HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-1-28TOWN OF NANTUCKET
BOARD OF HEALTH
MINUTES — JANUARY 28, 2009
NANTUCKET SUPERIOR COURTROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Kopko, Ms. Roggeveen, Mr. Reinhard, Mr.
Chadwick and Mr. Atherton
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
Chairman Kopko calls BOH to order at 6:05 p.m.
AGENDA
Chairman Kopko asks for comments /concerns from the public. None noted
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The minutes of November 19, 2008, the information meeting of December 4, 2008 and
the minutes of December 17, 2008 are approved unanimously.
Variance Requests
HO Ray tells the BOH that the three variances for tight tanks are all existing structures
located beyond the Wauwinet House and located between the sand/dune area and the
Nantucket Harbor /Atlantic Ocean on the other side. All recommendations are essentiall
the same.
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127 Wauwinet Rd — This is an existing three bedroom structure with a lack of
sufficient groundwater separation - a tight tank installation is recommended given
the property constraints as well. This variance will limit home to a six -month
occupancy, requires an annual pump out contract in perpetuity, an audible /visual
alarm system must be put in place, and a sewer privilege fee will be assessed
when fee is determined, as well as final approval required by the DEP. HO Ray
recommends granting this variance.
Mr. Reinhard asks for the number of tight tanks currently on island. HO Ray says
there are approximately 7 pre - existing tight tanks, 6 recently approved tight tanks,
and three tonight he's recommending for approval. Mr. Reinhard questions the
safety of tight tanks during storm surge, etc. HO Ray states that tanks are 2,000
gallon concrete tanks, and the houses are typically not occupied during the winter
storm season and should be pumped out at 3/5 capacity.
BOH approves variance request unanimously.
BOH Minutes -2- January 28, 2009
2. 116 Wauwinet Rd. — This is a five bedroom existing structure. HO Ray
recommends granting variance with the same stipulations as listed above.
BOH approves variance request unanimously.
131 Wauwinet Rd. — This is a two bedroom existing dwelling. HO Ray
recommends granting variances with the same set of stipulations as apply to the
two previous properties.
BOH approves variance request unanimously.
Separate BOH Discussion
During April 2008 Town Meeting the BOS/BOH agreed to explore a separate BOH. HO
Ray has some research that shows of the 351 towns in Massachusetts, 336 have a separate
Board of Health and 15 have a BOS/BOH configuration. Many have 3 -5 member boards
with the majority being a 3 member board. All members attend MAHB one day training
course offered in November and have monthly informational meeting to discuss topics
and direction. HO Ray would recommend a five member board — 2 from the health care
field, 2 from the general public (or with 1 BOS member), and 1 from the
engineering/construction field. HO Ray would like to look towards the fall of 2009 for
inception. Ms. Rogeveen suggests current board member(s) take the training course and
meet with HO Ray monthly. Mr. Kopko asks about the regulatory aspect of a separate
BOH and should that power be transferred to the separate BOH? What would the
qualifications and mechanism be for implementation? With the Board's approval, HO
Ray states that he'll move forward with more investigation for a separate BOH for the
next meeting with the BOH recommendations for a five member board (one member
being a selectman), an appointed board and agrees to have standards for appointees.
Tick Borne Disease Committee update — Six individuals have submitted application, but
HO Ray would like a 9 person committee and would like to allow more time for
additional applicants to step forward. Of the six current applications, only three are year -
round residents. HO Ray states that the public education component will be started by
the Health Department in the spring. The BOH asks HO Ray to reconvene in two weeks
to see if more applicants come in.
The BOH adjourns at 6:47 p.m.