apartment Bylaw developed by the Housing Committee to address the lack of affordable housing in Chilmark. The Bylaw would enable homeowners to create an attached or detached accessory apartment for family members, caregivers, or people eligible for housing assistance. The Board agred that this is a valuable initiative for Chilmark, and suggested an amendment requiring approval of a planned accessory apartment from the Board of Health prior to obtaining the Special Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Board noted that accessory apartments are intended as year-round dwellings with kitchen/laundry/shower etc, and therefore imply a greater actual increase in flow than what would be
implied by simply adding a bedroom to a given residence.
Island Youth Initiative Jan Buhrman provided a progress report on an initiative to create specialized youth crisis services integrating clinical and supportive services to Martha’s Vineyard. The first of a series of gatherings with parents is being held today—this will enable the coalition, which is spearheaded by Community Services, to identify the priority areas. All towns have voiced their strong support for this initiative, and are exploring whether they are able to provide financial support under the current fiscal year’s budget. The planning cycle for the FY’16 budget begins soon, and Boards of Health are interested in finding ways for this important public health initiative to be supported by the Towns.
Food Establishments: The Board welcomed the planned food establishment inspections to be undertaken by Food Inspector Marcus Costonis on behalf of the Board. Marina Lent will work with Marcus on a schedule for subsequent food inspections in the 2014 summer season.
Vibrio: Marina Lent reported on notification from the Mass Deparatment of Public Health regarding a confirmed case of Vibrio parahaemolyticus linked to oysters consumed on Martha’s Vineyard. The State Inspector had found no “red flags” at the Chilmark establishment. The Board emphasized that it is very important for the State to notify us immediately, so that harvesters, food inspectors, wholesale dealers, retail establishments and shellfish wardens can all take immediate steps to intensify surveillance and compliance with the required State guidelines for safe harvest, storage, transport and service of raw oysters.
Squibnocket Project: The Board took note of an invitation to provide Input to Town Committee on Squibnocket which is examining the questions of secure access and utilities for the properties in the Squibnocket Farms subdivision as well as the question of options for Squibnocket Beach and its parking lot, which have suffered severe erosion in recent years. The Board felt that issues involved in this undertaking are not directly under BOH responsibility.
Cyslospora: Marina Lent transmitted a Clinical Advisory from Mass-DPH regarding Cyclospora, a protozoan parasite which causes food-borne infection. There has been an increase in cases this year, and a notable increase in cases not associated with travel. Cyclospora infection is historically associated with the consumption of fresh produce.
Dukes County Mosquito Control Program – Marina Lent presented recent weekly reports from the mosquito testing program. Levels of mosquitos seem low-to-moderate this year, and none of the Island towns has yet had a mosquito test positive for West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
Public Bathing Beach Marina Lent noted that all bathing beach water tests this year have come back under acceptable limits for bacterial contamination.
Parker, 9 Moses West Road (32-46) well completion report received, potability passes
Street, 1 Crowberry Lane (14-19.1) Title 5 Official Inspection Report – passes
Roberts, 15 Overview Road (18-75.1) as-built received, Certificate of Compliance issued
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________
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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