HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Health Meeting Minutes - 05 12 2011_201402051547133057BOARD OF HEALTH
TOWN OF NANTUCKET
MINUTES – MAY 12, 2011 PSF-FIRST FLOOR-4 FAIRGROUNDS ROAD
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Roggeveen, Malcolm MacNab, MD, PhD, Stephen
Visco, Helene Weld, RN, and James Cooper.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
AGENDA
Meeting called to order at 4:00 p.m.
1. Approval of Minutes of March 17, 2011 – approved unanimously.
2. Variance Requests:
a. Tight tank request – 24 Massachusetts Avenue – The homeowners initially chose a grey water/composting toilet unit and utilized it for approximately one year. The owner is finding the system uncomfortable for their family
(odor/allergy concerns). They have agreed to a seasonal use of their
property if a tight tank is approved. HO Ray, although uncomfortable
with this request, recommends granting the tight tank request after discussing the issue with DEP and finding out that DEP would most likely grant this request on a state level. The owners agree to seasonal usage (six
months), to getting a pumping contract for the system, and to have an
alarm unit installed on the system. The BOH approves the variance
request, with stipulations, unanimously. b. 28 Rhode Island Avenue – tight tank request – the property is prone to erosion and with these constraints for a regular system, the owners have
agreed to seasonal usage, a pumping contract and alarm system for their
septic system. HO Ray recommends granting the variance with
stipulations in place. The BOH unanimously grants the variance request. 3. Presentations to the Board
a. Nantucket Visiting Nurses Association – Members of Vineyard Nursing
Association present what they can offer Nantucket. The VNA has 75
Vineyard employees, and they have hired 12 Nantucketers to work for them here. All support staff, billing, etc. personnel will be located on the Vineyard. Chairman Roggeveen asks how the other (non-Nantucket)
employees will be getting to the island. Mr. Tonti, of the VNA, states that
they are mostly traveling via plane, but have had many cancellations
already. There has been some ferry travel, and they have a house in Sherburne Commons to house employees. Chairman Roggeveen asks the number of staff hired from Nantucket. Mr. Tonti says they are flying
BOH Minutes -2- May 12, 2011
nurses back and forth from the Vineyard but that they have hired 8 aides, one
PT person and 3 RN’s from Nantucket, and that the goal is to have all
Nantucketers hired. Mr. Tonti introduces Sandy who gives a list of services
provided. They accept all insurances and also provide private services. Dr.
MacNab asks about coordination with hospice on Nantucket. The VNA coordinates with Charlene at the hospital. Dr. MacNab asks about elder care
and is worried about duplication of services. The VNA does run an elder care
service program (personal care services).
b. Human Services Oral Health Program – Richard Ross discusses the dental
disease problem on Nantucket and introduces his co-worker who discusses a program they’d like to start up on Nantucket which targets children
(prenatal through high school) with dental information, toothbrushes, care,
etc. They would like to open a clinic here and become the first such one
in the nation. There is discussion of putting fluoride in our water (Dr.
MacNab wants to see a report/paper on the pros and cons on this idea). HO Ray states that fluorinating the water has never been discussed on
Nantucket, and that there is a large portion of the island on well water
which would not ever be fluorinated. This group asks the BOH to support
them and discusses sending out a letter to the community with the support
of the BOH. It is decided to put it off for a future date/meeting.
4. Discussion Topics
a. Inspectional Services Update – Enforcement Actions
1. 40 Macy’s Lane – HO Ray provided a brief update concerning the findings associated with the carbon monoxide incident at this address.
Violation letters were issued and the basement bedroom use has been
discontinued. Further monitoring of the dwelling will be conducted.
2. Basement apartments – HO Ray reported a perception of increased
basement use as “finished space” with the resultant increase in illegal apartments. Inspections are dependant upon complaints brought to the Health
Department.
3. Illegal in-home commercial kitchens – The Health Department has been
successful in closing many of the illegal commercial kitchens. These are
predominantly ethnic food providers for “extended families”. All are told to cease and desist activities. The concern is that these activities will simply
start up in a new location. Again, enforcement is dependant upon complaints
received by the department.
4. Health Department location update – It was reported that the relocation of
the Health, Building, and HDC Departments away from 37 Washington Street is extremely unlikely. It is anticipated that interior structural modifications to
the building at 37Washington Street may alleviate staff concerns but will not
BOH Minutes -3- May 12, 2011
occur until the fall. HO Ray noted the difficulties in operations associated
with departments and files being currently located on two separate floors.
5. Mosquito Control Meeting with BOS 5/24/11 – the annual town meeting
approved $100,000 for mosquito control purposes. HO Ray informed the
Board the three approaches to mosquito control would be brought to the Board of Public Works by mid-summer. Those being: (a) mandate property owners
to remediate the problems on their properties through the MGL nuisance
regulations; (b) allowing the DPW to hire an independent licensed pesticide
applicator to address those public areas accessible for the application of
larvicides and (c) pursuing a long-term approach involving enabling legislation allowing the Town to function under the umbrella of the State
Reclamation Board. HO Ray noted his intent to recommend the legislative
approach for long-term mosquito eradication.
5. Concerns From the Public – None.
6. Concerns From the Board – None.
7. Meeting unanimously adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
List of Materials Provided: Supporting documentation for 24 Massachusetts Ave and 28
Rhode Island Ave; 40 Macy Lane violation documentation; Mosquito Control notes; and
handout from Oral Health Presentation.
Minutes unanimously approved September 29, 2011.