Wednesday
May 7, 2008
Regular meeting of the Monson Board of Health was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Dr. Richard Smith. Members present: Gary Allard, Robert Bator and Margaret Harrison. Member absent: Phyllis Klick.
Mr. Keith Hooton, 36 Fern Hill Road, met with the Board to discuss outdoor wood boilers. He stopped in the office on this issue, as well as sent emails. He presently does not own a boiler, but wants to purchase one. Monson’s regulations state no installation of new boilers. Mr. Hooton owns 47 acres and asked the Board why each installation could not be determined on a case-by-case request and asked what the difference is between an OWB and a stove inside the house? The Board informed him that OWB’s burn differently than a wood stove in the house. The state is presently working on their regulations for the burners and the Board stated they might revisit the regulations before the burn season begins, if the state has regulations in place. Mr. Hooton told the
Board that he only wanted the boiler for heat, not hot water. The Board thanked Mr. Hooton for attending their meeting.
The Board reviewed the Minutes of April 16, 2008. Mr. Bator voted to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Mr. Allard and all in favor.
At 7:45 p.m., Mr. William Fountain of 63 Waid Road appeared before the Board to discuss outdoor wood boilers. Mr. Fountain informed the board that he has a boiler. Echo Hill Orchards, who also has a boiler, burns for agricultural purposes. He stated he has a harvester license and owns/rents 5 acres of land. He wanted to know how Echo Hill is able to burn. Mr. Fountain further stated that he, himself, does not wish to burn during the summer season. He has complained about this before - he feels that if one can burn, why can’t others burn? Mr. Fountain informed the Board that he had purchased a used boiler from Echo Hill and noted that all different items were being burned besides seasoned wood. He found ashes from cardboard boxes and ceramic dolls. The Board
informed Mr. Fountain that at the end of the burn season, letters were sent out informing OWB owners the burn season was over. Mr. Fountain asked how the campgrounds can allow campers to burn wood at campfires and the Board informed him that they are exempt. They also informed him that the state is working on their own regulations. Mr. Fountain was thanked by the Board for attending the meeting.
A letter from Richard & Teresa Krupczak, Echo Hill Orchards, in regard to their outdoor wood boiler was next discussed. The letter states they use the boiler for agricultural purposes and have been since 2003. After discussion and because Health Inspector, Lorri McCool, had informed the Krupczaks that they must appear before the Board of Health to request a special permit to burn out of the burn season, it was decided a letter would be sent to them informing them they must cease and desist immediately as no variances had been granted at this time. A copy of the regulations will also be sent with the letter, highlighting the burn season dates and burning of seasoned wood. They must appear before the Board and cease burning immediately. The letter will be signed by Dr. Smith and sent
certified and regular mail. The letter from Echo Hill was taken under advisement. They will also be warned that OWBs are not to be used as an incinerator. The Krupczaks must schedule a meeting with the Board.
The Board stated that anyone caught burning out of season would be issued the first warning, and a letter would be sent out. The regulations state that it be a written warning, with fines to follow if there are other violations.
May 7, 2008 cont. Page 2.
Board of Health Responsibilities:
Beavers – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
Body Art Regulations – Mr. Bator had nothing to report.
Bulky Day – Ms. Klick was absent. Mr. Allard had two things he wanted changed at Bulky Day in the fall. Two men were working on the steel. He felt that P & F should have their own manpower to do this, rather than the town paying employees. Also, people will be notified that they can go directly to P & F with steel, instead of bringing it to Bulky Day. Approximately 350 cars attended the spring Bulky Day.
Communicable Diseases – Ms. Harrison had nothing to report.
Emergency Preparedness – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
Finances – Dr. Smith noted that Town Accountant, Deborah Mahar, sent a memo out on finances to all departments.
Floor Drains – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
Food Safety – Mr. Bator had nothing to report.
Hazardous Waste Day – Will not be held this year.
Health Fair – Dr. Smith informed Ms. Harrison that he would be out of town on the date of the health fair. He suggested she contact Dr. Opper in Palmer to see if he would be interested in setting up a table/chair massage.
Housing Safety – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
Medical Reserve Corps – Ms. Harrison informed the Board that she attended two seminars – one in Wilbraham in regard to respiratory flu at home and one for MRSA.
Outdoor Wood Burning Boilers – This was already discussed.
Press Relations – Dr. Smith had nothing to report.
Recycling – Ms. Klick was unavailable.
Tobacco – Police to be notified that there was an allegation of Getty Mart possibly selling cartons of cigarettes to teens. When the Tobacco Agent does his inspections everything seems to be okay.
Trash – Ms. Klick was unavailable.
Wells – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
The Board signed necessary correspondence and initialed all bills.
Request for a massage license from Christine Wilson. She needed a license from the town to show the state that she was a licensed practitioner before the state would issue her a license. Dr. Smith did not know if she even needed this license now, as the issue might have been resolved. She will be called to see if this is still necessary. If so, Mr. Allard asked if she would postdate a check for two months in the future, which would be returned to her once she presents proof she holds a state license.
Correspondence was read.
At 9:00 p.m. Mr. Bator moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Allard and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Monson Board of Health
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