Wednesday
September 5, 2007
Regular meeting of the Monson Board of Health was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Vice-Chairman Gary Allard. Members present: Phyllis Klick, Robert Bator and Margaret Harrison, with Chairman Dr. Richard Smith absent. Also attending the meeting were Health Inspector Lorri McCool, Town Collector Dorothy Jenkins, Water/Sewer Superintendent Craig Jalbert and residents interested in the Outdoor Wood Burning Boiler issue.
The first item on the agenda pertained to the protocol for water/sewer shutoffs when individuals do not pay their bills. This was delayed until later in the meeting.
A general discussion followed with residents and the Board of Health in regard to the outdoor wood burning boiler issue. This topic will be discussed at the next meeting on September 19th and the Board of Health will make a decision at that time.
Dorothy Jenkins and Craig Jalbert met with the Board to discuss protocol for shutoffs of water/sewer that occur when individuals do not pay their bill. The resident scheduled for attending this meeting was absent.
Mrs. Jenkins informed the Board that her office has had no contact with this individual since June 19th. The resident had originally informed her she would be in to pay the water bill this week. A letter was sent from the Board of Health office informing the resident she needed to attend tonight’s meeting and pay within a two week period or the water would be shut off. Ms. McCool informed the Board that she had spoken to Wilbraham to see how they handle a situation like this. Wilbraham shuts off the water if a bill is unpaid – the resident has the choice of paying or being disconnected. Mr. Jalbert felt the Board should consult with Town Counsel, as the law is vague after the water has been shut off. He is not sure of the repercussions of doing this. Ms.
McCool stated that someone owning his or her home would be a different situation from rental property. Ms. Klick asked if there was interest and other fees accrued. Mr. Jalbert stated some $200.00 has occurred with interest/fines. Mrs. Jenkins informed the Board that her office has notified them several times telling them that this fee was outstanding and due.
Mr. Jalbert informed the Board that there were other individuals whose water was turned off. Mr. Allard stated that this family had called and asked for an extension and were given two weeks. The family has several children and one is a special needs child. As of this date, no one from the family has contacted the Collector’s office or the Water/Sewer Department. When water is shut off could DSS be contacted when children are involved? Ms. Jenkins informed the Board that over $2,000 is owed by this resident for trash pickup as well.
Mr. Jalbert explained that he would notify the Board next year earlier, so that the Board of Health office could send a certified letter asking if they could attend a Board of Health meeting. The Board did not want to do this. Ms. McCool wondered if the Board of Health has any jurisdiction over the matter of the Water/Sewer Department’s decision to shut off water to residents for non-payment. The Selectmen will be asked for permission to use Town Counsel for his determination on this question.
Mrs. Jenkins informed the Board that the first half of the trash bills were mailed out last week. The second half of trash billing will be mailed out in six months. All calls will be transferred to the Collector’s office in regard to billing.
Ms. McCool and Ms. Taft explained to the Board the process in place for pumping permits and fees charged to septic haulers when they pump a system in town. As of July 1st, Palmer Wastewater Treatment Plant no longer requires a copy of these permits; however, they play an important part of town records. After discussion, Mr. Bator moved to waive the $5.00 fee but the pumping permit form must still be submitted to the town, seconded by Ms. Klick and voted unanimously.
September 5, 2007 Page 2.
Ms. McCool presented information to the Board in regard to breaching beaver dams, which she received from Linda Hull in Conservation. If someone wishes to breach a dam, they must receive authorization directly from NHESP when in estimated and/or priority habitat. Whenever anyone files a permit Conservation Commission must be checked to see if these are habitats.
Board of Health Responsibilities:
Beavers – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
Body Art Regulations – This will be removed until a new application is made.
Bulky Day – Phyllis is working on this event scheduled for October 6th. School has been approved, banner request Okayed, etc.
Communicable Disease – Ms. Harrison had nothing to report.
Emergency Preparedness – Ms. Harrison attended the meeting today. The public meeting will be held on October 24th? Ms. Taft will check with Jeremy Bedson confirming the date.
Finances – Dr. Smith was unavailable.
Floor Drains – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
Food Safety – Mr. Bator had nothing to report.
Hazardous Waste Day – Phyllis had nothing to report.
Health Fair – Ms. Harrison had nothing to report.
Housing Safety – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
Outdoor Wood Burning Boilers – This was already discussed.
Press Relations – Dr. Smith was unavailable.
Recycling – Ms. Klick had nothing to report.
Tobacco – Dr. Smith had nothing to report.
Trash – Ms. Klick had nothing to report.
Wells – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
Ms. Harrison informed the Board that she had attended the PDM meeting held this morning at 9:00 A.M.
The Board signed bills and necessary correspondence.
The minutes of August 15th and the correspondence from this meeting will need to be handled at the next Board meeting to be held on September 19th.
At 9:45 p.m. Mr. Bator moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ms. Klick and so voted.
Respectfully submitted,
Monson Board of Health
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