Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-10-27 Board of Health Minutes l = BOARD OF HEALTH MINUTES OCTOBER 27, 1994 MEMBERS PRESENT: Gayton Osgood, Chairman, Francis P. MacMillan, M.D. , Member, John S. Rizza, D.M.D. , Member, Sandra Starr, Health Administrator. Mr. Osgood called the meeting to order at 7 : 15 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - 9/27/94: On a motion by Dr. Rizza, seconded by Gayton Osgood, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of 9/27/94 as written. 7: 15 P.M. - MERRIMACK ENGINEERING - VARIANCE FOR LOT B SUMMER STREET AND FOR OLD CART WAY Les Godin from Merrimack Engineering was present and requested that an informal discussion be held on Lot B Summer Street. (At this point Dr. MacMillan arrived. ) Mr. Godin stated that there were currently three variances requested for this lot and he would like to reduce it to two variances. The three variances were for wetlands setback, minimum septic system size and capacity for new construction, and percolation rate. After discussion it was decided that the variances which will be requested will be for distance to wetlands (80 feet) and number of bedrooms or minimum capacity. The lot is currently before the Conservation Commission and Dr. MacMillan stated that any variances would be contingent upon the wetlands line being approved by Conservation. Mr. Osgood stated that he would like to see a set of house plans showing that there would only be three bedrooms and that this restriction would have to be recorded on the deed. The final decisions were that approvals were needed from the Conservation Commission, a firm plan needed to be submitted, and house plans must be submitted. Dan Betty was present with Les Godin for the discussion pertaining to 3 lots in Wagon Wheel Estates, Lots 10, 11 and 15, Old Cart Way. The requests were for variances to the distance between the foundation drains to the leaching areas to be 25 feet instead of 35 feet. On a motion by Dr. MacMillan and seconded by Dr. Rizza, the Board voted unanimously to grant the variance requests on Lots 10, 11 and 15 Old Cart Way. DISCUSSION ON STAFFING: Mr. Osgood asked about part-time help for the period of Secretary Carol Pawelski ' s convalescence. Mrs. Starr reported that quotes had been received from a temporary agency and from Ruth Lafond, who has previously worked for the Board of Health and that these quotes would be sent to Acting Planning and Community Development Director, George Perna. The Board strongly urged that Ruth Lafond be hired. DISCUSSION ON THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION: Mrs. Starr reported that she had been contacted by Pamela Bachrach, Director of the Methuen Health Department and Claudine LeBlanc of the American Heart Association about establishing a branch of the American Heart Association in the central Merrimack Valley. This region consists of the Andovers, Methuen and Lawrence. A meeting was held in Methuen on October 25th with the goal of disseminating information about the Heart Association and gathering information from community workers on those people who might be interested in becoming involved with the branch establishment. Dr. MacMillan suggested Dr. Richard Goldman, and Gayton Osgood suggested Kathleen Gorman. The Board is fully behind this effort. DISCUSSION OF TOBACCO REGULATIONS: Mr. Osgood stated that after reading the three different regulations from Andover, Milton and Lawrence he decided that he liked Lawrence' s regulations best. Mrs. Starr agreed. Dr MacMillan asked Mr. Osgood what, specifically, he liked about them. Mr. Osgood replied that he thought they were better written and that they covered everything but were not overly strict. The Board felt that the important things such as not being able to have free-standing displays, having vending machines only in bars or areas where minors cannot go, etc. were well covered. There was a question about seating limits in restaurants, that perhaps fifty seats should be the limit beyond which a certain percentage should be smoke-free. Dr. MacMillan would like to see proper ventilation for smoking areas in restaurants. The difficulties related to small restaurants were discussed. Mr. Osgood suggested that wording be put in the regulations that the Board of Health will be moving towards a 100% smoke-free environment in all restaurants by the year 2000 . Dr. Rizza would like to see physical barriers between smoking and non-smoking areas. It was agreed to use fifty seats including those at the bar as the limit line for non-smoking percentages, to request that the Tobacco Coalition, Healthy Communities, be requested to put together a proposed draft regulation based on Lawrence' s ordinance for discussion. Also it was agreed that regarding worksites, employers would have to provide-won-smoking areas and delete the section in the Lawrence ordinance that mentions expense. It was agreed that there should be allowances in the regulation for variances because of the physical layouts of some restaurants. Mrs. Starr suggested the possibility of encouraging the smaller restaurants to have smoke-free nights. Mrs. Starr suggested that Article X be adopted soon. The Non- Criminal Disposition Act will have to be presented and adopted at Town Meeting in the spring. Mr. Osgood stated that a decision would have to made at some point whether the regulation should be solely a Board of Health regulation or whether it should go to Town Meeting. It was agreed to begin with a Board of Health regulation and work towards a town bylaw. OTHER BUSINESS• Mrs. Starr reported that at the special town meeting on October 24, 1994 the new Watershed Protection Bylaw was adopted. This allows for a 75 foot setback from Lake Cochiewick and its tributaries in which nothing can be done; there are no variances and the exceptions include only those activities necessary for the maintenance of roads, sewer and town water. From 75 ' to 150 feet there can only be very limited activities by special permit, and from 150 feet to 250 feet additional limited activites by special permit. The Watershed District has been made to extend 400 feet from the Lake. Mrs. Starr reported that the new Title V supports these changes. Mr. Osgood pointed out that we will have to review our septic regulations in relation to the new septic clode. The next meeting will be held on November 17 , 1994 . ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Dr. Rizza, seconded by Dr. MacMillan, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:45 p.m.