HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Health Meeting Minutes - 12 17 2008_201402051537457396
BOARD OF HEALTH
TOWN OF NANTUCKET
MINUTES – DECEMBER 17, 2008
NANTUCKET SUPERIOR COURTROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Kopko, Ms. Rogeveen, Mr. Chadwick, Mr. Reinhard
and Mr. Atherton
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
Chairman Kopko calls the BOH to order at 6:00 p.m. and asks for public
comment/concerns. None noted.
Jane Bonvini from Nantucket Cottage Hospital gives a presentation expressing their
concerns regarding behavioral issues on the island. Peter McKay discusses suicides and
the implementation of the mental health crisis team and their efforts. Resources are
stretched thin. A social worker discusses her work over the last year. A gentleman
speaks next about human services/elder services/food pantry/rental assistance and the
cuts in human services budget. Peter Swenson, Executive Director of Nantucket
Behavioral Health Services, speaks about the last fiscal year and the number of contacts
to his department. The number of requests for services is staggering. We need to reach
out to the community during these difficult economic times. The department is currently
spending $10,000 on translation services for those who don’t speak English who come to
us for help, and by law we have to provide translation services that are not reimbursable.
Karen Lindsey spoke to the BOH asking for support from the town for the substance
abuse prevention program due to their recent cuts. Georgia Snell, President of the
Nantucket Interfaith Council, responsible for food pantry and rental assistance program,
usage of both programs has increased due to economy. Now would be the time to
increase funding for human services.
Chairman Kopko asks members of BOH for questions/comments.
Agenda
Unanimous approval of the minutes of September 24, 2008 and the public hearing on
Lyme Disease of October 9, 2008.
1. HO Ray discusses the potential for proposed grease reduction regulations. There are
chronic grease problems at wastewater treatment plant during the summer months-issue
BOARD OF HEALTH-MINUTES -2- December 17, 2008
brought forth by the DPW. We exceed maximum allowable grease introduction
substantially during those months especially in the downtown area. The Health
Department will propose and review current grease reduction regulations in various
towns and will come to BOH with proposal in form of regulation to attempt to remediate
grease going into municipal sewers. This is an advisory that the Health Department is
looking at and will come to BOH. Regulatory mandates will most likely be required.
This has been a minor chronic problem for many years – a grease trap directly under a
sink is not an ideal place for the trap.
2. HO Ray states Harbor Watershed Protection District in existence for four years now.
Zone A should have had their systems inspected by December 14, 2008. At present –
292 systems in Zone A; 192 have been inspected to date; 158 have passed; and 34
failures (red lots on map); 100 lots still need to have their systems inspected. We have
mailed out notices 6-7 times regarding the required inspections and these folks have
chosen to look the other way. HO Ray suggests issuing tickets to those in non-
compliance. Zone B has until June 14, 2009 to have their system inspected. Presently –
389 systems; 227 inspected; 206 have passed; 21 failures; and 162 properties still need to
be inspected. HO Ray is proposing that, relative to Regulation 67.05, no less than $10 a
day or more than $500 a day fine or $300 fine on a monthly basis be issued to the
homeowners who have not complied with having their system inspected. After six
months worth of fines HO Ray suggests pulling the occupancy permit for dwelling.
Chairman Kopko asks about “each day’s fines”, would a monthly fine be okay legally –
constituting a separate offense? Attorney DeRensis states that it’s a complicated
question. HO Ray states that the Health Department does have ticketing authority. Mr.
Chadwick asks about pulling occupancy permit - are we taking the dwelling? Chairman
Kopko states that since there are no more meetings between now and January 1st, time
has come to institute enforcement. We agreed to that some months ago and want counsel
to be of the opinion that this is ok. HO Ray wants to impose ticketing bylaw of $300 fine
on a once a month basis and would like the Board’s approval. Mr. Reinhard makes a
motion (motion seconded) to support HO Ray in ticketing procedure for those in non-
compliance. HO Ray states that over the last four years, we have sent the owner
numerous letters, had information meetings with many local civic groups and
neighborhood associations, and spoken in front of many BOH meetings about the
deadlines. BOH gives unanimous approval of ticketing those in non-compliance. HO
Ray will seek clarification in the form of an amendment to 67.05 which shall further
refine the penalty amount to $300.00 per month for septic systems within all zones of
both harbor watershed protection districts which are not in compliance with current
regulations.
3. HO Ray discusses that when tight tanks are approved and installed a DPW privilege
fee will be imposed – preliminary figure of $6,000 charge over a 20 year period (an
approximate $300/year privilege fee) above and beyond the pump out and disposal
charge. The homeowners are aware a privilege fee will be associated with tight tanks.
BOARD OF HEALTH-MINUTES -3- December 17, 2008
Town Manager Gibson requests that this be run through legal for appropriateness and
states that privilege fee was adopted in association with sewer connections as of April 24,
2005. BOH may need to adopt privilege fees associated with tight tanks – requires a
public hearing and legal review.
4. HO Ray discusses Tick Borne Disease Committee proposal discussion – the Board has
decided to request formation of a committee to study tick borne diseases on Nantucket
and report back to the BOH with its findings and recommendations. The BOH has
requested that the committee be structured with 9 members and applications are
available. Motion made and seconded in support of this committee.
5. HO Ray announces discussion of the formation of a separate BOH at the January
meeting and will offer his recommendations at that time.
BOH adjourns at 6:45 p.m.