TOWN OF MASHPEE
BOARD OF HEALTH
Minutes of the Meeting of Friday, June 10, 2005
Board Attendees: Also Attending:
Glenn Santos, Chairman Glen Harrington, Health Agent
Lucy Burton, Clerk Veronica Warden, Assistant Health Agent
Chairman Glenn Santos called the meeting to order at 3:05 PM.
Mr. Santos stated that the purpose of this meeting was to discuss the property at 13 Essex Road.
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Dubois, the brother and sister-in law of the occupant of the house were present and introduced themselves.
Glen Harrington provided the following backup information regarding the property. He stated that last Friday, 6/03/05, he was called by the Fire Department to go out to the property at 13 Essex Road to do an inspection. The Fire Department explained that the occupant of the house who was a diabetic had had a reaction to a diabetic imbalance and had been found in the home in distress and had been taken to the hospital. Because of the unsanitary and unsafe conditions found in the home, the Fire Department contacted the Board of Health. Glen reported that two out of the three exits to the house were blocked. Cobwebs and soot throughout the inside walls of the house indicated that at one time there had been a furnace problem resulting in damage to the walls. It appeared that the occupant had tried to paint
over the walls and ceiling to seal the damage. The house was cluttered with heaters, wood stoves, bicycle parts, small engines, and was a fire trap. The sink and stove were filthy, obviously not cleaned for a long time. The occupant was using the access to the basement as a closet. The bulkhead was locked and covered with barbed wire. In a word, the house was filled with clutter, and not fit for human habitation. Glen’s assessment of the condition of the house was that it was not a safe place for the occupant to return to. Clutter in the back yard was also observed, with mostly recyclable metal objects. There was a trailer in the yard as well, which was locked, but also packed with clutter. Glen’s inspection report stated that the house was unfit for human habitation, and did an emergency condemnation of the property.
The relatives of the occupant agreed with Glen Harrington’s inspection report that the building was unfit for human habitation. They agreed to begin cleanup of the house and yard. After cleanup, the building inspector will have to do an inspection to make sure the structure is secure.
The Board of Health will follow up with an inspection.
Lucy Burton moved that the Board of Health condemn the home at 13 Essex Road as being unfit for human habitation, based upon Glen Harrington’s inspection report. Glenn Santos seconded the motion. All agreed.
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:25 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ina G. Schlobohm
Recording Secretary
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