HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-24 signed Board of Health Minutes (2) North Andover Board of Health
Meeting Minutes
THURSDAV, March 24, 2111:1
7:01) pan.
1475 Osgood Street—North Andover Police Department
North Andover, MA 01845
Present: Thomas Trowbridge,Larry Fixter,Edwin Pease,Joe McCarthy,Susan Sawyer, Pamela DelleChiaie
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
IT. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Ill. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. February 24,2011 Meeting Minutes to be presented for signature—the meeting minutes were
approved,with all in favor, and signed by the Clerk.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
A. 115 Sherwood Drive—request of homeowner, Mr, George Canellakis,to appear before the North
Andover Board of Health to continue a discussion of the deed restriction request for the 115 Sherwood
Drive property.
Mr.Canellakis discussed his proposal from the Neve-Morin group. He wishes to explain,to the Board how
the fees presented will represent a financial hardship, The Neve-Morin group can provide estimates of
septic upgrade or replacement which are expensive. Novo Morin Consultants provided cost estimates to
obtain an estimate. Mr. Canellakis feels that the costs indicated would be an-unnecessary and a burden,
Mr. Canellakis also again presented his request for a variance to a deed restriction. He stated that
recommendations were made to him by the Board of Health to obtain cost estimates for modification as
needed to the septic system. Mr. Canellakis would like to only modify the deed restriction. His ambition
is only to vary the deed restriction itself, Mr, Canellakis would like the Board of Health to allow a
modification of the deed restriction on the property,and to have the approval to file it with the registry of
deeds.
Ms. Sawyer noted that Mr.Canellakis is incorrect in assuming that there is a currently a deed restriction on
the property. Ms. Sawyer believes that Mr. Canellakis is merely referencing a side note on a prior Form U
Building Application which indicated the size of the house and capacity of the septic system,
The paperwork provided fi-orn Neve Morin Consultants was reviewed and discussed by the Board
members. I
Mr. Fixter noted that the proposal from Neve Morin to Mr.Canellakis is merely a cafeteria type menu of
possible'costs,to Mr. Canellakis if lie chooses to proceed and contract with Novo Morin to obtain all official
estimate of work,which would consist of reviewing the plans and current system. Mr.Canellakis is not
willing to pay for these costs,instead outlining the possible costs incurred as shown on the proposal.
March 24,2011 North Andover Board of Health Meeting—Meeting Minutes Page I of 6
Note: The Board of Health reserves the right to take items out of order and to discuss and/or vote on items that are not listed on
the agenda.
Board of Health Members: Thomas Trowbridge,DDS,MD,Chairman;Larry Fixter,Me mber/Clerk;Francis P.MacMillan, r,
M.D.;Joseph McCarthy,Member; Edwin Pease,Member Health Department Staff:Susan Sawyer,,Health Director; Debra
Rillahan,Public Health Nurse;Michele Grant,Public Health Inspector;Pamela DeReChiaie,Health Department Assistant
Mr,CmieDokisagain asserted that he is simply asking for a deed restriction to limit future usage of his
property without having to add on to his current septic system,which is currently at full capacity per Title 5
code. 0n stated that the Board of Health has the power to override the Title j regulation,and would like
them Ndothis. Therefore,no additional plumbing could be added to the basement area without expanding
the septic system.
Mr. Canci[mkis stated that lie would like to submit his own deed restriction wlthou¢huvingtmbbeoouemuo
to draft it,
Mc Fixter stated that based on the Title 5 regulation,the Board of Health must uphold the guidelines of the
ro@u[mdom.
Mr.Canellakis states that lie does not understand how to present his hardship to the Board of Health. When
he spoke with Neve Morin,they told him they have done deed restrictions in the past.
`
Ms,Sawyer brought the Board back to the point nflooking ut what they asked for fi-uuz the homeowner uL
the last meeting,which was to receive a Title 5,or present a letter of hardship, such as confirmation as to
why this|ou unique situation.
Mr,McCarthy asked about possibility mf tying into sewer. There imuo realistic expectation ofmsewer
option inthe near future.
?6esys{eouio designed for Yrunmux. Ms. Sawyer explained the Tide 5 codehothvB000juuembmz- yudof
the reasoning of the code is to allow for the possibility of 2 persons per bedroom on any property with a
septic system. It is a calculation that is provided by Title 5.Ms. Saw-yer stated that a deed restriction would
he allowed lf there iu valid proof ofhardship. 1m lieu vf this,n homeowner may request bo file udeed
restriction omthe property to make i1uo more than u4-buJ,ommhouse.
Mr.Fixler noted that the Board of Health deals with these requests on a regular basis. He stated that if Mr.
Cwumlla6im were to sell his home,potential bomebnvors may not purchase d with u deed restriction onthe
property, and it makes the new owner responsible to upgrade the septic system if they wish to expand the
footprint of the home. Therefore, itthere ism(feed restriction on the house now, it may ho difficult tusell
it.
Ms. Sawyer states that this system at I 15 Sherwood Drive is a standard septic system with stone and
gravel, and not a pump system.
Mr.Fixler stated that the homeowner needs to have a Title 5 Report done,and hire an engineer, which may
run approximately$2^00�0.
Mr.Cuudlakim stated that the cost for om upgrade will be between$18425,O00.
Dr.Trowbridge stated that if Mr. Canellakis is willing to accept a deed restriction,he does not have to
spend the money gzdo the survey,etc,
Mr. FixIec noted that the Board of Health needs to be careful about allowing a precedence of"hardship,"
Dr.Trowbridge muybm swayed moul�w'the deed,om�lcboubased om the indication ky Neve��oziuthat
tbe�nmuldheum' Kloamtuootbnvolved.
March24,2011 North Andover Board of Health Meeting-Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 6
The Board of Health reserves the right tn take items out of order and tn discuss and/or vote no items that are not listed oo
__-g_-_-
Board of Health Meinbem Thomas Trowbridge,DDS,MD,Chairman;Larry Fixler Member/Clerk;Francis P.k8mc&8illao.Jc,
MR,Joseph McCarthy,Member; Edwin Pease,Member Susan S r.Bexlt6Directoz Debra
OU1aboo.Public Health Nurse;Michele Grant,Public Health inspector;Pamela D,DeChiaie.Health Department Assistant
^
Ms.Sawyer suggestcthatUm8oardofHealth may choose to,set precedence hy allowing odeed restriction
if the additional room proposed is already part vfthe original footprint of the house,such amabasement,
and the homeowner im requesting 0o finish it,
Dr. Trowbridge requested that Mr. Cariellakis proceed with itern number 3 as listed on the proposal, and
conduct uTitle 5 Report.
Motion
Mr.Pease made a motion to state that the Board of Health will consider supporting the requested
action pending receipt of a written,professional industry opinion that the only alternative to modify
the system is to completely redo the system,as well as a passing Title 5 report,It was further
discussed by the Board Members that the letter from an industry professional as noted,needs to be
directly addressed tnthe Board oy Health rather than from ucompany tou customer for nschedule
oY services,which would indicate that there cannot ben modification to the current system,and that
a completely new system would need to be installed in order to comply with a Title 5 upgrade. Mr.
McCarthy seconded the motion.
`/. NEW BUSINESS
A. David Nichols will present
information on this organization to the Board of Health members
&dr.David Nichols presented u brochure omthe Greater River Valley Medical Reserve Corps. Andover is
the host community handling the money, and he works with the 7 communities that makeup the group.
After September 11,2001 many people came forward wanting to help with disaster situations. There was
oo program hplace to register people to know who they were. This situation was the catalyst for,the
creation ofthe Citizens Core.
Using the GRVMkC database, Mr.Nichols now has the power$v access registered volunteers torequest
their help. This allows pre-credentialing of volunteers who want to help through the medical reserve corps.
The group offers free training,such uuCPR. There are three basic emergencies—provision ofemergency
medical needs such npvaccines,which can ho advertised with advanced notice;flooding,which can put
volunteers nnpre-alert status,and immediate disasters such om widespread fire, for wbichbuuuediatx
assistance ivneeded,
If the GRVMRC needs help suddenly,they now have access to a database of volunteers with varying skills
who are credentialed to assist in various capacities in a variety of emergency situations.
There are about 450MRC^m around Massachusetts. There can hoincident command training,behavioral
health training,etc.
Dr.Trowbridge spoke about past Incident Command training which was completed hyBoard Members and
public health staff. The seven communities of the Greater Merrimack Valley Medical Reserve Corps are:
Andover,North Andover,Lawrence,Iynofiold,Methuen,Reading, and North Reading. Ideally, more
persons than needed will register as volunteers to allow the greatest personnel resource,since all volunteers
may not bm available m4any given time. Ms. Sawyer noted that a lot uf lessons were learned,through such
events as,Hurricane Katrina, local flooding,etc The one thing that did bother tier,was that residents arc
March24,2011 North Andover Board of Health e ing—Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 6
The Board*[Health reserves the right to take items out of order and to discuss and/or vote un items that are not listed oil
the agenda.
Members:Board of Health Thomas Trowbridge,DDS,MD,C8airm^o�Larry Fixlez Member/Clerk;Francis P.Mxc&{i800.]c,
MD.;loxcDh McCarthy,Member; Edwin Pease,Member Susan Sawyer,Health Director, Dc6c
R0vhmu.Public Health Nurse;Michele Grant,Public Health I nspector;Pamela DelleChiaie,Health Department Assistant
trusting that we are sending trustworthy people to help. If people are credentialed and have proper
identification,then residents can feel confident that volunteers are checked by the authorities and are
qualified.
To become a volunteer,there is an application, and a CORI check is done. The MRC is also connected to
the Massachusetts Response Department of Public Health system. The Public Health Nurse fit Andover is
the Director of the MRC.
W.McCarthy asked)low the MRC program is financially supported, The MRC program is supported
through the Federal Government, Mr.Nichols is the Coordinator of the program, and stated that he teaches
Contmunity Health at Boston University and was the former Athletic Director in Andover.
Dr.Trowbridge brought tip the subject of medical liability. Sometimes physicians are reluctant to get
involved because of liability issues, Mr.Nichols stated that the MRC program has a variety of medical
professionals who volunteer, Such as nurses,pharmacists,and surgeons. There is some degree of federal
protection available.
There are many tasks to be done in emergency situations, such as,brining in medical supplies,cots,etc. A
food service person on site is good as well. Animals can be a problem in an emergency,and some elderly
people would not leave their pets. Therefore, someone who likes animals, or involved in the veterinary
field would be beneficial to have on site.
In the GRVMRC,there are a lot of teachers and nurses. It would also be beneficial to have members of the
clergy and people from the mental health field, such as licensed therapists. When training for the MRC,
volunteers are provided with a backpack,and some emergency supplies.
Mr.McCarthy asked about who decides when the MRC may kick into action,such as when it is known that
a big flood is coming,and precautions may need to be taken. If there is a flu clinic,and there is a lot of
advance notification,the MRC Coordinator can send out an entail notifying members as to when and where
they are. As an example,during a pandemic flu situation at a clinic in Andover,they were dispensing shots
as well as the spray. There was a lot more spray available than the shots. They needed volunteers to go out
into the line and ask residents if they were willing to take the spray as opposed to the shot. There are
certain people that can step tip in certain situations. The Incident Commander would call the MRC
Coordinator,and the request for MRC volunteers would go out. Dr.Trowbridge stated that we should all
redo our Incident Command Training, and provide training for any new members that have not yet had it.
B. Food Consultants-Public Protection Specialists—New food consultants to be introduced to the Board
of Health Members
Bridget Sweet of Public Protection Specialists presented herself to the Board of Health, Ms. Sweet stated
that she is a Registered Sanitarian and has been doing food inspections for North Andover,once or twice
per week. Site does the inspection by hand, and gives a copy to the establishment, Site then enters the
inspections into her handheld device,and brings the device to the Health Department every 'couple of
weeks to be downloaded to the permitting database,GcoTMS.
Ms. Sweet works on routine inspections in North Andover, or for special consultations,or complaints, and
if the regular staff needs help. It was asked about how many inspections are completed within two days? It
depends on the operation,such as high risk. If there are multiple kitchens, the inspection will take a lot
longer,as,temperatures times,cooling,cleanliness,equipment,grease trap,dunipster,rodent control
March 2,4,2011 North Andover Board of Health Meeting—Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 6
Note: The Board of Health reserves the right to take items out of order and to discuss and/or vote on items that are not listed on
the agenda.
Board of Health Meinbers: Thomas Trowbridge,DDS,MD,Chairman;Larry Fixler,Member/Clerk;Francis P,MacMillan,Jr.,
M.D.;Joseph McCarthy,Member; Edwin Pease,Member Health Department Staff:Susan Sawyer,Health Director; Debra
Riflahan,Public Health Nurse;Michele Grant,Public Health Inspector;Pamela DelleChiaie,Health Department Assistant
procedures are all checked. Ms. Sweet makes sure that food handlers understand the criteria of the food
code, This is for everyone in town that has mfood establishment permit io town. North Andover has about
}40 annual food permits. North Andover also has many temporary food events,
Ms. Sweet came to North Andover this past Saturday,and did I I temporary food inspections, Ms. Sweet
conducts these inspections on her own, without Health Department staff present. }y there ixnmajor
violation,she notifies the Health Department to have the issue dealt with oe soon mmpossible, Ms. Sweet
started conducting inspections in mid February.
Ms. Sawyer stated that itin good tmchange the food inspectors every evoften. Ms. Sweet does re-
inspections bamdooneod`moobumthUmwingupubmntAlleruenkn1oingmodoiguyost|u@> Ms,Grant,the
North Andover Health Inspector continues to inspect all uf the non-profit establishments,such avthe
schools.
Ms. Sawyer noted that the staff has been very pleased with Ms. Sweet's work completed todate.
Inspectors are taught to focus a lot on education of food handlers,and Ms. Sweet provides this as well.
Ms. Sweet will oobt;the Heu�hOopm�ouotiy there are any food ootmbliu&menmthat would m:gubeaa
administrative hearing with the Health Director and Health Inspector,which would address any repeat
violations that the establishment has failed tn correct. This i*the last step before the establishment would
be required to appear before the Board.
Mr.[lx1mr asked about outdated 8cxvSafeaortificoteu. Ms. Sweet stated that she has not yet come across
any outdated vurtifiouteo,but they are sometimes not posted,ouiv required. Ms. Sweet also checks on
BACC9 plans and any variances lm place for any particular establishment, Each establishment ioinspected
ot least twice,bntnoue can have upto five if itimu complaint based inspection,and follow-up inwarranted.
Ms. Sawyer looks forward to getting feedback from Ms. Sweet about items that can be improved on.
D was noted that publicly posting inspections is difficult in Massachusetts,because there is not a grading
system inplace, Therefore, if there is a lot of writing on the report,the establishment can appear to be
worse than iiactually iw. .
V[. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND DISCUSSION
/\. Emergency ReWgnsejo Go Bag —tobop/nmna(odtntheDonrdofBnaldhMembcxm
Emergency Response To Go Bags were presented hy Ms. Sawyer. She went through the list oy items imthe
huu. Board members would most likely ho called out im the off hours due Loan emergency,such uau
broken pipe ima restaurant,mufire inmhome,
Ms, Sawyer asked how many of the Board Members had iduotifioadoncards Gnrnthe Town. Z)u
Trowbridge did,but no other Board Member has one. Ms. Sawyer hopes that the H.R.Department will
work with the Police Department to issue updated identification cards to all Board Members and Staff tnho
presented maneeded.
Ms, Sawyer demonstrated how to use the various tools provided in each bag. One of the items 1ma
thermometer, and it was shown how tvcalibrate it using ice water. She demonstrated use of the chlorine
test strips with several bleach concentrations. The test strip color gauge was displayed. Too much bleach
March24.2011 North Andover Board of Health Meeting—Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 6
The Board of Health reserves the right to take items out of order and to discuss and/or vote on items that are not listed on
the agenda.
Board of Health Members: Thomas Trowbridge,DDS,WYD.Chairman,Larry Fbxlcr,&8umbcr/Clerk;Francis P.Mvc&&illoo.}c..
M.D.,]uucpb McCarthy,Member; Edwin Pease,Member Health Del2artment Staff.Susan Sawyer,Health Director; Debra
Rillahan,Public Health Nurse;Michele Grant,P"bhc Health Inspector,Pamela DelleChiaie,Health Department Assistant
is toxic,because,dishes are washed,rinsed,sanitized,then air dried. Spray bottles need about 4 drops of
bleach. Ail average restaurant should be changing their sanitizes`at least every four hours.
Dr,Trowbridge mentioned a book that he has that shows someone flow to respond to various emergencies,
Vil. CORRESPONDENCE/NEWSLETTERS
A. News Article-Ms. Sawyer mentioned an article published in the North Andover Patch regarding
bake sales,and overall negativity towards the Health Department,and how she and Ms. Grant,
Health Inspector rectified the problem, After speaking to the author of the article to clarify the
correct information to him, she agreed to print a retraction,and explain the right process, and what it
is really all about,which is safe food handling education,and protecting the liability of the various
volunteer groups in town.
B. Trash Trucks-The second thing is trash trucks. There have been some complaints about speeding
trash trucks. If anyone is seen speeding or doing something dangerous,the police will respond. We
try to have very few trucks on the downtown roads. We try to get the owners to be responsible,
This is the matter of dangerous driving practices. Frank saw trucks going so fast to the point of
becoming airborne.
C. Mosquito Control—Dr.Trowbridge had a reminder about working with the mosquito control
district. There is a new director,Jack Card. He will be at the next meeting in April,and mentioned
the process about residents excluding their property from pesticide application. The article will be in
the Citizen newspaper tomorrow, The mosquito control district codified the process, and they are
going to do some wetlands management where there are known hotspots for mosquito breeding. The
certified letter from residents needs to be received by the Town Clerk's office by April I". If anyone
has any questions,they can email.
D, Health Department Colunin—"Forthe Health of It"-Dr, Trowbridge wanted to note that in Section
B of the Eagle Tribune,there will be all article in the Sunday edition about mosquito control.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
Reviewed bra:
All Board of Health Members&Susan Smt5,er, Health Director
Signed bxa:
aril 28, 2011
Larry F' er, lerkiof_ i he B arrl Date Signed
March 24,2011 North Andover Board of Health Meeting—Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 6
Note: The Board of Health reserves the right to take items out of order and to discuss and/or vote on items that are riot listed on
the agenda.
Board of Health Member& Thomas Trowbridge,DDS,MD,Chairman;Larry Fixler,Member/Clerk;Francis P.MacMillan,Jr.,
M.D.,Joseph McCarthy,Member; Edwin Pease,Member Health Department Staff:Susan Sawyer,Health Director; Debra
Rillahan,Public Health Nurse;Michele Grant,Public Health Inspector;Pamela DelleChiaie,Health Department Assistant