Wednesday
June 16, 2010
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. Also attending the meeting was Town Administrator, Gretchen Neggers.
The Board signed bills and necessary correspondence.
Town Administrator, Gretchen Neggers, had been invited to the Board meeting to discuss trash billing and the possibility of placing an article on a special town meeting which would require all Monson residents to participate in the Town’s trash program without exemption. Ms. Neggers explained that when the trash program was set up in 1990 by the Board of Selectmen, acting as the Board of Health, the trash/recycling program was created to meet the state regulations. It included all single-family and two-family houses, and no one was exempt. Later in time, four-family units were added to the program. Residents, who wanted their own haulers or had a dumpster, wanted to be exempt. The trash program has evolved through the years through trial and error and is the success that it is today.
Ms. Neggers informed the Board that the fee charged by the town for trash pickup is a user fee; as it is not part of the town’s tax base. She handed the Board a description from the Department of Revenue on what is a user fee. The DOR describes a user fee as a fee that must be paid by choice, that is, the person paying the fee must have the option of not utilizing the service, thereby avoiding the charge. Water, sewer and trash are considered user fees.
The Board was curious as to why the Monson Housing Authority was not part of our trash program. Allied Waste picks up their trash, but the Housing Authority pays Allied Services directly. Ms. Neggers stated that the Housing Authority was never part of our trash program, not even in the beginning.
The Housing Authority does have several rental properties in various locations throughout town. The Board felt that these properties could and should be billed by the town as they are already being serviced by Allied Waste Services. The fees are being paid for by the Housing Authority directly. Ms. Neggers informed Board members that this would be up to them to decide if they wish to include them in the program.
The Board had been told by Dorothy Jenkins, Town Collector, that large units (such as six-families) could not participate in the program as the software in the Collector’s office cannot bill for this. Ms. Neggers responded that beyond four-family units, it becomes problematic due to the huge volume of trash. These large units rent dumpsters for their apartments, which is probably less expensive for the owners.
One of the Board members questioned why Monson is not part of the MRF program. Ms. Neggers explained that at one time the town was part of the MRF program, but Allied Service opened their own facilities for recycling. Because of this, Monson is no longer part of the MRF program.
The Board stated that next year at this time, the Board will be reviewing the contract for the trash/recycling program. The members thanked Ms. Neggers for attending the meeting and explaining user fees and how the program worked.
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The Board read and reviewed the minutes of June 2, 2010. Mr. Allard moved to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by Ms. Klick and so voted.
The Board next read a memo from Health Inspector, Lorri McCool, in regard to an update on 28 Main Street from the Board’s last meeting. She spoke to the landlord and this is a tenant/landlord dispute in regard to some of the violations. On June 10th there was a hearing in Springfield Housing Court and the renter was ordered to vacate the premises within (10) days. The furnace will be replaced before the next heating season and Lorri will make another inspection prior to the landlord renting the property.
The Board also discussed a complaint of animals at 36 Main Street and Ms. McCool’s findings. She was able to inspect the property and had no issues at all with sanitary conditions. The residents own chickens and rabbits.
The Board next discussed a replacement for Dr. Richard Smith’s upcoming vacancy. Mr. Allard had checked with someone who once expressed an interest in serving. No one at this time had anyone who expressed interest. Therefore, a press release will be placed in the paper seeking applicants.
Board of Health Responsibilities:
- Beavers – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
- Body Art Regulations – Ms. Jacobs had nothing to report.
- Bulky Day – The Board discussed the location of the tent and the proposed new route for traffic. It was decided that the new route could be tried in the fall as an experiment to see which is the best route for traffic. The Board spoke of purchasing a 10’ by 10’ tent for the fall Bulky Day.
- Communicable Diseases – Ms. Jacobs reported that there were (2) cases of Lyme disease and (1) Chronic Hepatitis C infection.
- Emergency Preparedness – A meeting was held on June 10th and Mr. Allard, Dr. Smith and Ms. Jacobs attended. The meeting was a review of emergency management for the year. Jeremy Bedson handed in his resignation as Emergency Preparedness Director. Kathleen Conley Norbut will serve in this capacity.
Finances – Dr. Smith had nothing to report.
Floor Drains – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
Food Safety – It was reported that Big Jimmy’s Restaurant on Palmer Road has been sold. Also reported that there is a problem with a freezer at Adams, which may not be working. Lorri McCool will be checking this.
Hazardous Waste Day –Ms. Klick had nothing to report.
Health Fair – This will be held in September.
Housing Safety – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
Medical Reserve Corps – There was nothing to report.
Outdoor Hydronic Heaters – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
Press Relations – Dr. Smith had nothing to report.
Recycling – Ms. Klick had nothing to report.
Tobacco – Dr. Smith had nothing to report.
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- Trash – Ms. Klick had nothing to report.
- Wells – Mr. Allard had nothing to report.
Ms. McCool had inspected the Granite Valley Middle School, the Monson High School and the Quarry Hill Community School and they were in compliance.
The Board read and responded to the correspondence.
At 8:30 p.m., Mr. Allard moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ms. Klick and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Monson Board of Health
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