Lincoln Board of Health
Meeting Minutes
May 14, 2008
PRESENT: Frederick Mansfield, M.D., Chairman
Arnold Weinberg, M.D.
Diane Haessler, R.N.
Brent Reagor, Public Health Administrator
Elaine Carroll, Secretary
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The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. The minutes from the April 9, 2008 meeting were approved as written. The next meeting is scheduled for June 4, 2008.
Larry Smith came in for an informal discussion with the members to get some input on having a Title 5 inspection done on the property at 55 Old Bedford Road known as Lincoln North. Mr. Smith is purchasing the building back with his group of investors and a Title 5 requires dosing on the field. In 2000, Massport complained of odor and Mr. Smith took out 2 pumps to the field because of a problem that the pumps were too strong. In 8 years he has had no additional problems. He has a perpetual easement near the runway. He said that the cafeteria was never sized to its capacity of 150 and is presently 90. Brent Reagor said that he could put the pumps back in with a lower velocity. Mr. Smith will work with his engineers to come up with an appropriate solution and submit a letter to
the Board along with a design flow analysis from his engineers, showing that it will be compliant with Title 5. Brent said that if he limits the seating, it will limit the cafeteria size.
Septic System Reviews:
40 Laurel Drive – Mike DiModica, septic designer, representing the owners came before the members to request two variances from the local regulations to allow for the reconstruction of a failed septic system. The requests are as follows:
1) To construct a leaching facility which is not increased by 50% to provide for potential garbage grinder installation whether or not a garbage grinder is initially installed as required by local amendment to 310 CMR 15.203(2).
2) To reduce the required separation between the estimated seasonal high groundwater elevation and the bottom of the soil absorption system from 4’ to 3’, per 310 CMR 15.405(1)(h).
Mr. DiModica said that there is steep topography and ledge outcropping out front. This is a cinder block home, which has been vacant for some time. He believes that Title 5 failed because the cesspool was in groundwater. The design is a 1,500 gal. septic tank and step trenches with a 16 min. per inch perc. rate. He submitted some revisions to Stan Sosnicki, which have been approved. He said that this was a challenging site. The only other alternative would require a 6 – 8 foot retaining wall, which would need a railing. The wall and railing would cost $20,000 - $30,000 and could be an eyesore. After a brief discussion, a motion was made and seconded to grant the local variances as requested, provided that the owner files a deed restriction that prohibits the
installation of a garbage grinder. The motion passed 3-0.
36 Deerhaven Road – Mike DiModica, Septic Designer, representing the owners came before the member to request one variance from the local regulations. The request is as follows:
1) To construct a leaching facility which is not increased by 50% to provide for potential garbage grinder installation whether or not a garbage grinder is initially installed as required by local amendment to 310 CMR 15.203(2).
Mr. DiModica said that this is a real estate transaction that failed Title 5 and is a 3 bedroom cesspool septic tank to a leaching bed. There is ledge here as well with a perc rate of 8 and 7 minutes. The buyer wants to add 3 bedrooms to make a total of 6. After a brief discussion, a motion was made and seconded to grant the local variance as requested, provided that the owner files a deed restriction that prohibits the installation of a garbage grinder. The motion passed 3-0.
Other Business:
Emergency Preparedness Funds: Brent Reagor said that he hasn’t heard back from the Emergency Preparedness Region 4A about Lincoln’s request for the CDC funds. A letter was sent before May 1 requesting funds for the following purposes: $800 for printing costs for response guide book; $5,000 for storage shed for emergency supplies; $750 for a printer for the Board of Health Office. It seems that they work at a slow pace and look over every request to be sure that the funds requested are for an acceptable purpose. He will keep the members informed of any progress.
Lyme Disease: The members discussed the concerns of a resident regarding the increase in deer, deer ticks and Lyme disease. Brent said that there is an increase in Lyme disease in Concord. Dr. Weinberg said that the white footed mouse is the carrier of the nymph and the deer is the carrier of the adult wintering over. The members felt that a regional control effort with other towns would be needed in order to control deer. There is a general across the board increase in ticks and Lyme disease. Dr. Weinberg said that Lyme disease is under reported and over medicated. The members reviewed the latest reports from the State and said that the best way to avoid Lyme disease is still using precautions when working or playing outside and checking yourself and children every
day.
Contract with Concord: Brent said that Tim Higgins has come back with a couple of edits to the contract and he will keep the members posted as to the progress. He said that things are going well and they are busy and not slowing down. Stan Sosnicki has just returned to the office after a bereavement leave.
Town Nurse: The members reviewed a Health Needs Survey from the Lincoln Town Nurse Study Task Force, which was sent to Lincoln residents. Diane Haessler is serving on the committee along with the Council on Aging. It was discussed that some older residents could be falling through the cracks and that there is a general problem in finding primary care physicians.
Bills Paid – One bill paid as follows: Eliot Community Human Services in the amount of $1,250.00 for the third quarter payment.
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There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine M. Carroll
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