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, August 16, 2017
Chilmark Town Hall
5:00 pm
Present: Katie Carroll, Matt Poole,
Absent: Jan Buhrman
Also Present: Richard Johnson
Rosenthal, 30 Tilton Farm Road (18-14.1) The Board approved a plan proposing relocation of components to accommodate addition to existing dwelling prepared by Doug Dowling. The proposed plan does not require variances.
VNA-CC The Board asked Marina Lent to further review the proposed FY’18 Contract with the Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod, and to write to VNA to describe the Board’s position on the aims, purpose and criteria for the home visits conducted under the program, based on prior contracts going back twenty years or more.
Muglia, (17-38.1) The Board noted that it did not have the Title 5 soil data report for the test hole related to the proposed subdivision of the property and declined to pronounce upon the suitability of the subdivision.
LoRusso, 377 South Road (25-54) The Board took note of the bedroom count conducted by Marina Lent at the property, which shows five bedrooms served by a six-bedroom septic system, and will review proposed renovation plans for the addition of a sixth bedroom in the home when they become available.
Palma, 32 Ocean View Farm Road (25-83) The Board approved an emergency well replacement which does not require variances.
ticks and mosquitos : Dick Johnson updated the Board on this summer’s work on vector-borne illnesses, and presented plans for expansion of the work around tick-borne illnesses in the coming year. He reported that, thankfully, mosquito activity seems low so far this year and none of the mosquito pools sent in for testing have tested positive.
The tick scenario, however, is not as rosy. Dick has conducted over 100 yard surveys this season, finding ticks in high numbers, particularly in up-Island properties. He noted that the one-on-one conversations with property owners while conducting the surveys provide probably the best and most thorough opportunity to educate people about risks and prevention. However, he also felt that, until we are able to make a significant dent in the deer population density on the island, such measures remain at best a band aid solution.
Of particular note is the undeniable establishment and spread of the Lone Star tick, which is tied almost exclusively to the deer population. A map prepared by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission shows where on the island Lone Stars have been found, and in what concentration. Chappaquiddick is a hotspot, as is Aquinnah, and they are found in adult and larval stages throughout the Island.
He presented a plan for an expanded program next year: The proposal is to hire three interns, one to focus on Chappy, one on Aquinnah, and one on the rest of the Island, to enable the number of yard surveys to be expanded, and to provide capacity for more public education events. The program has received a total of $15,000 support from the towns, and he will not ask for an increase in town funding, instead using the demonstrated success of the program to raise funds for its expansion.
In addition to expanded yard surveys, the program in the coming year will seek to provide financial and logistical support for expanded deer hunting on the island. He noted that many avid hunters would be happy to hunt more deer, but lack the time and/or money to process the carcasses. He stressed that all deer that are killed and of food-quality should be used for food. He is working with the Island Grown Initiative to explore processing/butchery options, and is seeking to fundraise to cover a subsidy to hunters for the cost of processing. Details remain to be addressed, such as the proper disposal of the carcass post-butchery, but he stressed that deer herd reduction is the most significant step we can take at this time to reduce the incidence of tick-borne illness on the island.
Food Waste on Menemsha Beach: Katie Carroll reported that there is a marked increase in the skunk population, especially in the evening after the “sunset crowd” has left. This is undoubtedly due to the ample food supply left behind by careless humans. She also noted that the beach is being left in a filthy condition, full of plastic waste and other human detritus. Many people in Menemsha try to assist by picking up trash, but too often, trash is left in bags next to the waste containers, and is spread far and wide by visiting nocturnal scavengers.
The Board noted that this is an intractable problem, not easily addressed by putting up signs reminding people to clean up after themselves, as these are largely ignored by people who are focused on their sunset experience. The Board suggested that Marina could write a letter to the Beach Committee in the fall, suggesting that Beach staff could perhaps be deployed on a more vigorous clean-up detail at the beginning of their shift. They also discussed whether there might be equipment such as a beach rake, which would help to keep the mess under control during the most intensive weeks of the beach season.
Update on Substance Use Disorder: Marina Lent reported that the group “Break the Silence” has produced a poster to initiate a public information campaign on the opioid and addiction crisis on Martha’s Vineyard.
Food Establishment Inspections: Chilmark Store, Chilmark Tavern, Beach Plum Inn –Food Truck;
Certificate of Compliance: Cestar, 12 Hill Land Road (32-40); Emaleh, 387 Middle Road (26-127); Young, 27 Clambelly Road (12-5.2);
Well Completion Report: Farrelly, (30-117);
Title 5 Official Inspection Report: Hawkins, 29 Welles Way (25-6.1); Jacobson, 14 Wakeman Road (24-164); Hirschhorn, 49 Post Oak Road (11-28.12);
Invoices:
The following invoices were approved for payment:
- MVRD-SEMASS July 2017 $ 3,662.26
- MVRD-SEMASS July 2017 $ 1,834.07
- MVRD Landfill CBT $25.76
- MVRD Landfill Grass Mowing $ 1,250
- ACE-MV Excel For Beginners class $ 139
The meeting adjourned at 18:15 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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