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 October 10, 2019 at 5:00 pm. Present: Stephen Curry, Director; Sandra Knipe, R.N.B.S.N.; John Bogdasarian, M.D., Chairman; Ian Murray, Board Member; Stephanie Holinko, Food Inspector; John Deline, Deputy Commissioner of Water Supply; Jeff Murawski, Deputy Commissioner of Waste Water; MaryJo Bohart, Economic Development; Stephen Sears, David E. Ross Associates, Inc. Approve Meeting Minutes: Sandra Knipe made a motion to approve the September 4, 2019 meeting minutes. Motion was 2nd by Dr. Bogdasarian. All were in favor. Motion carries. Fluoride in the Fitchburg Public Water: Mr. Curry stated in previous discussions there are questions regarding how to get the water to Leominster with fluoride or without fluoride. Dr. Bogdasarain stated Leominster is interested in purchasing water from Fitchburg but Leominster doesn’t have fluoridated water and Fitchburg water has fluoride. Should Fitchburg stop fluoridation in the water and give Leominster what they are asking for or is there another solution? Dr. Bogdasarian asked Mr. Deline if some water could be diverted to Leominster before its fluoridated. Mr. Deline stated that isn’t feasible because the plants are too far away from the connections in Leominster. Dr. Bogdasarian asked if there is a way to send the water directly from the reservoir to one of Leominster’s treatment plants. Mr. Deline stated it would not be easily done, there is one reservoir about a mile away from the where the watershed is at the base of Wachusett Mountain Ski area that Fitchburg does own and something that can be looked into. If Fitchburg doesn’t take the fluoride out of the water Leominster will not purchase the water therefore eventually Fitchburg will need to increase rates to address pipe issues. After lengthy discussion, the members of the BOH asked numerous questions to Mr. Deline. A motion to table the issue until further notice was made by Sandra Knipe. Motion was 2nd by Dr. Bogdasarian. All were in favor. Motion carries. Local Upgrade Approval (LUA) – Title 5: 112 Sheldon Rd, Stephen Sears-David E. Ross Associates, Inc.: Mr. Sears is here for a Local Upgrade Approval for 112 Sheldon Rd. This is a renovation of a farmhouse. Mr. Sears is requesting approval to allow the use of a sieve analysis performed if a percolation test cannot be performed. A reduction of 12” separation between inlet and outlet tees of the septic tank and high groundwater, provided that all boots or pipe joints are sealed with hydraulic cement or installed with watertight sleeves and the tank is proven watertight. Sandra Knipe made a motion to approve the use of a sieve analysis performed if a percolation test could not be performed. Motion was 2nd by Dr. Bogdasarian. All were in favor. Motion carries. Sandra Knipe made a motion to approve the reduction of a 12” separation between the inlet and outlet tees of the septic tank and high groundwater. Motion was 2nd by Dr. Bogdasarian. All were in favor. Motion carries. Tryst Lounge, 320 Main St, and Non-Nicotine Vaping-(Request to table by petitioner: Mr. Curry stated he spoke with Attorney Howard and he stated they would not move forward with allowing non-nicotine vaping in the establishment at this time however he would like to table it until a future meeting. A motion to table the this issue was made by Sandra Knipe. Motion was 2nd by Dr. Bogdasarian. All were in favor. Motion carries. Petition Discussion: Anonymous Petition – Food Inspector: Mr. Curry stated there is a recent petition going around to local food and retail establishments regarding the performance of the Food Inspector. Mr. Curry wants the Board to be aware if there are any concerns or issues they be brought to the Board for discussion. Ms. Holinko stated she performs inspections according to city and state code and has an open door policy for any and all establishments looking for help and guidance at all establishments. Staff Reports: Mr. Curry presented the Substance Abuse Coordinator report for September, 2019. Ms. Knipe made a motion to accept the Substance Abuse Coordinator report for September 2019. Motion was 2nd by Dr. Bogdasarian. All were in favor. Motion carries. Mr. Curry presented the Public Health Nurse report for September, 2019. Ms. Knipe made a motion to accept the Public Health Nurse report for September, 2019. Motion was 2nd by Dr. Bogdasarian. All were in favor. Motion carries. Mr. Curry presented the Housing Inspectors reports for June, July, August & September, 2019. Ms. Knipe made a motion to accept the Housing Inspectors reports for June, July, August and September, 2019. Motion was 2nd by Dr. Bogdasarian. All were in favor. Motion carries. Next meeting scheduled for November 14, 2019. Ms. Knipe made a motion to adjourn. Motion was 2nd by Dr. Bogdasarian. All were in favor, meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM.