MINUTES
BOARD OF HEALTH WORKSHOP
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2011 AT 9AM
PRESENT: Dr. James Taylor, Chairman, Beverly Knox, R.N., Dr. Lois Roth-Johnson, Dr. Martin Haspel, Jane Crowley, M.S., R.S., HealthAgent, Dr. Joanna Buffington
NOT PRESENT: Pat Lariviere, R.N., Co-Chairman, Susan Barker
I. OPENING STATEMENTS
Dr. James Taylor noted that frequently the issues before us must be balanced between the overall public health and the needs and concerns of the applicant before us. Conventional Title 5 systems are expensive and the Innovative/Alternatives are even more so. Title 5 was first put into affect in 1978 and then a major revision to it was made in 1995. Eastham has very strict regulations as we have all onsite wells within the town.
What can we do to ensure that we are balancing the 2 in situations where the applicant simply cannot afford to upgrade their failed system? Jane advised that the only control we have at this time is at the time of property transfer of ownership AND if the owner is asking for a permit for an addition or remodel that is a variance. It is not in our best interest to put time frames in place for people to complete the full upgrade as we do not have the technology or staff to follow-up on these situations to ensure they are compliant.
Dr. Taylor noted that it is important that any exception or special situations approved by the board be carefully noted in the minutes to ensure that the records are clear.
Jane confirmed that for any variance or other situation presented to the BoH, the Health Department works closely with the Assessor’s Department, reviews all past minutes and all files to ensure we have the full picture before a decision is made. In addition, if someone cannot afford to update their current system, we do advise them of the programs available to them by the state for loans that they may qualify for.
At the time of a property transfer, a Title 5 Inspection is conducted and the BoH reviews that report on each one received. From that review, a letter is developed confirming specific points and sent to the owner. At the time of rental inspections, our files are also reviewed concerning the septic system and the well currently on the property and this is used as an opportunity to educate the owner.
II. UPDATE MEDICAL WASTE DAY
Jane passed out the flyer developed to be posted within the Town Hall and the Post Office. The copies to be posted will be laminated. The program is scheduled for Saturday, April 30th at the Eastham Policy Department.
This is a national program with the Drug Enforcement Agency as a public safety measure to remove old and unused prescription and non-prescription medications from homes. Last year, Bev attended and it was a small turnout. We are working to raise awareness of the event to the public to increase the turnout for this year.
This program is also intended to educate people about how to safely dispose of medications and to understand the impact to the environment when medications are not disposed of safely.
In addition, Eastham and Orleans host a joint event 2 times a year to help people dispose of other items like paint, oil, etc.
III. WATER QUALITY OVERVIEW AND WASTEWATER UPDATES
Jane provided updates on a projects currently being worked on.
· Ponds – working with the water management committee. They have received 3 very good proposals. Interviews will be done after the Annual Town Meeting on May 2, 2011 and once the vote for Article 13 is known.
· Wastewater – Mike DeMinica, the fee consultant we are working with from our partnership with Cape Cod Water Protection Collaborative. He is a scientist and an engineer and is helping us with Dyer Prince Road. Jane is meeting with him again this week.
· Water Supply – obtaining water from Orleans is an option under review by our consultant and they are making good progress in that review. The search for our own sources of water is also progressing nicely and the production is good. The technical work re the pump testing has been completed at this point.
o John Knight stated that town water is very important in our efforts to save Eastham – at least the area between Arnolds and Wellfleet as that is where the bulk of the businesses are.
· Rental Inspection – going along well and dealing with complaints and non-compliance issues as brought to our attention. This program is definitely providing a service to the community and helping people who need it.
· Water Testing – some technical issues have occurred and this as resulted in a backlog of the program but we are working through those. This is the completion of our 3rd cycle, and during these 9 years, we have received over 10,000 samples which is a 65% response rate. This is excellent for a voluntary program. The process to mail the sample bottles is tedious as we have to hand stuff, stamp and label each envelope. We continue to look for options to improve the process in general as the program is valuable to the Town.
o Dr. Haspel brought up his personal experience with lead found in his drinking water. Jane advised that water on the Cape is acidic and this can lead to metals in the water. Public water and water for the schools is tested regularly for Copper and Lead. This would also be another benefit of municipal water as it is tested constantly for a wide range if elements.
o Jane confirmed that people can test their water for many metal and chemical elements but there is a cost associated with each additional metal being tested.
Dr. Taylor suggested that we give a public announcement re the impact of fertilizing at the opening of one of our meetings. Dr. Haspel also suggested that we increase public awareness about the benefits of Carbon Monoxide detectors, especially in light of the recent situation in town.
IV. UPDATE ON HEALTH CLINIC AT COA
Jane confirmed that Pat actually filled in for the BoH at the clinic and so she would like Pat to update us further at our next meeting.
The BoH had joined in with the COA who had planned the event initially and had activities set up for it. The Health Department thought that bringing VNA support would add to the overall event.
V. OTHER BUSINESS AND CORRESPONDENCE
Brainstorm of Topics for Public Education:
· Salt/sodium
· Title 5 Inspection Reports
· Water Testing – what are you drinking?
· Age related issues
· Lead poisoning
· HIV
· Radon Testing
John suggested a schedule of 15 minutes for each topic so that people could attend as their interest dictates. Another idea suggested was to take a booth at Windmill Weekend.
Jane noted that the BoH meeting on April 28th has a small agenda – only 1 item coming to the Board. Based on that, we could continue the Public Education topic at that time or possibly add 5 minutes to each meeting agenda for a specific topic. All agreed that we should continue this discussion at that time.
June 4, 2011 is the date for the open house for committee member search. The meeting will be attended by the Search Committee, the Chairmen of each Committee and the public. Those interested in joining a committee will complete an application and submit it to the Search Committee. Interviews will be handled by a 3 person committee made up of the Chairman of the specific Committee, the Search Committee Liaison for that committee and the Board of Selectmen Liaison for that committee.
Next workshop date – Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Meeting adjourned at 10:39AM
Respectfully Submitted,
Laurie Gillespie-Lee
Operations Assistant
Board of Health
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