Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Health
Monday, December 10, 2007 - 7:30 p.m.
Small Basement Conference Room
Town Office Building
Attending: Roxanne Musto, RN-C, MS, ANP, Chair
Timothy J. Lowney, Esq., Member
Anne T. Fidler, Sc. D., Member
Linda M. Grant, MD, MPH, Medical Advisor
Michael J. Blanchard, Director
Deborah M. Manning, Principal Clerk
1. Mr. Royden Lungelow and Ms. Betty Lord, tenants of 14 Kahler Avenue attended and were given the opportunity to address the Board during Citizen's Speak. A hearing on this property was held at the November Board meeting and Mr. Lungelow stated that only the critical repairs required as a result of the Board of Health inspection had been completed. He mentioned that he has two months rent but no address to send it to because in the past the rent was picked up by either the owner or her management company. Among the complaints noted by the tenants were the untreated ice on the stairs and walkways, mice in the unit and a missing board from the front porch. Mr. Lungelow also said that he would like to be notified in advance when someone will be coming to the property to do work.
Mr. Blanchard informed the Board and the tenants that the order letter sent to the owner following the hearing set a completion date for all repairs of December 19, 2007. Following discussion, the Chairman requested that the owner be contacted by both telephone and certified mail informing her that the Board's next step may be to file a criminal complaint in District Court if all of the violations have not been corrected by that date.
The Director provided the tenants with the addresses of the property owner and management company.
2. One outstanding bill was signed for payment.
3. The minutes of the October, 2007 Board of Health meeting were approved as written following a motion by Ms. Fidler which was seconded by Ms. Musto and unanimously approved.
4. A Keeping of Animals application for five goats was submitted by Will and Monique Gregg of 437 Hillside Street. The Director provided a brief background on the matter stating that the issue first came to light after receiving a complaint about the animals from an abutter. He advised that he contacted the Greggs and they have since met all of the requirements for application for this license. Mr. Gregg was invited to come forward to speak and answer any questions the Board might have. He advised that his family would like to keep five domesticated, neutered goats which will be kept in portable pens with a solar electric fence system which will be rotated around his property about every 120 days. These animals will be kept as pets, grow to be about 35 to 40 pounds, eat
plants and leaves and discharge small pellets which will be raked up and added to a compost pile which is on the far west side of his property.
Dr. Grant inquired as to how vocal these animals are. Mr. Gregg answered that they make a bleating sound intermittently but usually at feeding time. In response to other questions, he stated that there is a shelter about the size of a large dog house but that the goats usually stay outside except in wet weather.
Following Mr. Gregg's presentation, direct abutters were invited to speak. Ellen Rogers, a neighbor directly across the street spoke in support of the application. Mr. Joseph Rettman, the owner of an abutting property spoke next. He stated that the site of pen #2 is approximately 18 feet from his gazebo and that he heard the animals recently when he was cleaning his yard. He asked if other sites on the Gregg's property might be used such as way in the rear or in the northwest corner. Mr. Gregg replied that he had thought about the corner site but was concerned about the impact kids and hikers in the Blue Hills might have on the goats.
When Ms. Fidler asked if two sites might be adequate with a six month rotation period, Mr. Gregg said he would consider this. Mr. Lowney inquired if a new site was found following this meeting, would the application process have to begin again from the beginning. Following discussion, the Board agreed to approve the application denoting two approved sites for stabling. If the owner determines a third location, he will be required to submit a new plot plan to the Board for approval.
Other neighbors who are not direct abutters also spoke in support. They included Renata Davidson , Robert Tamkin and Gerald Friedler. A letter of support from Susan and Robert Daylor was read into the record.
Mr. Lowney moved to accept the application as changed - keeping sites one and three - and leaving the application open for a revised plan should another location be identified. Ms. Musto seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
5. The Director updated the Board on the success of this year's flu clinics at which more than 1720 doses were dispensed. Some of this year's vaccine was in the form of flu mist which was administered to 130 people under the age of 49.
6. In new business, Mr. Blanchard advised that one tobacco retailer sold to a minor during a recent compliance check. A long time employee at Tedeschi's on Houston Avenue was at fault. Since the establishment has a new owner, it is the first offense and carries a $100. fine.
He also distributed samples of educational literature ordered from CDC concerning both flu and staph infection that has emerged in many locations around the country in recent months. Dr. Grant stated that the Massachusetts DPH also has great information available on this topic.
7. The Director advised the Board that requests for warrant articles must be submitted prior to January 11, 2008. He wondered if the Board would be interested in raising the spending limit for the Department's Immunization revolving fund from the current $4,000.
8. Ms. Musto inquired if any publications had been submitted this month to the local media. The Director suggestion of press releases highlighting flu and winter safety received the support of the Board.
9. The Director submitted the Public Health Nurse's letter of resignation to the Board. He stated that Mrs. Whitney will be retiring after thirty-one years of dedicated service to the Town. The Board accepted the letter with mixed emotions.
Mr. Blanchard explained that a new retirement policy went into effect last year which prohibits new employees working less than thirty hours per week from joining the retirement system. This policy will almost certainly affect filling this position since the Public Health Nurse position is twenty-two and a half hours. He will consult with the Assistant Town Administrator to see if the position can be posted immediately.
The next meeting was scheduled for Monday evening, January 14, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in the Small Basement Conference Room of the Town Office Building.
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________
Timothy J. Lowney, Esq.
Secretary
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