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, October 17, 2018
Chilmark Town Hall
5:00 pm
Present: Katie Carroll, Jan Buhrman
Absent: Matt Poole
Also Present: Cody Coutinho (VLS&E), Samantha Look, Signe Benjamin (Vineyard Conservation Society); Dr. Jeffrey Zack, George Sourati (Sourati Engineering)
Drinking water fountain at CCC Sam Look and Signe Benjamin came before the Board to present a proposal to install a public water bottle refill station at the Chilmark Community Center. The proposed unit is similar to those already installed in schools. Various locations around the Center exterior are under consideration. The Board felt supportive of the concept, which is an important public health measure in that it promotes consumption of water as opposed to processed drinks, and does not contribute additional plastic waste as does bottled water.
However, the Board noted that upkeep and maintenance, including sanitation of the unit, is an important aspect which must not be overlooked in the planning stage. The Board also noted that the Community Center is a public water system (PWS), which carries further responsibilities. Marina Lent noted that, as the public water system operator for the Community Center/Library, she has been temporarily “grandfathered” by the state despite lacking the full certification required for the position. Moreover, the position of Administrator for the BOH does not include the necessary certification to operate this PWS. A seasonally-operated unit will have to be incorporated into the duties of the operator.
The Board felt that this is an opportune time for the town to take on the responsibility of operating the PWS at this campus, and asked Marina Lent to draft a letter to the Selectmen for review, requesting that an operator for the system be found.
28 Oyster Lane (11-54.6) The Board approved an out of season perc request presented by Cody Coutinho.
Sonnenthal, 11 Peaked Hill Pasture Road (20-47.6) Cody Coutinho asked the Board whether a septic system with a 5 bedroom design under the old loading rate, which, under the new loading rate, has sufficient capacity for a sixth bedroom, could be used following renovation of the dwelling. The Board asked for an application and plan.
Wheeler, 33 High Mark Rd (26-77) The Board approved out of season perc request presented by Cody Coutinho, with the reservation that, should soils prove to be complex, further soil evaluation will be conducted in the perc season.
Fischer, 521 South Road (26-88) The Board took note of Title 5 Official Inspection Reports for the three dwellings on the property, showing two failed systems and one a conditional pass. The Board asked Marina Lent to write a letter to the owner, requiring upgrade of all three systems within 90 days.
Asher, 24 Bassett Place Road (24-52) The Board noted a Title 5 Official Inspection Report for a tight tank system which shows a conditional pass, and asked Marina Lent to write a letter to the owner ordering system repair of a non-functional alarm prior to system operation.
Zack, 45 Blue Barque Road (17-53) Jeffrey Zack came before the Board to discuss a septic system permit application prepared by George Sourati. The proposed system would have 6-bedroom capacity. The existing 6 bedroom house will be replaced by a new residence. An existing garage on the property is served by an existing three-bedroom septic system. The Board approved the application, and noted that soils should be confirmed prior to placement.
Scheuer, 14 Herring Run (34-3) The Board approved two well construction permits for the adjoining properties. The properties were formerly served by one well, and two septic systems. The septic system upgrade approved by the Board has two leaching systems on the property with the adequate soils, with an easement. The well on one of the properties requires a variance from 30’ to 10’ from the property line; this location achieves the required separation of 150’ from the leach field.
Renewal of MVRD representatives Rich Ossnoss and Frank Fenner were re-appointed as BOH representatives to the MV Refuse District.
Incoices:
- MVRD Quarterly Drop Off Contract Q2 FY’19 $7,924.82
- MVRD SEMASS transportation $1,892.20
- Mosquito Testing $1,090.18
- IHC September 2018 $788.37
The meeting adjourned at 18:06 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.
| 
