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Minutes of 2014 9/10
BOH                                                                                                                                     

September 10, 2014
Regular meeting of the Monson Board of Health was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
Members present were Beau Schneider, Carrie Payne and Vicki Alfano and Lorri McCool.

Others in attendance were as follows: John Morrell, Tom Hoenig, Leslie Duthie, Judith Pokorney, Jo A Sauriol, Ken Gagne, Phyllis and Henry Kelly.

Acting chair, Beau Schneider opened the meeting and introduced himself and the Board and asked for introductions from those present. Beau advised those present, that he was the longest standing Board member at this time, serving on the Board for over 3 years. Relatively new were Carrie Payne and Vicki Alfano with over a year respectively.

Motion to accept the minutes from August 14, 2014 was made by Beau Schneider and seconded by Vicki Alfano. All in favor. The minutes of March 20, 2013 cannot be accepted at this time and were tabled.

Beau Schneider continued with a brief overview and distributed printed MDPH literature, Guidance to Local Health Boards of Health Implementing MGL c. 131, s. 80A and flow sheets to those in attendance regarding the beaver problems and concerns in town currently on Bunyan Rd. , Hospital Rd., and Nieske. Unsuccessful, trapping permits had been issued by the BOH on May 29th, 2014, resulting in follow-up permits requested by John Morrell, Highway dept. for the trapper, Mr. Hoeing dated  for Sept. 7th, as the trapper was to be on vacation. Those had not been signed by the Board previously because questions were raised by both Carrie Payne and Lorri McCool after Lorri had visited the sites and taken pictures for documentation. At that point, the Board felt, there was no imminent emergency and threat. The Board was in agreement that they would consult with Conservation and possibly DFW for further insight , information, and guidance for a more permanent solution to this ongoing problem. It was also a request of the BOH, to invited, John Morrell, Mr. Hoenig, and concerned residents to this meeting. The meeting floor was opened to John Morrell, highway surveyor, who spoke regarding the increased beaver population, the extensive damage to the bridge on Bunyan Rd. and the unsuccessful trapping in May. Mr. Hoenig said, that a trap had been stolen and also beavers had been released. John Morrell advised that, if parties were caught, there is a hefty state fine and he would pursue charges.  Mr. Ken Gagne took the floor and produced many 8X10 color photos of the beaver dam and the damage to the bridge. He is a resident at 39 Bunyan and follows this problem closely. It was also explained by John Morrell that the Town has a well on Bunyan Rd. and numerous times the water dept. has had problems resulting from the beavers. Trapper, Ken Hoenig explained, that he was unsuccessful in trapping back in May, the 10 day permit from the BOH had expired, but he continued to try and trap without a current permit from the BOH. This was not made known to Mr. Morrell until meeting. If the May trapping had been unsuccessful, then a 30 day permit could have been requested in conjunction with DFW. Judith Pokorney took the floor and said, she travels extensively and see’s other towns and states that they had constructed fencing around water areas that seem to help. Her question was, “why can’t  this be done here?” Leslie Duthie took the floor and answered, that in certain areas this is a successful deterrent, but all depts.. need to work together to address a more permanent solution. Leslie also suggested to John Morrell that he and his men might consult with other towns that have like problems and see how the beaver deceivers might be implemented. John Morrell said, that as long as he is highway surveyor, he is not putting in the beaver deceivers. He does not feel they will work, but cause more flooding. Carrie Payne asked the general question, “ what else, could be done?” Lorri McCool stated that Monson needs to look for long term solutions. Leslie Duthies advised, that DFW should be contacted to come and assess the affected areas for their recommendation. Beau Schneider agreed and expressed his concern for the bridge damage and decay. Both Carrie Payne and Vicki Alfano said, that their major concerns have been with the span of time that had elapsed between the May permits and now. It was NOT the Boards intention to deny any permits or hinder any trapping, but to obtain more insight and possible long term solutions. After extensive conversation, Carrie Payne made motion to issue the 10 day permits with new dates of Sept. 11, 2014 and running through Sept. 21st. All in favor. Beau Schneider made motion for a 5 minute recess to allow Claire Forgues to prepare the new permits to be signed and released to Mr. Morrell. Beau Schneider said, in conclusion, that many problems exist with the beaver population, but the State is a phone call away and willing to help. In conclusion, the BOH does not have to wait for a regularly scheduled meeting to take emergency action which includes trapping permits and even breaching the dam, if deemed necessary by Conservation commission and BOH.


Bill schedules, abatements and licenses signed.   Vice Chair, Beau Schneider will temporarily sign under BOH Chairman until the Board is re-structured.  

Correspondence was reviewed. Beau Schneider advised that Maven has been very quiet the past several weeks. Vicki Alfano said, there are different strains of flu this year.  Lorri McCool still has #6 from the Jan. 8, 2014 meeting.

Board of health responsibilities:      
  • Beavers – Carrie Payne –see above.
  • Bulky Day –Sat. October 4th. Claire advised the Board of a new parking/traffic flow at Quarry Hill. Need to make adjustments with the roll-offs before permit will be signed by the school. All other agencies arel set for the event. Further discussion tabled for the next meeting.
  • Communicable Diseases- Beau Schneider- nothing new to report.
  • Emergency Preparedness –Carrie Payne- nothing new to report.
  • Finances- Beau Schneider- The Board voted unanimously to accept the proposed trash rate for 2015 of $265.00. This is an increase of $15.00.
  • Floor Drains- Beau Schneider- Second requests for paperwork sent to three outstanding businesses. Claire to send 3rd letter stating that the paperwork has to be submitted and if not, a BOH member to visit the establishment.
  • Food Safety-Beau Schneider – nothing new to report.
  • Hazardous Waste Day-Beau Schneider-last event Nov. 2013. Nothing planned at this time.
  • Health Fair- Carrie Payne-nothing new to report.
  • Medical Reserve Corp. Beau Schneider- nothing new to report.
  • Outdoor Wood Burning Units-Beau Schneider- nothing new to report. Season starts Oct. 1st.
  • Press Relations-Carrie Payne- ad for new BOH members scrolling on M-PACT and also Bulky Day to be run on M-Pact and the Journal.
  • Recycling- Mike Szczepan from Republic Services  delivered 20 bins of which 7 have already gone to Granite Valley School for re-cycling in the classrooms.
  • Tobacco-Beau Schneider- nothing new to report.
  • Trash- New FY 2015 rate voted and accepted.
  • Wells- Lorri McCool-2nd request paperwork sent to Echo Hill Orchards and Deborah Carrington who are not on PWS to have their wells tested and the results submitted back to the Board. Sportsman’s Club at 215 Woodhill Rd. is under State testing and the monthly reports have been submitted and filed.
Next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday October 2, 2014 at 6:00 pm.
Beau Schneider made motion to adjourn at 8:49 pm, seconded by Vicki Alfano.


Beau Schneider, Acting Chairman ________________________