Board of Health

CITY OF AMESBURY, MA BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING MINUTES By City Clerk at 8:19 am, Jun 20, 2023 December 22, 2022 Approved: 6.15.23 Meeting called to order at: 6:30pm Roll Call Attendance: Matt Steinel, Chairman; Robin Beeley; Dan McQueen Staff: Vincenzo Tirone, Dir. of Inspectional Services; Deb Ketchen, Health Inspector Meeting Minutes of 11.17.22: Approved. NEW BUSINESS Charles Goodwin / Charvon Collette – 13.5 / 15 Old Merrill St. Failed Septic System For the last 2 years the Goodwin’s have noticed wet spots on their property. In May of 2022 the spots appeared more drastic and were viewed on the lower section of the leach field (the Goodwin’s have provided video and pictures). At the end of May 2022, Ms. Collette hired a contractor to perform a repair and was told to not use water to allow the leach field to dry so a Title 5 could be performed on the septic system. In September of 2022, Mr. Goodwin noticed a red light flashing in the cellar of Ms. Collette’s home, which indicated that the septic pump failed. He then contacted Deb Ketchen, Health Inspector. Two weeks later the pump was replaced by Paul Wilkinson, and an elbow was attached to the septic pipe. Mr. Goodwin didn’t feel that this would alleviate the problem so he contacted DEP. On 11/7/22 Mr. Goodwin observed liquid flowing out of the D-Box. The Goodwin’s went on vacation on 12/2/22 and have video showing the Collette’s pouring a liquid in the D-Box while they were gone. Mr. Goodwin notified Deb, who contacted Ms. Collette, to try and ascertain what the liquid was. It should be noted that DEP will recommend certain liquids to be added provided the system is in good condition. Mr. Goodwin stated that DEP did not recommend any such liquid and that DEP sent a letter to Ms. Collette advising her against this. On 12/12/22, Matt Frye came to perform what the Goodwin’s were told was a Title V inspection, but the contractor was not able to get his scope down the septic line. The major outlying issue appears to be that the septic system is in failure but without a proper Title V inspection report, the Board cannot deem the system a failure. In addition, the other issue appears to be violations of No Trespassing or- ders issued through the Police Dept. for both parties. The Goodwin’s state that they have asked Ms. Collette to provide them 48 hours notice when someone is scheduled to repair/view/perform a Title V so they can be present and that re- quests has not been granted. Even though Ms. Collette has made some good faith efforts to correct this situation by having someone come out, they have been turned away due to the No Trespassing order.  CITY OF AMESBURY, MA BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING MINUTES December 22, 2022 Approved: 6.15.23 To summarize a solution, Vinny has asked the Goodwin’s to provide a copy of the No Trespassing Order. When received, he will bring this to the Police Dept. and try to facilitate a plan to have the septic issue remedied in a timely manner. The Board has also asked for a letter to be sent to Ms. Collette requesting either a Title 5 report, or a septic system survey. If the homeowner refuses to provide this documentation, Matt stated that we can authorize our Health Agent to view the property and if there is evidence of leakage, the Board could make a determination that the system is in failure and instruct Ms. Collette to tie into City sewer. The meeting adjourned at 7:35pm