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meeting of 2009-02/04
Wednesday
February 4, 2009

Regular meeting of the Monson Board of Health was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Dr. Richard Smith, with members Gary Allard, Margaret Harrison, Jane Jacobs and Phyllis Klick present.
Also present, was Health Inspector Lorri McCool, Town Collector Dorothy Jenkins and Financial Director Deborah Mahar.

The Board read and reviewed the Minutes of January 21, 2009.  Ms. Harrison moved to accept as presented, seconded by Ms. Jacobs and so voted.

Ms. Mahar met with the Board to discuss electronics recycling.  Ms. Mahar explained that the School Department has a large amount of electronics to dispose of.  Ms. Klick stated that Daniel Tassinari had gotten rid of fluorescent bulbs and computers when he was Business Manager.  Ms. Mahar stated that it might be better to do a separate day rather than fill a dumpster up on Bulky Day.  The cost would be at 18 cents/lb.  We would have to guarantee enough to meet $150.  Ms. Klick stated that it costs the town 12 cents/lb. on Bulky Day and we get two dumpsters for $1,200 for electronics with the company we presently use.  The Board felt that money could be used from the grant for an extra roll-off container on Bulky Day.  There is $10,000 in the Board of Health Revolving Fund and $19,000 in grant money.  Ms. Mahar assured the Board that she was just concerned that it would be overwhelming on Bulky Day with the additional electronics and would be happy to do whatever the Board decided.  The Board would like to do this on Bulky Day.

Celeste Gould of 70 Carpenter Road met with the Board to discuss an abatement for past years in regard to trash billing.  Ms. Gould had met previously with the Board of Health and was incorrectly referred to the Board of Selectmen.  The Selectmen could not help her so she has returned to the Board of Health.  The Board informed her that the rules only allow the Board of Health to abate for the current year’s bill.  Ms. Gould stated she had been informed by Ms. Neggers that the Board of Health could abate past years if they so desired.

Ms. Jenkins who attended this meeting stated that the trash bill was either paid or abated in 1991 and 1992.    Raymond Blanchette, who served on the Board, wrote the rules and regulations.  Ms. Gould is seeking to abate the trash bills from 1993 – 1999.  Ms. Gould started using the trash program in 2000.  There was no abatement form until 1993.  Ms. Gould stated she called an office and asked for an abatement form and no one sent her one.  Ms. Jenkins stated that in 1993 an abatement form began to appear on the back of the trash bills.  The Board explained to Ms. Gould that an abatement can be issued if a person has a dumpster at their house or place of business in Monson.  The Board informed Ms. Gould she should have filed the abatement form, which was mailed on the back of the bills.  It was her choice she did not file the form with the Board on each current year.  She should have approached the Board in 1994 or 1995.  She needed to do abatements in current year.  At this point, the Board could not see how they could help her.

Ms. Gould requested a letter stating why she was being denied an abatement.  The Board stated that she was being denied because the trash rules and regulations state they can only abate trash for the current year.  A letter will be sent to Ms. Gould stating that she was denied because the Board can only abate the current year.


February 4, 2009                                                                Page 2

The Board next discussed the state’s regulations on outdoor wood boilers.  Ms. McCool informed the Board that they must adopt the state’s regulations, but they can make the regulations more stringent.  The state has extended the burn season.  This may create problems with people who complained of smoke when out in their yards. The state burn season is October 1st through May 15th.  Monson’s is October 15th through April 15th.  Ms. McCool felt that the OWB group that came to the Board’s last meeting was well informed and wanted to work with the Board.  The Board could offer the longer burn season, but if a neighbor complained, the Board could revisit this and make it more stringent.  She felt the Board could offer this option.

The Board reviewed page 3 of the state regulations in regard to the operating requirements for existing OWB’s.  Their regulations state that if the distance between another residence is more than 500 feet, there is no limit on the time of operation.  The Board agreed that no one in town should be allowed to burn outside the burn season.  The Board feels that new installations can be allowed.  Ms. McCool stated she would review the request for new installations.  Owners will need to file an application with a site plan showing the lot and setbacks and Ms. McCool will do an inspection.  New boilers are very efficient and are not like the older models.  Boilers will also need to be 75 feet away from another residence.  

The Board also discussed a fee whereby Ms. McCool could get a portion of the fee.  This would have to go to a town meeting.  After discussion, the Board decided they will stay with the current application fee of $50.00 until we know how long an inspection would take.

The Board decided they will adopt the state regulations, but not allow the burn season for existing boilers.  An application will be required for new installations.

After discussion, the Board decided that the OWB meeting scheduled for February 18th at 7:30 p.m. would be postponed until the first meeting in March on the 4th.  The papers and interested parties will be notified.

Board of Health responsibilities:

  • Beavers – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
  • Body Art Regulations – Ms. Jacobs had nothing to report.
  • Bulky Day – Ms. Klick stated she would like to see one Bulky Day in the spring and then do a Hazardous Waste Day with the funds from the fall Bulky Day.  Dr. Smith stated this would not be possible because the funds from Hazardous Waste Day come from another fund.
  • Communicable Disease – Ms. Jacobs stated there were (3) new cases and (2) enquiries for Lyme Disease.
  • Emergency Preparedness – Ms. Harrison stated that the meeting was cancelled and rescheduled.
  • Finances – Dr. Smith stated this was already discussed.
  • Floor Drains – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
  • Food Safety – Ms. Jacobs had nothing to report.
  • Hazardous Waste Day – Ms. Klick stated that Ms. Mahar was checking to see if the Board could use grant money to hold one.
  • Health Fair – N/A
  • Housing Safety – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
February 4, 2009                                                                Page 3.

  • Medical Reserve Corps – Ms. Harrison had nothing to report.
  • Outdoor Wood Boilers – This was already discussed.
  • Press Relations – The OWB meeting of February 18th has been postponed until March 4th.
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.  In the future, Mr. Jalbert will let the Board know of any water problems.

The Board signed bills and necessary correspondence.

The Board read and responded to the correspondence.

At 9:35 p.m. Ms. Jacobs moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ms. Harrison and voted unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Monson Board of Health