Board of Health

Braintree Board of Health Meeting Held Via Zoom Thursday, July 14, 2022, 7:00 p.m. IN ATTENDANCE: Dr. Arthur Bregoli, Chairman Dr. Philip Nedelman, Vice Chairman Juliana Melchionda, Clerk ALSO PRESENT: Marybeth McGrath, Director of ML & I Dr. Bregoli called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. by roll call vote: Dr. Bregoli-yes; Dr. Nedelman-yes; Ms. Melchionda-yes Approval of Meeting Minutes: June 23, 2022 Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to approve the minutes of June 23, 2022 Second By: Ms. Melchionda Unanimously Voted by roll call: Dr. Bregoli-yes; Dr. Nedelman-yes; Ms. Melchionda-yes List of Complaints: The Board reviewed a list of complaints received from June 20-July 11, 2022. Ms. McGrath stated they have been getting rodent complaints in various areas of the town. They are ensuring trash is not an issue and if they see something they site it. They are receiving a variety of housing complaints. They are continuing to do inspections at Skyline Drive and are working directly with the Attorney General and Town Solicitor to ensure that everything is on track with the property. They update the Quincy Court each month to make sure the ownership and management of the property are taking care of the violations. To date they are not completely convinced they are moving forward in a positive direction. New Business: Request for Keeping of Animals (Chickens) Permit, Kevin Irving, 165 Arnold Street Ms. McGrath stated the applicant is requesting a permit for the keeping of chickens. He currently lives in Bridgewater and would like to move the chickens to his home in Braintree. A plot plan has been provided and there is a nicely built chicken coop with a run incorporated. There is 8 feet to the side property line of 169 Arnold Street, which is his parents’ home, and they have no problem with the location of the coop. The applicant has notified all abutters, who have signed the letter or spoken to Mr. Irving and had no problems. She recommended approval. Braintree Board of Health, July 14, 2022 Page 2 of 2 Dr. Nedelman asked if 169 Arnold Street were to be sold could future owners object to the location of the coop. Ms. McGrath stated there is no specific setback in the regulation, it has been the Board’s practice that the setback be 10 feet. She did speak to Mr. Irving about this, however, the coop would be existing and anyone buying the property would be aware. Ms. McGrath stated at some point chickens stop bearing eggs and Mr. Irving would like the ability to get additional egg bearing chickens at that time. She informed him they could modify his application for up to 12 chickens, even though it is not his intention at this time to have 12 chickens. Motion By: Ms. Melchionda to approve permit for keeping of up to 12 chickens, 165 Arnold Street Second By: Dr. Nedelman Unanimously Voted by roll call: Dr. Bregoli-yes; Dr. Nedelman-yes; Ms. Melchionda-yes Informational: Ms. McGrath stated during weekly testing Sunset Lake came back with higher levels than allowed so she had to post no swimming. They sampled the lake this afternoon and should have results tomorrow. There was no visible sign that was concerning so she was surprised at the results, but it may be due to the recent extreme heat. Ms. McGrath stated at the last meeting they discussed that effective July 15 Zoom meetings would no longer be allowed by the Governor. However, there is a legislative bill that has been presented to extend that Zoom opportunity. She will advise the Board whether this will be extended and will not complete the future meeting list until she knows if she has to reserve meeting rooms. Ms. McGrath stated Covid reporting is being done every two weeks. They will be sending out a report to the Board and a graph will be provided showing how the town is trending. Next Meeting: August 11, 2022 Motion By: Dr. Nedelman to adjourn the meeting at 7:17 p.m. Second By: Ms. Melchionda Unanimously Voted by roll call: Dr. Bregoli-yes; Dr. Nedelman-yes; Ms. Melchionda-yes