Town of Mashpee
16 Great Neck Road North
Mashpee, Massachusetts 02649
BOARD OF HEALTH – PUBLIC SESSION
Minutes of the Meeting of July 10, 2013
Board Members Present: Also Present:
Kalliope Egloff, Chair Glen Harrington, Health Agent
Lucy Burton, Co-Chair
Burton Kaplan, Clerk
Chair Kalliope Egloff called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM.
APPOINTMENTS
7:15 PM – Boys and Girls Club – Recreational Camp Variance.
The Boys & Girls Club requested this same variance in March 2009 to allow more campers beyond the required ratio for hand washing stations.
Lucy Burton commented that JR Mell’s letter states that in the past there have never been any problems with over-crowding at the Boys & Girls Club summer camp, and he did not feel that 10 campers over the limit would create a problem.
Burton Kaplan made a motion that the Board of Health approve the variance request submitted by the Boys & Girls Club regarding the hand washing stations. Lucy Burton seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.
7:20 PM – Patricia Holmes, Representative – Title V Variance Request – 14 Tern Circle.
Patricia Holmes representing Matt and Jenn Keilty of 14 Tern Circle introduced herself to the Board.
Glen Harrington commented that he advised the realtor to request a variance for a septic tank replacement in case the Board did not make a final decision regarding the septic tank amendment. The tank is 32 years old and did pass inspection on May 21, 2013. Even though the septic inspector, Frank Nunes, did not specifically mention in his report the structural integrity of the septic tank, Mr. Nunes did not have any issues with the septic tank when asked by Mr. Harrington.
Lucy Burton made a motion that the Board of Health approve the variance request for 14 Tern Circle with the condition that the septic inspector revise his report to indicate that the septic tank is in sound condition. Burton Kaplan seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.
7:25 PM – Thomas Bunker, Representative – Title V Variance Request – 31 Sand Dollar Lane.
Thomas Bunker of BSS Design, representing 31 Sand Dollar Lane, introduced himself to the Board.
Glen Harrington commented that the variance requested for 31 Sand Dollar Lane is that the Soil Absorption System is less than 100 feet to the saltwater wetlands, a 21-foot variance. The Board typically requires a denitrification system for that variance when it is less than 100 feet to border vegetated wetlands.
Mr. Harrington stated that Brian Dudley of the Department of Environmental Protection and George Heufelder of Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment believe that naturally cleaner and better effluent can be achieved by using pressure distribution in the Soil Absorption System rather than going directly to a denitrification or a standard pump system. In this case a pump chamber would need to be added, the distribution box would be removed, and a piping manifold with laterals added for the distribution of the effluent across the entire Soil Absorption System. The chambers that were specified on the plan are no longer available.
Glen Harrington remarked that a pressure distribution system is for better virus removal. A denitrification system removes the nutrients required for the leaching facility, and denitrification systems involve long-term maintenance contracts.
Burton Kaplan made a motion that the Board of Health approve the 21-foot variance request submitted on behalf of 31 Sand Dollar Lane subject to using a pressure distribution system in the Soil Absorption System, addition of a pump chamber, distribution box removal, and a manifold with laterals added for distribution of the effluent across the entire Soil Absorption System. H-20 Hi-Capacity Infiltrator chambers may be used, and a vent is also required. Lucy Burton seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Sign Warrants. The Board members signed the expense warrants.
2. Review/Approve BOH Public Session Minutes: June 26, 2013.
Burton Kaplan made a motion that the Board of Health approve the Public Session minutes of June 26, 2013, as amended. Lucy Burton seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.
3. Amendment to the Septic Inspection Regulation.
Glen Harrington has observed tanks of all ages that were in very good condition and could have had a longer life span. Septic tanks are inspected upon transfer of property and also for a change of footprint. Mr. Harrington commented that he would like to establish criteria for the septic inspection process to either fail or pass a septic tank regardless of age.
The septic tank is not expected to be pumped, and the entire surface of the tank does not need to be exposed as a condition of the septic inspection. Pumping would be required after the septic inspection if the tank is over 30 years old and has not been pumped in over 2 years.
Kalliope Egloff suggested that the Board discuss the criteria, make an agreement, and then Glen Harrington will draft a final regulation for approval.
Glen Harrington proposed the following guidelines for the septic inspection regulation:
- Decay and/or crumbling of the concrete surface at the inlet tee, outlet tee, waterline or surfaces of the tank. To quantify the amount of decay, is a 1” loss at any location within the septic tank. All septic tanks have a minimum of 4” thick walls. A decrease to 3” from any point is considered a weak point. If the septic tank is structurally sound and if the outlet concrete tee is decayed and can be removed, then a new PVC tee can be installed.
- Inlet and/or outlet tees or baffle walls that have fallen off due to decay (not taken off to install new outlet tee which may have been done during a previous repair).
- Cracks that are observed through the wall or top of the septic tank. Bulging or sagging walls or ceiling tank are conditions where a tank must be replaced. The tank is not expected to be exposed or pumped to meet this requirement. It shall be expected that only those portions of the tank that are visible during inspection from the inlet and outlet manholes, per Title V. Mr. Harrington feels the tank would need to be pumped if not pumped in over 2 years.
- Other indications of decay or loss are exposed aggregate. However, Mr. Harrington will add the exposed aggregate with the 1” definition. Exposed reinforcement bars seen by rust colored lines inside the tank mean that up to 2” of concrete may have been lost.
- Leaking as observed by liquid levels below the outlet invert (not expected by evaporation). No repair permits shall be issued to septic tanks older than 30 years of age. Mr. Harrington commented that outlet tees will be allowed if the septic tank is certified in good condition by the septic inspector.
Lucy Burton made a motion that the Board of Health approve the amendment to the septic inspection regulation with the changes noted. Burton Kaplan seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Burton Kaplan made a motion that the Board of Health enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the Fiscal Year 2014 Landfill Monitoring Contract, to return to the Public Session. Lucy Burton seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.
Roll Call Vote: Lucy Burton, yes; Burton Kaplan, yes; Kalliope Egloff, yes.
At 7:54 PM the Board of Health entered into Executive Session.
At 7:57 PM the Board of Health resumed the Public Session meeting of July 10, 2013.
4. FY 2014 Landfill Monitoring Contract.
Lucy Burton made a motion that the Board of Health award the bid to Green Seal Environmental for the Fiscal Year 2014 Landfill Monitoring and Inspection. Burton Kaplan seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.
OLD BUSINESS
- Draft Tanning Regulation.
Lucy Burton remarked that she was disappointed with the email from Town Counsel regarding the draft tanning regulation. Ms. Burton felt that the Board gave a lot of time, energy and effort towards a cause for the public’s health and safety. Ms. Burton commented that this tanning regulation would be a way of protecting children.
The Board discussed Town Counsel’s comment and would like to meet with Patrick Costello, Esquire, to discuss any recommendations he might suggest concerning the draft tanning regulation.
Glen Harrington will inform the Board as to when Town Counsel will be available to meet with Mr. Harrington and/or the Board to discuss the draft tanning regulation.
ADDITIONAL TOPICS
None.
DISCUSSION
1. Vehicle Usage.
Kalliope Egloff commented that she spoke with the Chairman of the Board of Selectman, John Cahalane, concerning the Town Manager’s email and the Assistant Health Agent’s email. Since this is a Union issue, the Assistant Health Agent’s position has recourse through EAP or through a grievance process.
Glen Harrington stated that he discussed the vehicle usage with Joyce Mason, the Town Manager. Ms. Mason would like a schedule from the Health Department for when inspections and percolation tests are to be performed. Mr. Harrington commented that some inspections can easily be arranged in advance, but there are times when a violation or an emergency arise that requires a Health Agent’s immediate attention. Mr. Harrington plans to prepare a schedule to submit to the Town Manager.
Discussion took place regarding the potential occasion when a Health Agent is called out on an emergency inspection but does not have their own personal vehicle available, and a town vehicle is not available. The decision was made to have the Agent contact the Mashpee Police Department under those circumstances.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Board of Health is scheduled for Wednesday, July 24, 2013, at 7:00 PM. As there was no further business, Lucy Burton made a motion to adjourn the Public Session of the Board of Health at 7:58 PM. Burton Kaplan seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Frances Boulos
Administrative Assistant
Mashpee Board of Health
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