Wednesday
November 1, 2006
Regular meeting of the Monson Board of Health was called to order by Chairman Gary Allard, with members Phyllis Klick and Robert Bator present. Absent: Dr. Richard Smith and Jane Jacobs. Also present Dorothy Jenkins and Jean Bailey of the Monson Tourism Committee and Lorri McCool, Health Inspector.
Ms. Jenkins and Ms. Bailey met with the Board to discuss possible use of money from a Recycling Grant.
Ms. Jenkins and Ms. Bailey informed the Board that the Tourism Committee would like to educate children in regard to recycling. The schools/grounds are very messy with papers and trash. The program would educate children at an early age on why it is important to recycle, how to recycle, etc. The Tourism Committee wants to meet with the Superintendent of Schools to approach him on his thoughts on the program. Children who must perform community service could assist in the program to “spruce up the schools.” The Board of Health was asked if they wished to participate. Ms. Klick informed the Tourism Committee that the classroom kids already knew how to recycle and felt that the schools should implement a program themselves. Ms. McCool stated that this would have a positive
affect on children and asked what do the schools have in place now. She asked if there was anything the Board of Health could do to help out with this issue. Ms. Jenkins explained how important it is to start educating children at an early age and that what children learn, they bring home with them to help educate parents. Educating children does make a difference. Ms. Klick stated she would like to have a video made showing and explaining recycling procedures. Ms. Bailey would like to have a show and tell program for the children taught by a specialist. This would involve segregating recycling material and could be used as a classroom project. Educational material can be given to children to take home.
The Tourism Committee will meet with the Superintendent of Schools and wanted to know if the Board of Health wish to be included in this meeting. Ms. Klick stated that there is someone from Agawam who works with kids on trash/recycling education. If the Committee wanted to contact Arlene Miller, she would probably have names and phone numbers for instructors that do this. Mr. Allard asked for a notice in advance of the meeting with the Superintendent so plans could be made. Ms. McCool will also try to attend the meeting. The Tourism Committee thanked the Board of Health for meeting with them.
Ms. McCool and Mr. Craig Jalbert, Water/Sewer Superintendent, met with the Board of Health to discuss a problem at 125 Main Street. A few years ago, the main sewer trunk line became clogged and backed up into the bank. Because of this, an inspection is conducted on the businesses in the spring and fall. A grease problem was discovered, but he did not know where it came from. A solution is used to melt the grease off the pipe and allows the grease to flow through the sewer system. A camera inspection was performed on the sewer lines to see who is contributing to grease build up. Three establishments could contribute to the problem – The Norcross House, Monson Pizzeria and the Golden Leaf Restaurant. Monson Pizzeria was the area where the problem was before; however, it was
clear upon inspection. Upon further investigation, it was determined to originate at the Norcross House. Restaurants should have grease traps on the premises. Ms. McCool stated she had received a phone call from the owner who was unable to attend the Board of Health meeting this evening. The grease trap under the sink is taken care of every month. She further stated that Mr. Belanger’s conversation with her was defensive. Ms. McCool explained to Mr. Belanger that it was the Board’s responsibility to ensure public health and safety. The owner services his own under-the-counter grease trap. This grease trap is not adequate for the establishment and the owner must keep records of grease removal disposal.
Mr. Jalbert explained that it cost approximately $600 to $800 twice a year to remove the grease by flushing water at high pressure. Employees must be paid to do this. Approximately three weeks ago, the pipe was cleaned and a camera was used to spot where the grease is coming from – already the grease is starting to build up again. The sewer main is an 8” main.
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Ms. McCool asked the Board how they wanted to respond – should the owner be asked to the next meeting? Ms. McCool was asked to write a letter that the Board of Health had a discussion, and Mr. Belanger’s establishment is the source. He needs to put in a properly sized grease trap, and he also needs to submit something to the Board of Health. Ms. McCool will draft a letter and Ms. Taft will type up for Mr. Allard’s perusal and signature.
The trash contract will be tabled until the next meeting on November 15th.
Update on Responsibilities:
Communicable disease – Ms. Jacobs did not attend the meeting.
Beavers – Ms. Klick informed the Board that Betty Faichney has found a trapper to remove the beaver from Paradise Lake. This is presently open season to trap; however, the trapper wants to use a trap enabling him to destroy the beaver at the site. Mr. Allard stated that if these were not approved traps in Massachusetts, the Board would not condone it. Ms. Klick had the information at home and will check.
Bulky/Hazardous Waste Day – Ms. Klick had nothing to report.
Floor drains – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
Housing safety – Mr. Bator had nothing to report.
Tobacco – Dr. Smith was unavailable.
Food safety – Mr. Bator had nothing to report.
Well regulations – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
Finances – Dr. Smith was absent.
Copy of a letter addressed to CJ’s Restaurant from the Department of Environmental Protection in regard to setting up a meeting to discuss the status of the upgrade planned for the septic system at 371 Boston Road – West. Ms. McCool will attend the meeting, if it is necessary. The DEP will keep her informed.
Craig Jalbert and Lorri McCool will be scheduled to meet with the Board at the next Board meeting on November 15th to discuss 125 Main Street. Owners of the establishment will be invited.
Ms. McCool informed the Board that a rental house at 169 Butler Road has a high content of iron in the well. Brian Mushenko owns the house. High iron content in the well water can stain clothes. The tenant has complained to the owner, who told her she could move. Monson has well water regulations – if the house was new, a water test would be required to determine if the water is okay. If the content of iron were high, Ms. McCool would make them retest. Ms McCool asked the Board what they would like to do? She will call the state before a decision is reached by the Board to see if this could be a public health issue if the water is consumed over a long period of time.
Ms. McCool informed the Board that owners of a two-bedroom property on Lakeshore Drive would like to add an extensive addition to their home. Ms. McCool has reviewed the plans for the addition and found that there are two kitchens, a computer room, and office (which could be bedrooms). It was determined that the septic system would not be adequate for the planned addition.
Next discussed by the Board was the subject of outdoor wood boilers. Regulations can be placed on these boilers, but they should not be totally banned. Regulations could include consideration for acreage, distance between dwellings, only allowed in certain zones and being in use only during certain periods of the year. Ms. McCool will collect information on the boilers and Mr. Allard also has information he will bring in for guidelines.
The correspondence was read.
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Ms. Klick presented the Board with a resource notebook and pamphlets she received from The Conservation Partnership for Grazing in the Chicopee Basin. The Conservation Commission will be given pamphlets and informed they may borrow the resource notebook.
At 9:30 p.m., Mr. Bator moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Klick and so voted.
Respectfully submitted,
Monson Board of Health
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