MINUTES
EASTHAM BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012 AT 3PM
Present: Dr. James Taylor, Chair, Lois Roth-Johnson, Pat LaRiviere, Beverly Knox, Dr. Martin Haspel, Jane Crowley
Not Present: Susan Barker
I. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION RE VIDEO AND/OR AUDIO TAPE
II. OPENING STATEMENTS
Dr. Lois Roth-Johnson discussed Rabies in light of the recent situation involving a man who was bitten by a bat and died. It is important to know the following:
· If you are exposed to an animal that may have rabies, don’t touch the animal. If it is dead, pick it up in a sealed container and contact your physician or medical center immediately.
· If you see an animal acting unusual or ill, do not touch or get near the animal but try to get it in a confined area. Call the animal control officer immediately.
· If you are bitten by an animal that may have rabies, wash the wound with soap and running water for a minimum of 10 minutes and call your physician or medical center. Rabies is spread through saliva and kills by sending the virus to the brain.
Dr. Martin Haspel discussed marine mammals and the recent stranding on the beach. It is important to note that these animals are dangerous and one swipe of their peduncle (muscular tail section) can break your leg or arm or whatever it hits. If you see a stranded dolphin or other mammal, do not get near it, keep your pet on a lead and away from the mammal, and call the rescue hot line 508-743-9548.
Dr. Haspel also advised that Harp Seals are dangerous in that they can bite, carry bacteria, distemper, rabies and influenza that is the same as canine influenza. Keep your pets on lead and away from stranded seals and do not touch them. Call the rescue hot line 508-743-9548 for assistance.
Jane Crowley advised that there has been a lot of activity concerning environmental issues and it will continue through to the Annual Town Meeting in May.
· The Board of Selectmen and Town Administration met with CH2M Hill regarding alternatives to reduce waste water and to review Action Items such as:
o the reclassification of Rock Harbor
o monitoring process for the Dyer Prence project
· Phase 2 meeting for the Ponds was held to discuss next steps for the remedial strategies set. We are also seeking the experience learned from pond remediation projects, good and bad, in other Towns so that we can learn from their efforts. The strategies being applied to the 2 chosen ponds, Alum, Enhanced Aeration and Best Practices are demonstration projects for us to learn from before moving to other ponds in Eastham.
· Met with the Finance committee regarding the Ponds Project and plans. They are very interested in the project!
· Water Management Committee reaffirmed the selection of the 2 ponds, Herring and Schoolhouse/Ministers Ponds for restoration approaches, and noted their support of the recommendations.
· Upcoming Events:
o Cape Cod National Seashore and District H meeting on Friday, February 17, 2012.
o Board of Selectmen Workshop – Environmental Partners is attending the meeting on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 3PM to discuss the project and to provide updates.
III. VARIANCE
1. Ryerson Nominee Trust 345 Nauset Light Beach Rear M-23 P-15
Tim Brady, East Cape Engineering presented. The owners want to upgrade the existing cesspool to a Title 5 Septic system and as the lot is small, 8,000 sq ft, with a 4 bedroom house, variances are needed. The property is surrounded by the national park on all 3 sides. That National Park Services (NPS) was unable to attend the meeting, but did send an email to Jane Crowley noting their concerns and recommendations. Jane read the email which provided the following points which outline the requests of the NPS as the NPS does not have the ability to allow private use of public land:
· no less that a 5 foot setback from NPS land to septic system
· a 2 feet setback from NPS land to well (1 foot may be acceptable)
· boundaries and fenced off work areas during construction of the septic system and well to ensure no encroachment onto NPS land
· monuments and fences to set the boundaries and cease the applicants mowing and other activities from going onto NPS land
BOH suggested an Innovative Alternative system be used instead of Title 5 or relocate well. Mr. Brady would prefer to relocate the well and asked for a continuance to the March 29, 2012 BOH meeting. It was requested that the NPS be provided with a revised plan prior to the March meeting.
Dr. Lois Roth-Johnson made the motion to accept the request for a continuance.
Dr. Martin Haspel seconded the motion.
SO VOTED UNAMIMOUSLY
IV. REVIEW
2. Marsha Olsen 950 Old Orchard Road M-8 P-19A
Marsha Olsen presented and would like to add an unheated sunroom to the property. The room would be a platform on piers, all glass to keep the rain out and no insulation.
On September 30, 2010 the BOH approved a variance request for a Title 5 system with with conditions that included a Deed Restriction for 2 bedrooms. This has not yet been received by the BOH and Ms. Olsen agreed that she would check into that before approval is granted for Certificate of Occupancy.
Pat Lariviere made the motion to approve the plan with the following conditions:
· Deed restriction for 2 bedrooms recorded with Barnstable Registry of Deeds and a copy provided to the Eastham Health Department
Beverly Knox seconded the motion.
SO VOTED UNAMIMOUSLY
3. Edward Johns 20 Salt Pond Road M-12 P-48
Ben Zehnder presented along with Edward Johns. The property has a septic system designed for 5 bedrooms and the house has 5 bedrooms. The owner would like to move the bedroom from the first floor of the house to the 2nd floor of the barn. The current bedroom on the first floor of the house will be opened to a living room space.
The barn will also have a bathroom that will connect to the current septic system.
Dr. Martin Haspel made the motion to approve the plan with the following conditions:
· Deed restriction for 5 bedrooms recorded with Barnstable Registry of Deeds and a copy provided to the Eastham Health Department
· Any increase in habitable square footage would require EBOH review and abutter notification
· After Planning Board Review, review of the plans by Jane Crowley, M.S., R.S., Eastham Health Agent
Pat Lariviere seconded the motion.
SO VOTED UNAMIMOUSLY
4. Eastham Windmill Boardwalk, LLC 2470 State Highway M-15 P -65P
Ben Zehnder requested a continuance to March 29, 2012. The BOH agreed. If a further extension to April is required, Mr. Zehnder will call Jane Crowley.
V. CORRESPONDENCE & OTHER INFORMATION
· At the September 29, 2011 Variance Meeting, the BOH reviewed a request to add a 2nd floor to the house on 140 Sunset Avenue and to lift the house to add a garage, bathroom and 2 storage areas in the basement. The BOH approved the plan with conditions as noted in the copy of the minutes and letter provided to the BOH.
o Based on a conversation with East Cape Engineering, it appears that this project was misrepresented to the BOH and that the actual intention of the project was to demolish the existing house and to rebuild it as demonstrated in the plans submitted in September 2011 and revised on January 9, 2012. Based on this, the BOH must confirm if they can now reissue the approval provided on September 29, 2011.
o The BOH agreed that we can reissue approval as we see no change, based on the plan dated January 9, 2012, in habitable space, floor plan, etc.
· Jane spoke to George Hoelfelder and he will be joining her at the public presentation of the WQMP results on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 from 2 to 4.
· A Failure to Comply notification was issued on February 9, 2012 as the issues originally noted still have not been addressed. A public hearing will be set for March 29, 2012 unless the violations are corrected.
· The BOH workshop was set for Monday, March 19, 2012 at 9AM. Bev will be absent as she will be away for the entire month!
VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Not addressed prior to adjournment.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
4:05PM
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