The meeting convened at 7:00 PM. Present were Chairman Louis Fazen, III, Members Ruth C. Brefka, and Nancy A. Sacco, Public Health Director Paul C. Pisinski, Public Health Nurse Leslie Chamberlin and Administrative Assistant Barbara M. Luther.
The minutes of the September 6, 2006 meeting were not discussed due to lack of time.
Vouchers totaling $733.55 were approved for payment from the Board of Health Budget.
Members were briefed on the agenda and any scheduled appointments.
PETITIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS
7:30 PM – The regular Board of Health Meeting was temporarily adjourned and the Public Hearing on 8 Cherry Street – Variance request to the setback of the S.A.S. to the Property Line, 10 ft. required, 2.5 ft. provided (GeoFlow Drip System Proposed) was opened. Present were Design Engineer Kevin O’Leary, from The Jillson Co., Michael and Deanna Hazeltine, owners of 8 Cherry St., and Theodore W. Pietrasiak of 12 Cherry St. Mr. O’Leary presented the Board of Health with signed receipts from abutter Paul Berry, 6 Cherry St. and abutter David Burnell, 7 Grove St. indicating their receipt of the hearing date and understanding of variances requested at 8 Cherry St.
Mr. O’Leary explained the two Local Upgrade Waivers that were requested; a 25% reduction in the soil absorption area (with equal protection provided), and a reduction in the setback of the tank to the foundation (10 ft required, and 9 ft provided), a reduction in the setback of the S.A.S. to the foundation and to the property line. He explained that the lot is very small and square. He is proposing an alternative technology that, if the Board of Health approves, will also have to go to D.E.P. for their review and approval. The property is now serviced by 2 cesspools that are very old and at the end of their usefulness. The Hazeltines are being very proactive because, although their cesspools have not been officially failed, they know they are not good for the environment. Mr. O’Leary explained that the system he is proposing is tantamount to a small sewage treatment plant; it has all the bells and whistles. The system is gravity flow to the tank for filtering in a two-compartment tank, which is a “FAST” system with a compressor that runs 24 hours per day pumping oxygen into the effluent which cleans it, then the effluent goes into a pump chamber that at a certain level pumps the effluent up to the Soil Absorption System Distribution Manifold and into ½ inch tubing that has a patented device that allows liquid to flow through, but will not allow roots (grass) to grow into the system. It is called a GeoFlow System. Mr. Pisinski advised the Board Members that other states have been using this system for years. Mr. O’Leary showed the Members a typical diagram of the system. He also explained that due to the technical complexity of the system it will need to be installed by an experienced installer. In other towns, he said, a Town Licensed Installer did most of the work, but when it came time to install the tubing a specialist was brought in to do that installation. Mr. O’Leary explained that the reason the plans have to be reviewed by D.E.P. is not only due to the innovative system, but also due to the reduction in the size of the soil absorption system and the reduction in the separation to groundwater.
Dr. Fazen asked about maintenance and was assured that an Operation and Maintenance (O&M) requires the homeowner to enter into a minimum of a one year contract for maintenance and inspection with the GeoFlow Company and after that they are required to have regular testing and maintenance, but can contract with another company if they choose. Mr. Pisinski told the members that there are several systems in town that require this process and that the town and D.E.P. are contacted if the homeowner is in violation of their inspection and maintenance requirements. Mrs. Sacco stated that she felt that this system certainly was better than the 2 old cesspools now on the property. Abutter, Mr. Pietrasiak stated that he is in favor of anyone improving their property.
Mr. Pisinski gave each member a brochure on the system as Dr. Fazen asked him how he felt about the proposed system. He said that “drip systems” have been studied for the last 60 years using the effluent on orchards and golf courses, and as long as they are maintained they are a good system. At that point Dr. Fazen moved to approve the proposed design plan and authorize Mr. Pisinski to send a letter stating such to D.E.P. informing them of the Board’s approval. If after 30 days, D.E.P. fails to comment on the design it is presumed approval and the Construction Permit will be issued.

After the Public Hearing closed and the Regular Board of Health Meeting was reconvened Mr. Pietrasiak asked Mr. Pisinski if he had heard that the New England Center for Children (NECC) would be extending a sewer line up Turnpike Rd. as far as Pleasant St. He asked, if they, NECC were to extend the sewer line, why couldn’t others in that area connect to the line which goes to the Framingham Sewer System. Mr. Pisinski explained the history of the New England Center for Children being allowed to connect to the Framingham Sewer including all the red tape and approvals needed. The Town of Framingham didn’t want any private homes to connect to their system and therefore placed, among other things, a limit on the gallons per day that could enter from Southborough. Mr. Pietrasiak stated he is concerned that with the sewer line being extended NECC will be able to turn that whole area into an expansion of their facility. Paul assured Mr. Pietrasiak that there is a limit to the amount of sewerage that can flow into the system from NECC. He also stated that if any additional “tap-ins” to the sewer line were ever to be approved the Town would need to vote to become an MWRA Sewer District Member and that the MWRA would need to accept Southborough’s Membership.
Dr. Fazen asked Mr. Pisinski to look into the situation and report back to Mr. Pietrasiak.
REPORT ON CORE DIRECTIVES
Tobacco Control –Ruth Brefka reported that she, Nancy Sacco and Paul Pisinski all attended the last Worcester Regional Tobacco Control Meeting. They received signs for the schools and Mrs. Sacco reported that they are posted in several of the schools. Due to the fact that the Facilities Department was thought to be charged with hanging the signs, Mrs. Luther was asked to check with the Facilities Department especially about Woodward School.
Private Clubs – Mr. Pisinski told the Members that Bill McClune, of the Worcester Tobacco Control Group, or Attorney D.J. Wilson from DPH have offered to attend a Board of Health Meeting to further educate the members of the issue of smoking in private clubs. However, if the Board felt comfortable, Mr. Pisinski would send a letter to the Fayville Athletic Club and the Knights of Columbus advising them that under the Athol, MA ruling they are not permitted to allow smoking in their establishments. This is because they do not meet the standards of a private club as determined under the Athol, MA decision.
Emergency Preparedness At the request of Region 4A, the Southborough Board of Health Members reviewed and signed a “letter of support” of a Grant Application offered by The MetroWest Community Health Care Foundation.
Mrs. Luther was asked to e-mail another copy of the Emergency Dispensing Site Plan to Archanan Joshi of the State Department of Public Health.
MRC – The Board Members decided that because the next Board of Health Meeting will be the day after the MRC meeting they should have a special meeting to prepare for the November 14, 2006 meeting. A meeting will be posted for 2:00 PM on October 18, 2006 from 2-3 PM.
Heritage Day – Mrs. Sacco ran an MRC Booth at Heritage Day and reported that she had lots of people looking and possibly 2 new people to come to the MRC Meeting in November.
Working with other Departments Mrs. Sacco and Public Health Nurse, Leslie Chamberlin met with Fire Chief Mauro and Fire Fighter Neil Aspesi. Mrs. Sacco and Mrs. Chamberlin explained some of the MRC/EDS planning that the Board of Health is doing. Although both the Board of Health members and staff, as well as the Fire Chief and Fire Fighter Aspesi were all expecting to attend an exercise at Marlboro Hospital, it was postponed. However, at their meeting Chief Mauro stated his concern about the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and the fact that people may be counted twice or even three times. For example, they could be counted by fire EMS, and a private ambulance company, as a Board of Health Nurse, a Council on Aging Nurse and a Marlboro Hospital ER Nurse. The Fire Department is also concerned about triage and ISCU and that Marlboro Hospital is responsible for Marlboro, Northborough, Southborough, Westborough, Bolton and half of Berlin. The plans look good on paper, but if personnel are being counted more than once, the reality could be a problem. There are also issues of liability to address. Mr. Pisinski, Mrs. Brefka and Mrs. Sacco also attended the LEPC meeting in an attempt to meld together the two disciplines of Public Safety and Public Health.
Dr. Fazen explained that when he attended the Board of Selectmen’s Meeting he learned that the Police Department is looking to purchase a needed new transmitter to correct several “dead” spots in the town and improve the Police and Fire communications system. Dr. Fazen suggested that Public Health be included in this venture. He hoped that this might be a beginning collaboration between the departments in Southborough’s Emergency Preparedness Response plans.

NOTIFICATION OF ACTIONS BETWEEN MEETINGS & PENDING ITEMS
Licenses
260901 Billy Barrows Barrows Contracting Installer
260902 Kristen Martin Kristen Martin/Theracopia Massage Therapist
Septic Systems
Number Date In Permit Number St Name Applicant Name Map # # Bdrms Explanation
26049 9/12/2020 2006034 123 Middle Rd. Deborah Prieni 36/22 4 Complete Replacement

BUDGET
During the Public Health Nurse’s report to the Board it became even clearer that more hours for the position of Public Health Nurse will be necessary to properly provide the level of Public Health Care that is needed in today’s world.
Mr. Pisinski told the Board Members that the Board of Selectmen, through the Town Administrator, has required that departmental budgets be into their office by December 1st. The Selectmen’s Office has asked each department to prepare two budgets; one level funded, even if it means reduction in staff, and one showing contractual increases only. Mr. Pisinski said that as the Board of Health has already told the Board of Selectmen that an increase in our budget will be necessary, he has created a flow chart showing staffing/budget requirements for this coming year (the 2nd year of his contract) and the following year (the 3rd year of his contract). He has changed his role from the way it appeared on his contract to more of a transition coordinator role, after a discussion with Chairman Dr. Louis Fazen. He showed that he put the Public Health Nurse in at 12 hours per week. Dr. Fazen agreed with Mr. Pisinski’s scenario saying that this is what the Board is looking for; public health is at a new juncture and increasing the nursing position is the way things must move. Mrs. Brefka reminded everyone that the scenarios have to be “in black and white” so that they can be presented to the Board of Selectmen and the Town Meeting. Dr. Fazen reiterated that in the 21st century Nursing and Public Health issues may require that the Board employ a half-time nurse and a half-time sanitarian.
Mr. Pisinski will have a draft budget ready for the Board’s review at the November 15th meeting. Dr. Fazen spoke about Mr. Pisinski’s retirement, saying that the Board Members need to reinvent local public health, and that it might be the best use of Mr. Pisinski’s knowledge and expertise to use him to assist in that restructuring. He could give us the benefit of his understanding of how things work. There are others who can perform the duties he does in the field and Dr. Fazen would like to have Paul spend 20% of his time working toward setting up the core functions of the new Board of Health and place the field services into a “fee-for-service” scenario. Mr. Pisinski explained the type of interaction he would like to keep involved in; such as wells, septic systems, soil testing, etc. In the mean time he would develop programs while food inspections, pool/camp inspections and housing complaints would be done by someone else. Mr. Pisinski sees his first year in the office more than in the field and using his flow chart of the next three years he again discussed the personnel breakdowns and the budget costs. Mr. Pisinski will develop a list of who could do the “fee-for-service” type activities in the future and he may be one of them. Dr. Fazen agreed that Mr. Pisinski would be needed to help set up the system in the first year of his retirement. Mr. Pisinski explained that during the first year FY2008 there would be no “Revolving Fund” to pay for the services; inspections would be paid for out of the budget while he was developing a specific account to pay for inspection services. Dr. Fazen believes that using the fee-for-service scenario, the budget looks the same, but additional public health services needed in this new era can be provided out of the budget with other services being provided by those who use them.
The current fiscal year budget is $129,000, but would have to go to $132,000 during the first year of Paul’s retirement. That figure includes $2,000 for a student intern. Dr. Fazen suggested that an Article be placed on the Warrant for 8 – 10 hours of a consultant. Dr. Fazen felt that a consultant could provide a Needs Assessment of Public Health issues in Southborough and give us direction with staffing, and how we can achieve and meet the needs of the community. If the separate article doesn’t pass, the Board of Health Budget would not be affected, and a statement would be made to the Town’s people that the Board of Health must change.
Mrs. Luther was asked to write down and keep a record of the types of questions that are now coming into the Board of Health, because many of them have changed from strictly engineering septic/well type questions to the medical side of public Health.
New Digital Camera Needed Mr. Pisinski advised the Board members that the Digital Camera the Board purchased six years ago has broken and that is would cost more to have it repaired than to purchase a new camera. He uses the camera to take pictures during inspections of septic systems, and has been looking into several cameras with wide angle capability. The prices range from $250.00 to $600.00. He is hoping that at the end of the year there is money left in the Board of Health Budget he might be able to purchase a new camera. Right now he is using his personal camera, so it will be necessary to purchase a new camera either at the end of this fiscal year or in the next.
NEW BUSINESS
PHN, Leslie Chamberlin –
Report on a cancer concern expressed by the father of a young boy with a rare from of cancer. Mrs. Chamberlin advised the Board Members that she had been contacted a few months ago by a parent from Atwood Rd. whose young son had a rare form of cancer. The parent was concerned because he had heard that there was another case of this cancer in a family that lived on Lovers Lane. The parents were asking that the town test their water and soils, for radon, possible contaminants, and etc. Mrs. Chamberlin researched the frequency of leukemia in Southborough and found it to be slightly lower than what is expected; 2 cases rather than 2.4 cases. She spoke with the boy’s father advising him of the results of her research, but, understandably the father is still looking for the cause of his son’s illness and is concerned about his other children. Mr. Pisinski spoke with the gentleman and explained that Southborough’s water comes from the MWRA and is continually tested, he explained that Southborough had been a farming town and as such had no old hazardous waste sights. The father continued to be hopeful that the town would be able to test his property. Mrs. Chamberlin and Mrs. Luther sent a letter to the family explaining everything that had been discussed in the phone calls, advising them that the Town did not have the facilities or resources to test his soil or water, and offered him a list of Certified Laboratories that he might contact for testing. The letter was sent to the family in August and there have been no calls since it was sent, so it is the staff’s belief that the Board of Health’s staff response was acceptable to the family. A copy of the letter was given to each Board Member.
Mr. Pisinski told the Board Members that for the last thirteen (13) years when he would receive calls such as this one from concerned parents or families, because of his engineering background, he would respond rather pragmatically, which wasn’t always satisfying to the concerned resident. He told the Board Members that is was wonderful to have Mrs. Chamberlin with her knowledge and her compassionate nursing approach to speak to these concerned parents on behalf of the Board of Health.
2006 Flu Clinics Mrs. Chamberlin advised the Board Members that as it appears that towns will not receive flu vaccine much before November 1st, which is the first day of the MHOA conference that she will be attending. She, therefore, thought that the second and third week of November would be a good time to hold the flu clinic. Tentatively she has chosen, Wednesday, November 8th from noon to 4:00 PM and Thursday, November 16th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The room at Cordaville Hall is available on these days.
The Board has scheduled its Board of Health Meeting on November 8th, but Mrs. Chamberlin and Mrs. Luther are hoping that it might be moved to accommodate the flu clinic. The Board Members agreed to move the meeting to November 15th at 2:00 PM in the second floor hearing room. There will be no publication of the dates or times of the clinics until we hear from the State that our vaccine is available. Dr. Fazen reported that he had gone to the Board of Selectmen’s meeting on Tuesday evening and that they had approved the placement of the Board of Health Article requesting a Revolving Account for Immunization Clinics be placed on the Special Town Meeting Warrant. Dr. Fazen advised that the Board Members must be prepared to speak to the costs and savings of the Revolving Fund because they are not a popular mechanism of funding.

Betterment Loan Application in Excess of $22,000 – Mrs. Luther advised the Board Members of an application to participate in the Septic Betterment Loan Program in the amount of $45,000 dollars. The Board approved the design plan at its last meeting. The property is very small and a first design had elicited bids in the area of $51,000. One installer, who bid on the installation, suggested that he knew a designer who could design a less expensive system. The property owner, Linda Noll, then hired Engineering Design Consultants who did design a system that was bid at approximately $38,000 for installation. Therefore her request of $45,000 includes two engineering designs, but is less than just the construction costs alone with the first design. This is being brought before the Board because Mrs. Luther is authorized to approve loan request only up to $22,000. Dr. Fazen moved to approve the Septic Betterment Loan request of $45,000 for Linda Noll, 5 John St.; Mrs. Brefka seconded the motion and Mrs. Sacco mad it unanimous.

Attendance at the MHOA Conference at the Cape – who should go to what sessions? Mr. Pisinski gave a draft list of the courses and workshops that will be offered during the MHOA Conference, November 1 through November 3. Mr. Pisinski and Mrs. Chamberlin are scheduled to attend; Mr. Pisinski will attend the engineering, environmental and Title 5Code sessions and Mrs. Chamberlin will attend the sessions devoted to the medical side of Public Health. If Mrs. Chamberlin is not able to attend a particular session then he suggested that one of The Board Members might attend on that day.

Review and determination of what tasks should be listed on the posting for an intern. Mrs. Brefka reported that the only responses she received regarding an internship at the Board of Health were from Harvard and Boston University (BU). Harvard indicated that most of their internships are in the summer, but did agree to post information about the opportunity if we would like. Harvard did not provide any guidelines for a posting, but BU’s guidelines are quire lengthy. BU also agreed to post the opportunity. Mrs. Brefka advised that most interns do receive a stipend, which Southborough may not be able to provide. She related a conversation with Dr. Fazen about possibly providing at least some travel expenses. Mrs. Brefka read her draft for the university news letters and for the postings, and it was unanimously approved with some minor changes. It was decided that Mrs. Brefka would come to the Board of Health Office and she and Mrs. Luther would e-mail the information to the universities.
Dr. Fazen said that he believes that the Board of Health may have to go to Town Meeting with a presentation/request to hire a consultant and an intern and ask for the money to fund these needs. Mr. Pisinski advised that several years ago the Fire Department was charged with hiring a consultant to study that department’s needs and was allotted $50,000 by the Town Meeting to pay for the consultant. Mrs. Sacco will check with the Town of Maynard to see what they pay their intern.

The meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM

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