Board of Health

Office of the Board of Health City Hall 166 Boulder Drive – Suite 108 Fitchburg, Massachusetts 01420 978-829-1870 An organizational meeting was held on November 3, 2016 at 5:00 pm. Present were: Ian Murray, Chairman; John Bogdasarian, M.D. Member; Sandra Knipe, R.N.B.S.N. Member; Stephen Curry, Director; Doug Smith, Soilsmith Designs. Local Upgrade Approval Title 5 for 1577 Ashburnham Hill Road: Doug Smith has submitted plans for the following LUA; 1) Requesting a Local Upgrade Approval for the requirement of a 4 foot separation between the bottom of the soil absorption system and high groundwater with a reported perc of 30 min per inch. Requesting a 1’ reduction resulting in the bed bottom of the soil absorption being 3’ above high groundwater. 2) Requesting a Local Upgrade Approval for the requirement of conducting a Perc Test. A Perc was attempted but soil was too wet in the most restrictive horizon. A sieve analysis performed in accordance with 310CMR. 15.104 and 15.105 was utilized. Sandra Knipe asked what will be done with the existing system. Mr. Smith responded they will pump it out and fill it with sand. Sandra Knipe made a motion to approve the Local Upgrade Approval for the sieve analysis as opposed to the perc test. Ian Murray seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carries. Ian Murray made a motion to approve the 3 ft. separation instead of the required 4 ft. separation. Motion was seconded by Sandra Knipe. All were in favor. Motion carries. Local Upgrade Approval for 1282 Ashby State Road: 3) Requesting a Local Upgrade Approval for a Presby system to be 36” above high groundwater instead of the required 48” separation with a reported perc rate of 19 minutes per inch. Sandra Knipe made a motion to approve the one foot separation. Dr. Bogdasarian seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carries. Tobacco Regulation Update Discussion: Joan Hamlett, Tobacco Control; Ms. Hamlet stated 46 Tobacco Retailers were hand delivered the hearing notice and draft regulation. During the Leominster Public Hearing 4 Retailers spoke to oppose the regulation and 1 spoke in favor. None have submitted any written comment. There were 9 people speaking for it and 7 people opposed. Ms. Hamlett suggested having an education packet given to the City Councilors before Fitchburg holds their hearing. Ms. Hamlett suggested Mr. Curry and one Board member attend the Gardner BOH December 5, 2016 meeting. Ms. Knipe stated we should be ready to vote at the December meeting. Mr. Curry asked following the December meeting if the vote is favorable what would be the implementation date on the ban. Ms. Hamlett suggested February 1, 2017. Prohibiting the Sale of Drug Paraphernalia Regulation Discussion: Mr. Curry stated he received a complaint about a sixteen year old youth purchasing a glass pipe at a local establishment. Mr. Curry stated M.G.L.Ac.94C which is enforced by the Police Department however Mr. Curry’s concern is the police aren’t in these stores as much as the BOH is and asked Ms. Hamlett if she would be able to assist with enforcement of this. Mr. Hamlett stated this would be something she would need to research and will confer with DJ Wilson. Meeting of the Meeting: Sandra Knipe made a motion to accept the November 3, 2016 meeting minutes. Motion was seconded by Ian Murray. All were in favor. Motion carries. Staff Reports: Nurse’s report for October 2016. Sandra Knipe made a motion to accept the reports. Motion was seconded by Ian Murray. All in favor. Motion carries. Sanitary Inspector reports for October 2016. Ian Murray made a motion to accept the reports. Motion was seconded by Sandra Knipe. All in favor. Motion carries. Food & Milk Inspectors’ reports for October 2016. Sandra Knipe made a motion to accept the reports. Motion was seconded by Ian Murray. All in favor. Motion carries. Next meeting is scheduled for December 8, 2016. Sandra Knipe made a motion to adjourn. Motion was seconded by Ian Murray. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 pm.