Wednesday
December 2, 2009
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, Phyllis Klick and Jane Jacobs. Member absent: Margaret Harrison.
Mr. Dolor Major of 27 Brimfield Road met with the Board to request trash abatement on his property. Mr. Major stated he has lived in Monson for 20 years and always put in for abatement and never paid for trash. This year he filed for abatement and the Collector’s office sent it back to him. He had a property but recently sold it and this was the address he used for alternate abatement. He lives alone and has a wood stove which he used to burn trash. He also is an organic gardener and accepts leaves from residents in Monson. He brings a few bags a year to a friend’s house for disposal. Mr. Allard informed him that trash cannot be hauled across town lines unless you are a licensed hauler. He is presently requesting a senior abatement only for his property.
Mr. Major stated that years ago, he appeared before the Board of Selectmen (who was also the Board of Health then) and received an abatement on his trash. He has been receiving abatement for many years. He no longer owns this property so he cannot produce a contract. He asked if he could find a hauler that would pick up trash only as needed. The Board responded that he could but would need to supply the town with a contract from the hauler. Mr. Major also stated that during the year his property is vacant. If it is over 90 days he may file for abatement on this.
Mr. Major asked the Board why Monson does not have a pay per bag disposal system. The Board stated they had looked into this previously and perhaps could revisit this idea when the contract comes up for renewal. Mr. Allard stated that Monson has the best town-wide pickup program in the state. The Board felt that the pay by bag encourages people to discard their trash by the side of the road, especially if they cannot afford the bags. Mr. Major also mentioned Springfield’s trash program where residents only pay approximately $75.00/year. Ms. Klick informed him that their taxes pay for a large portion of the trash and the $75.00 is an additional fee the city is charging.
Mr. Major asked the Board if he could have a hauler come in to remove a few bags a year and be exempt from the town-wide program. The Board answered yes – he would just need to provide us with a copy of the contract. Mr. Major again asked the Board to consider a pay per bag program and the Board responded that they will revisit this when the contract is over. The Board suggested he see Dorothy Jenkins to see how much money he needs to pay. The Board signed and approved his senior abatement and thanked him for attending the meeting.
The Board read and reviewed the minutes of November 18, 2009. Ms. Jacobs moved to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by Dr. Smith and so voted.
The Board signed all necessary correspondence and initialed all bills.
Ms. Jacobs moved to approve the following licenses for 2010: Bakery Licenses, Food Service/Residential Kitchens Licenses, Common Victualer and Food Establishment Licenses, Offal Transport Licenses, Pool Permits, Retail Food Licenses, Rubbish Removal Licenses and Tanning Salon Licenses, seconded by Mr. Allard and voted unanimously.
BOARD OF HEALTH MINUTES CONT. DECEMER 2, 2009
Board of Health Responsibilities:
- Beavers – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
- Body Art Regulations – Ms. Jacobs had nothing to report.
- Bulky Day – Ms. Klick had nothing to report.
- Communicable Diseases – Ms. Jacobs informed the Board that there were (3) cases of Lyme disease. Beginning on Monday, the state will be doing their own research/follow-up. Dr. Smith asked Ms. Taft to compose a press release and place in the newspaper thanking all who participated in the H1N1 clinic making this a successful event, especially Lorri McCool who did an outstanding job.
- Emergency Preparedness – There was nothing to report.
- Finances – Dr. Smith informed members of the Board that he has received budget forms and the Board has been asked to level fund expenses.
- Floor Drains – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
- Food Safety – Ms. Jacobs had nothing to report.
- Hazardous Waste Day – Mr. Klick had nothing to report.
- Health Fair – Ms. Jacobs had nothing to report.
- Housing Safety – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
- Medical Reserve Corps – The MRC was a great source of help for the H1N1 clinic.
- Outdoor Hydronic Heaters – Dr. Smith asked Ms. Taft to speak with Lorri McCool to see what happened with the complaint on Thayer Road and see if it was followed through.
- Press Relations –Dr. Smith had nothing to report.
- Recycling – Ms. Klick had nothing to report.
- Trash – Ms. Klick stated that trash bills are sent out twice a year. Mailing of these bills costs a lot and she felt that the bill could be sent out once a year. She felt that several thousand dollars could be saved. Ms. Klick would like the Board to consider this request. Ms. Jenkins and Ms. Mahar could be asked in to discuss this issue.
- Wells – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
The Board read and responded to the correspondence.
At 8:45 p.m. Mr. Allard moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Jacobs and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Monson Board of Health
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