Minutes of the Carlisle Board of Health
October 12, 2010
Present: Board Members Jeff Brem Chair, Bill Risso, Mark Caddell; Cathy Galligan; also present: Linda Fantasia, Agent, Kathryn Kinzel (BUSPH), Vallabh Sarma, and Anne Marie Brako (Mosquito);
The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairman Caddell at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall. Brem left the meeting to attend the Selectmen's Annual Goals discussion.
MINUTES - The Board reviewed and edited the minutes of 7/13/10. Galligan said she had researched the new Homeowner Oil Heating System Upgrade requirements and wanted to clarify the record. According to one state handout, the new law requires the "installation of either an oil safety valve or an oil supply line with protective sleeve on systems that do not currently have these devices; and insurance companies that write homeowner policies to offer coverage for leaks from heating systems that use oil" effective July 1, 2010. Another state website puts the effective date at September 30, 2011. The Board agreed that the minutes of 7/13/10 reflect the discussion as it occurred, but that it is important to provide correct information to the public. Galligan said she would check again with the state. Risso noted that if the
oil burner is located above the oil storage tank and the supply line is connected to and above the tank, it is exempt.
It was moved (Galligan) and seconded (Caddell) to approve the minutes of 7/13/10 as revised. Motion passed 3-0-0.
The minutes of 9/28/10 were tabled to the next meeting.
BILLS - It was moved (Galligan) and seconded (Risso) to approve the bills for food establishment inspections and septic loan payments as presented. Motion passed 3-0-0.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Sewer Project - Fantasia is checking with MAPC on possible grants.
Chestnut Estates - Following another telephone complaint about the noise on 10/1/10, Fantasia and George Mansfield met with Lou Baldoumas, the developer. Baldoumas provided them with a construction schedule and location plan showing areas that will be blasted and where they may need to use the ram hoe: cistern area, two swales, end of cul-de-sac and parts of the electrical trench. He hopes to complete all of the work by early December. Home sites will be developed over the next two years. He only has one ram hoe on site. The Board questioned whether DEP might have suggestions on how to reduce the noise of the ram hoe. Placement of vehicles as a barrier might help. Fantasia will check with Tom Natori of DEP. Although DEP visited the site and took some readings on the dosimeter, they are not treating it as
an enforcement issue. They would prefer for it to be handled locally. DEP has guidelines on excessive noise levels, but not regulations. Fantasia said that both sides are attempting to be cooperative, but the five or so weeks of hammering during the summer while waiting for a blasting permit tested everyone's patience. The developer has been responsive to the town when asked. It is an unfortunate situation for the abutters. The Board suggested inviting the developer to a Board meeting to discuss abutters concerns.
Manure Complaint - a second neighbor called today to complain about the excessive flies from the manure stockpiling. The odor is not too bad, but the flies prevent use of their yard on hot days. Fantasia spoke with the Conservation Administrator since the stockpiles are on conservation land. According to Sylvia Willard, Mark Duffy is waiting for his new milking equipment so he can move the cows into the new barn which has a manure pit. This should solve the problem. Fantasia will contact Duffy again to see if something more can be done.
Communicable Disease Reports - the Board received a suspect meningitis case and two TB close contact follow ups. They have been referred to Emerson Home Care. The Board may need to help with local follow up.
Public Health Regional Funding: The Board reviewed the funding breakdown. Carlisle should receive $8180 in direct funding which could be used to offset the cost of a flu clinic as long as it includes an EDS exercise. The Subregion is proposing to hire an intern to prepare Memorandums of Understanding (MOU's) for emergency vendor supplies. They are also asking for a bar code inventory system to track all of the supplies received. The Board felt this should also include staff reimbursement since bar coding takes a lot of time. The Board agreed to look into holding a public flu clinic sometime in December. Kinzel will help work with organizing the clinic.
FOOD ESTABLISHMENT INSPECTIONS - Randy Phelps of Phelps Food Service Consultants, the Board's new inspector, appeared before the Board. He inspected the churches, ice cream stands, Ferns and the school. It was agreed that only frozen yogurt results that exceed the standard need to be forwarded. Phelps said Ferns is doing an excellent job both in operations and staff training. He had worked with the previous establishment run by the Daisy family. The current operation is a significant improvement. He randomly tested some of the products which were all at the correct temperatures. The basement area has been totally renovated. Robin Emerson, manager, was present during the inspection. He observed that the staff was following safe handling practices. The ice cream stands are shutting down this month.
There were no problems noted. He spoke with Susan Robichaud, School Food Service Director who is doing a great job. He offered a few recommendations on how to keep the equipment running more efficiently. He also suggested some minor repairs to prevent vermin from accessing the facility. Typically he inspects the school early fall and late spring. He tries to advise about repairs in the spring so they can be done over the summer. He did not inspect Village Court which is only used by the COA on an occasional basis. He will arrange to do a facility inspection later in the year. He asked the Board about Golden Girl Granola which he did not inspect. Fantasia explained that Golden Girl Granola has a residential kitchen permit for preparation of Non PHF's that are sold locally. The owners also have a commercial license for selling other products which are prepared at an approved facility. Phelps will add the local residential
kitchen to his list of spring inspections. Phelps said that any event that serves food to the public should obtain a one-day permit even if the food is prepared in an approved facility. Phelps provided the Board with a catering form which can be customized for Carlisle. It provides a good record of food events.
Phelps then explained the requirements of the new Food Allergy Awareness Act and commercial exhaust inspection requirements. The Food Allergy Act requires an allergy awareness poster in the staff area of food establishments and a consumer notice on the menu as of October 1, 2010 and training for certified food protection managers as of February 1, 2011. Ferns submitted copies of their staff awareness posters. They keep a log of ingredients for consumers. Phelps explained that inspections of commercial cooking exhaust systems are required under the Fire Code and must be done by a certified inspector. There are two types of certifications, one for individuals in the business of cleaning hoods and the second for owners wanting to be able to clean their own facility. Food inspectors should be looking for compliance. The law
took effect on January 1, 2010. Inspection schedule depends on the service number or volume. Churches should be inspected once a year. Phelps suggested checking with the Fire Inspector and Building Inspector who do annual inspections. Phelps also commented on the possibility of Fern's having a "BYOB" policy. This permit falls under the Selectmen's jurisdiction and would not affect the Board's issuance of a Food Establishment permit. The Board thanked Phelps for his recommendations. The Board agreed they were very pleased with the service provided by the new inspector.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Greystone Crossing - the developer has submitted an application to amend the Conservation Cluster Special permit in order to reconfigure Lots 11, 12, 13, and 14 Trillium Way for more desirable future house sites. Fantasia noted that all four lots have expired septic permits. When plans are re-filed they will show the new lot lines. The Board agreed that approval of the Conservation Cluster was based on the development's suitability to support septic systems. As long as the property setbacks to the systems are maintained, there is no reason for the Board to change its approval.
Rocky Point Conditions - Fantasia explained that the required information was faxed over for the last meeting but was mistakenly picked up by another department. The Board would like to know the average water use per unit and compare it to the system capacity. Fantasia agreed to gather the information and send it to Risso. The Board then reviewed the financial statements. The Board agreed the fund was late in getting started, but is starting to reach acceptable levels. The Board will expect a similar increase next year. Galligan asked how the amount was established. Fantasia said the Zoning Board included an escrow account for septic and well repairs in the special permit. She was not certain of the fee per unit. It should be contained in the Master Deed and Trust.
62 Lowell Street - the owner called today about the Notice of Non-compliance issued by the Board. The failed system had not been upgraded before the permit expired. The owner informed Fantasia that the problem was due to a malfunctioning toilet which flooded the system. Breakout was observed during the soil testing. Once the toilet was fixed there were no problems. The Board agreed that a system could recover from a temporary saturation, but this needs to be field verified. The Board requires a Title 5 Inspection to verify that the system is functioning properly. The Board asked if there have been no excessive pump outs which would indicate ongoing problems. Fantasia will check the file.
Fees - The Board agreed to increase the town fee for replacing a distribution box from $50 to $100. Fantasia explained that Title 5 now requires risers on distribution boxes buried greater than 9" below grade. Frado often has to do two inspections before passing the installation. In addition, many owners are requesting permits and certificates of compliance for the Inspection Reports. This involves more administrative work. The Board wanted to be sure that there was data showing the additional costs to the town. Fantasia said it is available.
It was moved (Risso) and seconded (Galligan) to increase the fees for replacing a distribution box from the current fee of $50 to $100 effective today to cover the additional engineering and administrative costs to the town.
Regional Subcommittee - Risso, the Board's representative, said the next meeting has been postponed until the following week. At the last meeting the subcommittee agreed to ask the Board of Health whether it supports the process of looking into regionalizing the health department. Caddell recalled previous Board discussions in which Risso did not see the benefit to Carlisle. Risso said he is still of that opinion, but that other people on the committee need convincing. The Board should be open to looking at the issue. Galligan agreed about the importance of being open to the idea of seeing what might be gained and what might be lost. To Galligan, the data collected so far suggests fairly conclusively that Carlisle would lose in such an effort, but she is willing to listen to any ideas that might challenge that
opinion. Risso said the intent is to keep the same services but at less cost. He is not optimistic about this. Caddell said Carlisle is unique in many ways and its public health needs are not the same as surrounding towns. He wondered if the Board should get more input. Risso said that is the job of the subcommittee. Caddell agreed that he is willing to hear what the committee may have to say. Galligan said that although the committee is just beginning its research, the Board of Health has been looking into this fairly extensively. It is unlikely that there is different information than what the Board has already uncovered, but this should not stop the investigation. Mr. Sarma asked what it means to regionalize. Risso gave a brief summary explaining that many towns are struggling to do what Carlisle already has in place such as a strong volunteer base. The H1N1 clinics were staffed entirely with volunteers at no cost to the
town. The Board also presented a Lyme Discussion Event at the request of residents that was very well attended. Carlisle is already operating at a very high level and low cost because of numerous grants obtained. Carlisle could also lose by being the smallest member of a region.
The Board was unanimous in agreeing that the process should move forward, but felt strongly that from its already lengthy investigation into the idea, regionalization does not look like a good option for the town.
Risso said another possibility is joining Nashoba Boards of Health. The committee is looking into whether there would be a savings in permit costs. Galligan thought a large district may not be a good comparison. She wondered if smaller districts, possibly on the Cape, would be more applicable to Carlisle. Risso said Tim Goddard is looking into Nashoba and John Williams is checking with Lincoln.
Risso said the idea of regionalizing evolved from the structural financial planning group which identified core functions of the town as public safety, fire, COA, school and library. Risso questioned why public health was not a core function. Galligan and Risso have been working on a function chart. Fantasia was asked to add to the chart and send it out to the Board.
Sewer Project - Risso had estimated the ongoing annual costs of such a project and is concerned that the numbers do not work. He projected it might cost $2000-$2500 per year per unit tying in to the system. This would be particularly difficult for senior housing. Weston & Sampson recommended that the town begin its planning this fall at a cost of about $10-$15,000. Risso said he has reservations about spending this money if nothing will come of it. Galligan said that Weston & Sampson did not think Carlisle would get a high score this year, but it would make sense to stay on the list. Risso agreed, but reminded everyone that the application is for a loan not a grant. Eventually it would need to be paid back. A recent letter to the editor in the Mosquito suggested bringing in household septage
to "feed" the waste water treatment plan. Risso said this would not work since it consists of sludge. It is an entirely different process at the plant. Since Brem was not present, the Board agreed to table a decision until the next meeting.
FY12 Budget - the financial picture is somewhat better for the town. Departments will be asked to prepare a 0% and 2% budget. The Board will be contacted by a member of Fincom to start the process.
MEMA Grant - the Board received $2000 for the installation of two HAM radio antennas. One will be located at police station and the second at the school. Fantasia checked with the Superintendent of Schools who wants to check with the school committee chairman. The first half of the funding must be used by December 31, 2010.
There was no further business discussed. Meeting voted to adjourn at 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Fantasia
Recorder
| 
