MINUTES
EASTHAM BOARD OF HEALTH WORKSHOP
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012 AT 9:00AM
Present: Dr. James Taylor, Chair, Lois Roth-Johnson, Beverly Knox, Dr. Martin Haspel, Jane Crowley, Frank DeFelice for agenda items I and II.
Not Present: Pat LaRiviere, Susan Barker
I. OPENING STATEMENTS
Jane Crowley acknowledged that it has been a busy time on the environmental front.
· The Pond Meeting was held to review and discuss Phase 2 of the project and the 2 ponds selected for that phase. The consultants for the project, Nate Weeks and Liz Moran, attended.
o To gain experience with the next steps, the project team is reviewing the process followed by Chatham.
o The project team is also working with the Conservation Commission to help them gain comfort with the recommendations and next steps.
o Jane is taking the lead as the Project Manager for this project but the Conservation Commission has the deciding vote on it as it is an environmental issue.
o Current recommendation of the Consultants is Best Practices for both selected ponds and Minister/Schoolhouse to receive Alum treatment. However, Jane confirmed that the project team are still exploring the recommendations in greater depth and once the final recommendation is made, the Board of Selectmen will vote to approve it.
· Wastewater meeting was held last week and our free consultant, Mike Diminica, from the firm CH2M Hill, is bringing our project and concerns up the legislative ladder, specifically the reclassification of Rock Harbor. Orleans and Eastham have to work together for this effort.
o John Knight, Board of Selectmen Liaison, advised that at the Selectmen’s Breakfast last week it was stated that wastewater is an issue for Cape Cod and should supersede any town specific projects.
II. RE-MODEL VERSUS RE-BUILD AND VARIOUS DEGREES OF
There are fewer lots in Eastham and as a result, we are seeing an increased focus on remodeling existing homes and cottages. Frank DeFelice estimated that 90% of the new homes being built today involve a tear down of the existing house. How does this impact the Board of Health and the decisions made for variances and project reviews.
Discussion took place between all involved. Points of discussion were as follows:
· When habitable space significantly increases in a re-model or re-build, it can be expected that the usage in that house will increase and as Eastham is an environmentally sensitive town, the BOH is concerned.
· Lifestyles of people have changed and their needs in a house have changed to include Media Rooms, large/luxurious bedrooms and large family rooms. The BOH know guidelines for bedrooms are abused but the BOH does not want to become the bedroom police.
· When looking at a property, the BOH has to look at the distance to ground water, wetlands areas and proximity to the bay and ocean.
· BOH is charged with the health of the community and must balance that with support to the homeowner.
· Title 5 systems do not improve the environment but rather maintain the status quo.
· If variances were already approved on a property and a re-model or re-build, the BOH can require an Innovative Alternative System be installed.
· Do Eastham’s current regulations support the goals and objectives of the BOH?
· The Rental Inspection program has supported the community and the goals and objectives of the BOH. It is not perfect, but it has been successful.
· The rule set up by the BOH to determine the bedroom count based on the number of existing bedrooms versus the capacity of the system installed was a good step to for all to support Eastham’s environmentally sensitive lots and town.
· Frank noted that 65% of the Eastham residents are not here year round.
· Houses proposed to the Building Department that exceed the 15% coverage rule and/or the 3,000 sq ft guideline are referred to the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals. It is their role to review and decline/approve these requests.
· John Knight stated that:
o the number of bedrooms in a house is the focus of the BOH
o the habitable space of the house is the focus of the Planning Board
o the coverage on lot is the focus of the Planning Board
Based on the discussion, it was noted that it would be valuable for the Board of Health, Conservation Commission, and Planning Board to meet together one time a year to discuss situations, processes and questions each group might have. This joint meeting should be scheduled for the spring.
III. OTHER BUSINESS & CORRESPONDENCE
· Regarding the various projects that the Health Department is involved in, it was suggested that all updates and recommendations are very clear and that the same message is delivered to all Boards and during Public Meetings.
· Updates for the public at the BOH meeting on Thursday, February 16, 2012:
o Dr. Martin Haspel - animals and the beach
o Dr. Lois Roth-Johnson – bats, rabies and information she recently learned at a veterinarian conference
o Dr. Lois Roth-Johnson – reminder regarding the medical waste box at the Police Department
o Jane Crowley – Assurance Checks Program through the Eastham Police Department for the elderly and those living alone who need assistance
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. January 9, 2012 (Workshop)
Not available for review prior to the meeting
V. ADJOURN
10:35AM
| 
