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Board of Health Meeting Minutes

March 11, 2004

The meeting convened at PM. Present were Timothy P. Stone, Suzanne H. Traini, Public Health Director Paul C. Pisinski and Secretary Barbara M. Luther.

The minutes of the February 10, 2004 meeting were approved with the correction of a typo; the minutes of the February 20, 2004 meeting were approved with one amendment.

Vouchers totaling $584.86 were approved for payment from the Board of Health Budget, and SDS Betterment Loan #2001-05 – Charles & Teresa Katuska, 4 Upland Rd. – Out of pocket expenses for complete replacement of the Septic System - $22,000.00 was approved.

Members were briefed on the agenda and any scheduled appointments.

The following License(s) signed by the Public Health Director: Installer’s License #240301 – Ed Cram dba E.N. Cram, Renewal

The following License(s) and Permit(s) were unanimously approved and signed:
Food Licenses

A. Food Est. Lic. #240302 – David McCloskey/June Phillipo dba SMOC Meals on Wheel Program RENEWAL
B. Food Est. Lic. #240303 – Samy Hanna dba Ben’s Deli RENEWAL
C. Food Est. Lic. #240306 - Vinod Rao dba BKP Inc. dba Fitzgerald’s General Store RENEWAL
D. Food Est. Lic. #240307 – Vinod Rao dba Danny Corp dba Colony Market RENEWAL
E. Food Est. Lic. #240308 – Mark Verrochi/Tara Leeds dba Red Barn Coffee Roasters RENEWAL
F. Food Est. Lic. #240309 – Mark Verrochi/Nancy Devita dba Red Barn Coffee Roasters RENEWAL
G. Food Est. Lic. #240310 – Justin Pessini dba J&J Mobile Kitchen RENEWAL

Pool License
H. Pool Lic. #240304 – George W. Noble/Brian Finnegan dba Fay School Pool RENEWAL

Day Camp License
I. Day Camp Lic. #240305 – George W. Noble/Steve Cariello dba Fay School Summer Program RENEWAL

Septic System Permits
J. SDS Permit #2003014 – 45 Woodbury Rd. (4/15) Update New 4 Bedroom
K. SDS Permit #2004019 – 30 Bigelow Rd. (49/6) Complete Replacement 4 Bedroom Local upgrade waiver approved for setback distance from ground water 4’ to 3’, and from wetlands buffer, 100 ‘ to 75.5


The Following Permit(s) were NOT Approved: All plans presented to the Board were approved and signed.

DISCUSSION
7 Pleasant Street – A member of the Board asked a technical question regarding the review of 7 Pleasant Street. The question asked was, is it possible to set the pump to run more frequently to further protect the system. Public Health Director Paul C. Pisinski explained that the Title 5 Code sets the required rate of “dosing” for a particular soil, but that he would speak with the engineer.

Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article 6 – A member asked about Article 6 of the Annual Town Meeting, which would change the “Travel Reimbursement By-Law” to allow only $0.37 per mile. Mr. Pisinski explained that he had spoken with Town Administrator, Janice Conlin and asked to have the article held until next year’s annual meeting. This is because she has suggested that he share a vehicle with the Facilities Manager and the Public Works Superintendent. Mr. Pisinski feels that it will take time to find a vehicle and arrange a schedule. In the mean time, he needs a 4-wheel-drive-vehicle to properly perform his job. One member asked for a copy of the proposed by-law change.

Blood Drive It was reported that the recent Board of Health sponsored Red Cross Blood Drive netted 43 usable or good units. Between two and three individuals are helped by each unit of blood.

Food Establishment Licenses While signing food establishment licenses the Board Members asked that the name of the person holding the “Food Handlers Certificate” be placed on the second page of the annual application.

Questions from Boston Globe Reporter A reporter from the Boston Globe asked the members why they met during the day. The Chairman and the member present explained that after several years of meeting at night the need for daytime meetings sort of evolved, it appeared that it might be a good practice and it has worked well. Daytime meetings provide access to engineers and installers, staff of the Town House, and Notary access. The Chairman believes that the business of the Board of Health is better conducted during the day and the people the Board of Health serves appreciate daytime meetings. It was noted that in Florida most meetings are held during the day. Also, daytime meetings allow the Board to function within the budget constraints, not having to pay for extra secretarial hours.

The reporter asked if there was anything in a by-law or something about members not attending meetings. She was told that the Board of Health Members are elected not appointed, therefore, they are not required by any by-law to attend meetings. The reported asked if she could call the office later to get the number of meetings that the newest member has missed. Then she asked the Board Members if they were going to entertain the new members request to change the meeting dates and times. The Board responded saying that they would not; meetings are posted a full year in advance and that the new member should have known the schedule when he ran for election.
“Southville Junction”, 106 Southville Rd. (old Ipanema) – Mr. Pisinski presented an overview of the newly proposed multipurpose building at 106 Southville Rd. Ms. Traini recused herself from the discussions of this property. After a brief review, Dr. Stone suggested that the board wait until they receive information from the engineering company regarding the proposed estimated daily effluent flow and specifics about the uses being proposed before they discussed the matter further.

Trottier School – possible change in number of students – Mr. Pisinski advised the Board Members of an article in the Metrowest Daily News regarding a proposal form the School Committee to put the 5th grade at Trottier Middle School, which would bump up the number of people at the school. Assistant Superintendent, Brad Jackson had asked Mr. Pisinski if adding these students and teachers would be possible in light of the septic system restrictions. Mr. Pisinski explained to Mr. Jackson that if the Operation and Maintenance scheduled reports had been done, the design engineer would immediately be able to answer the question of actual effluent discharge. However, with no data to look at, it is not possible for anyone to answer the question without some extensive research. Mr. Pisinski also told the Members that he had told Mr. Jackson that the School Committee had to comply with the Order of Conditions set forth by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), before that DEP would even consider reviewing the request. He further explained that this issue would have to be approved by the DEP. One member was concerned about the cost of repair if this move overloaded the septic system, and stated that she would not vote for another variance.

Public Hearing @ 2:30 PM re: Lot 1-M-3 Clemmons St. – At 2:30 PM the regular meeting was adjourned to begin the scheduled Public Hearing regarding a variance request to decrease the setback distance of a septic tank to the reservoir from 400’ to 265’. Notice had been sent to the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) with no response being received from them. Present at the meeting was Design Engineer, George Connors of Connorstone Engineering, Mr. George E. McCarthy Jr., 14 Clemmons St., Shawn P. McCarthy, 16 Clemmons St. and Alesa Purpura, 9 Clemmons St. Copies of the Notice to Abutters were provided to the Board and two letters of support were read; one from Ted and Jeanne Luchette of 10 Clemmons St., and one from Alice Lebewohl of Clemmons St. The Board reviewed the variance request and determined that they would be able to grant the variance in the distance from the septic tank to the reservoir without causing damage to the reservoir. The tank will be watertight with a Fernco coupling in the tank to further minimize any potential to leak.

Next Meeting The Public Health Director will be on vacation on March 23rd, which is the next regularly scheduled Board Meeting, therefore the Members decided to cancel the March 23rd meeting and hold the next Board of Health Meeting on the second Tuesday in April, which is April 13, 2004.

Possible Staff Cuts Mr. Pisinski advised the Board Members that the Advisory Committee has discussed cutting 2 positions in the Town House, and the concern that support staff through out the building, including the Board of Health Secretary, were experiencing. He advised that Department Heads were asked to come up with a “worse case scenario” plan, but said that he had not done it because he did not feel it was the proper way to handle the situation.

Mr. Pisinski was asked to contact Marsha Bennis of the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards and ask if his 3-year contract assures that the Board can continue to reimburse him for travel expenses by calculating the percentage of travel Mr. Pisinski does while completing his responsibilities for the town. The Members want to determine if the proposed by-law would affect the contract. The belief of the Board is that the contract that they entered into with Mr. Pisinski is binding, including the manner in which he is reimbursed for the use of his vehicle.

The contract has a section, which requires the Board to reimburse the Public Health Director for “…actual expenses incurred” to carry out his duties and responsibilities.

Public Health Risk Communication Seminar Mr. Pisinski gave the Board Members a brief synopsis of the seminar he attended regarding communication with the public during a health crisis such as an outbreak of meningitis, or food born illness. The seminar covered basic common sense responses.

The meeting adjourned at 3:35 PM

Respectfully submitted by: Barbara M. Luther, Secretary to the Board of Health